random pics

"Mine, I got it!"

perfecting the pouty face

 The terrible-two's have nothin' on the tantrum-filled-three's.  It's absolutely amazing how quickly Brandon goes from happy go lucky to total meltdown, and usually it's over the simplest of things.

Yes, he does love to be naked!

He is learning to "ham it up" for the camera

A love affair continues

 Yes, Mason has adopted Brandon's love of vacuums but the big difference is that Mason will actually turn the vacuum on and help Momma clean. 

"Turn on"

Self training...froggy potty style

Well, Mason it seems has decided to start potty training at 21 and 1/2 months old.  I attribute this fortunate occurrence to Mason spending most of his time following Brandon around, especially when Brandon uses the "potty".  Poor Brandon, he often has to lock himself in the bathroom and informs an angry Mason (picture banging on the door and pulling on the door handle relentlessly while crying for "Bandon") that he needs "privacy".

Mason it seems is more capable (or willing) than Brandon to disrobe and sit himself on the potty and make a "pooper".  I say this because today while I was unloading the car, Mason was inside getting naked and peeing on the potty (all while I was unaware until I realized he was in the bathroom).  So, here I am, on the verge of no longer having to buy diapers....okay I may be a little too hopeful here....but it would be nice!!!!

Snake!

Brandon and Mason were excited, to say the least, to see this three foot king snake roamin' our back yard! 

Questions from my 3 yr old!

Brandon is very inquisitive, always inquiring about the happenings in his world.   I suppose this is pretty typical for a three and a half year old however he can be absolutely unrelenting until he hears the most detailed of answers.  And watch out, if he is not satisifed with your answer he will let you know! 

Most of our questions come during our car rides to and from daycare.  This is our time to "discuss" the day's happenings.  It's funny to me that Brandon can usually NEVER remember what he ate for breakfast or lunch but he poses his complex questions.  Here are some examples:
1. "How do spiders make webs?"
2. "What makes electricity?  Why does the electricity charge your phone?"

These next couple questions were asked on the way to work this am:

1. "Why is the sky blue?" (my answer: "God made the dirt brown and the sky blue so you could tell up from down")
2. "How does God take your soul to heaven?"

Yes, this question was word for word from his mouth!  I was shocked by his question and couldn't imagine how he could grasp the concept of a "soul".  I have to admit, it took a moment for me to formulate my answer (since it was 6:50am), "Well, God sends a special angel to hold your hand and lead you back to heaven so you don't get lost".  My answer must have satisfied because all he said was, "oh, okay".   

I better start brushing up on my studies....I fear these questions are only going to get harder.

more tub time

Shavin' like Daddy

"Mason, put it on like me"

"My turn!"

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Thanks to another Targer clearance find, bath time is once again worth getting clean for!

Lee Valley Reservoir

teamwork!

A herd of elk near the turn off to sunrise!

No camping trip would be complete without stopping to let the dogs swim in the cold water of the White Mountains!  These year, since we didn't camp in our usual spot, thanks to the forest fires, we stopped on our way home to let the dogs try to drown each other over a stick!  They love the water and it is absolutely funny to see them both chase the same stick into the water, only to return to the shore together, eager for more!!!

Unfortunately, we didn't see much in the way of wildlife during our camping adventure!  Seriously, picture four children ages 21 months to 7 years old running around our remote camp site, yelling, laughing, and sometimes crying.  There were moments when we would find Brandon and Allison (ages 3 and 4) standing face to face just screaming with delight.  Needless to say, all the kids had a great time.