A Crantastic Week

This week wasn't actually super crantastic as Nolan got a tummy bug Tuesday night. I don't think he's probably ever really thrown up before, so he was so sad and confused. Poor bud, I don't think he got an hour of sleep until 3 or 4 am. Then I got it Friday. Blech.

 

But a few weeks ago, our favorite cousins came to visit! Our nieces are so darling, and with a 3, 2, and almost 1 year old it was so cute to see them interact and play together. The big boys were super good with them as well.

 

It also really took me back being around them! I don't think of my kids as being that old, but they certainty aren't 1 and 3 and 2/3rds of them are reading chapter books, showering independently, and flossing when I remind them every blue moon. Poor Joy and BJ got to experience the magic of Hot Hell (Hotel's other name when you travel with a 1 and 3 year old) in Oklahoma City on the way down.  Joy described it exactly as I remembered... packing 9 suitcases for my family to ensure they had everything they need but then being totally thwarted because no one will sleep in a hotel. Ever. Then the next morning you have to give yourself and spouse a pep talk again about how we all knew this vacation would be totally terrible and miserable, but surely we should try it anyway.

 

And the words of understanding and ensuring it would get easier were not yet even fully out of my mouth when a bleary-eyed two year old stumbled out into the living room at 10:30pm. Ha.  

 

Jon and Layla

 

Nolan sporting Lily's shades.

Nolan jumping in on the family photo at tech.

 

BJ, Joy, Lily, and Layla being indoctrinated in Lbk culture.

 

Watermelon lovers!

 

Ollie was relegated to the little cousin table. 

 

Nolan and Layla getting ready to dump yet another toy bucket.

 

Gah.

 

Too many toddlers at the Science Spectrum! 

 

Basketball with Uncle BJ

 

Nolan intrigued because he is usually the one trapped on the other side. 

 

Seth playing with the littles.

 

Weather was great! Lots of time in the backyard.

 

This cutie pie loved exploring under this table.

On the lookout for birds and puppies.

 

 

BJ thrilling everyone with monster truck videos.

 

Monkey in the middle!

 

These two. A couple of mischief makers.

Cousins are just the best. We are so glad ours came to visit!

Mid April

Seth is 9.5! He is so close to double digits, it makes me shake my head in wonder. He is currently obsessed with all things martial arts and is angling to start karate this summer.  We shall see say mom and dad...

Ollie continues to be the life of the party. (I confess, sometimes too much so. I have to text Jon to vent that Ollie is being too peppy and driving everyone nuts with his exuberant outlook.) He is also figuring out that fine line between humor and people laughing at his jokes, and being disrespectful and finding himself in trouble.

He is a major lover of all restaurants, all the new foods and drinks. You can make his day by taking him virtually anywhere, especially anywhere new.

 

He is currently interested in non-traditional hairstyles and wonders if he could pull off a mullet.  Here he is sporting his V hair. 

Nolan is talking more and more. 
"Oh mama! Tenk you! A moothie (smoothie)! I lub a moothie! Ollie? You lub a moothie?"
Sharing a room with Ollie has gone pretty well, although we've had to cut his afternoon nap short so he's not waking up everyone way to early in the morning. If you check on him right before he falls asleep he will likely be rubbing his hand back and forth on the sheet next to him. It's pretty sweet.

 

 

He is still super into all things having to do with balls and is better at dribbling than I am.

 

These boots (formerly Seth's, now Ollie's) are his other current love.

 

Throw in some hiding places, playing with cars, snuggling, and singing, and that's our Noley.

Hey Peeps!

Last weekend Josh and Sutton came to visit and we were so glad to hang out with them for a bit! It was full of all of our favorite things; games, eating too much, and staying up too late. (I was kicking myself for this last part when our littlest buddy came skipping in every morning at 5, though.) They only stayed for a couple days, so Jon and I were left to the arduous task of hiding all those eggs all by ourselves Saturday night.  

 

 

 

Easter Sunday was the perfect juxtaposition of all Christ came to save. Excitement over egg hunt fun, distraught to hear that such fun was to happen after church (Ollie). Happiness to be spending time with family, grumpy because we were all short on sleep (me). The entire human condition, all to be redeemed by the cross.