Bringing Work Home

When all I've done for the last 10 years is work with others' children, it's hard not to sometimes feel like I should be stepping it up and bring a little of that work creativity home to the boys. Now that I'm home with them full time, we have time to explore some of that. This summer's heat encouraged some indoor creativity!

The boys have really gotten into legos and are beginning to do more fine motor play with me. Matt is still a bit resistant to crafts and coloring, so legos will do for now!

Somehow, there's always a forklift involved!

So, enough with fine motor and pretend play, let's get to the rough stuff! Time for some crashing!!!

We got all of the spare pillows in the house and piled them up along with Matt's "friends" (all his stuffed animals) and built a mountain for some good crashing.

The boys were rolling around and crashing for what seemed like hours. Matt is a big blur in this picture!

Going in for the big crash at the top!

It was a big job for me to make sure I monitored closely to make sure no heads bonked!

Messy time with some shaving cream!!!

While Jonathan tries to eat the shaving cream, Matt points out how to draw with his finger.

What? I'm not supposed to eat the shaving cream?

Jonathan is still trying to convince me that eating it is a good idea. Matt is now covered on his right arm, but going to town to draw with his left.

Jonathan begins to draw.

Matt starts drawing with his elbows!

Oh no, not the feet!

When we were done there was quite a mess on Nick's closet doors, but it was a well earned bath time for all! The mirrors took a bit to return to normal, but it was worth all of it!

Snorkel Time

I came home with a snorkel for Matt a few weeks ago and finally gave it to him as we were heading out to swim the other day. He modeled it for me! Oh, and he's holding the life preserver we had just bought at the "pool store". It was hard to get out of the store with only that, but we made it!

Smiling and holding the life preserver up for the camera!

We make a lot of fashion statements around our house. They aren't always good ones, but they are memorable!

The Old Hood

We live about 3/4 of a mile from our old house. I decided to take the boys over to the old neighborhood to play at the playground. It had been about a year and a half since we'd been over there to play. My last memory of Matt playing there was the day before Jonathan was born when my mom and I took a walk with him trying to encourage Jonathan to come meet us!

Matt was right at home on the space shuttle.

Jonathan played peek-a-boo between trips up the stairs and down the slide.

We took a detour to another park that Matt had not visited since we last lived here.

Matt loves big tunnel slides now, and Jonathan often stands at the bottom looking up to see if Matt's coming down. No accidents yet!

An airplane was flying overhead while Jonathan rode the truck.

Matt was trying to muscle his way onto the truck, but Jonathan was staying put.

After playing so hard at the park, we stopped for some grub. The boys and I shared a bit of ice cream after lunch, and all were happy!

Challenger Park with Daddy!

Typically when we do something during the week on our own, Matt tells me we have to "bring Daddy" another day. This was no different. We hopped in the car and brought Nick to Challenger Park. It wasn't quite as overcast as our first visit, so it was a bit hot! We made it through and managed to have fun.

We brought some toys this time and the boys did some digging.

Matt started exploring new things and enjoyed bouncing!

Jonathan enjoyed his independence on the smaller playground again.

After the park, we stopped for lunch at an Asian restaurant nearby. The boys were cracking us up! Jonathan enjoyed his lo mien and even had a noodle in his mouth while laughing for the camera!

He couldn't shove the noodles in fast enough.

Flaring nostrils anyone?

Matt, the pirate!

Space Center Houston

We finally took the boys to Space Center Houston a few weeks ago. It's right down the street and we drive by it at least 3 times a week if not more. Matt points out the jets out front every time. We had just never been. One morning we headed over there early and were some of the first people there.

The boys sat down at the simulator to land the shuttle. They look alike even from the back!

Jonathan tried to join in with me & Matt, but his shoe proved more interesting.

Matt was in one of his moods shortly after we got there. I think he was a bit overwhelmed by everything.

Nick and Matt sneaked away and up into a shuttle mock up to see one from the inside.

We went on the tram and were rounding the corner to Rocket Park. Jonathan was distracted by the construction going on around us.

Matt tried to give it his best smile, but was entertained by everything around us.

Inside the training center, all of us were amazed at what we saw.

After that, the tram stopped by Rocket Park.

Matt ran around the base looking around at all he could see.

Inside the building we found an actual rocket. It was amazing to see in person, laying down right in front of us. Incredible!

We had a great visit, and Matt turned it around and was so excited once we got on the tram. I was amazed at how well the boys did. Hopefully next time we can skip the mood and partake in many more activities. More space shuttle related pictures to come.