Fall Fun!

I received an email with great fall activities to do with the kiddos.

So the boys and I went out back with bags in hand to get leaves.

We needed a little direction, as the first few were really dry and curled up, but both boys found some great FLAT leaves that would work for our rubbings. We headed back inside only to find that by holding the bottom of the bag, our leaves fell out. So back to the yard!

Because the boys are only 3 and 1 1/2 years I taped the leaves to a sheet of paper, then taped another sheet on top of that one.

They picked the crayon colors, most already had the paper torn off, and rubbed away.

It took Miles a little convincing to use the side of the crayon and not the point, but they had fun.

I think they would be even more festive if we tried using some fall colored construction paper!

There will be lots more art projects to come!

*notice Miles' hands in both the top and bottom photos? I think he's going to be a lefty! The right is just a bit awkward for him!

A fellow Marshall blogger had a link to this cool website. And looky at this cute word collage Miles and I came up with for fall! Try it out, it's fun!

Stinky Diaper Fix

So I was having a really stinky cloth diaper problem! Everytime James pee'd, whew! I tried a number of solutions but none worked until I found this!! I've used it for the past 3-4 months, and just ordered more.

So if anyone has that stinky diaper problem and nothing seems to work, try out!

So many photos...

Friday was a fun and busy day!

Way too many photos to choose from for a post! We decided to go to the apple orchard.

It was super windy, but we had fun checking everything out.

This was my first time to an apple orchard, I was a little disappointed that we couldn't actually pick our own apples, but Miles decided he could pick his own! When we were in the store, he announced, "I'm really hungry for some apples!!" Then he took an apple off the shelf and started eating!

They had a bunch of old boats that the boys could climb around in.

One was filled with corn, literally a boat load!

But the best part of the orchard for the boys was this very friendly little kitten. The sweet thing kept coming around with a lion purr and didn't seem to mind the boys trying to pick her up.

We'll definitely go back for pumpkins!!

And since we were out we decided to head out to Redwood Falls for supper and some exploring.

I took the photo off a look out, Ben would NOT get within 5 feet, and he kept yelling at me to get Miles away from the "edge". This lookout was a rock wall as tall as Miles with fencing on the top (very secure). It was pretty comical watching Ben try to see the falls from so far away!

To get to the falls we had to cross this suspended bridge. Very scary!! Not sure how Ben managed this one!

At this park there was also a little zoo. One of the turkeys charged Miles when he was looking in their cage, Miles ran pretty fast!

Then we very cautiously walked out on this tippy dock. I was sure James was going to try and jump in!

It was a great family day.

A pretty crabby car ride home, since both guys were pretty tired!

Then Saturday we went and watched the SMSU Homecoming parade. Tons of candy!

"Thanks for telling me!"

Our little rental has a huge bathtub in the master bathroom...So we filled it up and let the guys play. Miles liked pouring water on James' head.
And James didn't seem to mind!
On another note, Miles' potty training has reached a complete stand still. He was potty trained at daycare in Blue Earth, but when Ben left for Marshall and Miles stayed home with me, all was lost. When we try setting a timer, he cries, doesn't want to go on the potty. He can, just seems to not want to take the time. Needless to say we've tried a few tactics and get occasional poo or pee in the potty, but nothing regular.

So on another attempt to make going potty seem fun I announced, "I have to go potty, I think I'll go in my bathroom!" As I marched to my bathroom I heard behind me, "oh, thanks for telling me mommy! Your getting to be a big girl!" Hmmm, well, at least he's hearing my encouragement.

James update...

So James just had his 18 month check-up at the doctor.

He's in the 95th % for height, and 65th % for weight.

Long and lean!

And his developmental screen was above average, so now I'll lay off about his speech...

...he's actually chatting up a storm now!

Quickest photoshoot yet!

James is 18 months, which means time for photos again.

I thought these were going to be the most difficult ones yet, but I think Ana got them done in 34 shots!! I LOVE this big smile!!

And the leaves falling helped keep him still for a shots.

He's definitely smaller than Miles at 18 months. I believe Miles was getting into 2T, and little James is true to his age in 18 month clothes.

I can't wait to print these!! Wish we had a permanent house to put photos on the wall!

James is chatty!

Often hard to understand but, is trying. It's just that quick temper that makes is difficult sometimes.

Words...

No pics for this post. Just good old fashioned writing.

My sweet boys have been kept so busy it's been hard for them to miss Blue Earth, Grandma Louise and Grandpa Bob being so close, and all our bike rides to Ankeny's. But I sure do!

Miles does make occasional comments that, "we live in Marshall," or "we're in Marshall again!" At first he seemed to think our house was Marshall, and whenever we went anywhere else we were in another town. Now when we get near our house I hear, "we're in Marshall again!" Hard for him to grasp that all these places we go are IN Marshall.

He's turning into quite the "BIG" brother these days. He likes to tell James when it's time to go, what not to touch, and of course, what not to do. But my ever independent and stubborn little 18 month old will not be lead, or told, and often says, "NO!"

Ah sweet James, my cuddler, is also my big spirit. If he's not yelling, "no," or "MINE!" then he's learning a new word or three every day. Although he often falls back into Chinese. He keeps me on my toes, he is truly a "little" brother, and I often understand why Miles hauls of and hits him. He waits until Miles sets up a nice little kitchen, or builds a tall tower, and then destruction!! Yep, never a dull, or quiet, moment.

I've recently started reading a "Love and Logic" book. Just to try and cut back on the amount of yelling I feel like I do. It's only been a few days, and we're working out the kinks, but it seems to work pretty good with Miles...James on the other hand, well, we are still working. And when my little guy gets me completely crazy, then he turns around and wants to snuggle.

Ben really likes his new job. He keeps busy with all sorts of meetings, got to go to the Republican National Convention one evening, and will have a meeting with Governor Pawlenty when he comes to Marshall tomorrow. The boys and have dragged him out to the YMCA a few times and I've strategically scheduled James' parent/child swim lessons on Thursday evenings so Ben can take him.

I am adjusting. Miss my old routine, in-laws close, Ankeny's, friends, work...but there are such great opportunities here and we're only 2 1/2 hours away. I have an interview at the hospital next week, plans to stop in at the book store tonight to see about a book club, have been working out at the YMCA regularly, and have already found one great babysitter. She was recommended by one of Ben's co-workers. I also am interviewing another SMSU student this evening for watching the boys in the afternoons/evenings. I am lonely for some friends here, but I have to be patient. Next week during Miles' preschool, I am going to take James to a parent/child ECFE group, so that will be an opportunity to meet people. I really kind of forgot how to do that!

Well, I expect some little people up soon, and I have plans to torture myself with letting them paint!!

American Legion Park

There are tons of parks here in Marshall, most with playgrounds.

This one has a smaller playground, usually not busy, and this cute little bridge that crosses over a small creek. Miles claims he saw a crab in the water!
More goofy Miles!
And I was looking back at my blog, where's James?? The reason for not many James photos lately is that the little guy can't seem to stand still long enough for me to get a good shot.

This one was the best one for the day and it's a bit blurred because he's on the move.

The Daily Grind

Well, I had to find a new coffee shop in Marshall.

There were a few to choose from...

...but this one is downtown, next to city hall...

...and has great lunches!

And most important, it's kid friendly!! (yep, a chalkboard wall, not sure how I feel about letting the boys color on a wall)

Goofy, goofy boys.

The one thing the Daily Grind doesn't have is a Wayne, Bruce, Brandon, and Ana...

...miss you guys!!

Preschool

Miles' first day of preschool was today.The only supply he needed to bring was a big backpack.

He attends a private preschool called Wee Care. They rent two room from Holy Redeemer School.

Parents come on the first day. Then it's just 17 3 year olds and 3 teachers, once a week, for 2 1/2 hours. Brave teachers!!

Here he was making an elephant!

Oh, and snack time!! Cereal without bibs! Most kids stayed clean. Miles' shirt was covered in milk. It was hard to sit on my hands.

And since the theme this year is WILD ABOUT PRESCHOOL, they brought animals to the first day. Here they were brushing a miniature cow.

Miles really wanted to back in and play, good sign, but it was time to go.

He also started gymnastics last evening. That was a crazy 30 minutes of 2 and 3 year olds with parents. Tomorrow he has preschool sports where he'll probably be the youngest but, it's 45 minutes of running around that mom and dad don't have to attend!!