this boy

this boy will giggle instead of saying "yes" to something.

this boy has the best belly laugh.

this boy is incredibly good at puzzles.

this boy likes it best when all of his family is together. 

this boy doesn't really respect his sister's personal space.

this boy walks with purpose.

this boy waves to the sky.

this boy is passionate about throwing rocks into water.

this boy calls the mountains "rocks".

this boy is very generous about hugs and kisses.

this boy prefers for everything to be put away in its place. 

this boy enjoys eating thai food.

this boy can always find the mouse in goodnight moon.

this boy nods his head vigorously when he is really rocking out to a song.

this boy likes to put barrettes in his hair and wear them for just a second or so.

this boy can have a very studious face.

this boy often reminds his mom of his dad.

this boy is so happy. 

this boy makes me so so happy.

this girl

 
this girl says "bless you" after someone sneezes (including herself).

this girl enjoys doing stretches.

this girl likes to sing twinkle twinkle little star, the itsy-bitsy spider,  and the wheels on the bus...in that order.

this girl is much more adventurous than we once thought she would be.

this girl is still afraid of dogs.

this girl has gorgeous eyes.

this girl has decided that she likes ballerina tutus.

this girl will often remind her brother of rules around the house, saying "no, no" or "be nice".

this girl does not shy away from breaking rules.

this girl has the potential to be quite dramatic.

this girl will faint if she is really upset (as i learned this past saturday night). 

this girl can make the saddest face you have ever seen.

this girl loves to serve imaginary tea.

this girl donned an apron and helped me make dinner tonight (well, she basically sat on a stool next to me and ate bell peppers).

this girl makes a lot of silly sounds.

this girl will always take off her shoes and socks if given the opportunity.

this girl cannot wear pajamas with zippers or snaps anymore because she will immediately strip them off and then continue on to her diaper.

this girl often reminds her dad of her mom. 

this girl is something else. 

los dos are dos

the kids are two.  my oh my!  it was the greatest of days. 

the day started with monkey cakes.  the kiddos were actually a bit tentative at first, but eventually they realized just how awesome sugar is first thing in the morning.  maybe it was the fact that their parents were not shying away at all from the idea of chocolate cake for breakfast.  hmm..

then we danced to the beatles' birthday song.  the kiddos have some incredible two-year-old moves in their repertoire (sorry, no photos of that...a still photo probably wouldn't do them justice anyway).  then, they got to open presents.  wow.  they were loving life.  the morning flew by as they explored their own and each other's gifts. 

they took the longest nap ever...seriously.  while they slept, t.j. graded blue books and i checked out a new thrift store in greeley.  oh, and we both may or may not have eaten some more chocolate cake.    then, once car and lu finally awakened, we hopped over to fort collins to go to this really cool place called the cool beans cafe.  this place rules...a huge inviting play area for kids and comfortable chairs for parents and delicious food and beverage for all.  we had the most fun.  none of us wanted to leave (but they were closing for the night).  so, we headed home.

carlyle and luella were thoroughly exhausted after their big day.  such a wonderful family day...one i'll remember for a long time.  it goes without saying, but i'll say it anyway...i'm so thankful for these two children.  they make my life so full.  they bring me constant wonder.  i'm so honored to be their mother.  i am very excited what life with two two-year-olds has in store.

i'd also like to thank that husband of mine.  i'm so grateful that i get to raise children with a man who is so completely devoted to his little family.  you are carlyle's hero, luella's champion and my main squeeze.  we've made it two years, babe.

we knew he'd come around

papa's swing is now a big hit with both the kiddos.