Boys in Summer

Alex loves Obi's crate. I can't keep him away from it. He's constantly getting his little arm stuck between the bars so he can splash in her water and food bowls. He eats any kibble he can get his hands on and she licks anything he has lingering on his fingertips. Luckily Obi is very gentle with him, she usually just sits back in her crate and lets him have his fun.
Payten and Riley have a brand new baby brother, Blake Ryan, (best part? He was born on my birthday...BEST GIFT EVER!!!) so my Mom brought the girls up for a day to give Carla a little break and alone time with him. After lots of lunch, playtime and movies, we headed outside and of course turned on the water. It wasn't a very hot day but that doesn't keep them out of the water. Max loves playing with these two.

Seeing double? One of the boys most favorite thing is this slide that my parents gave them for Christmas. Alex climbs up and watches everything going on. Any other kids playing on it just have to go around him because there is usually no moving him.
Growing is exhausting. He's been falling asleep everywhere lately. He grew another tooth and is starting to take steps. He can do about 5 or so without falling. He's getting much better with his balance as he practices.

There. A little update.

Hot Day

Trying to keep the boys cool on a hot day, my way. (I'll spare you the photo of the way to keep cool on a hot day Alex's way...the toilet. Ew.)

We had a great video of Max sliding down but blogger isn't being "Juli Friendly" right now. Eh...

Enjoying the summer!

I guess we've been busy. There are a couple little boys who are responsible. Blogger is not letting me upload more than a couple pictures at a time so I can't post much (I'm way too impatient for this). We've been keeping busy with our garden, Alex, Erik's working a lot right now, Alex, summer fun including swimming and sprinklers, Alex, visit with families, Alex, library reading/activities, Alex, keeping cool, Alex...

...notice a theme? He's almost one and I'm pretty sure the crazy monster inside him will present itself on his birthday. For now, it is hiding inside the most adorable little kiddo...and wearing me out.

And Max is still cute, too.

A's flashback night

A few weeks ago we went to the A's game with Erik's Mom and Grandma. We had a WONDERFUL time. We had great seats and the boys (all three) had a blast. It was a flashback to the 70's night so the 70's were seen all over the ballpark. We got Joe Rudi jersey's upon arrival, disco ball necklaces, stick-on mustache's, small soft baseballs for the boys, live music, old cars, lots of stadium food and playing in Stomper's playground. It was SUCH a fun night!

I think this one of Alex is one of the best ones!

Lot's of the "old timey" A's players were present and drove into the field in cool 70's cars. Max loved that part.

Had a little popcorn...

It's hard to see in this picture, but above the fans heads, you can see some hands waving...

Lots' of people dressed up for the occasion. The park was filled with fun people that night. And the game was great too.

Max and his Great Grandma, Dora. Dora is wearing her jersey they were handing out. It was fun to see all the yellow in the stands.

The gang: Dora, Gail, Erik, Max and Alex. It was such a wonderful evening. Definitely one to remember.

Alex Update

Oh Alex. Mr. Bakey, bakester, bakey bakey bakerton, bakety bake bake, nakey bakey, bakey wakey...shall I go on?

Determined, aggressive little 10 month old.

His 6th tooth is cutting through, he wants to get into EVERYTHING, he's a scrawny guy with incredible strength, and is trying to figure out how to stand on his own. For now he's a speed crawler.

That's one of his cheese ball faces. Isn't it bizarre? We're trying to fatten him up a little so the falling won't hurt so bad. He's eating regular food now (and by that I mean no more mushed food. He's still on formula).

He crashes all the time. When he's crawling towards his next target, he puts his head down and goes for it. He does walk with furniture assistance and not quite ready to do it on his own. He's learning how to lower himself though, so that's a good start. He's starting to dance when he hears music.

He LOVES his brother. He likes slapping people in the head and he thinks it's great when he does. He likes to nap, but hates to sleep at night. Still trying to climb everything. He is trying so hard to pay with the big boys but I often hear "Mooom!!! Bakey runin-dit 'gen!!!!!". Sadly, he is the unfortunate victim to his brother's short temper. But, gets over it quickly and loves the apology and kiss he gets shortly after.

He loves the water and starting to play with cars and trucks. He likes chasing after soccer balls (that he bumps around). He likes watching the dog. And LOVES looking out the front window.

He is healthy and happy pretty much all the time. He has so much energy and although he is so small, his happiness is contagious.

We're so lucky.

Lake Solano

Erik ended up having Monday off so we decided it was Family Fun-day. And it was. We took a short drive to Lake Solano and did some exploring, playing, had a picnic, fed the ducks, napped, watched the animals and relaxed. We drove through here once before a couple years ago and decided it was time to really check it out. It was nice and, despite the heat, we had a fun time.

There were peacock's everywhere. This one greeted us as we chose our table. And he wasn't moving so we sat by the water instead. He was gorgeous. Alex was set having lunch, playing, talking, showing us his feet and silly faces. I always wish I had my camera when he makes his faces. He is a total cheese ball.

Max was trying to get a little squirrel's attention.

This one. He snuck up on us a few times.

The heat did not slow Max down at all. He's really into racing and being "first" at everything (which is great when it's time to change diapers or get dressed, he's always willing to go before Alex). He raced Erik several times.

Here's our little spot. It's not a great photo but it shows how cute it was. There are tables scattered all over the place. It looks like the hill drops off to the water but it doesn't. The kids would roll gently into the water if they fell. (teehee). We watched people boat through (no motors though) and saw geese and ducks, a fly fisherman and even saw baby peacock's nearby.
They were filling a little child friendly fishing hole too. There is a campsite there that we drove though as well. Seemed pretty nice, even nicer that it was only about 15 minutes from home. We will go back for sure!

No jokes. We take Garbage Day Seriously.

Dear Garbage Man,

It's Monday. Our Garbage Day.

I see a pattern and understand it is impossible for you to pick up my (or my neighbors) garbage cans you knock over almost weekly. (I know it's "the claw/robots fault". Not yours.) But I still have a favor to ask.

Would it kill you to glance up towards my house and wave an arm to the sweet boy who is DESPERATELY trying to get your attention? He runs to the window at full speed when he hears you coming. He waves and yells, "Hi Garbage Man!!!!!" every Monday. On lucky days, we see you guys around town too. He gets just as excited. He thinks you have the BEST job in the world.

Wave to my kid, eh? I think between he and his monster brother they are providing your job security.

Love,
Max's Mommy

Video

For those who don't get to see Max and Alex very often, here is a video to show what they are like ALL THE TIME. Erik re-named them "The Toddler" and "The Tornado". Fits perfectly. There is so much going on in this video you may have to watch it twice, to catch most of what Max says. There is nothing in particular, just a lot of activity. Max is always talking and Alex is always moving. Enjoy!

He Passed!!!!

(He's trying to watch T.V. And notice the love for his brother at the end.)

Erik found out this morning that he passed his second portion of his Paramedic exam! He has a few other steps to complete in order to be state certified, but he's DONE! We can't express how happy we are. He has done an amazing job and has enjoyed this schooling so much. He is going to make a GREAT medic! He will do great work! Congratulations, Erik! We love you!

Dog food is healthy for dogs, right? Can't be THAT bad for kids then...right?

Another sweet conversation with Max. He finds me in the office (um...doing something constructive. Definitely not wasting time on the Internet. Never. Not me. Ever.).

Max: Mommy? Mom?
Me: Hi Max.
Max: Hi Mom.
Me: Hi.
Max: Mom? Bakey eet-ing dwog food.
Me: He is? (staring at the..um...project...)
Max: Yah, Bakey eet-ing dwog food.
Me: Okay.
Me: Wait...WHAT? Where is he?
Max: Oh-biee's cawate (Obi's crate)
Me: Oh jeez, (running to get him) I know I locked it! How did he get in?
Max: (Nothing. He's the innocent one here.)

Alex: (Crunch crunch, splash, giggle)
Obi: (Get this kid outa my space!!!!! Rolls doggie eyes)



Yup! That's doggie kibble in his mouth. Kids are gross. Time to disconnect from my hiding spot and put my Mom hat back on.