Major Flashback!

 Matt took this picture of Oliver at the table the other day.  I wondered to myself, where does this attitude come from?!  How can a child be so sweet and sassy at the same time...

...and then I came across this ancient photo of myself at his age.  It's amazing how children have a way of bringing you back to your own childhood.

 My children's innocence reminds me that we were all once that pure, and sweet, and sassy.  In God's eyes we are all his children, therefore his love is unconditional.  Much like the love only a mother can have for her babies. 

  I love you mom.  Thanks for loving me and thanks for the ride.

Night at the zoo

A conversation with Oliver at the Zoo:

Me:  Hey Oliver, look at that goat's big tummy, it has a baby inside!
Oliver:  Did it eat it?
Me:  Nope it's just...there.
Oliver:  Do you have a baby in your tummy?
Me:  Gosh I sure hope not.
Oliver:  Do you have a goat in your tummy?
Me:  Quite positive that I don't.  Only goats have baby goats.  Remember when Hazel was in my tummy?
Oliver:  Did she come out of your mouth?
Me:  (Not ready to have this conversation with my 3 yr old)  Uhhhh....she just...came out.  (Making a wide sweeping motion with my hands).  Do you want some ice cream?!
Oliver:  Oooooo ice cream!!

 Miss Hazel's first carousel ride

Fun foot massager...

Not so fun foot massager.

Happy 4th of July

We had a great time at the Tosa parade.  The kids are finally at the age where they can enjoy these kinds of events, even if it was 100 degrees out.  The fire truck and race cars were a bit hit with Oliver.

 Hazel and her friend Gabby had the same shirt.  Too cute!

Wheatley summer 2012

  I think this years photos are exceptionally adorable.  Having said that, I'm so glad we only have to do this once a year!  Any mom can attest to the fact that picture day is incredibly stressful.  It is always worth the hassle though.

 

Fun with Grandma Tina

What could be funner than spending a beautiful day at the zoo?

"Elephant!!"

My favorite place at the zoo is by the lake.  So beautiful and peaceful.

 I was looking at Hazel's face through the view finder on the back of the camera, only her face was in the frame so I couldn't figure out why she was making such a stink face... until I put the camera down and she went to put the geese poop in her mouth!

The only age where this look is even remotely attractive.  Got to love that belly!

Funny stuff

Oliver and Hazel had their very first conversation today.  They were sitting by each other on the couch.  Oliver was holding a train track.  Hazel leans over and says:
Hazel:  whadat? (what's that)
Oliver:  A train track
Hazel:  Whadat?
Oliver:  A train track 
Hazel:  WHADAT?
Oliver:  A TRAIN TRACK!
 
This went on for about five minutes.

Over the weekend we were at the mall walking around when we stumble across a giant squirrel (a human in a ridiculous costume working for Buddy Squirrel Candies).  Oliver screams, covers his eyes, and says "it too scary!".  Matt looks down at him and says "Maybe that giant squirrel can find you a set of nuts".  I was laughing so hard I nearly sprayed diet coke out my nose.  Dadds say the darndest things.

I want

So very excited for this Riley Blake fabric to come out!  It's like a retro version of my kids...except these kids aren't destroying my house. 

More fun randoms...

 A few weekends back I made a "fortress" in the living room for the kids to play in.  Who knew it would be such a hit.  We spent a good part of the day filling the fortress with pillows and blankets.  Then we had snacks and took pictures.  Such a fun memory.

 Hazel even found her button.

 Now that it's getting hot out, the kids like to spend more time in the basement in the playroom/ lady lounge.  I can't believe Hazel is big enough for a big girl chair and piggy tails!

 She was able to get some time in with her doll house and ponies when Oliver wasn't looking (those are his current favorite toys). 

 We watched Jack the other day.  He was so cute with Hazel.  Their date started out chaperoned but they ended up snuggling on the couch anyway.  Kids.

 Reading time with Daddy.  So grateful my kids have a dad who is involved in their lives.  Something a lot of kids don't have.

Some random happy moments

 Oliver loves his daily art time.  I love how serious he is about it.  He is such an intense child.  I look forward to seeing what he develops into as an adult. 

 Miss Hazel is finally figuring out that crayons are not only delicious but also useful for self expression.

 All she really wanted to do was eat Oliver's paint. 

 Two of Hazel's favorite things: avoiding walking at all costs and dryer sheets.

 My little prince

...and my sweet angel.