Monsters & Trucks

We have been getting outside and enjoying some of the spring-like weather as often as possible. Along with the warm and wet weather comes the mud. What used to be just a small patch of dirt where the grass was no longer growing has now become a big mud pit. At first I really struggled with the boys going out and getting so dirty but then thought back to when I was a little kid and how much I myself loved to serve up a delicious mud pie. Lucas spent day after day mixing his "soup" and would go to the garage (where he stored it at night) each day to check on it. It was a delicious mixture of snow, leaves, rocks and dirt. At first he was disappointed that the snow melted but then realized the water made for better "soup". One day he went to the garage and came back in so angry because dad had moved his "soup" to get to the ladder. He went downstairs where Steve was working and demanded to know where his stuff was. Luckily dad knew better than to dump the "soup". Landon enjoyed the mud long enough to paint the garage door and the patio and then decided he wanted "keen" hands. I am not sure if I will have the heart to try to take over their little corner and try to grow grass yet again this summer..... For Lucas and Landon's birthdays Aunt Erin took the boys to the Monster Truck show a couple of weeks ago. Steve went along to help out with the boys as well as papa Joe. Everyone seemed to have a really good time - including mom who got to stay at home and have a movie day. :)
Luckily Papa had thought well enough to bring ear plugs for the adults and ear protectors for the boys because I guess it was pretty loud. I was surprised to hear that Lucas and Landon did so well at keeping them on but then again they both seem to be sort of sensitive to loud noises (even when their mommy tries to sing to them they cover their ears.)

Lucas really liked the truck Grave Digger because of the scary skull on the side.

They also got to see some guys on Motor Cross which they really liked. I just hope they can continue to enjoy watching these crazy guys and not get a strong desire to do these things themselves.....

At the very end of the show Grave Digger took quit a spill. Luckily the driver was not hurt. The boys got to see a big crane come in and help turn the truck upright.

Landon, Papa Joe, Aunt Erin and Lucas McCormack at the end of the show.Steve, Lucas and Landon at the end of the truck show.

Thanks to Aunt Erin for taking the boys to the Monster Truck Show. They had such a fun time and will always remember these special days.

Boys Will Be Boys

One night before going to sleep Lucas requested that his dad get his large puppy pillow and his large puppy sleeping bag down from the shelf in his closet so they could sleep on the floor next to him. At the end of the night when I went to bed I looked in on Lucas and the puppies were no longer on the floor.....

Landon & Lucas occasionally enjoy eating at their own little table but for the most part the four of us sit at the big table every night around 6:00 for dinner. Lucas has asked more than once if we could get a t.v. in the kitchen but my answer will always be a big fat NO. The first part of the meal is spent talking about our days which would not happen if our attention were on the t.v. Unfortunately the second part of the meal is spent trying to get the kids to just eat!

The boys enjoy playing outside no matter what the weather is like. Luckily Steve is much better about taking them outside to play when the ground is covered in snow. To me it seems like so much work for all of us to get bundled up in our snow gear to go out for 1/2 hour and then turn around and come back inside to strip down, out of our wet clothes and try to get warm. I really need to try and get better at this because we all enjoy being outside.

I think Lucas shoveled our entire back yard this day - not that it is very big - but still great practice for when he starts shoveling the driveway and sidewalks out front. What's that, like next winter or something?? ;)

Lucas was sad to see his friend Sean relocate to a new preschool. After Sean's last day at Adventure Preschool, Sarah and I took the kids to lunch at Sweet Tomatoes Buffet where we all had more than enough to eat and then followed that up with ice cream. We are so happy for Sarah, Matt, Sean and Gracie to have a new house but we sure do miss seeing them as often as we used to.
You've gotta love the breakfast attire! I was not about to make him take off his hat while sitting at the table. ;)

One of my favorite places to go shopping is at Gardner Village here in the valley. I love to walk along the brick pathways and enjoy the unique shops. We usually go with Grandma Judy and eat sandwiches for lunch at the bakery followed by yummy cookies for dessert. A couple of weeks ago we ventured out there and while walking around Lucas plopped down and said "Mom take a picture of me sitting on this bench."

Of course I took a picture and of course Landon ran over and sat by his brother. I sure do love these boys....look at how cute they are!!!

Anyways............

...........nothing like a beautiful February day washing the truck and getting lots of help. ;)

Again with the help...........only this time we're making brownies.

And just for the record - Lucas picked out his own clothes this day. I told him he looked like ketchup and mustard.

Landon's 2nd Birthday

Can you believe my baby turned two over a week ago? I sure can't but I have to say we have had a wonderful two years with the little guy and can't imagine what we did without him. Since Landon got a lot of his brothers hand me down toys and the fact that his birthday is so close to Christmas; we decided to combine his big Christmas & Birthday present and get him something he could enjoy for a couple of years. Landon loves driving his brothers jeep and when he was about 18 months old he started driving a 4-wheeler, just like this one, that one of his friends owns. We could not believe that such a little guy just hopped right on and took off!! I think Landon and Lucas both like the new 4-wheeler.

We celebrated Landon's 2nd Birthday by having a party with friends and family at the house. Lucas and Landon loved helping me decorate with streamers and Elmo themed decorations. I made a big pot of Tortilla Soup and brownies to go along with the Elmo cake. Landon was so excited and every time he heard the door bell ring he ran to greet his guests.

Big Brother Lucas enjoying some chicken and beans from the tortilla soup (and yes he had a big ol' pile of dip). ;)
Like his brother, Landon likes things separate on his plate - for example - meat, cheese, beans and dip. Needless to say.... neither one is a big fan of casseroles or lasagna. :(

The birthday boy in all his glory.

Gracie Armstong befriends Jack Turvey but don't worry she is still Landon's #1 girlfriend.

Not the best picture ever but a great story. Mia is a cute little 4 year old who took an immediate liking to Papa Joe. She sat downstairs by him watching Monsters vs. Aliens. When he went upstairs she followed him and kept saying 'Let's go back downstairs and watch the movie'. Papa Joe really got a kick out of her. I am just jealous because she spoke more to him in one evening than she ever has to me.

Sarah getting her baby fix with adorable little Maggie - who was wearing the cutest little party dress. Landon used to get jealous when I would hold baby Maggie or baby Deja but he is getting better.

Baby Deja with her mommy Angi.

Steve had to get his baby fix as well. jk Maggie is such a good baby no matter who is holding her. ;)

Cake Time!!

He just looked around in awe as we all sang Happy Birthday the first and the second time. Our friend Mia was downstairs with Papa and missed the first rendition and so we sang it again so she could join us. When it came time to open the presents Landon knew exactly what to do.......

Sean and Sam goofin' around.

Mia, Angi & Sam - who had those binoculars on his eyes most of the night. I must remember to ask his mom if he has a pair. ;) We had such a wonderful time with family and friends and appreciate each and every one of you for helping us celebrate such an important day.

Landon's actual birthday was Sunday the day after his party and so he got to hang out all day and play with his new toys. He also got to wear his special shirt that his brother got him for his birthday.
Lucas got to pick out his own clothes.........

Under the Weather

Shortly after returning home from Wyoming Landon came down with an ear infection which then started to move into his eyes. Luckily we caught the infection early enough that his eyes did not get too bad. However our little guy looked so sick and really wasn't his happy go lucky self for a couple of days. (His little friend Gracie however was not feeling bad at all. ;))No sooner was he feeling better than his brother started complaining about his ears hurting and his left eye started getting red and goopie. I immediately drugged him up with some of his brothers remaining antibiotics until we could get him his own prescription called in and filled. It is amazing to me how quickly the antibiotics seem to kick in.

On the mend....the boys have been having more and more moments like the one captured below. Believe it or not but the first shot was unprompted - I just wanted to get a picture of them because they moved their chairs at lunch to sit by each other.

For those of you wondering......NO that is not a big plate of Ketchup! It is tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. ;)