Living with Twin Three-Nagers

Dealing with a toddler in the THREE year-old-age range can sometimes be challenging.  I have heard parents using the term "three-nager" to describe their spunky toddler and liken their behaviors to those of the dreaded teenage years.  Like anyone that has ever had a three-year-old knows, life is pretty interesting when you live with these beings of three years.  It is crazy.  Chaotic.  Demanding. Unpredictable.  Exhausting.   Exhilarating.  Hilarious.  Ridiculous.  Trying.  Fun.  Draining. Humbling.  Rewarding.  Sanity-Stealing.  But one thing it is not--boring.

This picture was taken 10 minutes after "nap" time had started.  Three year olds are free spirits.  They are really into nudity.  And add in jumping on the bed?  Pretty much their idea of a really fun time. 

Three-nagers have their own sense of style.  They have a deep desire to be independent, to dress themselves, and to do just as they please.  They do not understand the difference between playing dress up at home and getting dressed to go out of the house.

This was how Rhys dressed herself before we went to run errands one day.  I swear another mom at Target (also with a three-nager in tow) gave me that understanding head nod that us moms need sometimes.  If you have never lived with a three year old, don't judge.  Just go with it.  Today I went to the bank with Elsa and a firefighter ninja.  Sadly, I have no picture to report.

Flip flops in January because your big toe told you it was not cold?  Sure, three-nager, just get in the car.

Here is a bunny that needed to go to HEB to buy some carrots.  True story.

When three-nagers get an idea, it is very difficult to persuade them otherwise.  Why, yes there is a shopping cart full of baby stuff in the truck heading to Home Depot.

I was told there was a "bad storm" coming.  I did not argue.

Rhett saw that daddy was watching football and insisted that the Aggies were winning and he needed to wear his Aggie clothes.  We tried to tell him that it was a different team called the Cowboys that was playing.  Guess who won that argument.

Three-nagers do not keep a neat room.  And can destroy any space in about 8 seconds.

Not even sure what to say about this one.  Let's just say this "game" went on for a solid 10 minutes.

You might buy your three-nager a nice, "big kid" bed, but they will sleep on the floor 50% of the time anyway.

These three-nagers are creative little dudes.  A baseball bat can easily double as a telescope.

They are moody.  You never know which emotion will pop up at any given second.  Here is Rhys crying because I painted her nails.....after she asked me to paint her nails.

I'm not even sure why Rhett was crying here but I can tell you that I only take pictures of crying kids when it is because of something funny.  And I included a crying picture of Rhys, so we need to keep it fair.

Even though these three-nagers are a lot of work, they sure are adorable.  They are loving, sweet, and so innocent.  I adore the smiles, laughs, hugs, and perspective they bring into our home.

Living life with twin three-nagers and learning how to LOVE life with them!

December Fun

We had such a fun, busy December!  Some of the highlights include:

*Decorating our tree!

Rhett mostly ran around while we put the ornaments on, but Tim did get him to contribute a little by putting him on his shoulders.

Rhys LOVED decorating the tree, and probably put on 75% of the ornaments herself.

And that 75% was on the bottom third of our tree.  Our tree did not look amazing, and had some bare spots, but it was just perfect to me.

After the tree was decorated, we continued our family tradition of hot chocolate.  Nothing like wearing shorts and drinking hot chocolate in December.

*Going Christmas shopping as a family.  We had to take a quick picture before we left because I am in love with these new shirts I bought the twins.  Aren't they cute?

Taking a break in Toys R Us so Rhett could help Rhys with her necklace.

*We made a Gingerbread House!  There was lots of tasting and licking going on.  Next year, I will make sure we do this at another time other than right before bedtime.  And I will make sure daddy is home.  There may have been some structural issues with our house.  :)

Here is Rhett with the side of the roof he decorated.

And Rhys with her side.

The finished product.

*Several families from our church went Christmas caroling at a nursing home.  The kids passed out treats while we walked the halls and sang.   I remember doing this as a kid and I am hoping this is a tradition we continue with our family.

*Crafts!  We did a lot of holiday crafts this year, but the kids really enjoyed painting these little ornaments I bought.

Look at the concentration!

We had such a fun December!  More posts coming up soon including Sea World, a trip to the Riverwalk, and of course Christmas!

Pancakes with Santa

Our church puts on an annual "Breakfast with Santa" event each December.   R&R thought it was so funny that they were wearing their pajamas up to the church building!

The pancake ("panpake") bar did not disappoint......gummy bears, M&Ms, chocolate syrup, whip cream, and all kinds of goodies.   

We were so excited that sweet friends Aiden and Adeline were able to join us again this year!

The kids checking out the fireplace!

R&R were not so sure about sitting on Santa's lap again.  There were several families in line in front of us, so they were able to see the routine.  Rhys noticed right away that there was a basket of candy canes that Santa was handing out after each visit and picture.  This was enough to keep her interest.

Aiden and Adeline took their pictures right before us, so before they got off Santa's lap, R&R joined in for a group picture.

Rhys was a little nervous, but did it.  She was so proud of herself.  Rhett asked Santa for a bear.  Yes, a live bear.  And Rhys asked for a baby.

Had a fun time with all of our church family and friends!  Thank you Northside Church of Christ for loving our kids so well and giving us fun memories!