Fish Head!

So, last night I left Nolan in the high chair, with a couple of Swedish Fish, and went to start the bath water. When I got back to him, he had stuck the fish in his hair, saying "Fish Head, Fish Head!"

Oh, goodness. Little Nolan is ALL boy!

Granny time!

My mom -- known as "Granny" to the boys -- came to spend the weekend with us this past weekend. We really enjoying having her here to take in the church Easter egg hunt, and just to spend quality time with all of us. Sure wish she lived closer, too! But, we do our best to cherish the time we can spend with her, when we can.

Easter celebration at preschool

One of the greatest advantages I see to working from home is the chance to attend Waylon's preschool parties. It's one of those little things that I hope he'll appreciate someday!

We were signed up to bring treats for the Easter party, so I put my creative skills to the test on this one, and created bunny cupcakes for his class. (No, it wasn't my idea. I just did what the magazine instructed! Ha!)

Waylon and his classmates seemed to enjoy them, and I enjoyed watching them celebrate a wonderful holiday.

Oklahoma bound!

In mid-March, we took a road trip to Oklahoma to visit my brother, Willy, and sister-in-law, Tracie. The boys did WONDERFULLY on the drives to and from Oklahoma.

We were hoping for some pretty weather, so the boys could enjoy riding some of Willy and Tracie's many horses! But, the weather just didn't cooperate. So, they found fun in helping do chores morning and night and just spending time with our family that we don't see nearly often enough!

Waylon really enjoyed playing with Willy's PS3 (or whatever that's called!). We have a no-video-games rule in our house, just because we're afraid they'd get too addicted! Waylon enjoys playing computer games, just the same. But, playing with Uncle Willy was a rare treat!

We also enjoyed spending time with friends who live in Oklahoma, who we just don't see often enough. If only Illinois and Oklahoma could move closer together...

Our stylin' little man!

Nolan is incredibly fascinated with "dressing up" these days. He loves to put on his boots with anything -- pajamas, church clothes, nothing but a diaper! On this morning, before we got dressed for church, he decided he'd make a full ensemble with pj's, winter hat and gloves, and boots. He was so proud!

This little guy makes us laugh every day!

Preschool projects

It's like Christmas every day that Waylon brings home a new project that he's created at preschool. We work to find the "perfect" spot to display his creations!

These were two that Waylon was especially proud of recently. One is his "ocean in a bottle." (February was "Ocean Month" at school.) It's complete with a little fish, shell, and "foam" on the top. It sits as a centerpiece for our kitchen table -- Waylon thought that was the perfect spot.

MY favorite is the tissue-paper/construction-paper masterpiece. He handed it to me, and I said, "Oh, I love it! What is it?" His reply: "It's construction paper, with tissue paper glued to it."

Well, duh, mom. Couldn't you figure that out, yourself? I never did learn what the objective of that project... But, I love it, just the same!

I don't speak Spanish

The boys and I treated Granny and the Great Grandmas to lunch at our favorite Chinese restaurant in Evansville on Saturday. I was so proud of the boys -- they sat fairly well, ate fairly well, and didn't cause any major messes. Success!

The waitress at the restaurant is a doll. She always strikes up conversation and loves visiting with the boys. She was asking Waylon lots of questions about school, his brother, etc. Waylon simply looked and nodded, but didn't say much. (That's out of character for him!)

When she walked away, he said, "I really wish she'd speak English. I don't know Spanish!" Stifling a smile, I explained that she was doing her best to speak English, and she was such a nice lady, we should be nice back. I suppose the good thing is, he didn't say it to her face! :)

I've been told our children will inevitably say something to a stranger that will embarrass us to no end. I'm sure my time is coming... whew, that was a close one!

The cloud factory

Yesterday, as I was driving home from my parents' house with the boys, Waylon looked out the window and said, "Look, Mom! Is that the cloud factory?"

It was actually a power plant, with clouds of steam (or whatever that is!) rising from it.

So innocent and so precious. Gotta' love the mind of a four-year-old! :)

It's tough being four...

So, Waylon comes home tonight and asks, "Are you sure I'm really four?"

My reply, "Yup. You're four. Why?"

His answer, "Well, I had trouble being four today."

Evidently, he is now officially too tall to play in the "kitchen" area at preschool, as he's hitting his head on the low ceiling in that area. He told me he can play in all the other areas -- dress up, blocks, puppets -- but the kitchen is no more.

My baby has outgrown his four-year-old preschool class. Bring on kindergarten! (Sob! Ha!)

Caring for the pony

Nolan loves his rocking horse. And, like any good little cowboy, he also loves caring for his pony -- brushing and petting him daily. :)

New arrivals!

The babies are here! Although, when we purchased the bred ewes in December, we were told they would lamb in January, February and March, all three ewes delivered within a week in January! Oops. :) Mommas and babies are doing great -- three ewes and one ram. Perfect!

Nolan was a bit hesitant to get near the lambs, at first. Now, though, he thinks they're great! Waylon enjoys going out with daddy to do chores (it's just a bit too cold to send Nolan out, just yet.). It's going to be fun to watch them grow, and watch the boys learn and "grow up" with these lambs, too.

Knock knock

Nolan has now discovered knock knock jokes. (Probably has something to do with big brother's joke telling.) So, Nolan is BIG into knock knock jokes.

Knock knock.
Who's there?
Blankie.

Knock knock.
Who's there?
Daddy.

Knock knock.
Who's there?
Socks.

You get the idea. We can't help but think it's about the cutest thing we've ever seen. :)

The little reindeer on stage

Waylon's preschool once again put on a great Christmas program. I must say, I was one proud momma. :) They sang "Away in a Manger," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Waylon practiced many nights at home, and loved being one of the most animated kids on stage.

Nana manned the camcorder, and I of course, took photos non-stop. That left Daddy and Nolan with the big job of being Waylon's fans. Nolan lived up to the part, smiling and dancing, and clapping loudly after each song. We were all proud of our little Reindeer on stage. :)

Ready for Christmas

The boys loved helping get the Christmas tree ready this year. Both boys took their turns placing ornaments on the tree... and, Nolan did his share of taking them off, too. :)

Both boys became very fascinated with Santa this year, too. Waylon had plenty of questions: "How does he fit down the chimney?" "What if a family doesn't have a chimney?" "What happens if we wake up while he's at our house?" And, Nolan wandered the house saying, "Ho, Ho, Ho!" all month long. Oh, the fun of the holidays with little ones.

Officially in the sheep business!

At the end of December, we officially became sheep breeders! Craig make the trek to Stanley Poe's to purchase three bred ewes, which Waylon named Fancy, Rose and Bella. (Yes, Bella may have been a suggestion of mommy's, due to her Twilight obsession. Ha!)

The boys love the sheep. Nolan every day says, "Baaa, woof woof, horsey, daddy," in that order. Just recounting our inventory of livestock and the primary caretaker. And, the babies have added even more fun. (I'll just have to keep you in suspense a bit longer to see those photos! hehe.)

Once again... way behind

So, once again, it's been a few months since I've posted. Man, who knew this would be so tough to keep up on! :)

Life has been fast and furious for the past few months -- mostly with good things. The boys continue to grow and change daily. So much fun!

Waylon loves preschool. He is learning so much, and adores his teacher, Mrs. Anderson, and has several friends in school. What a blessing to have such a wonderful preschool in our little town!

In November, Waylon's class theme was "farms." So, of course, they took a field trip to Birkey's, to see tractors and combines up close! Craig served as tour guide. He did very well, considering he's used to talking "details" with his customers. I told him all he needed to say was, "That's a planter. A little bitty seed goes in the ground. It grows up to be a tall plant!" Ha. Great memories.