Day 18 - Evening Stroll

While other parts of the country are still mired in winter the Lewiston valley is in full bloom spring. After dinner last night I took the boys out for an evening stroll.

Ready to go.

Spring blooms from Russell's point of view.

I wanted to get a shot of Ethan's mohawk hood. Russell wanted to be silly.

Big eyes.

The "big smoke stack" against the deepening twilight.

Trinity Lutheran. Always lit.

A long walk wears a kid out!

Day 17 - Blocks

One of Russell's favorite toys. Anytime, anywhere.

Is that a camera flash I heard engage?

Oh well. Back to building.

Day 16 - Voice

I have discovered that boys. are. different. I was told that about a million times when the girls were small. It always rubbed me the wrong way as I do not have "girlie girls" and how different can they possibly be?

But ... I have discovered that they are indeed different. Russell has been proving that to me quite a bit. In numerous ways that I won't get into right now. But one of the things that I have learned since adding boy #2 to the family is that boys love to rough house. Even boys who can't quite rough house themselves yet. They liked to be rough housed by others. There isn't much else that Ethan prefers more than being wrestled by Russell.

I mean, look at that smile.

I was trying to get Russell to really lay into him but didn't get far.  But the grin is still there.

Over the last few weeks Ethan has really found his voice. If he feels that you aren't paying enough attention to him, he will try to get you to.

A picture of Russell just being Russell. No pants, crossed legs and his new favorite water bottle. What a guy.

Days 14 & 15

During Lent I try to be more present and aware of the little things and times during the day. And purposefully try to get pictures of the kids in their "natural habitat".

Day 14:

What happens when you have three older siblings. A plastic dagger chew toy.

"Take a picture of me mommy!"

Matchy!

"Now take a picture of my shirt!"

Day 15:

All of the children, (at least I think all of the children, I apparently don't have photographic proof with Russell) have loved the Johnny Jump Up. The Johnny Jump up that I jumped in as a baby. The other day at the gym one of the ladies told me that Ethan loved the jump-a-roo. So tonight we decided to break out our jumper.

During dinner.

When Russell was trapped in his high chair.

Ethan loves it. I'm thinking we'll be using it a bit more.

See Etta in the jumper.

And here is Mae.

Look at that face. Seriously. Loves it.

Russell had almost more fun watching than Ethan did jumping!

Day 13 - I Want To Hold Ethan!

Russell: "Ethan! My Ethan!"

Mae: "No! He's MY Ethan!"

Me: "Well, actually, he's everybody's Ethan."

Mae: "Yeah Russell, not just your Ethan."

Mae: "Can I hold him now?"

Day 12 - Bath time

Ethan still isn't sitting independently so he still has to use the baby bathtub. But we had extra time for baths last night so I decided to do two in the tub. Soon. It will be soon when they can be flooding my bathroom together!

Bob's attempt at censoring so the pic would be Internet appropriate.

Of course, the best pic was not Internet appropriate. Made me check out my
photo program a little closer. Blur. Check!

Then we added props. Which made it harder for people to look at the camera.

Can't wait to get better pics of these brothers from different mothers. They are true
brothers through and through.

Day 11 - Bike rides and Birthdays (Day 2)

Yesterday the girls and I took their bikes down to the levee for some exercise and sunshine. I was slightly nervous as they were riding helter-skelter all over the path with the river on one side and the hill down to the busy road on the other. But they both did well.

Starting off.

It was a very beautiful day and a wonderful ride.

 Then we headed up to Steve & Cathy's for a birthday dinner, birthday pie and one last present.

Opening up his Grandma Cathy quilt.

Look mom! It's mine!

Ole!

Thanks for the blankie Grandma Cathy!