lately

The Tom Bass Park is down the street from us and is too much fun. We have only been there a couple times, but each time we go we stop at a new playground (there are several in the park). We tried out three new ones this last time. Paul had an afternoon off, and we took advantage.  Super steep slides, attempts at sitting alone, bench swings, love it all.

Paul's schedule in January was super crazy and unpredictable. This month is better for predictability, but he works from before the kids wake up until after the kids are asleep for the night. He saw the kids Monday, because he got off early, then he didn't see them again until tonight (Wednesday) at 7. I kept them up to see him. They got to play and read books together and then it was bed time. He didn't get to see Solace at all. Paul probably won't see him until Sunday. And so it will go for the rest of the month.  We all miss Paul when he is working, but I think it's the hardest on Paul. He is such an active parent, it kills him to not be involved.

a bug

Paul found this exoskeleton from a bug, and brought it home for the boys. Lullaby wanted nothing to do with it, but Matix and Hawken love it. It has been weeks, and we still have it. It's a treasure.

Whatever it is that is so fascinating to kids about the world, is equally as fascinating to me about watching my kids.  I love watching them grow and learn and wonder. Childhood curiosity is magical to see first hand.

books

Ooooh, the concentration! He loves this and any other book we will give him.

cute boy

Matix brushing his teeth and combing his hair after bath is quite the sight. He is so entertaining, even when he thinks he is the only one watching (eventually the flash of the camera gave me away). This child is his father's son, if there ever was one.

hair cut

While I had my back turned on sweet little Lullaby, I heard her start to chant the words, "cut cut cut cut..." over and over again. I came to see what was going on right away, but I was too late for a little chunk of her bangs.

She cut her bangs down far enough from her head that it doesn't look too bad, but I was trying to have her grow them out long enough to be able to tuck them behind her ear, instead of having to were a headband or hair clip everyday. It's taken her almost 2 and 1/2 years to grow them this long so far, so I think it may be a while before this middle bit grows again.

She was totally upset that I caught her. She felt really bad. But then she was just mad that I didn't let her continue with her masterpiece. Stinker.

iPhone pics

iPhone pictures from last month. Solace's kisses are getting better and better. Big and open mouthed. He usually pulls you in for them too. Love this baby!

Making Paul's favorite dinner for him. I get the best compliments when I make it. It's from a recipe my dad perfected.

Matix, being his awesome self. Love this kid, too silly.

Hawken loves taking pictures with the phone now and I get lots of pictures with me in them now. Very early in the morning, but still, it's me and at least I exist in a couple pictures. He always checks each picture and comments on it, I get lots of, "Ooooh Mom, you look nice this morning." Love that sweet Hawky of mine!

Lullaby looking ridiculous, and totally herself. Love her.

We have a new friend in Hawken's preschool class, and we love him already. He is a great addition.  Showing the others in the group what his name looks like, we do a lot of name and letter recognition activities.

Matix had a preschool day last week with only BOYS, which they all thought was super fun. So we did lots of especially BOY things. They ate it up.

good bye Grandpa Chuck (in the middle of January)

And just like that, all the Grandparents are gone. Paul's parents and sister stayed here for a week, and my dad was here for less than that. It was nice having another person around to help eat all my cookies, and of course Paul and I love all the late night story telling. We miss you dad! Please come again soon! :)

kids

This is a very common sight, Lullaby dragging at least her yellow blankie and a baby doll around. Which baby doesn't matter as much to her, although there are a few favorites emerging. Bow Baby, Baby Crissy, Baby Judy, and Birthday Baby are the favorites currently. The yellow blankie is a must, but other blankies are okay sometimes too.  Love this girl.

Another common sight is this, her brothers helping her. They help her in every capacity. Sometimes she asks for help, but mostly, they just see that she is in need, and go to her rescue. They truly are great big brothers. Here is Hawken opening her door for her. So sweet.  I love my kids.

Chick-Fil-A

Our Chick-Fil-A near our house has a playgroup that the restaurant sponsors. Yes please! There is a story time.

After the stories are finished, then the kids each get a coupon for free ice cream. Hawken got a coupon too, I don't know what's with his face...?

We went there with Mindy and her kiddies last week. It was a nice quick treat for the kids and time for Mindy and I to chat. Last time we went with my dad and I got the kid's ice creams in a dish and they were thoroughly unimpressed. Ice cream just isn't a treat unless it's in a cone, I guess.

There is also craft time, but the craft was pretty lame, so we opted out, until the last minute when Hawken wanted to do it, so we got our supplies to go. I love free stuff. Good marketing tool too.