April 2015: In Rewind

Things are really flying by with all of our spring activities! In April, Riley started softball and soccer (in addition to Brava). Harper had gymnastics every Friday. We planted our vegetable garden. This year we have tomatoes, banana peppers, jalapenos, peas, green beans, green onions, asparagus, strawberries, and cucumbers. We bought a bike trailer and Brett took the kids for a ride. We flew kites on a beautiful Sunday night. Harper and Cole planted a butterfly garden in the back yard. I chaperoned Riley's field trip to the Science Center. Brett played his first of several planned golf tournaments. Cole and I joined Harper at the Waukee library for her field trip. Riley is officially on the count down to the end of the year. Less than 3 weeks left. Harp has two weeks left! Cole had two molars come in. Wow! So much going on and so much to look forward to over the next few months!

Cole Carlson: 2 Years, 4 Months

Cole buddy is growing so fast! Here is what he's been up to:

*He is a lover, but definitely has a temper. He loves everyone, unless you take one of his toys or try to get him dressed...or change his diaper.
* He gives the best hugs. Full embrace around the neck, usually with a kiss. 💋
* He is a sports enthusiast, unless we are watching one of Riley's games. He loves hockey and golf the most. Really he loves anything he can swing or throw.
* he still struggles with eczema on his legs. We can't seem to get did of it completely. He also was recently diagnosed with seasonal allergies.
* He weighed in at 23 pounds, fully clothed, at his last doctor appointment. He is a pipsqueak, but he makes up for it in personality.
* He is so energetic! I swear he talks with exclamation points. !!!! My favorite line is: Yeah, Sure! This is his answer for most things.
* he is still wearing a size 5/6 shoe. He is in size 2t clothes. Since we have had a few warm days he has worn some of last summer's shorts (including a size 9-12 month shorts).
* He loves lip gloss. We can thank Harper for this.
* He also has a love for gum. He will usually spit it out when he's done, but I'm sure he's swallowed his fair share of gum.
* His number one request: Candy!! Number 2: popcorn!!

Easter 2015

We had a great time celebrating Easter this year. The kids were spoiled with dying eggs twice, 3 egg hunts, and 4 Easter baskets. Lots of candy and fun!! Something new this year was a neighborhood egg hunt. A new neighbor organized the hunt with 4,000 eggs at our neighborhood park! The kids had a blast!

Spring Break 2015

We took the kids to Kansas City for a quick get away this year. We had plans to stay three nights at the CoCo Keys water park hotel and visit Lego Land, the aquarium, Science City, and the Kaleidoscope. In three short words this turned out to be the Trip From Hell! Bad hotel rooms (because we had to move from one bad room to another) coupled with whiny and misbehaved children cut our trip short.  The highlights were limited to our time at the aquarium and swimming in the hotel pool. The kids loved the slides at CoCo Keys, but it was overcrowded and a bit of a bad experience overall. Lowlights: bugs, cigarettes, hair, underwear, and bad housekeeping at the hotel. Plus, our whiny kids. We were so happy to be home after two days. ☺

Cole Carlson: One Year, Three Months

Wow! Cole is another month older. Although he is a bit a shrimp in size, he is learning amd growing so much! He has a big personality in a tiny body. He is sweet, smart, and a bit mischievous too. Here's what hes been up to:

~ He is a whopping 23 pounds. He is slow to grow, but his charm and wit make up for it.
~ He still loves hockey. So much that he watches you tube videos and we have recorded games on TV.
~ He loves his sleep sacks still. We aren't sure how we are going t o get those away from him.
~ he is still in his crib and has yet to attempt to climb out. In fact, we haven't even moved the mattress to the lowest setting yet.
~ he hates getting his fingernails trimmed and it is always a fight.
~ he dances when he hears music.
~ he knows most of his colors and can count to 10 with help.
~ his vocabulary has exploded. He says the funniest things and always with exuberance!
~ he says YES! More than YEAH. He says "yeah. Sure. Sure. Sure." all the time. 

~ he has started writing on the walls. He has definitely paid close attention to Harper!

~he has been going pee on the potty. Almost every day before his bath. Im aimimg for a summer potty training week. I cant wait to be diaper free!

~ he is a lover and gives the best hugs. He grabs your face when he gives kisses.
~ he has the best manners. He is always saying "scuse me" and "bess you."

Overall, he is just the sweetest little boy!!

Sharks...By Riley Murphy

These little books are popping up around the house more and more...

Riley Plays Basketball

Riley has been playing basketball through the YMCA for the past month. She has two of her good friends from school on her team which has been fun for her. The first four weeks they mostly worked on skills and drills. Riley is a good little dribbler and shooter. Since they've started playing more games it gets funnier and funnier to watch. At some point the coach told her to keep her hands up and to stay with the person she is guarding. So she is in constant defensive mode, unless it is her turn to dribble the ball up the court. It is both hillarious and cringe-worthy! I may have laughed myself into tears last week! She seems to really love it and hopefully the coach will tell her sometime soon about offense.