Playdates

Gabriel has no school this week ("Ski Week") so we've been keeping busy with playdates. On Monday, Gabriel and Ephraim had their first dentist appointment. I was blessed with really good teeth as a child, so I expected the same for them. However, the dentist said Gabriel has cavities in all his baby molars. I didn't like that office or their recommended treatment at all so I'm going to a different dentist for a second opinion.
Tuesday we had a playdate at our house with some friends from church and then mommy hosted a boardgame night that evening. It was great, but it wore out the kids too much. Wednesday kept us busy too.
Today, Thursday, we had our friends from San Jose over. They played so well and missed each other so much!

The buddies!

 The funny faces!

 The boys' table for lunch!

Sunshine and Crafts

Having a breakfast picnic in the morning sun on Sunday.

I caught Ephraim sucking on his big toe "like a baby do."

The other day I bought some air-dry clay and we made things with it. We let them dry and yesterday we painted them. Wonderful how a simple craft can last days and make the kids so happy. Here is Gabriel painting his figure hiding behind a wall about to throw a snowball.

 Ephraim paints his large flower.

Catching Up on Cuteness

Oh, that's right, I need to do laundry...

 Surprise!! There are my boys!!

 Or are they zombies?! Oh no. 

 Reading a comic book together.

We went to Point Pinole regional park on the Monday holiday after the photoshoot. It was cold but fun. The kids weren't up for a walk but they enjoyed the little play structure.

 

 And the snack and view.

Ephraim made a little nest for himself while sleeping. So cute!

 

Can I just say that I cannot believe my little E is turning three years old in six weeks?! I can distinctly remember the weeks before he was born--mowing the lawn with my big belly, having a small boffer party since we had time, walking the mall, being nervous about leaving my beloved Gabriel for a few days, and then getting news that my blood pressure was too high and that we needed to induce labor when I was three days past due. Wasn't that just a little while ago? Now he is turning 3 and wants a Spiderman theme party, and he races and wrestles with his brother. Wow!

Happy Valentine's (early)!

Here are the rest of the photos from the photoshoot. I wanted a Valentine's theme for some of the photos. Now that it is officially February (and the grandparents got their copies), Happy Valentine's Day (early) !

Back to our regularly scheduled blog of cute pictures when my workload ebbs.

Professional Photoshoot

 

 

From Ties to Pickles

My little men! They were each very particular on the outfits they wanted to wear to church yesterday. I couldn't help but capture the moment. I am a little shocked by how grown up they look! (Quick, put on your little boy monkey pjs before mom tears up.)

Big brother, little brother.

Playing so nicely together. Ephraim wanted to make a face for the camera.

My mom got me a canning pot Christmas 2011, and before Christmas 2012 she helped me with my first batch of pickles. I am hooked! I love canning! (I wish I was a better gardener so I had something else to can.)

Guitars and Potatoes

I got out these game beads and boards the other day. Ephraim was so entertained to place every bead where he thought it should go, swipe them off the board, turn the page, and do it again. I tried to get a little learning to count in there, but sometimes you just gotta organize somethin'!

While Ephraim and I were playing, Gabriel opened his Lego helicopter set that he got for Christmas. He put the set together all by himself. He loves it. I love to see his confidence grow.

One day Gabriel got completely obsessed with getting a guitar, he needed to have one RIGHT NOW. I don't usually give in to demands that appear temporary, but grandma and grandpa just happened to have one that they don't use and they just happen to live 2 miles away. Concert time!

Teaching Ephraim his letters: E is the most important one of course.

In two months on your birthday, how old will you be, Ephraim? (he holds a different combination of fingers each time)

I have growing boys! My parents always make the joke that I obviously don't feed the kids because they eat so much while there at their house. Here is proof I do feed them. Last night Gabriel had a huge serving of beans and rice, which is his favorite meal (note the empty plate in the photo). I had made a salad to go with it and put the lettuce in a big bowl. After taking some for myself, Gabriel grabbed the huge bowl, asked for dressing on it, and proceeded to eat it all!

The potatoes that my dad planted in our garden for us are ready to be picked. Ephraim and I went outside this afternoon and dug some up. Here is the basket full of potatoes and a very happy boy playing outside. I can't wait for warmer weather!