Who can get the most?

You can tell its close to the end of summer and fall is about to be upon us. Why? Because of all the darn horse chestnuts we have in our front yard. Unfortunately, the squirrels and the chipmunks don't like them either which leaves us to picking them up. With all the things that I have to do in the house, that's just one more thing for me to do outside. So one day after dinner, I decided we should play a game. Who can pick up the most horse chestnuts? I handed both boys a bucket that they had not played with in awhile and said, "Ready? Set? Go!" And would you believe that we had those suckers picked up in less than 15 minutes? We liked that game!

Where are you bir-bird?

For the past couple weeks we've all taken a liking to watching our little hummingbirds visit our feeders by the bay window. It's almost a relaxer of sorts sitting quietly still while our little visitor sips his drink and then buzzes away as fast as he appeared. One morning after breakfast, BBZ was insistent on pulling up a chair to wait for our feathered friend. Unfortunately our friend is a little shy, but he did greet us again at dinnertime.

A nice cold one for everyone!

So its been four weeks now since I started my little Sunday tradition of taking the boys to the track with me to go running. LMA has been a super biker and BBZ, well, he continues to throw things out of the stroller while I am running. But the best thing?? A nice cold coconut frappicino from Starbucks! For everyone!! Now who wouldn't want to go running with me?

Another one found!

I absolutely love the fact that we have been able to find new parks around in our neighborhood. And I blame it on this app: Playgrounds! We have been able to find three new parks in our area and then when I happened to be picking up something at a Freecycle house, we found another one. This one happened to have a friendly face that we've seen before at Aunt Wendy and Uncle Carl's! LMZ was super excited and couldn't wait to share the news to everyone! Hopefully we'll continue our little hunt for new and exciting places to play.

It's potty time

**I apologize in advance if you take this picture offensive, but that's what you get for stopping by here.**

We knew this time would be coming sooner or later. It's time to start getting BBZ on the potty. He's already telling me when he goes #2, most of the time, so that's a start. But when I found this Froggy Potty on Freecycle I knew it was time to start. Now when I say start, it's basically telling BBZ, "This is a potty." His reply? Oh a step stool! This one might take a while too. But hopefully with the help of LMA you never know.

Just alike

The other day I downloaded an app onto my iPod that mapped out local playgrounds and parks. Some we had ventured to before, but others I had no idea that they were there. This particular day I found one right behind our local elementary school. The boys had fun climbing on two different playgrounds and then copping a squat in the grass for a snack. The "inflight movie/entertainment"? Watching the John Deere tractor go around the field.

Time together

Every once in awhile, and they are usually few and far between, the boys play nicely. This particular day, LMA was showing BBZ his Nintendo DS. After this, they argues over who was playing with the firetruck next. Ugh!

Reset Button

Every once in awhile, especially on days that he wakes up at 0630, LMA needs what I like to call a "Reset Button". It's good to know that he can and will still take naps. Of course I can't let him sleep too long or he doesn't go to sleep at night right away and the cycle starts all over again.

Can't be comfortable

I'm pretty sure the title says it all about this post. But what does this really say about my child? Sometimes he's just outright silly.

Still going...

So this blog IS suppose to be about me, so I thought I would throw one out today that at least included me in the picture. Sort of. Last week after everyone in the house was awaken by LMA at 0630 I needed to get out of the house. Not being able to take the kids to the gym to at least get my blood pumping, I decided to hit the track. I brought LMA's bike along, even though he decided to sit on the side lines for the 30 minutes that I was running. Today was a different story. He was racing me for the first few laps, then would take a rest. Afterwards, we all stretched our legs and headed to the Farmer's Market. It was a nice start to our day.

Monkey See, Monkey Do

For awhile it seemed as though LMA was the one that was copying BBZ and following him around in desperation to get him to play. Now I see that BBZ was just watching LMA from a distance. They both sit at the table across from each other and peak under the table. They both love to sit and thumb through the books for several minutes. And clearly, they just love each other.

Just try

I signed LMA up for swimming lessons this month and next. Thankfully this year he was able to become more comfortable with moving around in the big pool. Partly because he realized this year that he had grown quite a bit from last year and was able to move around with his head way above the water level. That being said, he still would slip and disappear below the surface and come up terrified-looking. But he would always go back in for more which was encouraging to see. So when I signed him up for lessons so he could be MORE comfortable, like going under water on purpose, floating on his back, and blowing bubbles in the water, he was a little skeptical. Thankfully, he's started taking steps to putting himself under water. Maybe by next month he'll get it, but even if he doesn't he'll get it sooner or later.

Poster Child

So it turns out BBA likes Chick Fil-A. I mean, what's not to like about Chick Fil-A? You get a good nutritious meal with fruit, veggies, and chicken. You get to play, run, and climb around after you eat. And, if you are really lucky, you get an ice cream cone or share a milkshake. Or in BBZ's case, have a milkshake. This child should really be a poster child for Chick Fil-A.

My little princes

We took the boys to B&O Railroad Museum, BBZ's first visit. He was just as excited the first time LMA went here. And wouldn't be with all the trains, even in the parking lot! For Toddler Time each child was able to make and design their own crown. Little Man wanted him to be the King and Daddy and BBZ be the prince. Either way it didn't last long after this shot because the heat and humidity that day made the foam crown leave a red ring around his forehead. Thankfully it was gone the next day.

What's not to love?

I love the way this photo came out. We had taken a Harbor Riverboat Cruise in D.C. with Gramma and Pop-pop and afterwards found a nice shady spot to have a picnic. The boys of course after they finish, needed to go wander. Don't let their innocent faces deceive you though. They are a handful.

Time for a change

Wow, didn't realize it had been over a month since my last picture of the day entry. Lately, I've been adding more entries into Facebook than I have here in Blogger-land. Mainly because I have an automatic update button from iphoto... and not to mention the Facebook app on my iPod. So when I stopped by to add some entries for those of you who do not follow me on Facebook, I decided this ho-hum blog design needed a facelift.

Voila! I think it's whimsical, fun, and exciting. Not to mention it has purple in it to complement the orange background, which Little Man loves the color purple.

Hopefully, I'll be able to go back to entering a picture of the day. Bear with me while I try.

Odd places

For whatever reason, BBZ loves to hang out in our dog, Maggie, crate. I have no idea why. Normally, I would shoo him out, but lately? Well, I just don't care anymore. I guess it's just an odd place to hang out, but he likes it all the same.

Military Fun

Last week, we took LMA out of school for the day to see the Andrews Air Force Base Air Show. Although it took us a little bit longer than expected to actually get to the air show field, it was a day filled with excitement. Ever since we went to Miramar Air Force Base Air Show in California last year, BBZ just LOVES airplanes. In fact, I'm pretty sure "WOW" was his first word there. Now, it's "Oh, Wow!" and "Airpane" (yes, that is spelled without an 'l' because that is how he says it). I was thinking of staying only until 1pm or naptime, but I thought if BBZ was really that tired, he could just fall asleep in his stroller. It wasn't until 3:30pm that he finally fell asleep and only for 30 minutes! We caught up with some school friends, walked around "Texas" for a bit, and sat in a few cockpits. We will definitely be going back next year if we are still in the area!

Two peas in a pod

Last week, when our next door neighbors brought in a crew to do some landscaping, little did they know that they would be giving my children pure entertainment. The first day, a little forklift delivered the rocks. The second day, the truck came with the men. The third day, construction began with a dump truck filled with larger rocks. The boys pulled up the chairs to the front bay window and stared in awe. For 30 minutes, they watched. Me? I was putting away laundry.

Picture perfect

Yes, BBZ continues to have an obsession with my shoes. Yes, he has no pants on. And yes, he is walking around with a firefighter's helmet on. Maybe he thinks my shoes are his boots and he just forgot to put his pants on before he went to fight the fire.

I did it!!

My first 5K race was this weekend. I still can't believe that I joined the running community, but I did it! I finished strong at 33:10, which happens to be my personal best! My good friends and their children were there to help support me and be my cheering squad. Without them, I literally would not have been able to be a part of this race (because who would have watched LMA and BBZ?)!

My turn!

Raising LMA I didn't have to worry too much about sharing. Not that I didn't teach him or that he experienced while visiting places like Gymboree, it's just that he knew everything was pretty much, well, his. With BBZ, it's a whole nother story! Thankfully, since I've been using words like, "share", "his turn", "next" he's getting used to the idea. But don't get me wrong, he still doesn't like it.

Shoes

Apparently, another fun thing to do in our house is walk around in Mommy's shoes. Oh, if only they knew how much "fun" it really is, I'm sure they would throw them off.

Good morning visitor

It's always fun to start the day off with a Good morning visitor. This one especially was exciting because BBZ LOVES turtles. I mean he says it everyday along with "Elmo" and it happens to be a word that he said for the first time while talking to Daddy on the computer. So when we walked out the door to go grocery shopping and spot this guy by the front door, both boys were thrilled! Don't let the picture fool you. BBZ was very excited, but still a little hesitant as well.

Just plain silly

After dinner is our silly time around here. I seem to remember saying the same thing when LMA was growing up. Well, this tradition has continued and frankly it's gotten sillier with two knuckleheads. Which, let me tell you, since doing this alone, this little part of my day has made it that much more bearable. These two were at it again this night and kept repeating Cheese since I had my iPod pointing at them. Soon after they would both run up to see the pic!

Odd spot, wouldn't you say?

Sometimes my boys find the weirdest spots to play. Like the front hall closet that has nothing but shoes on the bottom and coats up above. Alas, they love to close the door and hide inside in the dark. So when they found this play spot, well I guess I should have expected it. But, it's still weird.

Cheese!

BBZ has finally learned how to say "Cheese!!" for the camera. Considering this is all I do nowadays is take pictures of my boys, it's about time. Although I haven't been playing with my SLR, or at least had it handy, my trusty iPod is also on standby.

Are you ready for some football?

Although LMA has no interest in football, except when Daddy was home watching a Cowboys game, I signed him up for Flag Football. Part of it was also due to the fact that two other school friends were signing up and I thought it would be something fun for him to do. And keep him busy. The first practice didn't go over very well when I was in Cuba. Grandma barely made it halfway to the field before he turned and run back to the car. Now that he's gone a couple times with me, he's starting to enjoy it. But not because he understands, rather that he's running around with a bunch of friends. And you know what, that's all that matters.

Up the ladder

One great event was able to happen while we were in Cuba. Hubby was pinned First Lieutenant by the Commander ... and LMA. Courtesy of a military photographer, we were able to bring home images. Although the occasion was last minute, it was so great for both boys to be able to go to see exactly where Daddy works. Ok, not exactly, but just outside the gate.

All around the base is history and its nice to be able to share that with the boys. Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture of the plaque for this piece of history, but I made my own with this photo. Every day both boys seemed to take in every little piece of something new that this base had to offer. I would live here in an instant if the military moved us there. Alas, they will not because hubby is not active duty. Some people say certain places are made to vacation in only. For a week here and there and then you go home. I say, where ever your family is, is home. Even if it is in the Caribbean.

A great family photo

On top of John Paul Jones hill stands one of four windmills for the base. Here, is where I think, I captured a great family photo! Not only because you can see the base, the bay, and the island in the distance, but, well. Lets face it. I look great after 15 weeks of working out!

Carl, this one is for you courtesy of hubby.

Another fun one

Preparedness for hurricane season was in full effect while we were there with the family. So just to show that we too can be ready, because to be honest every time we heard a siren I didn't see anybody anywhere flinch in any general direction, we found a bunker. These are actually the ones that are close to the camps that we aren't allowed to talk about or even be near. Where we actually hide out in the event of an actual emergency? No idea.

We took a visit to the local library which was a nice relief in the middle of the afternoon sun. Thankfully it was loaded with huge stuffed animals to climb on, a pillow pit to jump into, and of course good books. But don't be fooled. It was a small library.

Look, it's Iggy!

With Iguana Crossings, "Don't Feed the Iguanas" signs, and a large reptile under each palm tree bobbing his head to claim his territory you would have thought these guys were pets. And boy can these suckers move for some food. Oops. Wasn't suppose to say that.

Our first full day

Our first full day in Cuba was so much fun. It started at the beach for the entire morning until lunch. Apparently the beach was way too much fun for BBZ because he passed out in the car on the way home. Next time we knew better to bring lunch so he could pass out and be fine. The post has a playground on practically every corner and visited each one of them by the end of the week, but we definitely had our favorites. Then after dinner, we got to watch GITMO fire department in action put out a dumpster fire. Followed by chocolate popsicles dripping down each boys' arms from the heat made for some peaceful children come bedtime.

Welcome to Cuba Part 2

The road to Cuba was a very long one. We stayed near the Baltimore Airport the night prior because we needed to be there at 4am, 2 hours prior to the flight to fly Space Available with the military. LMA got sick on both flights and we still don't know why. He was fine 6 months previous when we flew across country to California. Either way, when we finally made it to Cuba it was like a breathe of fresh air for us. I think our family needs to be near the water, the ocean in particular. We crossed the bay and begin our family Cuba Adventure.

Oh, WoW!

Since we'd be in Cuba Easter Sunday, we celebrated with an egg hunt a few days early. Once BBZ learned there were jelly beans and other assorted candies in each of the plastic eggs, all bets were off. LMA was a great big brother helping him out in addition to stacking up his own stash.

No more curls!

As pictured, BBZ was NOT thrilled with his first haircut. Daddy and LMA were on either side of him, but he still didn't care. And unfortunately I had to pick the Korean Barber shop to get his first haircut done where they try to be perfectionists. Which is fine for hubby and his military crew cut or LMA who is a pro now, but not for the first haircut. Don't worry. After the lollipop he forgot all about it.

Daddy's Home!

LMA was SO excited to finally have Daddy home. The week home went by so fast, filled with lots of playing. All instructed and directed by LMA. Daddy had to adjust to having an 18 month old and a 4 year old all at once. Needless to say, LMA wanted Daddy all to himself. It took a few days of testing from LMA to see if Daddy was still Daddy who told him what to do or if he was just another playmate. Daddy passed with flying colors.

Let's Go Home

Although the week in Cuba by myself with hubby was relaxing, it was also very .... quiet. Hubby had to work the entire week (so he could take 2 full weeks with the family), so there were times in his house that it was deafeningly quiet. When I tried to put the tv on or play my ipod it was almost as if it was too loud. I was too far from the beach to walk there every day, so I got to work on my tan in the backyard. So, after a week long adventure hanging out by myself with hubby, I brought him home to see the kiddos.

A night run

My third run on the island, I decided to try it at night. Mainly because hubby wanted to do a nighttime scuba dive so I had nothing better to do. No where else in the world will you be more afraid of being attacked by Banana Rats and Turkey Vultures rather than being attacked by a human being.

Proof

Just in case you wanted actual proof that I was actually in Cuba, here's the local temp at 1:30pm. Oh and notice the Commanding Officer. Captain Kirk. Enough said.

Sweet Parking Spot

No where else will you EVER find a parking spot like this one. Right in the front of the Officer's Club at GITMO, 2nd LT spot. Unfortunately 2 weeks after this picture was taken, hubby was promoted to 1LT. Actually that's FORTUNATELY!