Happy 2nd Birthday Landon!

You are 2 years old! Oh how you have grown. As we look back at your birth pictures it is surreal to see you were once that little. All that dark hair and those oh so cute chubby cheeks. It was just two years ago that you came into our lives and melted our hearts. We had never known such love and joy than the day we met you and we continue to feel that never ending love and joy every minute of every day!

You were such a sweet baby boy and are now a sweet little kid.

We look back at your pictures last year on your birthday and see a little chubby boy- full of adventure and smiles. You were so cute crawling all around- hard to imagine as you are now running everywhere.

Today was Landon's day- all day. You had your two year apt. this morning and you are in the 85 percentile for head, length, and weight. You now weigh 31 lbs. and 4 oz and are 35 3/4". Growing like a weed, cuter than a button, and smarter than any 2 year old I know.

We went to see Daddy for lunch and then toured his new school. You walked all over so proudly, yet also very shy, and met some of daddy's co-workers. Then we went to the indoor playground with aunt Ashie. You did not want to try the bouncy slides at all. Mommy took you in screaming and took you down the slide. Once you were done you realized it was fun but you wouldn't do it again!!! You did like the bubbles though and you found a ball so you had a great time throwing the ball around. Gramma Peg came over and we went to the Machine Shed for supper.They came out and sang to you and brought you snicker pie- I think mommy and daddy enjoyed that just as much as you. You picked out a couple tractor toys for your birthday too! Mommy and daddy gave you your big present earlier this month- the pedal John Deere Tractor with wagon- but we thought you needed to get another present on your actual big day!

THEN . . . we went on a tractor ride after supper. You loved it. Of course you said "Gappa" alot because you are used to riding tractors with him. What a great end to a great day.

Landon, we are so proud of you. You are learning so much every day and you are so excited about life. You are talking in full sentences quite often and are doing a great job learning colors and some numbers. You smile and laugh all the time which is contagious to mommy and daddy. We love your kisses and hugs and we can't get enough of you telling us "I love you."

We love seeing your excitement when playing outside and just taking everything in. You would stay outside all day if you could.

You have the most beautiful eyes and such a sweet soft smile. Every one we meet comments on just how cute you are as your personality radiates from you.

You are also now a wonderful big brother. You are so good at kissing your little brother and making him laugh. Logan is always watching you with a big smile. You are full of life and are always on the go. You love to dance and "shake your booty". You want mommy and daddy to clap every time you take a bite of food (and sometimes want us to dance when you eat too.) You also know how to look at us with that sheepish grin to make us laugh ESPECIALLY when you are in trouble. Oh you are a smart little boy!!! Happy Birthday Landon. You are officially 2 years old. We pray God's blessing over your days, that you will have a joyous and plentiful life, and that you will choose Christ as your Savior and for Him to direct your path. We pray over your relationship with your brother, for your future friendships and for your future spouse. We love you so very much!

Just Got to Laugh

Landon is doing pretty well in his new big boy bed. There are, however, those times when it is just too hard for him to stay in bed. We have emptied out all the toys from his room- and as we did this he just danced around with no care in the world. We occasionally go in his room after putting him to bed and notice diapers thrown about or diaper cream on walls or his thermometer in his bed along with other little things. He gets a swat on the butt and a little lecture (then a hug and kiss) and then back to bed. More and more he will come to the door and peek out once again to be sent back to bed. It really is just so sweet though and as parents we do understand the temptation to get out of bed and play. It also doesn't help that it is so light outside at his bedtime and the light seeps through the blinds. But the best story of all is that a couple nights ago we went to check on him, hearing a noise ever so slightly, and as we opened the door we weren't quite prepared for what we were walking in to. Landon had his basket of wipes, Tylenol, creams, lotions. . . down on the floor with items thrown about. All of the wipes were taken out of the container and we all over his bed and the floor. Socks were scattered all over the room. We made him pick everything up before he got his punishment and he did- very slowly. One by one (literally one wipe, then another; one sock then another) he picked them all up and handed them to daddy. It was so cute because every time he brought an item over he would look at you with his head hung down in shame but with a little side smile across his face. I think he was trying to see if we would smile. He got his wish!!! Daddy opened the wipes container to put the wipes back in only to find that Landon had filled it with socks and then shut the container again.

We both just busted out laughing. Then of course Landon started laughing and there was some comic relief before "punishment" time. Another day he came to the door and peeked out wearing this little hat and a cheesy grin. Once again- the laughter just pored out! He is so smart- we are so amazed with just how bright Landon is!!!
Not just because he can fill a container with socks either. He is saying full sentences- sometimes daddy and I just look at each other and ask "did he just say what I think he said?" For example: we were driving to the store and Landon said "I want a drink." I told him I didn't have anything at that moment and he would have to wait and he says "I want to drink SOMETHING." He just wows us all the time. He says alot of "I want. . ." and he is now asking "why" alot too. He continues to be a busy bee never stopping for a moment. He is very curious, loves to be outside, his favorite toys are anything tractor, and he always wants to watch Mickey Mouse (though he more plays than watches.) He is still very picky with food though he never turns away watermelon, oranges, apples, or anything chocolate (like his mommy).

We have started working with him on colors and numbers and he is doing fairly well. He knows blue and orange really well. He also loves to sing. He helps us sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Happy Birthday. It is adorable!!! We are SO proud of our little (but getting bigger by the minute) boy. He is almost two and we can't wait to celebrate his birthday with friends and family. We have put his present together already and have let him ride it. We got him a John Deere Tractor with a wagon. The tractor has pedals so that he can get used to it before he starts riding a big wheel or tricycle. We are trying to teach him how to ride it but right now he would rather push it around. He squealed "tractor" when daddy put it together. He loves his new toy!!!

Logan is changing and growing fast too! He is rolling back and forth and scooting up, down, side to side, and all around. You can put him down in one spot and his is in a totally different place when you go back.

He is giggling and cooing all the time which is amazing with all he has been going through. He went back to the doctor last week with his fourth ear infection. His temperature had been high over the weekend and through most of the week and when we checked it and it was up to 103.5 we decided to get him checked out. Sure enough, another infection. Poor little guy just got done with his last infection a week before so it was a bummer. This one is a little more rough on him- that or he is just a little more vocal about it! Being on antibiotic, his fever has gone down now and he is starting to feel better. When we went to the doctor last week he weighed in at 18 lbs and 7 oz. He is a very good eater and is a very big boy. He has been wearing 6-9 month clothing for the last 2.5 months and now he is wearing 9-12 month clothing. It blows my mind since he is not even 6 months old yet. He is also starting to eat food. I think we are starting him a little later than we did Landon but he has also been sick alot and I will not lie- we just have lots more going on with the two young boys. He is eating sweet potatoes and applesauce. We are going to try and be more diligent on keeping him on the same couple foods for a while before introducing new ones. Daddy thinks Logan may take more after him and his food allergies so we want to make sure he adjusts to the foods well. He is doing really well- the first time more came out than went down but now he has learned to swallow and use his tongue to "guide" the food.
I am feeling so much more bonded to Logan now too. I have to admit that it was hard at the beginning. I struggled with being overwhelmed having an 18 month old (who was used to having all the attention and who needs to be watched like a hawk because he gets into everything) and a newborn who needed me to be fed and who needed to be held. It was hard to hold Logan as then Landon would try to kick him off, taking his place on my lap or he would just come up and hit Logan or throw a toy at him. I wanted equal time with the boys so they would feel secure and loved but it is hard to divide your time equally between two baby boys- not to mention that it never stops. One is always needing something and most of the time they both need something at the same time and you feel torn. I am writing this to remind my self that it wasn't always easy but it was ALWAYS worth it. Landon isn't so jealous anymore, in fact he is always kissing his little brother and trying to sooth him if he cries. This makes it much easier for me to love on Logan and spend some one on one time with him. Landon does better with playing on his own and I think feels secure enough (not threatened by the new little baby anymore) that it is easier for me not to feel spread too thin. I am amazed with both of my adorable boys. And Logan is showing more personality in his jabbering and his smiles. He is a very content little boy and oh how his smile melts my heart. It is just sooo sweet and there is just something about his eyes when he smiles that is absolutely beautiful. I love being able to hold him and coo and smile at him. I know all too well that he, just as Landon has, will grow all too quickly.

Landon loves to wrestle with daddy and Logan and mommy love to watch. The belly laughs that resonate in our home fill my heart with more happiness then I could ever imagine. Landon also makes Logan giggle with glee when he stands over him with a leg on each side or when he partially sits on him and leans over and kisses his face. As parents, we were a little concerned at first and wanted to make sure that Logan was able to breath and wasn't scared but we quickly noticed how happy Logan was watching his brother. He then is also able to participate a little with Landon- not quite wrestling but definitely bonding!!!!

Daddy is back to work (at a new job) and mommy is back home (except mondays). It is so nice to be back outside playing with Landon while Logan lays on a blanket in the shade. I love being home when they wake up and starting the day with them. I also love nap time (as then I can take a nap too.) Then it is time for lunch and off to the park. We had so much fun yesterday. Landon and I teeter tottered- as we did this Landon would put his hands up in the air as if to say "look mom, no hands." I would say "hold on." and he would for a moment before letting go again and smiling a huge cheesy grin. I could tell he was getting more and more brave with climbing on equipment. It is a sign that he is getting bigger and we are proud of him but a little nervous too as this means more falls, more scrapes, and more cries.

This is all just a taste of all we experience day to day. Most days you just got to laugh!!!

July 4th!!!!!

The 4th of July weekend started with a trip to the Farmer's Market with gramma and gappa (as Landon calls grampa). Landon got to ride the tractor train again only this time gramma rode with him. He had so much fun.

Then, while wearing their big brother/little brother outfits, Landon and Logan got pictures taken while playing in the grass. Landon loves to hold his brother but he has to be watched closely because when he decides he is done, he just drops Logan or pushes him off to get up and go to the next thing. They are so cute together!
Little brother, Logan, with his rosy cheeks. He stayed awake while at the market and watched his big brother. His smile is so precious. What a cutie!

Landon is needing a water break- there is so much to do and so much to see (and so much to eat)! We all had a great time.

Aunt Sarah, uncle Matt, and cousins Levi and Nathaniel also came for the weekend. Grampa had a great time taking the kids around the block for tractor rides. Landon would walk around saying "ride, tractor?" We would have to tell him to go ask grampa and he would always win grampa over and get another ride. Sometimes he would ride by himself because his cousins were more interested in the water than the tractor. Not Landon though- his favorite thing by far is tractors- and of course he had to wear his hat- just like grampa.

All of the boys, grampa included, had a great time!!!

Uncle Matt had to get in on the action too. It just looked like a lot of fun!

And of course we had to set out all the water toys. We were kind of surprised that Landon got in the pool - he hasn't been too interested before but he had a great time with his cousins.

The baby water mat acted as a sprinkler. The boys loved running through it. The water felt great on such a hot and humid day. All of the adults sat close by watching and helping when ever they needed something. It was a lot of fun watching the three boys interact. We also loved hearing all the giggles and screaming.

Daddy put up the slide extender and ran the hose down it for a water slide. Nathaniel tried it once and didn't like it, Landon wouldn't even try it, but Levi loved it and did it over and over again. Landon and Nathaniel did like looking at it and playing in the pooled water at the end of the slide though.

Then the sprinkler came out too. They ran all around it. Levi was a little more brave than the others' and had no problem getting real close and even sitting on it.

We thought that Landon was just standing on his head, as he likes to do quite often and stick his leg up in the air. We feel it is his way of "tumbling." However, as we got closer and listened. . . we noticed that he was trying to suck up the water from the ground, drinking it. He loves water and this is a good thing. But that was going just a little too far. He is so silly.

Of course, there was LOTS of food too!!! One of the favorites for all was the watermelon. This pictures all three boys enjoying it. Doesn't matter what you were in the middle of- Nathaniel demonstrates that eating while in the pool. It was funny watching Landon as it was his first time eating it off the rine. Until we spotted him he was eating the whole rine not knowing when to stop. We tried taking it away to give him another piece but he didn't think he was done yet. He did end up eating 3 or 4 pieces though- I think they all did.

We made time for swinging too. Levi has really mastered swinging (pumping his legs) all by himself. He would go really high and make some of us a little nervous. Brother's got to swing together too! They played really well together- at least at this moment. Landon loved watching his big cousin Levi.

Big boy Landon with his bucket and shovel. He has so much fun with sand but needs to learn to leave it in the sandbox. The sand always seems to make it out in the grass.

The sandbox is pretty full with all the toys and all three boys in it but it was full of laughter and fun.

Logan was out for some of the fun as well. He did sleep a lot of the weekend though as we later found out he had an ear infection but what a trooper. He was always smiling and just enjoyed watching the boys play and the parents eating and talking- did I mention there was LOTS of great food???

Sweet brotherly fun!!!

And who can forget those noisy, colorful, vibrant fireworks? There was a lot of drama getting there and trying to find a place to park, we even said goodbye to uncle Matt and Nathaniel as they decided to go back to the house because it was too crowded. But once we sat down and saw the beautiful display, it was all worth it. It was so much fun watching Levi and Landon ooh and aww. I think I missed most of the fireworks just watching their faces and of course taking pictures. It was worth it too, until we sat in the car not moving even an inch trying to leave. I guess that is all part of the firework extravaganza.

Don't leave your tractor unattended grampa. Landon may just take off with it. Funny thing is he really would if he could. Some days it is all he talks about. He is such an adorable big boy sitting up on the tractor and having the time of his life.

Best tradition ever on the 4th of July: Homemade Ice Cream. Courtesy of grampa!!! Everyone loved it. Levi even did a great job helping grampa stir the ice and add salt. And grampa would let the boys taste the ice even though there was salt all over it. Gross. We noticed the boys spitting quite a bit after trying it. No surprise there. Brownies, cookies, strawberries, chocolate. . . no matter how you eat it, you can never get enough. This is by far the best tradition in our family. That will definitely be one we continue.

Boys will be boys. Landon growling and Levi with a mischievous smile!!! Both with their chocolate milk and marshmallows. Looks like a great breakfast. This was taken on Monday before everyone went home. Busy, busy, busy. . . never a dull moment. . . and so much fun. Happy 4th!!!