Three of a kind

My little boy is two!

2011-07-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

My little boy is two years old. I can NOT believe it! Time literally seems to be flying by and I wish I could hit pause. Watching Aidan grow blows my mind. He does alot of naughty stuff but it's definitely out weighed by the AMAZING things he says and the charm he puts on me. One minute I find myself on my last bit of patience and the next I'm cracking up laughing at the faces Aidan makes or in awww over the kisses he's planting on me. He has truly been a blessing in my life.
Because I am such a slacker and I'm just now catching up on my blog for the last 2 months this is the picture that you get of him. He's stuffing his face with pizza for his birthday lunch. Have no worries, I will be taking two year old portraits of him soon to post:)

I love you Aidan Cole. Happy 2nd Birthday!

Ethan 3.5yr old

2011-07-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

As you know kids will be kids. I feel bad because I look back at my blog or in my digital photo album and I will notice I go in spurts of taking pics of one kid and not the other. I just wanted to put it out there that I do NOT favor one more then the other. It actually just turns out to be that I take pictures of whomever will look at me,lol. It seems like they have been surprisingly been taking turns. Lately, Ethan seems to be the least camera shy. Infact he kind of will give me an awkward tilt of the head and say "cheeessseee"! At this point....I'll take ANYTHING.

Ethan enjoying his FAVORITE meal.
He's even adorable as he chews his food,lol!

Aidan's 2nd Birthday Gathering

2011-07-27T15:15:00.000-07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

I'm not a firm believer in having birthday parties every year but I do believe in making each birthday special. I decided to invite some of Aidan's chums last minute to join us for an impromptu 2nd birthday celebration at good ole' germ infested Chuckie Cheese. I must say it turned out much better then expected. The kids seem to love it!

I guess I should write this down in my list of things I thought I'd never do as a parent that turned out well.

Aidan being Aidan

2011-07-16T14:51:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have been around my WILD 23 month old you wouldn't expect anything less. I was trying to get ready to go somewhere and had been blow drying my hair. I turned around to find this little monkey covered in baby powder. Got to love him!

Our little Dennis the Menace....
is certainly cute!

Our BIG announcement

2011-06-10T14:38:00.000-07:00

We would love to announce our BIG news! I think you will figure it out as you see the pictures below. The boys had a cute, creative way with sharing their exciting news to friends and family!

A quick pose before.......

he shared his news:)

We are all super excited to announce that the boys will be BIG brothers!!

I just had a gut feeling that I was pregnant so I went to the store and bought the boys shirts, and iron on paper. I had used one of my favorite graphics and created these shirts the night before I got my BFP. When I woke up and took the test I was so excited I had to keep my mouth shut from screaming. I whipped out the shirts I made from the night before and put them on the boys quickly before Roger got out of the shower.

I wanted a special way to share our exciting news with the boys and Roger. It took Roger a couple seconds to grasp what the shirts said. I must say that it was a memorable moment. We even got Ethan to say that Mommy was having a baby!

Ethan is such a GREAT big brother and I know Aidan will be too.

**I had back posted this since we didn't want to share the news until closer to 12 weeks(8/7). I was only 3weeks and 1 day when we found out. What a hard secret to keep:) **

Summer Break 2011

2011-06-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

We started summer break off strong with visiting the parks often. I must say that unless we went at 9am I had a hard time getting the boys out the door (on my behalf). The summer heat is crazy let alone the humidity. I don't know how these boys have so much energy is this weather,lol.

Ethan always is bringing his "selected" animals with him every where he goes. He went a good week with this horse.
Never puts it down. I think he's afraid the other kids will take it,lol!

Aidan making sure the coast is clear.

Love the FACES.

Of course he posed for a picture.....he stole my smoothie:)

Aidan playing music

Ethan Potato Head

2011-05-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

Most Mom's yell at their kids to "NOT PUT THINGS IN THEIR EARS" well.....I walked into the playroom and this is how I found Ethan. I had to run for the camera. He was actively playing with the Mr.Potato head but I guess he felt he needed an extra set of ears. Got to love it!

"CHEESE"

Easter 2011

2011-05-04T13:28:00.000-07:00

This year I decided to order the boys ties off of etsy. Change up the collared shirts and plaid short routine from last year. Well, I must say that they were super CUTE, but boy did they hate having extra stuff around their neck and being in long sleeves in FL. I think maybe next year we are going to go back to "simple"?
I do believe getting a family picture of the four of us is simply impossible. Either 1/4 is having a meltdown, running away, ripping off things or I'm not really sure. To be honest, I'm over it! Is it too much to ask to have the 3 males is my life to suck it up and pose with me. I want pictures to look back on to see how happy, young, etc. we were.
Now that my temper tantrum is over with, I'd like to share with you our Easter!

Aidan's Easter Basket
Ethan's Easter Basket

Ethan and Roger....and the DINOSAUR!

Aidan was sleeping

Ethan and I

Hmmm.....not a good look

His tie is all jacked up. He is so cute tho!

Aidan is so innocent when he is sleeping, awwww!

Ethan a little excited about his baskets from his Nana's. He was so excited he got into Aidan's. You snooze you lose,lol!

Do I want a lollipop or a bunny cookie on a stick?
I wish that was the hardest thing I had to decide these days:)

Geez, now to decide on which egg to open,lol!

"Grape" Nana showing Ethan how to use the toy. I think he really just wants her to open it up for the candy!

He sat still for a little while during brunch. Good boy Aidan!
Probably because he LOVED eating the feast that the spa had.

I think he likes the bunny? To bad Ethan and Mommy missed it:(

Park Time

2011-04-10T13:17:00.000-07:00

Aidan is 20 Months old here and playing at Millenia Park.

He LOVES to swing!

Look at that look....and those eyes!

Same park, different day

LOVE that smile:)

I feel like I post more picture of Aidan then I do of Ethan. I think it's because Aidan poses more then Ethan does and because Ethan is at school for the first half of the day when the camera seems to be out more. Regardless, I am just making it clear for when my kids read my printed blog that I DO NOT favor one over the other and I do love them both the same (unlike their Nana, Grammy, Auntie A and Uncle Mike who pick favorites) so messed up right?

Who would have thought that two brothers could be as different as Ethan and Aidan are? They both come from the same mother and father, only 20 months apart and raised the exact same way. It's amazing that they are basically polar opposites but yet......I LOVE them with all of my heart! With Mother's Day coming up I wanted to catch up on my blog. I am in hopes of Roger taking some cute pics of me with my boys (incase Roger doesn't read this please feel free to pass the word on).

Aidan's 20 months old

2011-04-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

Aidan is 20 months old and time is just flying by. I now understand why my Mom still calls my youngest brother Quintin her baby and he's 19. I find myself babying Aidan when he shouldn't be babied. He is a toddler and it's still so hard for me to think of him that way. He is a strong little boy with a cute smiley, yet mischievous personality! When Aidan's quiet you know there is trouble to be found. I will walk into the playroom and find him climbing up on tables, jumping off of toy grocery cards and throwing books, cars and anything he can find with a smile on his face.

We just went and purchased a BIG boy bed for Aidan. Times were getting a little too tough for me. I had converted his crib into a toddler bed but had found that I was cranky everyday and had a neck ache. Aidan wasn't sleeping thru the night and I would go in and lay on that little bed with him to keep him quiet so he wouldn't wake his brother and daddy. When his doctor heard this story he gave me a hard time and said I had to do us both some good and let him cry it out. Well, it's a work in progress and he's certainly doing better then he was and he loves his new comfortable bed. As for me...I'm not so crabby since I'm getting more sleep and when I do lay with my boy it's nice to share his space:) As my BFF Melissa always says, "this too shall pass," I have to remind myself this daily:) Hands in mouth....I think someone's working on his 2 yr. old molars!

He hates the flash! Does he not look like a Johnny BAD ASS here?

This is the face he makes when he finds himself stuck in the bushes

Yuck....playing in dirty water will do that to you,lol!

Running in wet grass

Sitting on a little bench waiting for his brother:)

He loves pushing the handicapped button to open the door.

Ethan is as cute as can be at THREE!

2011-03-31T09:02:00.001-07:00

It's so nice when Ethan decides that a nap is good for him. Since he's turned three he has been off and on with nap time. For the most part he does take a good nap but I certainly miss those 2 to 3 hour naps he use to take. He is growing up to be such a big boy, it really makes me sad. I can't believe he is getting close to being 3 1/2 ...yikes! Ethan has learned so much now that he's in school. He actually likes going and loves playing with the kids. I think it helps that 9/12 of the kids are boys (God help his teachers!). He is saying new words everyday and his speech is IMPROVING! His imagination is running wild too. Some kids pretend they have imaginary friends....Ethan pretends that he's animals. He will be on all fours and looks up at me and says, "I's a tiger" and then he roars,lol. My favorite is when he took his dinosaur layed down put it across his neck and said, "help, help I's choking!" It's these times in life that I sit back smile, laugh and appreciate all that I have. My family means the world to me. It makes me sad to know that I let the stress of everyday life get the best of me when I have so much to be thankful for!

Awwwwww I'm not sure what this face is but he insisted I take a close up of him!

So serious yet he's only watching the boob tube

Laying and chillin

Aidan Cole 19 months old

2011-03-15T18:31:00.000-07:00

Here is a little update on my Aidan. He is growing way too fast. It makes me sad to see him grow right before my eyes. He is saying more and more each day. He is saying an occasional two to three word combination. He uses signs while saying words ie. down, open, stop, more, please,etc. He smiles even when he's naughty but his smile just melts my heart. He runs, climbs and even jumps like a wild man. He has more energy, spunk and personality then any 19 month old I know. I am trying my hardest to keep up with him and his busy brother Ethan. I am truely blessed to have such smart, handsome, loving children.

Busch Gardens 2011

2011-03-10T18:05:00.000-08:00

It seems like every year we go to Busch Gardens to get the fun card. I must say, to me, this year has been the most beneficial. Ethan absolutely LOVES zoo animals and Aidan seemed to really enjoy it too. To see the boys faces light up with smiles from ear to ear when they see animals, the train or fun rides is just another reminder of why being a Mom is such a blessing. I love my two boys more then words could ever say.

My little monkeys infront on the monkey area
Aidan does not like to sit still for very long, let alone in the stroller. He preferred being on daddy's shoulders:)

Ethan being cheesy on the train ride.

This is the 1st year Ethan has been able to ride on the kids ride in the Elmo area. I have a feeling he's going to make us spend alot of time in Elmo's world,lol!

Loving the car ride

Flume ride anyone? Ethan was even more excited he rode the hippo flume.

This is what Aidan did while Ethan was on all of the rides.....awwwww

Daddy wouldn't ride the spinning elephant ride that went up and down. I found out why very quickly,lol. Ethan literally moved the stick up and down continuously the entire ride.

Loving life

Precious little face

What a cute little man

Look at Aidan's bright blue eyes....breath taking

Ethan's too!

Ethan 3 years old and smiling

2011-02-20T18:00:00.000-08:00

It's not often enough that I get to spend one on one time with Ethan these days. Since he's in school and goes to therapy almost everyday of the week (which seems to be finally paying off) it's hard to make that time. We were invited to Isabella's 1st bday party and I couldn't get Ethan away from the cookie decorating table, pool (where he insisted on tossing ice in) and he loved watching the kids get their face painted by Jessica' s sister Andrea. It was nice to give him my undivided attention....he LOVED it and so did I!

Look at this cheesy face:)
Eating his "beautifully" decorated cookie---1 of 2

Kaleigh's 2nd Birthday

2011-02-19T17:49:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple pictures from our friends daughter Kaleigh's 2nd birthday party. I have been bad with taking pictures probably due to the fact that I have my hands full. Our littlest man Aidan has been quiet the challenge. Luckly he's a cute boy with a great smile:)

Kaleigh's cute little 2 yr old face
and I got a smile!

Kaleigh's friend getting his face painted like spider man

Aubri with her dog balloon

The Falls Family

minus Aubri who wouldn't pose for me:(

Aidan upto no good

Ethan with his sword

Ethan loved sword fighting with Summer

Lucas Baptism

2011-02-12T17:33:00.000-08:00

We were very honored to be invited to Lucas James Livingston's baptism in February. He is such a little doll and we just love him to peaces. Here's a couple pics on the beautiful day.

Roger with his god son Nicholas and our little monkey Aidan
Dawn and Lucas

Brandon, Dawn, Lucas, God Parents Melissa and Anthony

Baby Lucas

The Livingston Family and Father Pat

The God Family:)

Madeline's Baptism

2011-01-05T18:23:00.000-08:00

I unfortunately didn't have my camera for my God Daughter Madeline Irene Petrini's baptism. I wanted to give her a formal thank you. A thank you that means so much to me. Not only for her beautiful little smile but for the most thoughtful gift. She had given me my blog printed into a book up thru December 2010! I absolutely love it! This is why I keep a blog....to look back and remember all of the cherished times I've had with my family and friends.

Thank you!
xoxo
Aunty Bridget

Welcome 2011

2011-01-01T12:12:00.000-08:00

The Vest Family wants to wish everyone a happy, healthy new year!

Christmas morning at The Blackburns 2010

2010-12-30T21:00:00.000-08:00

Tradition has it that we always wake up Christmas morning, open our gifts at our house and then go over to Susan and JV's and open a pile load. We are so fortunate to have such a great family. By this I don't mean because we get tons of gifts but because we have a healthy, caring, loving family! Here are a couple of pics.....again no pictures of the 4 of us:(

Aidan with his Pa
Pile of presents

Ethan has this down!

Aidan ripped off his pants to open his gifts, lol!

Susan loving her calendar the boys made for her.

Pa enjoying his gift card

Who got this for Roger? Darn Santa bought him a P90x.....God help me.

Now that's an interesting way to drink your sippy Aidan

So much FUN!

Oh and here is a picture of Ethan's wall. For those of you who don't know, Ethan LOVES dinosaurs. He received this super cool decal and dinosaur bedding from Santa.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-29T19:07:00.000-08:00

I couldn't wait to see the boys reaction when they saw that Santa came. Ethan has been prancing around the house like a reindeer and saying Ho Ho Ho for weeks now. Aidan doesn't quiet get it but I knew he'd enjoy ripping into some presents and playing with all of the toys. I love these ages with the boys. The innocence of life is amazing!

My little monkey with his monkey
Ethan is his monkey pj's

Santa came and brought way too much. How will our house ever hold it all???

Presents shoved everywhere

Our tree all light up and without bulbs this year. Some little guy I know liked to shake the tree:)

Aidan woke up wet so he luckily he fit in his brothers pj's from last year! He didn't care much for his stocking, he was more interested in bagels!

Ethan loved his stocking filled with animals, roar!

I'm not sure if Aidan was crying to cry or crying because he didn't want that shape sorter?!

Nothing better than a reaction like this to his dinosaur puzzle.

Ethan LOVED his roller skates. I can see alot more bumps and bruises heading our way.

Dinosaur bedding, what fun!

I love when they play together....even on drums!

Daddy had to help Aidan since his main priority was to eat.

I love my boys so much. We were truly blessed to have such a great Christmas!

Christmas Eve 2010

2010-12-29T18:59:00.000-08:00

I am sorry to announce that The Vest Family did not have a photo op on Christmas Eve. I believe that will be on the top of my New Years resolution list "get family photos done and more frequently." Here are just a couple prior to church and at The Blackburns on Christmas Eve.

Aidan screaming, "ahhhhhhh" on the way to church.
He's so precious in his sweater visit and button up.

Even boys in blazers and ties can ride on a train

Rog and Aidan

Aidan with his Pa

Issac

Kyleigh and Barb

Evan and Barb

Ethan enjoyed taking Rudolph and making him lead Santa's sleigh. I do believe he watched Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and The Flight Before Christmas one too many times!!!

Botanical Gardens

2010-12-29T18:39:00.000-08:00

Last year we started the tradition of going out to eat, getting some hot chocolate and going to Botanical Gardens to look at the Christmas light and to see Santa. It beats the lines at the mall and it's a nice night out with the family.

These are his cheesy, squinty eyes
Listening to the carolers

Yes that's an alligator and we had to stop,lol

Ethan checking out the BIG Christmas tree as Aidan stood by and watched

Awwww so cute!

I love these 3 boys soooooo much!

We can't ever get a picture with the 4 of us looking and cooperating

Me & Ethan

I'm hoping one day soon we will get a good pic of the 4 of us

My hubby and I

Ethan was excited to see Ho Ho (Santa)

Aidan wasn't sure rather to laugh, smile or cry!

Ethan was super excited to see/meet Santa he just wasn't comfortable sitting on his lap.
Do you blame him?

Santa was nice enough to pose with all of us

Aidan & I

Well we tried!

Ethan cheesing it up:)

Susan and Nana

Ethan was super excited to walk around and see lights

I love this boy!

Trying to get these two to pose was another challenge

We appeased Susan by taking a picture by the poinsettas!

We out camerad our welcome. The boys refused to cooperate and take a pic. with their Great Nana!

Or their Nana:(

Tiny kids, Big tree

2010-12-28T10:03:00.000-08:00

My a BIG, beautiful tree Largo Central Park has. Remind me to take Christmas pictures infron of this tree next year. We thought it'd be a good idea to get all of the kids to sit infront of the tree for a quick pic....what were we thinking? This is as good as it got:)

Audrey, Jacob, Skylar, Jacob, Jeff, Nicholas, Ally, Alex, Kaden, Austin, Audrey, Mason, Audrey and in front Ethan, Jared and Aidan

Added to the last photo is on the left Kayleigh, Lexi and Sylas

They certainly didn't want to stay still for very long:)

The "homeless" child didn't want to stay still

Kayleigh and Jenn

Awwww....Austin and Audrey (they posed themselves this way)

Kaden

Aidan

Pinata gone wrong!

2010-12-27T10:14:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me, knows that I pay attention to detail and that I am typically organized. Well, I dropped the ball at my own son's birthday party. I was doing good by ordering a train pinata online (since no one sells them locally). I brought a wiffle bat instead of a harder bat, I brought ribbon to tie the pinata upto a tree and not rope and so this thru us completely off with the train pinata. I guess it makes for good pics and a great story?!?

Roger attempting to tie the pinata up with the ribbon
What you see is Austin swinging at the pinata. What you don't see is that Roger is holding it up:)

Our little man wanted a swing!

Wow, that swing knocked the pinata right off the ribbon.

Oh geez and Jared one of the oldest kids at the party is up?!?

This is where Roger risked his life,lol!

Nicholas swings...hits the pinata and misses Uncle Roger (good boy)

Skylar is concentrating

Good one handed swing Jacob

Zach got a good swing in and Roger closed his eyes

Lexi (a softball player) and the oldest kid at the party got the last swing and Roger was running out of the way,lol!

We ended up breaking the pinata and tossing candy everywhere.

Hmmmmm.....I hope someone else jumps to this candy so he doesn't bring this all home!

Filling his mouth full of candy.

Look at those eyes! He looks adorable as a bum:)

I hope next party I'm more organized so we don't have a ghetto pinata time,lol!

Happy Birthday to Ethan

2010-12-27T09:49:00.001-08:00

Happy 3rd Birthday to my little man Ethan!

He got very shy and tried to hide having over 50 people sing but was very excited to blow out the candle. Did I mention we had to re-light it so he could blow it out again? LOL!

All the kids and parents were excited to dig into some yummy cupcakes!

Why do kids only eat the icing? That's my least favorite party,hehe.

Let us eat!

2010-12-27T09:28:00.001-08:00

With every good party there is food. Not such great pictures but I promised everyone I'd post as many pictures that I could. Who wants a picture while they are eating anyways,lol?

The cutest homeless looking child ever! Thanks to the Dodgins for the extra sweater jacket!

So cute that the kids were so patient.

Playing around on the playground, birthday style!

2010-12-27T09:16:00.000-08:00

After the fun train rides everyone unleased and turned into bigger kids, despite the freezing weather.

Audrey, Leiann and Julia

Seth, Ashleigh and Sylas

Audrey

Julia

Ethan riding the dinosaur,lol!

I'm wondering when he'll get that they are exstinct?

Mason and Austin

My BIG 3 year old!

Audrey

Jeff

Aidan chasing after the girls:)

Jared.....

and Nicholas playing chase.

Makayla

Nana pushing her two favorite Grandsons!

Ethan's Golden Birthday Party!

2010-12-26T20:17:00.000-08:00

Ethan turned 3 this year. Since it was his GOLDEN birthday we decided to give him a super fun party at Largo Central Park. We rented a diesel powered train for an hour and then played on the playground. Kids of ALL ages seemed to have a blast! Since I took so many random pictures I decided to have different blog entrys,enjoy!

Ethan was eagerly awaiting his train ride!

And he's off.....

Everyone on their way for the fun ride:)

Ethan with Roger

Alex & Demetra

Ally & Kim

Skylar, Melissa, Nicholas and Brandon
Brucie (who shares Ethan's birthday just a yr younger) April, Bruce and Nana

Nicole, Katrina, Christian, Sylas and Seth

Jared, Audrey, Leiann, Ethan and Roger

Mason, Lila, Audrey, Tiffany, Jacob, Zach, Jayne

And they are off for their 1st ride.

Ethan & I

Kyleigh, Issac and Barb

Kaleigh, Jenn and Lexi

Skylar, Aidan, Susan, Makayla, Sheryl

Kyleigh, Issac, Kristen and Ryan

Nana protecting her little meeska from the cold!

More pictures to come:)

Michigan 2010

2010-12-12T18:57:00.001-08:00

Both my sisters live in Wisconsin now but it's nice that they both traveled to Michigan to visit us. We would meet at my Dad's in the morning and then figure our day out from there. The boys just loved the attention (especially attention seeker Aidan, who thrives off it!). I can't believe how old and big my niece and nephew are getting. Both Alex and Cam tower over me and they are only 17 and 12!! It makes me sad that we all live so far away from one another. I'd love to have my Michigan family closer. I guess I'll have to put that on my list for when I win the lottery (first, I have to play to win).

Aidan with his Aunty Lisa and cousin Alex
My younger sister Justine and My Dad

Ethan giving Daddy some loving while they get ready to watch football

Grandma Tackmier and My older sister Lisa

Aidan with his Aunty Justine

My sister's beautiful family

(Cam, Alex, Lisa and Brian)

The crew clowning around!

Lisa and Alex

Cam, Aidan and I

My nephew Cam and I

My niece Alex and I

My sisters and dad

Lisa and I

The 3 sisters

Justine and I

Ethan was not loving football as much as his Daddy was.

My sweet E

Posing for a pic....which is rare!

Hmmmm.....my babysitter *Mr.Portable DVD player*

My cousin Josh and Aidan

Hope you enjoyed!

A Michigan Thanksgiving

2010-12-12T18:44:00.000-08:00

Roger, the boys and I were able to make a trip up to see my "Northern" family for Thanksgiving this year. My Aunty Patty made us our yummy meal that we were all so appreciative for! I feel so blessed and thankful for a supportive husband, great friends and (for the most part) a healthy, beautiful family.

I thought I'd get better pictures since my husband was with me but, I dropped the ball! Here are literally just a couple from turkey day.

Alyssa (my cousin Stacy's daughter)
Lexton (My Cousing Marc's son)

Aidan playing with his cousins!

Aunty Sherre

One of my little turkeys!

My Grandma Swanson (who refuses to pose for a picture)

My other turkey who refused to take off his winter jacket!

Yes, he has board shorts on .....he was swimming in the heated pool:)

Trick or Treat 2010

2010-10-31T17:49:00.000-07:00

Don't let this crazy kid foul you. He did start by being sweet and calm sitting at his Nana and Pa's reading his book and then he turned into a "Thing!" This year was awesome! Halloween was better than I could have ever expected it. Ethan didn't quiet get out the words trick or treat but he did say "tweet" instead, he also attempted to say thank you:) He always worries me that he won't wear his costume. When we brought them outside and placed them in their wagon, Ethan saw the other trick or treaters, he let us put his wig on and he didn't take it off til I pulled it off at the end of the night. I know that it's a picture overload but I couldn't control myself. I was hoping to get a beautiful picture of my two "things" together saying cheese but hey beggars can't be choosers. Enjoy!!

I can't believe a year ago my THING 2 was a small little banana:(
One good pose with my Aidan

Safety First

Ethan's all prepared

And Aidan is about to rip the wig off.....

We got it off and he took it right back off

Ethan was too excited about the light up reflectors

Game time!

THING 1 and THING 2

Gosh they are too darn cute for words!

Look at that sweet lil' face

Aidan couldn't wait. He started to eat a hershey bar before we left the 1st house

Ethan didn't want to ride he wanted to walk like a BIG boy!

Of course Aidan is making the best of the night (note: the chocolate stain on his costume)

I have no idea what Ethan's doing here but he's got a lollipop and dinosaur in hand!

Aidan would be layed down if he wasn't buckled in,lol

Daddy did great. Didn't complain that he was missing the Bucs play. He did catch up with the score from house to house and watch some of the game outside peoples windows! What a true fan!!

Enjoying his lollipop at the end of the night:)

I can't wait to see how the boys react next year. Ethan really didn't seem scared at all of any of the costumes or decorated houses but he did stear clear from excepting candy from the JOKER, good boy.

3rd Annual Halloween Playdate

2010-10-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

There is a group of us Mom's who try our hardest to get together once a month for playdates.We rotate hosting and Alicia is kind enough to have Halloween at her house every year. This is the third year that we've got together. The difference is this year was a little busier for all. We've all had more than one child and the place was like a fun mad house. We decided not to "torture" the kids and put them in their costumes. It would have made for great pictures....well some children, probably mine, would have been crying but you know how adorable they all would have looked. Instead they stuck to the fun activities Alicia put together, ie. coloring, applying numerous fake tattoos by Hayli & eating Mummy dogs and Halloween deserts!

Some of the kiddos getting ready for fun activities!
Noah (Bam Bam) coloring

Taylor is such a doll!

Kimmy and Liam (Frog)

Our Prince Navide (frog) from Princess and the Frog

My Thing 2

Thing 1 in action

Peyton

The girls putting things in order

Playing with the kitchen is always fun....Aidan just doesn't get that it's pretend food:)

The girls of course love the activities more

"What do you mean this isn't real?"

And....the tattooing begins

Ethan finally stopped playing to color a ghost.

And Aidan stopped to pose with his Momma

Ok, so he stopped to pose by himself too!

Awww Taylors such a sweet girl playing with the precious twins Cason and Colton.

The new Mom's Kourtney and Britney with their new babies Camden and Brody.

Wonder Mom Kasie made it to the playdate in one piece with her 3 youngins....they all matched, were adorable and well behaved. Props to her!

Thanks to Alicia for a fantabulous, memorable playdate. Your food was yummy, you had fun games and were a great host!

Playing with Baby Sylas

2010-10-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

Roger and I had our great friends Ashleigh, Seth and their 11 month old son Sylas over for playtime and pizza. Sylas had just learned how to walk and the boys had fun watching another friend play in their play area with them. It won't be long til Sylas is running around like a mad man with the two of mine:)

Obviously they are upto no good and we were just watching,lol.

Smiles of happiness:)

Sylas on the rocking horse with his Daddy behind him to make sure he didn't fall.

Playing is no fun unless you play in the tent!

Our friend Sylas turns 1 at the end of the month. Happy 1st Birthday to him!!

Aidan's 14 Months

2010-10-25T18:36:00.000-07:00

This precious little face is just part of Aidan's bright beautiful personality. He is really becoming a little boy and it's so sad. He is very mischievous but yet I can't help but smile because he's such a doll while doing bad little things. He's starting to find out what time-outs all about. He yells,"No" at me, he runs away when he's in trouble, he smiles as he pinches his brother or throwes food of his plate. These are just a couple examples of the trouble he puts me through. On the other hand he gives great kisses and hugs. He loves to cuddle up with his "Mama." He really loves to love everyone. He is such a flirt. When we walk into therapy the therapist of all ages just smile and wave and acknowledge that the "flirt" has arrived. He really does seem to lighten up everyones mood and he loves to wave "hi" to the other boys and girls and "babye" when we leave.

Sticker Club

2010-10-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to some of our good friends/playdate chums we had joined a sticker club. Ethan does get excited when I show him he's got mail. You could give him any sticker in the world and he will find something fun and imaginative to do with it. This time I just happen to get it on camera. Enjoy!

I'm pretty sure he's got stickers everywhere!!!

On the face,really?

Trying to put some back to maybe save for later?

Aidan wanted to play too but hopefully that can wait a couple more months. We like to let Ethan do some special things on his own.

Do I have something on my face Mom?

Who would have thought???

2010-10-25T18:06:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought that two toddlers would have so much fun with a silly little bucket. In these pictures Aidan is 13 months old and Ethan is 33 months old. Roger and I are so fortunate to have two beautiful healthy boys that love each other so much. It's precious to watch them give one another kisses before nap time or bedtime or just randomly. On the flip side they are terrors to one another too! With a room full of toys they seem to always want what the other has. In our "love shack" we don't necessarily have room for duplicate toys,lol. Sharing is a work in progress but I guess that's typical for any toddlers.

Below you will find "the many faces of Aidan"! Beware of photo overload, I always think every picture of these two are great pictures:)

Bucket Time

What a cutie huh?

Ethan had a hard time fitting since he's a tad bigger.

Hmmmm two boys on one bucket could only mean one thing....

LOL, side tracked by the T.V.

Beefy won for now!

Any they build a human tunnel.

These two were his favorite toys for the last month.

He didn't leave the house without them. Luckily, he does now....a month later

Sorry, I've taken so long to blog. Time seems to be flying by and I find that I don't have alot of it. Thanks for checking in:)

Taryn and Ben Williams

2010-10-12T13:47:00.001-07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Aidan's 13 Months

2010-09-17T12:02:00.001-07:00

It's crazy when I say out loud that my baby boy is no longer a baby but a toddler, that is 13 months old. It's so sad to know how fast kids grow up. What's even sader is when it's your own kid growing up that fast. Aidan is attempting to talk. He says Momma, Dada, ball, bye bye, baby, up, hi, num for yum, and has crazy babbling conversations I think only he understand. It's amazing to see how much knowledge he has. He runs and climbs like no other. Gets into trouble and smiles about it. Plays with his big brother as if they are best friends. He is such a beautiful little boy on the inside and out. I feel truely blessed to have such wonderful, smart, gorgeous boys.
Enjoy some pictures of Aidan as he is in his 13th month of life:)

What a ham!
He has learned to love the Bucs at an early age. Win or LOSE!

Loving the view

I couldn't ask for a better life with the family that God has blessed me with.

Audrey & Julia's Birthday Party

2010-08-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

Roger, Ethan, Aidan and I were very excited to head up to Oxford for Audrey and Julia's birthday party. Again, it's rare we get to see the Luplow family. With distance between us, it makes it even harder. It was a tad nicer this time because Oxford was basically a half hour less of a ride than Ocala use to be:) It's crazy how time flys by. It seems literally like yesterday Leiann was pregnant with Audrey. Well, Audrey turned 4 and Julia was turning 6! Leiann is so fortunate to have such a beautiful family. The girls are just helpful, fun, playful doll faces. Enjoy the pics from the short time we had to celebrate there.

Audrey showing off her fun, yummy whirly pop party favors!

(Stickers created by Devine Doodles)

Uncle Roger posing with Jared, Julia & Audrey

I can't believe how much they have grown:(

Is Julia just not a beautiful girl? She has a smile of an angel!

My God Son Jared

Everyone playing and having fun!

This is where Ethan's obsession with Alligators, Dinosaurs & Monsters started!

Another pose

Or two..

Aidan loving on his Aunty Leiann

The two birthday girls

Happy Birthday Julia and Audrey

Look who's 4!!!

Ethan trying to escape outside to play with the "Alligator"

Aidan loves to be held so he found his love!

And he laughs for her too!

Jared showing off the over sized birthday balloon the girls got:)

Park with Grammy

2010-08-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

It's not very often that the boys get to play with their Grammy (My Mom). With her work schedule and Ethan's therapy schedule it's hard to make time for one another. We met up at Sims Park and then brought the boys for a quick lunch. Florida's heat and humidity had us all sweating in no time. I'm not quiet sure how my Mom still managed to go home and get ready for a long afternoon/evening of work,props to her. We left with a long car ride and I was exhausted!

The boys LOVED the time they got to spend with Grammy. Play time , running around, a long walk by the river was just what we all needed. The boys had their giggles and in return gave Grammy a big much needed smile on her face:)

Sorry the lens was fogged from the humidity. Ethan was chasing a squirrel up a tree.
I've feeling a little uneasy....you never know what those squirrels will do!

Aidan loves when he's on his own.

I don't know how a kid can run up and down this park so much!

Ethan was showing off his brother to Aunt Gail. It was nice she came by to play and visit while we were in the area.

Ethan convincing Grammy to get him out of the fenced in area and to go by the water.

I love watching Ethan, showing off Aidan.

Look at that profile.

Boys just playing around

2010-08-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

I'm always trying to find new things to keep my two little monkeys entertained. I purchased a blow up ball tent that lasted a couple of days with a slow leak. I've since then returned it for a new one but just wanted to show pictures fo the two boys having a ball!

Ethan actually stopping to take a picture.
Cheese!

What a beautiful smile:)

Play time

What a face!!!

Mommy's little monkey

Peak a boo

Even Nana liked to play in the ball tent

The boys just love when adults play like kids!

Nana likes to play with puppets too!

Bath time!

Little Rebel

Words could never describe how "GREAT" it is to be a parent to these two boys. They love to play with one another(although they have their times). I can't help but giggle out loud while watching them, yet shed a tear out of the joy for the love they bring to me and our family.

Devine Doodles

2010-08-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

Please check out my work at http://www.devinedoodles.blogspot.com/ or www.etsy.com/shop/devinedoodles

Pictures of my two sweet loves with be posted soon!

Thanks for checking in:)
Bridget

1 year old home photo shoot

2010-08-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

Since my wonderful husband bought me such a great camera. I have decided to save us money and not pay to get professional photos of Aidan at one year old. I chased him around the play area with the camera and this is what I came up with. Next attempt will be outside if I can catch him. Unfortunately, Ethan was not wanting his picture taken. Better luck next time!

My little alligator piano player

He's a walker!

Cheesy Face

So cute I had to post in color and bw

Teething

Beautiful!

And those eyes!

Smirk:)

awwwwww

Look at that sweet profile

I can't believe he's 1 years old already:(

I'm sure he's got alot up his sleeve for this upcoming year. Keep checking in!

July 28th, 2009--! years old!

2010-08-11T11:59:00.001-07:00

I can't believe my baby is one years old! Time flys! Aidan is walking around, attempting to say words, getting his molars in and doing everything a typical one year old does. When he enters a room he makes sure to smile from ear to ear, he has so much love to give and is so loved by all who meet him. He is a blessing from God. A year ago I thought to myself," how am I going to juggle two little boys?" Now I say to myself, " how could I ever live without my two little boys?" I love being Ethan and Aidan's Mommy!

Enjoying his 1st birthday cupcake at home! I think he was smiling because he loves being sang too:)

Aidan opening his birthday gifts

2010-08-11T11:44:00.000-07:00

Since Aidan's 1st birthday party was at Planet Jump. The kids played for 1.5hr, then we ate pizza and cupcakes. There was no time for gift opening. As you can see by the pile he was very much celebrated! He woke up from his nap and we surprised him with his gifts in his room. We tried to make special time by letting him open them without his brother ripping thru them.

An awful lot of presents for such a little boy!
It wasn't the gifts he was attracted to.....it was the free balloon he wanted most!

once we showed him what to do, he was only interested in the bags.

What a cute little "1" year old.

He had to leave us to go get his Daddy's cell phone. Can you image what he'll be like when he's a teenager???

Good boy, reading the tag first.

Cards are great!

Roger pretending to open Aidan's gifts. He is playing around here but he was excited to see all of the cool presents Aidan received.

Aidan's 1st Birthday Party

2010-07-30T12:23:00.001-07:00

I can't believe my little boy just had his 1st birthday party. We had it at Planet Jump, the local bounce house place. The kids were able to play for an hour and a half and then we meet up in our party room and had pizza and cupcakes. I ashamedly admit that I didn't get any pictures of the kids at play. My friends said they would help me out with those:)

Here are some pictures of the setup! If you'd like to order stickers for your party contact me at devinedoodles@gmail.com or check out more ideas at devinedoodles.blogspot.com !

Whirly Aidan lollipop's as party favors...yum!

Delicious cupcakes from Mmmm Delicious!

Aidan with his Nana. Aunty Lori and Carly:)

Ethan running and climbing. The gang!

Everyone enjoying their food after some fun.

"Grape Nana" and Aidan. That's my boy who wants the fountain drink,lol.

He loves to eat!

Ethan practicing blowing out Aidan's candle.

Auntie A....be careful!

Singing to his little brother.

We had to wait on cupcakes til he was done eating.

Aidan's 1st birthday party was a success! Thanks to all who helped make it the best.

Pajama Brothers

2010-07-29T19:58:00.001-07:00

Tears of happiness filled my eyes as I posted these pictures. The camera really captured how much my two boys love each other. Having them close together in age at almost 20 months apart was the best thing Roger and I could have done. We always say watch out for your brother he's your best friend but I don't think we have to. These two boys are the best things that God could have ever blessed us with. I hope you enjoy the numerous pictures as I enjoyed taking the photos.

The many faces of Aidan Cole!

My two hams!

Ethan playing with his baseball bat

Aidan admiring his BIG brother!

Posing in their new PJ's

Silly faces

Smirk!

What a beautiful face

His stance.

What a funky "dall" huh?

Ethan's the bater and Aidan's the pitcher

We don't ever buy the boys matching clothes but Roger insisted we buy them these pj's and yes we put them in them the same night!

Ethan stole Aidan's sippy. There is alot of that going on,lol. Little rockstars!

In your face.

Silly lil' smile

Another silly face.

Where'd your pants go? They are always missing clothes.

Ethan loves a good balloon.

One minute he looks like my brothers or my side of the family.......

The next minute he look's like Roger's sister or his side of the family?!?!

He's gonna get me, ahhhhhhhh!

Little Rock Stars

2010-07-29T19:45:00.000-07:00

Ethan and Aidan love their sunglasses. Ethan seems to love everything his daddy has so apparently Aidan's jumping on the wagon too,lol.

Big Pimpin

Rocking Out!

Putting his shades on and keeping them in place

They took their shades off and went to wrestle.

It's crazy to me that they rough house this early in life!

For being 11 months at the time, Aidan holds his own.

Looks like Ethan's hurting his brother but he never does it intentionally, he thinks he's just playing.

We hope they continue to play like best buds the rest of their lives.

Say AWWWWWW!

2010-07-29T19:31:00.000-07:00

As most of you know Ethan is not a good eater and Aidan is my eater. Well I had made Ethan cheese quesadilla and he wouldn't eat it so I tried a corn dog. I was in the kitchen cleaning up and all of a sudden I heard, "say awwwwww!" I turned and saw Ethan trying to feed his little brother his food. Go figure right? Now we know why Ethan's so skinny and Aidan's so hearty,lol.

He really doesn't like corn dogs but I'm sure Aidan will try it!
And he takes a bite and Ethan thinks it's soooo funny.

Aidan eating some more lunch.

He loves lunch meat and crackers

Hmmmm, Mr. Mischievous spilt his fruit cup and is wiping it on the floor....nice!

Doesn't stay still long enough to wipe his face off.

He's all smiles and keeping those crumbs for later.

Monkey's playing around

2010-07-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

Aidan saying, "dall" which means ball.

Goofy Face
Two little monkeys playing on the bed

Ethan assuming the position....poor kid:(

Aidan's new face,lol!

I understand now why they say, "don't play ball in the house."

They were aiming for me....I know it!

My innocent little one playing with Woody.

Told you! Dang kids! LOL!

Aidan's 1st Hair Cut

2010-07-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

For some reason my boys just don't like to get their hair cut. In Aidan's case I had to do it. He was growing a MULLET and it wasn't pretty. In fact it was getting to be a little embarrassing. I took it upon myself to give him his 1st hair cut since Roger butchered Ethan's 1st. I even tried to bribe him with food (it usually works!).

Look at that hair hanging over his ears.

True Mullet about to be chopped!

If he were a girl I would have been able to give him a cute bob:)

I don't know why he's still crying? I think he looks so much better:)

He didn't want to pose either:(

Ethan was wanting to say, "cheese" again? I think he was looking for a little attention.

Here come the smiles:)

I'm a little afraid he's threatening me not to cut his hair again!

My two bubba's playing around

2010-07-29T18:45:00.001-07:00

Aidan loves to stand in front of the air unit in Ethan's room/play room. He thinks it's so funny how it feels.

What a face huh?

Ethan about to get on his tricycle and he stopped to give me a cheesy smile. What a clown!

Apparently he can't get on the bike and smile at the same time,lol!

Daddy trying to show Aidan how to get on and let his brother do the hard work.

2nd "cheese" face. Little blurry because it was so unexpected!
Here's a smirk that looks like he's up to no good.

Awww more innocent.

Makayla's 2nd Birthday Party

2010-07-29T18:30:00.000-07:00

Although Roger came to help me with the two boys I was bad with taking pics. Here are a couple pictures of the kids playing at the Jungle Bounce for Makayla's birthday party! Thanks to Sheryl and Steve for the invite and having fun as a family on a Sunday afternoon:)

The ball pit was just one little part of this fun place and unfortunately I didn't have my camera on me for the other areas. Or maybe it was because I was too busy bouncing and climbing up the bounce house and sliding down the tall slide, like a kid!!!

The Kids jumping and playing in the ball pit!

Ethan hiding in the pit

Makayla--The Birthday Girl!

Aidan didn't want to miss out on the fun

Then he realized he couldn't get himself up,lol

And he's back up!

Happy 1st Birthday to my Baby Boy Aidan

2010-07-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

Again, I've been a slacker. Partially not my fault. With some family emergencies at the beginning of the month and then our computer crashing it's put a damper on my blogging. I'm even more ashamed by admitting that I don't have a single picture downloaded for the month of July yet. Here are just a couple pictures of looking back on my baby boy Aidan's first year of life.

Aidan has been such a blessing to our family. His has a smile that will instantly melt your heart. He babbles and mimics sounds. Momma, Dada, ball (sounds like dall) hi, bye bye are the most consistent words. He is walking very fast and climbing up on things. He has 7 teeth, two in which are molars that just popped through in the last five day. Aidan is our eater. He really isn't picky at all. He will eat basically whatever you put down in front of him plus some, lol! He is starting to have temper tantrums (little ones--nothing compared to his big brother Ethan's) when you tell him "No" or take something away that he wants. He's grown so much in this past year it's scary. I know he's a toddler now but I still consider him a baby!

Aidan Cole Vest born July 28,2009 @ 9:30am via c-sectionHe was such a good baby in the hospital.

Best Friends not only because they are brothers but it seems by choice.
Look at him....looking like an old man!
Being a good baby at Mass on Christmas Eve

Ear to ear with his God Mother Melissa

What a doll face!

Showing off his baby blue eyes and beautiful eye lashes!

Eating his Momma's wristlet and looking a mess

Undoing his Easter Basket at Nana's

Precious clean baby

Everyone smiles like this at the Sand Pearl:)

Brotherly LOVE. Aidan looks like he could eat his BIG brother

Florida Aquarium

He didn't take a first step he took his first two steps on Father's Day!

I will post more pics for the month of July. One entry which will include Aidan's first haircut!

Devine Doodles

2010-07-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

I am currently designing stationery, party tag stickers, return address labels, invitations, etc. Check out some of my work at http://devinedoodles.blogspot.com/. Please keep in mind all is under construction! I am working on prices, designs, etc. If you are interested please comment me:) I also have some stuff posted on etsy.

Father's Day

2010-06-21T11:55:00.001-07:00

My boys continue to grow a little too rapidly. It's been an amazing journey to watch their every move. I have been blessed to have such a WONDERFUL husband who works hard so that I am able to stay home and enjoy them so much! Watching the two of them play more and more together each day literally brings tears to my eyes. They really do LOVE each other and it just proves that having them as close together as we did will pay off.....in hopes that they will be bff's.

Thanks to my husband for being such a great Daddy! xoxoxo

two silly monkeys playing around
rough housing

Aidan's gaining on Ethan really quickly!

We spent the early afternoon at the Florida Aquarium for Father's Day!

Aidan enjoying being pushed around

Ethan would have jumped in if we'd let him

He was amazed by each and every fish

Look at those baby blues

Ethan must have ran off,lol

Daddy and Aidan

Ethan

All 3 of my boys!

Aidan's learning from his older brother.....oh brother!

He really enjoyed the aquarium

My 3 beautiful boys...awwwwww

Ethan showing Aidan the fishies

Big turtle

Rog pushing the boys thru the cave

Aidan playing with the manatee

While Ethan runs off of course

playing around

of course getting sandy before we leave

Ethan reading to his baby brother

Showing off his artwork he made for Daddy

Standing!

Nana tempting him to take a step

Big Kisses, get them while you can

When they get this big they are just a tease

Cheesy face!

Aidan ended up standing for about two minutes on his own and then took 2 steps! It's so sad to see my two boys growing up so fast:(

Vacation Part 5

2010-06-05T17:03:00.000-07:00

Part 5--Pics with the Family

There were so many pics that's why I had to break it up into parts. As you see I have a hard time narrowing down which pictures to post. I had taken 600+ pics during our 10 day trip. There were alot that I had to delete but for having kids attached to my hip, I think I did a pretty good job. It was hard to get the kids to pose with family too. Sometimes they didn't even want to go near anyone but.....kids will be kids. I survived the experience and so did they. Will I ever fly alone and spend 4 nights in Michigan and 5 nights in Wisconsin with a 2 1/2 yr old and 10 month old--NO WAY! LOL! I was very thankful and grateful for spending time with my family. I really wished that the boys would have been better behaved, maybe next time:)

Thank you to everyone who helped me out. Your time and efforts were more than appreciated!

Aidan has ulterior motives
Cam:)

Ethan playing with raisins....we wanted you to eat them!

Alex

My cousin Josh

Cam and Aidan monkeying around

Alex and Aidan

Aidan was a little hot so we had to put him in a onesie. Who would have thought in Michigan he'd be sweating???

Ethan was up to no good

Aidan and Uncle Mark LOL

How Cute??

Ethan hiding from Heidi

Aidan loved Heidi

Even Grandma and Grandpa Tackmier couldn't get Aidan to put his pj's on

Grandpa and Aidan

Grandma Tackmier trying to get Aidan to walk

Torcheress,muahahahaha

Great Grandma Tackmier still has strength to fly Aidan around

Picture says it all! She loves him and he wants to run!

Josh and Aidan

Aunty Patti and Aidan waving

Aunty Patti, Aidan and GiGi (Great Grandma Swanson)

Of course Ethan didn't want to pose with anyone:(

Grandpa and Aidan

Aidan, Grandma and Grandpa Tackmier

He loved waving good morning to them when we'd walk out in the living room each morning:) They are the only crazy people I know that'd be up at 5am and have a smile on their face to greet him,lol.

Vacation Part 4

2010-06-03T16:30:00.000-07:00

Part 4-- Play Time

My Aunty Patti watches her Grand Son (my Cousin Mark's son) sometimes during the week. She didn't have Lexton when we were in town so she made a quick call and we went to pick him up. It was nice to have someone Ethan's age so he could play. They are about 3 months apart, Ethan being older. It's crazy to see how many wild characteristics they share. They both love to live on the edge! Here are some pics from the park in Caspian.

The boys running to the incredibly steep stairs to a tall swirl slide

Contemplating if they are allowed to go alone--that was a BIG fat NO!

Aunty Patty brought Lexton down

Aidan and I chilled by the swings for a brief moment

Ethan loved the bouncing teeter toter

Lexton climbing the spider

New thing at the park, Ethan had yet to experience

Aidan you are suppose to ride the zebra not eat him!

The boys enjoying the merry go round

Another steep slide. Again not big enough to go alone, they are too much of dare devils!

Ethan thinking he gets to go up alone

Aunty Patty caught up to take him:)

Don't mind Ethan's attire. We were back in Stevens Point and my sister Lisa took the day off. It started off chili but then got warmer and so we went to the park. We all sweated a little but it was a BIG, fun park!

Of course Ethan wanted to go to the small part just so he could walk back and forth

Hmmm....he still might not have the skill to walk the chain,lol

Aunty Lisa supervising the crazed boy

Ethan playing the song from Monsters VS Aliens or so he thinks:)

More blowing of the dandy lions

Picking at more bark, lol

He can't quiet figure it out

Playing with some random kid in the sand box area

*****Again more to come*****

Vacation Part 3

2010-05-31T16:55:00.000-07:00

Part 3--Memorial Day Parade

When my Step Mom Joann told me that there was a Memorial Day Parade downtown that would last six min. I just laughed. I thought what the heck, I'll bring the boys. I thought Ethan would enjoy it....and he did! The Parade lasted maybe three minutes, lol. It was nice that the small town even celebrated with a parade because in Seminole I don't know of a parade!?!

When we went down town the parade was about to start so we just parked on the road and jumped out of the car. The police car was the start of it!

Tractor Float

Boy Scouts

School bus??

Girl Scouts

Fire Fighters

Marching

Fire Truck and Ambulance

Fire Truck

Ethan and I

That was the End of the parade!

************More Parts to come**********

Vacation Part 2

2010-05-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

Part 2--Justine's Graduation

Beware for all of you who are located anywhere else than Iron River. This graduation was like none other that I've been to. Please keep in mind that this is an EXTREMELY small town. The graduating class of 2010 had less than 70 graduates. I will explain to you their process as you view the pics:)

The graduation was held at their football field. This is not attached to their school at all that is why you see a park and cars wherever!
What a beautiful baby if I do say so myself! This is one reason why I pre-warned you. Only in IR does the guest speaker show up on a 4 wheeler. I guess this is a guy that works at the school who's son died riding a 4 wheeler last year:(
Aidan clapping with Aunty Lisa

Ethan was trying to find Aunty Justine

Look at that face, as if he was doing nothing wrong

Playing with sticks while the graduation was going on

The proud graduate getting excited that she's next

All smiles:)

YEAH!

As some of you are thinking....Why is she wearing flip-flops? They don't have a dress code so please don't think she's rebellious,lol!

And this is what the boys did. Play around:)

Ethan picked bark off the tree. We didn't sit in the bleachers cause we knew the boys attention span was slim to none. Did I mention it was hot out so the shade was perfect?

Aunty Justine meets Aidan

Justine and Alex. Believe it or not Justine is older and the Aunty of Alex:)

Incredibly too hard to get a pic of all 3 sisters looking when there were 3 cameras,LOL

The boys with their Aunty

Cousin Josh with Justine

********Still more pics to come***********

2 VS 1 on a vacation...... I was defeated!

2010-05-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

Part I

The boys and I took a trip to go see my youngest sister (Justine) graduate. I had been very skeptical rather or not I could take the trip on, with two kids two and under. I decided it'd be best to get a non-stop flight into Milwaukee and then take a 2 1/2 hour drive to Stevens Point where my oldest sister (Lisa) lives. I couldn't imagine having a layover with these two but knew that I could handle the screams in a car. To my surprise they both were PERFECT (well as could be expected)! Ethan was in ahhhhh that he was sitting in a real plane. He even looked up at me with eyes that said, "hurry up and buckle me up." Aidan fell asleep before we took off. Thanks to Roger's cousin Kristen I had a portable DVD player to entertain Ethan. After the first hour and a half went by I finally had to put a movie in. I had packed the back pack (thanks to my Bestie Melissa--great idea by the way) full of goodies and they barely touched them. The car ride wasn't too bad. They became antsy and that's when the whining began......

We got to my sister Lisa's house and Ethan was over joyed with meeting her two dogs, Rufus and Emmy. He had turned into the two year old who could careless about the family and only focused on what he could do with the dogs. He would point to their body parts and name them and game/command he never does with me. I was excited just to hear him say the words and acknowledge he did indeed know them. Ethan also turned into a whining child. Ethan and Aidan had made a plan to whine every time I literally moved or so it seemed. I was unable to use the bathroom, shower, wash bottles, eat food, etc. without them whining. My family helped as much as the kids would let them. It was easier to distract Aidan then Ethan. It turned me into a high strung stress ball:( You ALWAYS want your kids on their best behavior, they must have know this because they were on the worse behavior I had ever seen! These two adorable boys became devil children:(

Ethan with his new best friend Rufus

My niece Alex with cranky pants Aidan
He's starting to get use to her or is it the fact he wanted to eat her necklace???
Aidan with Aunty Lisa
Since everyone but my BIL Hochey had to work or go to school we decided to put the boys in the stroller and walk down to my nephew Cam's outdoor school event.
Who knew a little devil could be so cute?
My bright blue eyed boy

Aidan with Uncle Hochey

Aidan enjoying the soft grass

Ethan picking the tree

Cam getting ready for his event

what a great stance,huh?

And it went FAR!

I think he is up to trouble!

Cam had a crowd of fans. His Papa, Dad, Uncle Max, Aunty Bridget and two cousins Ethan and Aidan!

Picking flowers

And smelling them!

Blowing dandy lions

This is what Aidan thinks of taking pics with his Cars camera

Aidan was so proud of his big cousin Cam

Getting ready for tug of war

They were undefeated!

Until the championship round. They did place 2nd!!!!

The boys were ready to go back and take a nap!

*******More pics of our trip to come!************

Our weekend away

2010-05-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, Roger and I rarely get time to ourselves. We finally were able to find a babysitter for 3days and 2nights (thanks to Susan and JV). We went to one of our favorite places the Sand Pearl on Clearwater Beach. It was so nice to just get away! We were able to eat meals without interruptions. We sat by the pool and absorbed some vitamin D while having a couple of drinks and just RELAXED! We really enjoyed each others company and some quiet time. It was much needed and if you ask me it was well deserved:)

Our beautiful view!
What a beautiful sunset

We are so fortunate to live so close to the beautiful water
(lets hope that oil doesn't ruin it)

On Sunday morning Susan brought the boys up after she had brought them to church. We knew they too would love it. We brought them down by the water and played a little in the sand. They also were able to enjoy the pool. It was nice to have them back:) We had missed them!!!!

Look at this cute little guy

He climbs up on everything!

Enjoying a bubble bath

What a cute kid, huh?

Gosh, I really am blessed to have these two cuties!

Ok, for all of you who thinks he looks like the "mail man" you can't tell me he doesn't resemble me in this one, right?

Can't end the blog without the naked BABY!

The Boys in the month of May 2010

2010-05-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

Aidan is 9 months and Ethan is a month shy of being 2 and a half. I can't believe how fast time flys by. Aidan is creeping around furniture. He attempts to say words such as Mama, Dada, ball, bye bye, baby, and hi. He is usually a happy, smiley baby. He has his moments of clinginess but don't all babies??? Ethan is progressing well too. He is also saying more words which is major progress compared to 6 months ago. His communication is improving drastically. These two are the light in my eye. Enjoy some pics of my sweet loves!

Look at Aidan's baby blues
Tired boy

Trying out some juice

I think I just caught him....

Always cheesy

What a sweet pea

Hi!

Cheese

The rope is not so good is it Aidan?

Trying to recognize letters

Stopped rough housing for a quick pic

Look at my lil' monkeys hair

Getting ready to ride his trike

Again, always cheesy

Precious lil' man

Like Father Like Son

And this is why it's impossible to fold clothes while they are awake!

Playing with my NEW camera

2010-05-15T05:15:00.001-07:00

Please excuse the picture overload. Roger and I were learning how to use my new camera. Lucky for us uploading was the same it just took a little longer. I am so happy with my Mother's Day/Birthday gift! Once I learn how to use everything I will have cute photo shoots of the boys. If they are willing of course. It's still incredibly hard to get Ethan to agree to look at the camera. Aidan, hasn't learned yet that he has a choice:) Enjoy!

Look at those eyes! Cute little smile!

My sweet bathed baby boys.

Morning shows beat me....he pays no attention to me, just the TV:(

A little wave good morningPlay Time!!!

Mommy's love time:)

How sweet he is when he looks at the camera and says cheese?!?

I love when the boys play together

Aidan's Baptism

2010-05-08T15:04:00.001-07:00

What a God blessed day we had on Aidan's baptismal day. We had blue sky's and beautiful warm Florida weather. Our immediate family and some of our "God Family" met up at the Bayou Club for some lunch and to have great catching up conversation. We then went to our church St. Matthews and had Aidan baptised. What a special day:) We'd like to thank Aidan's God Parents Melissa and Tom Petrini once again for traveling from Lawton Oklahoma/Korea to be there for Aidan. We appreciate you being apart of his life and future.

We didn't make his BIG day a big deal, just small and intimate. We are so glad to have Aidan officially established in our Catholic Religion.

Nicholas (Roger's God Son), Roger and Ethan....oh and random balloons E found:)

Ethan up to no good

Roger and I

Aidan and his God Mother Melissa

Aidan and his God Parents Melissa and Tom

What a happy boy eating his food

Grammy and Aidan
Aidan with his Nana and Pa

What a precious little baby!

Aidan sticking his tongue out for a pic, already!

Melissa and I
Melissa and Aidan

Ethan and Rog

My Holy Baby,lol

He is starting at a young age....on his own I might add

This is as good as we got with the two of them together

In the name of the Father, the Sun and the Holy Spirit

Amen!

Anointment Time

The Family

Bright Light, Bright Light,lol!

We will miss The Petrini Family and are glad they were able to make it down to Florida to visit with family and friends!