The safest kids on the block

The weather was beautiful this weekend, so we played outside a lot. I got out the big bouncy balls from Christmas and they had a blast bouncing all over the place. Reed is still not quite big enough, but he tried really hard.

After a few falls, they decided to "get safe" and put on all their safety gear - helmets, knee pads and elbow pads. And being boys, they had to test it out to make sure it worked. How do you do this? By hitting yourself in the head, of course!

Weekend fun

Alex and Reed had a great weekend at Moz and Gramps. Tractors, two parks and so much more. The pictures speak for themselves!

Happy Birthday, Reed!

We celebrated Reed's second birthday today with a family "monkey" party at our house. We served all of his favorite foods...chicken nuggets, mandarin oranges, and kix! Reed was very confused by the candles, but blew them out before we finished his birthday song. He loved all of his presents (especially the bubble wrap!)

We've come a long way in two years. It seems like just yesterday that we were taking turns visiting him in the NICU for five weeks and counting down the days until we could introduce him to Alex. The trauma (and the smell) of all the millions of spit ups has faded, and we now have one very grown up little boy!

Reed is fun and funny and silly and the complete opposite of his brother. He is a dare-devil and a world class cuddler all wrapped up on one cute little package. He may still be little, but his personality is huge! He can say tons of words and even a few sentences. His favorite phrases are "thank you", "more milk mommy" and any variety of commands followed by "now". He is sweet and cute and a joy to be around - we love you Reed!

First day of school

Alex and Reed had their first day of school this week. This is the first year that they will both be at the same school! Alex is in Pre-K which is way more structured than previous years, so I'm sure he'll do great. He has some of his friends from last year as well as some friends from two years ago. Reed has the same teacher that Alex had two years ago and is already adjusting great. She said today after telling me that Reed was standing up in the time out chair, "looks like you've got yourself an opposite here!" Oh, how true that is.

The Beach!

We took our first family vacation to the beach this week and it was great! The boys both loved the sand, the water and the pool. We built sandcastles (and roads and garages, of course), played in the ocean and swam in the pool. The weather was great and everyone had a blast. We even got to celebrate Reed's second birthday on our last day there. Thanks to Aunt Christie for being so much help and so much fun!


Alex checks out the sand for the first time. I wasn't sure if he would like it since it's "messy" but he loved it!


Reed loved it too!


In the water for the first time.




Playing on the beach.


Jumping in the waves!

Backyard

Alex and Grandma went to visit the new "My Big Backyard" at the Botanic Garden today. Alex had a great time - and I think Grandma did, too. They got there early and had the whole place to themselves, and then stuck around for a picnic lunch. Looks like fun!

Funny faces

Alex and Reed had a blast again this weekend with my parents (and Aunt Tootsie). I had to share a couple of photos from the weekend where it looks like everyone was having fun!