Thursday, October 31, 2013

Pumpkin Patch 2013

Because Halloween day isn't crazy enough, we decided that we needed to visit a pumpkin patch this evening since A)most pumpkin patches close down on Halloween; B)it WAS Halloween day; C)this slacker mom hadn't gotten us to a pumpkin patch for pictures sooner; and D)sometimes we just do things the hard way. 

As those of you with toddlers know, the key to a successful photo shoot is to keep your expectations low.   Tim did a great job, though, and the pictures he took today were far better than I imagined!


Surprising, we weren't the only people who waited until the last day possible to take pictures at the patch, and there were several families there.  As soon as we walked up, we saw a little girl dressed as Little Red Riding Hood and her dad had on a scary "Big Bad Wolf" mask.  Rhys started freaking out and wanted me to hold her.  At this point, I was doubtful that we would get a single picture of Rhys, so Tim started taking pictures of Rhett.  Here are a few of my favorites:




The Big Bad Wolf left but Rhys was still not interested in posing.  We tried everything to get her to relax, but this is what happened:





So then I pulled out the snack size Skittles I had strategically placed in my pocket.  The Skittles, along with constant confirmation that the wolf had left the pumpkin patch, and Rhys finally decided to join in on the fun!






The kids were so cute and Rhett kept "hugging" the big pumpkins.  This picture will always remind me of the hugging that was going on.


So, maybe I did bribe them with Skittles, but hey, it worked.




And because I know you are wondering...



Wednesday, October 30, 2013

2.5

How in the world did I blink and my babies become 2.5 years old?  And I can't believe almost 2 months has gone by since my last post.  I guess I blinked twice.

We have been busy...with TWO two-and-a-half year olds, I find myself pretty exhausted at the end of the day and not very motivated to get on the computer to blog.  Today I was watching R&R talk to each other and it hit me just how fast they are growing up.  I don't want to forget these memories.


The twins seem to play together more and more.  Sometimes I am amazed at how well they communicate, share, and enjoy each other.



It's not always like that, though.  There is a lot of this going on too...


They are now tall enough (and smart enough) to reach things off my counter tops.  I have to really pay attention to what I have out.  Here R&R are helping themselves to some pretzels.  

Their language development has just continued to amaze me!  It is crazy to me that just a few months ago they were both receiving speech therapy services.  Now we can't get them to stop talking!


They really like going to HEB, which they refer to as "ABCD."  Once I tell them we are going to grocery shopping, the whole car ride there is spent discussing the type of basket we will get to ride in once we arrive at the store.  They beg me to get the "car cart."  If you have read my previous blogs, you know that I have a love/hate relationship with this cart.  I think it would be pretty fair to say that they are obsessed with the car cart.


Rain is very exciting.  We have to touch it!  And sometimes we even play in it.


Lots of snuggles and hugs between these two, especially in the early mornings.


They are both really into wearing their sunglasses, "like daddy," they say.  Rhys almost always has hers on if we leave the house.  She would actually wear them in the house if I would let her, but after losing several pair, we have decided that they should always stay in the van.


We spend a lot of our time outdoors these days, especially now that the weather is cooling off.  Both Rhett and Rhys love to play outside and I am so thankful since Tim and I also enjoy being outdoors.


We had a fun day at the zoo complete with a ride on the train!


Parks are always a big hit!  Here we go with the sunglasses again.


"Hiking" with daddy.

Feeding the ducks!

 Working on balancing at the neighborhood play ground!  Rhys started walking on this beam and Rhett followed.  I had to take a picture because I wanted to remember that she is usually the "leader" and he is usually the "follower."



Rhett is so very affectionate, and is always trying to love on and hug Rhys.  She doesn't always accept his love, but when she does it is so very sweet.


Both R&R love to paint and "do crafts" as Rhett would say.


Anyone that knows R&R will agree that these kids love to eat!  At 2.5 years old, Rhys' favorite foods are blackberries, edamame, cheese, meat, bread, broccoli ("wokky"), cucumbers (she calls them pickles), walnuts, and anything sweet!  Rhett loves hot dogs, all fruits and veggies, avocado ("cado") and he really loves those waffle fries from Chick-fil-a!


A little bit about Rhys...

She loves her pink Converse shoes and prefers to wear them every day.


She is becoming quite the little mommy and loves taking care of her babies.  Here she is changing diapers.  Notice she has twins.  Ha!


We always joke that Rhys is a little hoarder!  She is usually seen with one (or more) bags, purses, containers, etc.  She will stuff as much stuff as she can get into these things and carry them around.  When she naps or goes to bed, her bags sit next to her bed for safe keeping, I suppose.  Here she is with all of her "stuff" loaded onto the front of her cozy coupe!


She also loves to play in her kitchen.  She makes me coffee often.


Hoarding again.  Filling up the shopping cart and a backpack with her treasurers.


She definitely has an opinion on what she should wear.  Wow.  You know that saying "pick your battles?"  Well, let's just say that I am really good at following through with that.  Rhys wore this exact outfit to Walmart....2 days in a row.


She dressed herself again.  This time she matches! (notice she has Piggy and a purse!)


She still carries Pig around everywhere.  Baa sometimes gets to join.  She also has a favorite baby doll named Zoe.


She is all girl.  Drama and all.


Rhys is very cautious and uncertain in new surroundings.  She usually gets very scared and anxious when we arrive somewhere and wants me to hold her.  We have visited this petting farm area at the zoo multiple times.  This was the first time she attempted to brush a pig by herself.  I think she was scared, but I was so proud of her for trying.


Hoarding.

She loves loves loves to help me clean.


Rhys also loves to work independently.  She likes to sit and do little activities by herself or with me.  Here she is sorting out golf tees.  She likes all items that are tiny and that she can put in and take out of containers, bags, etc.  She also enjoys coloring.


Did I mention that Rhys loves to eat?


Rhys is a girly girl.  She prances on her toes when she runs.  She is full of giggles.  She loves dresses.  Pink and purple are her favorite colors.  She reminds me to put a bow on her if I forget.


She is usually seen pushing around a shopping cart and/or a baby stroller.  She can maneuver both at the same time like a seasoned mother of multiples.


Rhys has a great memory and reminds me of things I said weeks ago.  I have to be careful of what I tell her we will do...she definitely holds me to it! (Like the time I said she could get a cup of ice water at Sonic the next time we drove by...)


She always wants to accessorize, and needs her purses.  Here she is with 3 purses and her Piggy.  All ready to head out to the playground.  Love this little girl!


And now moving on to my little man...


He sure does spend a lot of time building with his blocks.


And I'm pretty sure Rhett would live outside if we would let him!  He is always climbing, running, and jumping on things.  I turned around one day at the playground and saw him doing this...and almost had a heart attack!


He is not scared of anything, and loves to try new things.


Rhett really likes to play trains.  This is one thing he actually prefers to play with by himself.  


He also loves to play with and line up his cars.



Rhett loves to eat hot dogs, and likes to wear hats!  I love this picture!  He made this giraffe hat one morning at MOPS and wore it every day for a week after that.



I love his silly side and deep, contagious laugh.  He is also the best snuggler!


Several months ago, Rhett would have never wanted to get his hands dirty while painting, but now enjoys it!  I know his occupational therapist would be so proud!


My handsome little dude!


Working like daddy...

Rhett enjoys reading books...when he is the one reading!  He does not ever stop talking and pointing out things when I read to him.  He just gets louder and louder until I stop reading and listen to him.



Rhett is such a typical boy....loud, always running, jumping, climbing, tackling things (and his sister!), playing cars and trains, and destroying things.  But he also has a very sweet side as well.  He frequently plays dolls, too.  One day after I put the kids to nap, I found Rhett's doll all tucked in with a paci, a blanket, and Rhett's water bottle.


It's time for you to all meet Rhett's new love...Tiff.  Yes, that's right.  Rhett named his baby doll Tiff.  We are not sure where this name came from, but we are going with it.


Tiff went to the zoo with us a couple weeks ago!





So very proud of how far this little guy has come and love him so much!


We are blessed!