Life with our Monkey...

Climbing on the shelf in the toy closet.
Wearing T Jay's shorts and tennis shoes. He loves wearing other peoples things.
Matthew's art work. There are probably 7 different places that he could have posed. We are going to have to paint over it because despite the fact that they are supposed to be washable, I can't get it off!
Do you think that I am giving him the okay for coloring on the walls by having him pose in front of his work?
Matthew and 1 tube of lip gloss. I think he missed a spot, yeah, the spot called his lips! Teach or not to teach, that is the question!
I promise I do watch my child, he is just really fast. Once I figure out and neutralize one set of tricks, he's on to something new! What a ride...

I am so excited!!!

I am getting so excited for the Olympics to begin! I have been counting down (thanks for your countdown widget, Maria) and it's almost here. I have gone through my TIVO and set it to record as much of the games as I could find. My favorite events are: Gymnastics (of course), swimming and diving, Kayaking, track and field and well, EVERYTHING!!
I get so excited, my heart pounds and I get nervous as the different events start, almost as if I am the one participating! Funny, huh? I even noticed my self kind of swaying in my seat in '04 as the swimmers rotated in their strokes! How would they compete with out me?! On Sunday I was showing my kids what the diving approach looks like. It was fun to watch them try it out. It turned into a "is this how they look when they are spinning" game though. I even had a dream where I was down on the field during the track events.
I hope I don't rot my eyes out from all of the TV watching! I guess it's only every 2 years that an Olympics is on though, right!
One of my biggest dreams is to attend an Olympic games. Does anyone else feel overly motivated to be athletic during the games? I never run better!! Ha! Ha!

I think it's time...

For the past month or so, Matthew has been climbing out of his crib. At first it was only during nap times, and I would go and put him back in his bed once he fell asleep. Yes, I lock his door until he is asleep-gasp! I think the dark deterred him at night time, but he has since overcome this and has started climbing into bed with T. Jay after he's done playing around and decides that he is tired after all. Sometimes he will even swipe T. Jay's blanket and cover himself up. I guess it's time for a big boy bed.

Visit from Chris and Fam!

My brother Chris came to visit with his wife and baby Caevin. We had a ton of fun with them. This is Matthew and Caevin at the community pool. Cute boys, huh?!
All of the kids, especially Summer had a great time holding Caevin and playing with him.
We went to the beach A LOT while they were here. We have scoped out even more fun beaches now.
Chris, Brittany and sleeping Caevin on the sidewalk dock by the historic downtown.
Doesn't that look yummy? We went out for seafood, and this was our appetizer. It was so good. Mostly it's smoked salmon with other goodies.

On the sidewalk dock.
We played Putt Putt. The boys are trying to figure out the best way to look good in front of us girls!
More swimming on the patio.
Summer enjoyed so much water that we are now treating a severe case of swimmer's ear. She has been up at least 5 times two nights in a row now. Yes, I'm tired! No swimming for a week-geez, what are we going to do in this heat?
For their last night here, we grilled fish, had scallops and made pina colodas. It was a great way to end a great trip! Thanks for coming guys!

Easier Said than Done!

I made some yummy peppermint brownies the other night. I don't know why I did it, because I have no self control when they are in the house. I told Jess that he had to eat what he wanted last night because I was throwing the rest out. This morning, T. Jay asked me if he could have a brownie. I told him that we didn't have them anymore. He asked me why and I told him that I couldn't stop myself from eating them and I kept getting a tummy ache from eating too much so I threw them away. He said, "ya know Mom, eating one a day isn't going to make your tummy hurt."
I am such a hypocrite! :) I only allow my kids to eat one treat each day, if that, I make them eat lots of veggies and drink enough water and talk to them about foods that are healthy. Now to make myself do as I say and not as I do...

loose tooth

T Jay has had a loose tooth for over a month. I told him that we needed to pull it out because I was afraid he might swallow or choke on it. His adult tooth is already nearly in behind this poor cliff hanger of a tooth. He was hysterical at the idea of me pulling it out, but fine with doing it himself. After about 9 tries and the occasional "it'll probably take 3 more tries" he pulled it out! He was very pleased with himself and eager to put the whole Tooth Fairy thing into action!
He has been walking around all morning with his loot in hand. He took me up to his pillow to show me that it was indeed empty under his pillow. I said, "boy the Tooth Fairy must be pretty sneaky." And T Jay said, "or she probably has a magic wand so that she doesn't wake the kids up." Yep, your probably right T. Jay. That makes much more sense!

Speed Racer

Summer's new bike from Kelli Melin on Vimeo.
Summer got a new bike this weekend, so my kitchen turned into a race track! Just as an FYI, my kitchen counters always seem to get cluttered on Saturday evening and Sunday. A trip to Sam's club didn't help any. I have cleared them off, just not in time for this impromptu video. I am sure Jess didn't even noticed he was archiving our clutter. Oh well, I'm caught! What can I say!!!