sunday best

a rare photo of the kids before church

because we are usually running late

right after i took this shot, reese ripped out her bow,

took off her shoes, griffin had to go to the bathroom

and maddox set my keys down somewhere

and then we were late for church

Maddox time

Maddox doing what he loves best. Playing legos by HIMSELF. No one to bother him, steal the pieces he needs, no sharing, no worrying about pieces on the edge for Reese to reach, just free building. He can sit and do this for hours. Which means I love legos too.

And while he is doing this, and I'm in the kitchen, I'm sure Griffin and Reese are up to something. I will find a "collection" of stuff I'm sure of it. Just wait.

Bestest Friends

Griffin has always had an aversion to his bed. Ever since he moved from the crib to his "big boy" bed, he would find his way into someone else's bed (ahem...mine). Occasionally, he would try and climb into Maddox's bed, but that would usually turn into Maddox throwing a fit and Griffin right onto the floor. But, recently, Maddox has started actually inviting Griffin to lay next to him to look at books. FINALLY, they like each other. Okay, I know they have always loved each other, but they're finally starting to act like friends and get along. I love it.

Of course I had to throw in a picture of Reese sleeping too. I wish she would be able to get the hang of this thumb business. I know she wants it, but usually she can't quite get it. Maybe if I coat it with honey.......Kidding.

Cubs Club

Back in September, we started Maddox in Jiu Jitsu. It was a rough start (just about everything is), but he is doing awesome now. He goes twice a week and is in the Cubs Club at Impact Jiu Jitsu. The class age is 4-7, and even though he is the youngest, he doesn't seem to even notice. The older kids help him out and he just enjoys running around and wrestling the kids. I told him to show me some moves, and this is what we got. 

Of course with every new move came an angry "Ka Yah", followed by a kick and a karate chop.

Check out their website, they do a great job! Impact Jiu Jitsu

I'm really surprised at how great his class is because they don't just focus on the physical part, but they really learn about building character, focus skills, and respect. And he comes home exhausted and ready for bed. That's the BEST part.

But, I do have to remind him (a lot)  that Griffin is NOT in Jiu Jitsu, and that he shouldn't practice his "moves" on him. Example, Griffin does not want to be thrown to the ground and sat on. 

Happy New Year!

Well, it's about 11pm and I thought I'd do one last post for the year. 

My favorite shots of the kids today...

I love this picture of Griffin. He has such a sweet look, yet you know he's been in to something. He's got the "I didn't do it" face. 

And Reese is saying, "I hate tummy time. Just pick me up already. My head is way too heavy for this business."

And Maddox is saying, "Move Mom, I can't see. Your big camera is in the way. You're going to make me lose." 

Hooray for snow!

Maddox hears a who!

So Maddox found this berry from one of my Christmas wreaths, and came up to me saying it was the "speck" and that he saved Whoville. Then, he went on to tell Reese all about Whoville, and Horton, and how "a person's a person no matter how small." Maddox loved the attention he was getting from Reese. She was just fascinated by him. I was just cracking up, he was being typical Maddox explaining how things work.

Notice the hand...Maddox always starts every sentence by saying "well..." and then continues his long, detailed explanations.

Griffin was upset that I wasn't letting him look at the camera after each picture. 

I love his angry face.

In to the leaves!

boys

Muscles

This picture makes me laugh...Maddox has got the body builder pose down already. He was so funny, he kept changing his position just a little bit and say "take a picture like this...now like this, and this" He would say "take a picture of my muscles, they're big". He was so serious and I was trying so hard not to let him see me laughing.

for fun

Mom's Garden

Where is Griffin?

My garden has exploded! The huge plant in the middle is 1 zucchini plant. On the right I have pole beans and tomatoes. On the left I have bell peppers and carrots. Behind the zucchini are some cucumbers and hiding under the zucchini plant (probably slowly dying) are carrots on the left and strawberries on the right. Lots of little flower buds, so hopefully we'll start seeing some vegetables soon. In the mean time, Maddox reports to me every morning on the growth of the beans. He's very proud of those, because he planted them and makes sure they have enough water.
Griffin thinks he found a great hiding spot. Every time I say it's time to go inside, he runs back behind the tomato plants and makes it very difficult for me to catch him. I don't quite fit anymore!

Early harvest

Okay, so it wasn't quite time to pick the bell pepper, Maddox was just "looking" and it fell into his hands. That's okay, looks like we'll be getting a few more. But doesn't it still look good? I can't believe I grew a vegetable!

Finally, new sand!

Griffin is going to check out the new sand...

"hmmm, let me smell and make sure this is from the beach and not the Home Depot stuff..."

"Yup, smells good."

"Mom will probably say something if I eat it, so I'll just relax a little bit and do it when she's not looking..."

"Hey, I'm still here. You have 3 seconds before I start screaming!"