Learning Early

Most people would look at the following pictures of the boys writing with sidewalk chalk as an entry into further developing their handwriting (I think?).  Or, something developmentally related.  A good thing, perhaps.  What if I told you that this "sidewalk" chalk actually marks the beginning of their graffiti work?

I failed to get a picture of the pink "C" and "P" on our stucco walls - man they are proud of their letters!  I didn't get a picture either of my yellow bottom after sitting on the bench they colored.  But, they were saved when I discovered it all washes off fairly easily.

Carter has also been very into pretending.  One night this week, he was a paper boy.  I didn't even know he knew what that was, but he came in the office with a plastic bag as a backpack and asked us to tie up his blanket as a newspaper.

Peter quickly became his apprentice, and I got to "wead a vewy important front page!"

They've also learned a little about melting our hearts.  Each of the boys came in with these a few mornings back...

My flower garden is missing a few flowers, but I have three proud little boys to show for it. 

And, Carter just had to have my help making his Daddy a gift...

They are keeping us on our toes...always!

Sports Fanatics

I was contacted by Fanatics to participate in their "Family Fanatics" initiative - detailing how sports have brought our family together.  With our oldest having just turned four, we're not involved in any organized sports quite yet. We also haven't all piled into a stadium for a dose of football at this point, although Sophie boasts of being the first to make it to a Major League Baseball game (at the ripe age of 5 weeks).  We have, however, enjoyed a few sports in our own back yard.

Just as we brought Sophie home from the hospital, the World Cup began.  Our family was relaxing in the newness of a brand new baby, and we were often gathered in our living room with a World Cup game in the background.  It just so happened that Carter received a pint-sized soccer goal and ball for his birthday earlier that month.  So, many weekends and evenings looked a little like this...

As you can see, we've got a little work to do on the rules.

Dad showing the boys how to kick:

John Paul was a little hesitant to get off his tractor at first...

But, he warmed up soon enough.

Soccer led to baseball...

But, we've got one little guy who is just ready for our favorite sport...college football!

And for the first time, I think we'll need this Fanatics' number!  Check out their site...they have something for every Family Fanatic!

Baking: S'more Cobbler

The boys woke up from their naps the other day and wanted to do a "pwojec" - so, we thought we'd bake something.  With a little suggestion from me, they decided on S'more Cobbler (yes, there is such a thing).

I can't decide which I like better: Peter's hair or Carter's face.  

They get very excited with each job they have, whether that's stirring or placing graham crackers in just the right place.  They want to have a part in every step!

I messed up a bit and used the wrong kind of pudding (instant).  Then, I wasn't paying attention and we layered it in the wrong order.  However, it still turned out looking like this...

I can't honestly say that it tasted as good as it looked, but we had a great time trying it!

Her Superheros and Mine Too

Well, we returned home from the world's best wedding to some boys who missed their sister (and I think us, too)!  I've had particular boys ignore me for hours upon returning home from a trip, so to see them all so excited when we walked in the door did my heart good.  

The next day I laid Sophie in her little mini-crib and snapped a few pictures.

I left the room to throw a diaper away and came back to this...

and then this...

If we've heard once, we've heard one hundred times that Sophie will be well protected.  I completely agree! They already adore her.  I think it's also safe to say that each of them will care for each other in the same way (at least that's my hope), as Carter came to me the other day out of the blue and said, "Momma, don't worry.  If Peter gets hurt, I will hold him 'til you come."

And then, I was having a little moment the other day and Carter asked why I was crying.  Even I didn't really know, and you know how I feel about crying in front of kids.  Anyway, I told Carter everything was okay. It wasn't for him, and he started crying.  Then he said, "Momma, you're a gweat mom!  Do you want to cuddle?"  Then when we were curled up on the couch and after apologizing for "being angry" with me earlier, he said, "Daddy will be home soon and will make it all better."  

Later that day, he woke from his nap, pulled up a chair next to Sophie and me and said, "Momma, God gave me you, and He gave me to you.  And, He loves us very much.  Then Jesus gave us Sophie, too!"

He's a good soul.  They all are, and while everyone may say they are Sophie's superheros, I'd have to say they are mine too.