Going back in time

So I wanted to show you something we did while the family was here for Labor Day, but the pictures we had were lost when the camera disappeared. Thankfully, I was able to get photos from Micah and Chicku (thank you!!) so I can show you just how much fun this was...

We were able to ride the Little River Railroad train and had so much fun. It takes you 30 min., moves the engine from the front to the back and then returns you back to the start. There were several coach cars, some cattle cars with benches, a dining car and several cabooses.

The 3 cousins were in awe of the train

He was in 7th heaven. I think he would have just kept riding it if we'd let him.

The weather was great and we enjoyed watching everything go by.

It was so much fun watching these 2 all week. I don't think Esha's used to so much love from someone her size.

And it looks like she's already doing a great job of listening to Daddy...

"Now, Esha...don't hold hands with boys. Boys are bad. They only cause trouble..."

Turning 30

Soo...just turned the dreaded 3-0. Okay, so not really so dreaded and horrible, but it was hard to swallow and accept that my carefree 20's were all behind me. Thankfully I have some really great friends who reminded me of all I have to be thankful for...

-yummy delicious mexican food made just for me

-amazing desserts that just kept coming all weekend

-guacamole

-special plates and cups bought just for the occasion

-a friend who lets me be me

-comfortability

-going to extra effort to make it special while being so close to

welcoming her little boy

-boys who like to play together

-a friend so near

-flowers to brighten the room

-hugs that make anything better

-Someone so invested in my children

-food so good you can't help but wear it

-that goofy grin

-unconditional love

-stubornness (it WILL pay off some day!)

-the thoughtful and sweet gifts bestowed upon me throughout

the day (even when I really didn't wish for a trash truck:))

-the love of brothers

-the sponge for a mind -friends to share it all with

-answered prayers

-laughter

-silliness

-people willing to take time to celebrate with me

-a husband who loves me

-support and encouragement

-a willing participant in parenting

-a visual reminder of God's love

-Love Dares that challenge me to grow

-creating a day full of great memories

-health to make it to 30

-faraway family who make me feel special

-a God who has blessed me with it all

...and that's just the start:)

Cheesy smiles

To preface my story, I have to explain that instead of saying excuse me, Breven says Beep, beep. So last week we were in the triple B (Bed, Bath and Beyond) and as we were walking to the cash register, Breven came to 2 big guys standing in the aisle. He stopped and craned his neck back to look at them and then very quietly said "beep, beep".

If I'm not careful, this obsession for construction equipment could go to a whole new level. Who knows, I might wake up to find he's painted himself yellow:)

Their current mode of transportation

Traditions

I told Noah last week that on the first day it snowed (which I was definitely not looking forward to) we would pop some popcorn, make some hot chocolate and watch a movie together.

Our opportunity came at the end of last week when it started snowing in earnest. We had so much fun watch Up and having some great snacks.

And you know what...I think its going to become a new tradition:) I love traditions!

The Shedd

The boys took me to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago for my birthday and we had so much fun (thanks to the free corporate days through A's work!)

I loved being able to get away from everything here and just spend some time having fun together. They boys are both at such fun ages right now, they enjoyed all the fish and despite a lack of nap, stayed relatively content.

The only downfall to these pics is that because they don't allow flash photography, they are a little fuzzy, but I think you'll still get the idea:)

I love the relationship these 2 share. Its definitely a love/hate relationship, but its fun to watch them grow together and share in experiences together.

Sooo...we found a fish God designed just for Breven!!

For those that need the back story: he hits his head weekly and always has a knot on his head. Thankfully, a doctor friend reassured us that its just him learning how to walk and probably not a vision issue...Thank you, Lord!!!

Trying to get 2 wiggly boys to stand still long enough for a flashless picture is REALLY hard!

Our model is showing you the Carribean Reef exhibit.

Aaron's favorite part of the visit...the giant snapping turtle.

Row, row, row your boat...

NEMO! Of course, this was the boys favorite.

Getting ready to watch the dolphin show. I love my inquisitive little boy.

Apparently, Noah has had enough of the paparrazi for one day

Annnnnd, they're out!:) I think we sufficently wore them out.

A moment that warms this Mama's heart

Maybe they'll like each other after all:)

My firefighter and monkey

We had some visitors today...Amelia Earheart, a firefighter who takes his job seriously and a silly monkey.

Double Trouble

Breven was tearing into the few pieces of chocolate that Lori gave him, even before we got out the door.

I think they're ready for some fun

Breven was so funny, I think he found his groove this year. When he found out that every house was giving him candy and all he had to do was say "Trick or Treat" and "thank you" (which sounded identical when he said them, by the way), he was all in. He was shoving N out of the way and not shy at all about helping himself to their candy bowls.

Good thing this only happens once a year!

And of course, the night wouldn't be complete until all the candy was inspected and sorted. I was so proud of N. He was sharing his candy with everyone around him. Looks like somethings finally sinking in!!

Note from the Editor: What I'm choosing not to show you is the melt down that occured after these pictures and during dinner. I remember telling the boys to calm down at one point and then wondering what I was thinking. 2 boys hopped up on sugar are definitely not going to calm down. Needless to say, they both had an early bedtime!

Yo ho ho...

I didn't realize I lived on a boat, but apparently, with all the pirates I've been spying around my house lately, I must.