Mr. Crazy Pants

Never a dull moment when you have in-house resident entertainment!

Eli's Lego-Mobile

Eli made a stretch-Lego mobile tonight. The passengers included Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, Grandpa, Eli, Cole and their 17 COUSINS!

Magical Birthday Party

This afternoon, Eli had a great time helping his buddy Dawson celebrate this 6th birthday. Dawson had a Magic Show party and it was a blast! The magician was awesome and kept the kids really engaged. They started off with Birthday Bingo and it was so funny, each kid had the same card so they all got "Bingo" at the same time and were all shouting. They each got a surprise for winning. =) The rest of the magic show was great with tricks I hadn't seen before; the kids loved it. During food time, the magician when around and made them all Superhero balloon hats. Songs, cake and more playtime - it was so much fun! We hope Dawson had a really magical birthday! 

The kids all played with balloons around the room before the party. 

Getting started

Playing Bingo - Eli & Ryan insisted on sharing a card.

Fun rope trick

Eli and his buddy Ryan

Mommy and her big boy

Cheese puffs and juice boxes - a HUGE treat!

Boys, party hats and foosball - fun time!

Chores & Fun

Not much happening around here this weekend. We're trying to stay warm and get some inside stuff done while it's so cold. The boys are getting stir crazy but it's just so cold - and I'm turning into a cold wimp!! Bring on warm weather soon!

 Learning how to change air filters

 Eli & Cole had a blast lining up all their trucks on the stairs

 I'm not even sure this is all of them. 

 Such cute boys!!

A whole lot of wheels!

Another school delay......for ice

Today school was delayed three hours due to ice over night. It wasn't too bad at our house but we did have some ice. The boys tried out their new sledding discs. Eli loved going down the driveway; Cole was a little more reserved. It was kinda nice to have a laid back start to the day! 

 Eli sliding down the driveway

Exploring.....all bundled up

Daddy snuggles

Be still my heart.....

Fun with Grandma C

This weekend Grandma C came to visit. The boys were so excited to have her come up; they have been working on their Magic Show Circus signs and performance and were ready to put on a show. They always love when she visits. Grandma C is an amazing play pal. She goes just as hard as the boys do and it's hilarious when she ends up needing a nap with them. =) On this visit, Tim & I ended up painting the kitchen (long overdue!) and enjoying some time off of parent duty. 

The Magic Show Circus was a huge success. Grandma C really enjoyed it and the boys had a blast doing it. I'm sure there will be more magic shows and circus performances in our future! 

 Grandma's boys - they're getting so big!

 Outside time - still cold

 Prepping for paint

 This picture just cracks me up. Eli was wearing his swim goggles, shorts, a fleece jacket and looks like he was hunting something with a plastic golf club. 

 Eli & Cole's Magic Circus

 Stunts on horse back

 Tight rope walking

 King Cole on the tight rope, arms out for balance

 Best trick of the night....

 Cole made M&Ms disappear. I might be able to figure that one out. =) 

 Then it was time for the animals to line up on the tight rope.

 Such great cooperation by all the animals. Must have good ring masters!

 Finale of stunts

 Taa-daaaa!!

Woo hoo, King Cole!

Grandma loved the Magic Circus.

Snow delay - morning fun!

This morning schools were delayed due to a little bit of snow that fell last night. Although it didn't really amount to much, the boys wanted to go out and experience it before going to school. It was definitely burr chilly cold! Couldn't stay out for long!

 Mr. Fashion

 Trying to make a snowball

A little snow doesn't stop a dump truck.....or Cole!

 The world ALWAYS comes back to running with dump trucks. 

Power line fun

Getting ready for.......Eli & Cole's Magic Circus

The boys went to a Magic show for New Year's Eve and have been practicing their magic tricks and circus performance ever since. They put on a show for Tim & I and it was hilarious!! Now they're getting prepared for another performance this weekend - excited to put on a show for Grandma C! This time, they're ready with signs and we've been working on our list of magic tricks and circus stunts. Should be an awesome show!

Eli & Cole's Magic Circus

They did an awesome job coloring their sign. 

Beware of (stuffed) Animals!

Counting their money

This morning, the boys spent some time counting their quarters. I've started "rewarding" (aka "bribing") then to stay in their beds all night - a quarter a night. They love to show up at our bedside in the middle of the night looking for someone to snuggle with them. As you can see, Eli has been doing much better than Cole but Cole doesn't seem to mind. They re-count their money every time they get another quarter and are anxiously awaiting when we take them to buy something. No "Parent-of-the-Year" award here for this reward system but hey, you do what you've got to do!!

Bikes, Scooters and Dr. Mom

A lot of bike and scooter riding these days, especially with the gorgeous warm January weather. The boys are turning into little dare devils and with their invincible nature and unbelievable courage, there have been some some crashes, cuts, bumps and the need for Dr. Mom. Eli tries stunts on his bike - like heel clickers over the handlebars - and all kinds of crazy stuff on his scooter. Cole is a wild downhill rider. He loves riding the Strider bike down our driveway, into the road as fast as possible, swoopy turn and down the ditch as fast as possible. And they both love every minute of it! My Neosporin wound cleanser, ointment and band-aids are getting a workout. 

1st injury - scooter wipe out

Bandaged up, all better

and off again.....pain is short lived. 

Cole is getting really good with his balance. 

Hey Silly!

Oh my gosh, Cole looks so big here. 

Puddle stomping.

Daddy loves getting in on the action - Cruiser bike style!

Ahhh, my little biker taking a "nature break".

2nd injury - Cole wiped out on his bike. 

Throwing that pitiful look at me. 

All better with a big band-aid just like Eli.