Thankful

I believe that there are moments in our lives that literally make us step back and think "This is what really matters; this is what it is all about." I had a moment like that tonight while putting the boys to bed. Usually this is a pretty in depth process, with two little men the same age, who both don't feel like being in bed at the moment. At times it seems more like a wrestling match. :) But tonight, while Teage was helping Lucas finish the rest of his bottle, Dylan and I were playing and laughing while he was in his crib. I was kneeling beside his crib, making faces and playing through the slats, and he was just laughing that adorable belly laugh over and over again. I can't resist that beautiful sound. He was so happy and content, just playing with his mommy. I felt so joyful at that moment. Just watching my beautiful son laugh and play. He just started giving kisses also, and he thought it was hilarious to put his face through the slat of his crib and give me a kiss. I could have melted! It was one of those moments that makes you thankful to be alive, and joyful to be a mom. I love you Lucas and Dylan!

4th of July

OK, so only 17 days after the fact....I think that I am doing pretty good actually! :)

This was a fun year for us, as last year we had only been home from the hospital for a few days, all on edge from sleep deprivation, and the boys needed sleep so badly and were being woken up every 15 minutes by fireworks! This year, we actually got to enjoy the celebration a little bit! :) The boys had no clue what was going on and were looking around at everyone with their sparklers and crazy outfits thinking that we had all gone mad. But, we really did have a great day. Hey, it is always a great day when Daddy gets a day off of work and you have an excuse to do no housework and just play! :)

We started the day off by going to the big picnic/celebration hosted by a church up here on the Ridge. And boy was it amazing! They had pony rides for the kids, big bouncy houses covering the soccer fields, climbing walls, food and drinks everywhere, and even a huge obstacle course for the teenagers. Our neighbor's band was playing as well, so we stayed and listened to them rock the park. What was hilarious were all the little girls between the ages of about 4-10 were all standing in the front of the crowd dancing and yelling! This band full of 25-30 year old men with electric guitars and drums galore, being admired by a bunch of little girls....so cute!

Then that night we went to a BBQ with a bunch of our friends up here on the Ridge. We ate and laughed and the boys had fun with the other kids. They even found little cars that they liked to ride on and completely forgot that I was even alive! That was a first! :)

When the boys got tired we ventured home, put them to sleep, and then Teage and I sat outside our backdoor and watched the beautiful fireworks that our neighbors were setting off all throughout our alley. Snoqualmie does not have any restrictions on fireworks quite yet, so we had the huge show right in our backyard! And the best part, the boys did not even stir! I couldn't believe it, there were fireworks going off right in front of their window and they did not wake up once. Overall, it was a wonderful day with family. I am so thankful for our freedoms that we have in this beautiful country, and for all the men and women who work hard and put their lives on the line everyday to ensure that we are all able to live with the rights and liberties and freedoms that we do.

Our little family at the park for the Snoqualmie Ridge celebration

Teage's turn, #3!

So, I figured since the boys turned one and Erin has out-posted me thirty-to-one, I'll do this one! Lots has happened since my last post. We defenitely have boys, and they know it too! They absolutely love walking now, and are certainly curious little men. As some of you have noticed, our TP isn't on the holder in all of our bathrooms, and I'll give you two reasons why. They also know how to flush the toilet, and think that the water inside the toilet is like the water in the bathtub....that it's ok to splash in. Everyone loves Dylan's long hair, except his brother. He sees it as something to pull on. Lucas loves climbing into the cupboards now. He pulls everything out, climbs in, and stays there. They love their 'doggie' and 'tortuga' (stuffed animals), all types of fruits and vegetables (thanks to mom!), reading the newspaper with Dad in the morning, and have even picked up a few sign's. They can now sign thank you, please, bye-bye, all done, and milk, and we are trying to teach them water, mommy and daddy. They love to dance to all types of music (we caught Lucas dancing to an Irish singing commercial the other day....hilarious!), still love their technology (remotes, phones, cameras, etc.), and are 'big boys' now that they are turned around in their car seats. It's still hard to believe how big and fast they've grown. And to think a year ago they were still about five pounds a piece, getting up every two to three hours to eat, and just getting off of the syringe for feeding. It's honestly been a blur for me, and it's probably because of how busy we've been the last year. Without a doubt, Erin is the greatest for me and our family! She amazes me each and every day, and I am truly a very lucky man to have her as my eternal companion and best friend. I defenitely more than like you baby, and am forever grateful for all that you have done!


Here are a few of my more favorite pictures. If they are duplicates, then I am sorry.

Lucas at one day old! Look how confussed he is.

Giving daddy a beso!

Our little family at their birthday party!

Getting 'em started early! Thanks for the great present Kai!

D and L turn 1!

We had the boys' one-year birthday party a few weeks ago, and boy did we have a great time! I decided to have the party at the park, so everyone could come and have fun, and it would be more relaxing and enjoyable with so much for the kids to do. We had a BBQ, "dirt" cupcakes for the kids, and tons of food! So many people ended up coming and celebrating with us, we all felt very blessed. Though the boys were a little overwhelmed at first, they ended up having a wonderful time with their family and friends. I can't believe that my little men are one already. When they were only 3 months old I remember thinking that this day would never come (I think that I was a bit sleep deprived at the time :) )! Both boys are such lights in our lives, we are so thankful to have them in our home. What a wonderful year it has been! I am so looking forward to many more in our little family!

Here are some pictures of the boys' party:

Friends and Family-

Our little family-

And of course, the cake(s)-

Not so sure...

Dylan Lucas

Getting a little better....

"Here brother, try some of mine!"

"Brother no, that is my finger!"

"BROTHER!"

"Mommy! Mommy!" Lucas- "hey, give me that back!"

We love tennis

So, I decided that when the boys grow up they are going to be famous pro doubles players. Don't they look the part? And with their amazing twin abilities, they could know what the other was thinking all the time! They would be unstopable! :)

Teage and I have been trying to get up to the tennis courts every once in a while since the weather has finally gotten a bit nicer, and the boys actually love coming up there with us. They are both walking now, and it is so adorable to see two little men walking all around the court, carrying raquets twice their size! :)