King Cole and Buzz Eli

A little fun dress up last night....

King Cole

Buzz Eli

Rooms Re-Do (the start)

Tim hates when I get an idea. I think / ponder / google / pinterest / you name it, that idea. Then I set my plan in motion. Sometimes when it goes in motion, it's like a freefall back into orbit going so fast. Sometimes, it takes longer.

Last week I started pondering re-doing the boys bedrooms. That pondering led me to thinking / googling / pinteresting / etc. It also led me to Craigslist to look for bedroom furniture for Cole. Then the freefall back into orbit began! I looked Friday night, found an AMAZING mid century modern set, emailed back and forth with the lady on Saturday and we took it brought it home on Sunday! We absolutely love it and think that Cole now has the coolest furniture in the house. The set included a dresser + mirror, chest of drawers, nightstand and headboard / footboard / rails. We opted not to put up the bed at this time as it was a lot of wood in his little room but will save it for later. I have another bed idea brewing (another Craigslist find yesterday). I have ordered him bedding and have a paint scheme in mind. I had to promise Tim that I'd wait until after Christmas for the painting. For Eli's room, I found some fun plaid bedding and we took the car stickers off his wall. We'll paint different shades of blue and I have some great posters / artwork planned. I'm fairly sure anyone can guess his theme but you'll have to wait to see it when we're done.

Awesome 8 drawer dresser with attached mirror.

5 drawer chest plus a cool 2 drawer with a top open shelf nightstand. It's perfect!!

Eli's new plaid bedding and wall minus the stickers. Need to paint the walls a navy tone. Stay tuned!!

Christmas Parade!

We ventured downtown yesterday to take the boys to the Christmas parade. We took Eli 3 years ago (pre-Cole era) and thought that we could handle going again. They're getting easier to handle being out.....well sometimes! We lucked up and got a great spot in amongst some families. We gave the boys freedom in front of us and they had fun with the other kids. The parents all kept an eye out and thankfully no one ran out into the parade! Eli and Cole had so much fun and keep talking about their favorite parts. They both loved all the bands and were dancing away to the music. By the end of the parade (over 2 hours!), they were tired little boys. The only naps they took for the day were driving so that made the evening a long one with lots of crankiness. It was totally worth it though. Here are some pictures of their favorite things.

Waiting and looking for the start of the parade.

Broughton High School band - one of many bands. They're actually playing in a Bowl game, I think it's the Rose Bowl!

Happy brothers.

They were SO excited to see the Lizard Lick Towing monster truck.

The group of BMX riders was fun.

Lots of cool stunts.

Eli keeps asking about the storm troopers. He thought they were really neat. And, if you don't know, storm troopers fight storms. That's what Eli told me. =)

The MONSTER shopping cart. Loved it!

Cool truck with flames.

Monster car with spinner wheels. Seriously!

Jump rope group.

Eli thought the double dutch and "jump flips" were cool. So did I! I told Tim that I used to be in the Kangaroo Club in school. He laughed at me.

Cole just chillin' in his chair.

Animal Balloon! I've never seen a balloon in person at a parade.

Scotty McCreery

I have to admit that I didn't watch American Idol but you'd have to live in a cave not to know who he is. I do love some country music!

The boys loved the little ponies. Thankfully no request to get one....yet.

World's Biggest Gummy Bear. This was hilarious because Tim & I had just watched 'Modern Marvels' about the guy who makes these - right here in town!

Cole's upper level view.

Balloon from the Nutcracker. I can't imagine how I'd be at Macy's Parade!

Gotta love a crane!

Cole being silly. I think he was trying to stay awake.

We love tractors too!

On to Mommy's shoulders.

I just had to laugh at this. A giant inflatable toilet.

Quick family shot.

Another band. Looking out for Santa.

And there he is! What a fun parade!

Pilgrim Parties

Ok, I'm not sure if that is the exact name used at school now but today the boys had their parties at school for Thanksgiving. They each had a mini-Thanksgiving feast. Cole's room had turkey and fixin's. Eli's room had chicken nuggets and other yummies. Always great to have a party!

Cole, Cullen, Jack, Chloe and Wyatt.

Cole's party class. So calm.....for the moment!

Eli and his buds. They get to sit with the teacher. I'm certain that is not a coincidence!!

I just love this silly shot.

Cole and his best buds - Wyatt and Cullen. Such cute boys!

Outside fun

Today we had a great day of outside fun. We started the morning with a hike to Umstead. The boys hiked the entire way and had a lot of fun playing in nature. Then after naps, they enjoyed more outside time playing in the leaves as Tim raked them up. Silly boys!

Bundled up, headed to Umstead

Cutie Cole, ready to be there.

My hiking boys. They're getting so big!

Trail guide

Mommy's boys

Eli shared his trekking poles with Cole. They each walked with one.

Daddy and Eli explored all the signs and checked out the trees.

Trail leader

Eli was happy to wear his boots. First time hiking in them (thanks cousins!!).

Cole doesn't look happy here but he really was.

All my boys. Love them.

Cuteness.

Exploring the BIG rocks.

Cole thinks he is as big as Eli. Daddy had to climb up to help / protect.

Hi Cole!!

On top of Rock Mountain.

Hiding space.

Our little hiker stopping for a snack.

Love this toothy grin.

Family self portrait - testing out the timer. Loved it!

Mommy & Daddy self portrait out on the trail.

Almost back to the truck, Cole decided to take a break in the middle of the trail.

Playing in Daddy's leaves.

Covering up their dump trucks and then breaking them free.

Where's the dump truck?

Such happy boys.

My beautiful leaf bouquet that Eli collected for me.