Garden Update

We have little sprouts! I think they are the radishes and beans, but I'm not sure. We had signs, but all the crazy wind we've been having blew our signs away. Eli was SO excited. He asked if we could pick the sprouts. I told him no and then explained (again) that the garden would soon be filled with plants. I continued to tell him that vegetables will grow and then we can eat the veggies. He was so amazed and excited....like he never really understood that until today. : ) As for Chase, it's all I can do to keep him from digging in the dirt. He has no clue what is going on! : )

Riding Trikes...

....in the bathroom?! Oh yes, I got out of the shower this morning to find Eli and Chase riding their tricycles in the bathroom. Eli is a little big for a tricycle, but I was just glad he didn't bring his big bicycle in the house!!

The Arboretum

We went to Dal.las Blooms at the arboretum today. When we go to the arboretum during the week, we always try to go on Monday or Tuesday because they have free kids activities on those days. It was a VERY windy day, but we still had a great time. I am so thankful that Eli and Chase (and Reed) enjoy doing things like this. While we were walking around, Eli said, "Mom, I like looking at all the flowers with you". My heart melted! I get frustrated with Eli and Chase at times because they are so loud and rowdy but beyond all their craziness are sweet boys that like to look at flowers with mom.....who could ask for anything better than that?!?!

On another note, while we were walking through the arboretum today, I heard SO many people make comments when we walked by like...."Wow, she's brave" or "She's got her hands full" or "Goodness, three boys!". I don't know why, but I get SO irritated when I hear comments like this!!! I want to say..."No, I'm not brave, I'm blessed" or "No, my hands are not full, but my heart is full of love for these boys" or "yes, three boys....I couldn't imagine it any other way and I love them dearly and wouldn't trade them for anything in the world!!" See....it irritates me! ; )

I didn't tell Eli to grab the flower....he did this big pose and told me to take a picture! : )

Chase got his face painted for the first time today. Eli wanted nothing to do with face paining until recently, but Chase just jumped right in today. Funny how kids can be raised so similar but have such different personalities when it comes to things like this! : )

The petting zoo....always a favorite!

They LOVED this goat! : )

My hopeless attempt to get a picture of all three boys next to flowers

A picnic....another favorite

And some beautiful, beautiful flowers!!!!

White Tulips....my favorite!!

Artwork

I have been looking everywhere for pictures/art for the playroom, but haven't been able to find anything that I really like. I finally decided to let the kids paint pictures and use them to decorate the walls. I bought a white canvas and let them paint away. I think they turned out great!! I can't wait to find some frames and hang them in the playroom.

Chase's painting

Eli's painting

Vegetable Garden

This year, we are trying to grow a vegetable garden. We are starting small with only one 4 x 4 raised bed and just a few veggies. Hopefully we will learn a lot and expand next year. Eli really enjoyed planting the seeds. About 2 hours after we planted them, he went to see if we had any veggies yet. : ) Can't wait to post garden updates! : )

Playing Outside....After Dark

"Mom, can we go play outside?"

I hear this question at least 10 times a day. In fact, I think my boys would spend every minute of every day outside if they had it their way! And I'm convinced that boys were made to be outside. Keeping them inside too long seems like torture (for them and me!).

Tonight, they played outside for over an hour and it did not matter one bit that it was dark. In fact, I think they thought it was more fun. I did find myself telling them to be quiet or not yell so loud. I feel bad telling them to be quiet when we are outside, but I don't want to disturb our neighbors either! : ) I guess it's good that our next door neighbors are night owls.....they don't mind us being loud.....and sometimes they even join us! : )

Even though Chase is not looking at the camera, I love this picture. I love the way Reed has his arms wrapped around Chase's arms. : )

I love Reed's expressions....I think he knows that he has two CRAZY brothers!!

Chase's silly face that he makes EVERY time I ask him to smile

A couple of the multiple attempts to get a picture of me with all three boys. I don't know that I'll ever get a good picture of me and all three of them.....I guess this is a true picture of what life is like with three little boys!! CRAZY.....but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world! : )