Hair Cuts and Dog Wash

So we've been pretty busy around here. The boys keep me on my toes. They are both are constantly talking. They constantly are keeping us laughing with the things they say. I could do an entire post on the things they say.

We've had some fun times lately. So here's a rundown.

A few weeks ago I went to Daytona to visit some of my friends. While I was gone Joel and Vance stayed a couple of days with Pa and Nama. Out of that visit they were introduced to "Ice Water". I don't know why they are so fascinated with ice water but you give it to them and they think you've given them liquid gold. So funny! The night I got home we had dinner with Nama and Pa. The boys helped Nama make brownies.

Making brownies with Nama.


The finished result. Yummy!


So my latest obsession has been Pei Wei. My brother and his wife introduced it to me awhile back. Every time I visit them we have to eat there. The problem when they first introduced it to me was that the closest one was over an hour away. Well now we have one literally 10 minutes away. So for special treats I love to head over there. Well last weekend really the only thing we did for Valentines day was take the boys to the park with Nama and Pa and go to Pei Wei. Joel loves the honey chicken there and the chopsticks. In fact he calls the place "chupstixs". As in "Mommy we go to chupstixs?"

Joel and his honey chicken at "Chupstix's" using chopsticks.


I don't remember exactly how it started but when we were back in Daytona Pa started taking Joel with him to get his haircut and they'd get it cut together. I of course never complained because a) I didn't have to learn to cut his hair and b) I didn't have to fight him to get his haircut. Of course Joel loved his trips with Pa and his treats to follow. (Starting with M&M's and juice.) Well the last time Pa took Vance with them. However, Vance was NOT having anything to do with the whole haircutting experience. And Pa didn't have the heart to hold him down and force him to get his haircut. (Mommy's a lot meaner than Pa!) So today I crashed the party and went with them for the haircuts. Pa went first, followed by Joel and finally it was Vances turn. Of course we were prepared. Vance took a good nap this morning and we fed them lunch before the hair cutting extravaganza (at Mickeydonalds of course). And then we were armed with Jelly Belly beans. There were a few tears shed (by both Vance and Joel) but overall it was a huge success!

My babies with their haircuts. They look so grown up!

So Molly is Pa and Nama's dog. She's such a great dog! The boys both adore her and love to help feed and walk her. Anyhow, she was in desperate need of a bath. So after haircuts the boys helped Pa give Molly her bath. It sounded like they were all having a good time. Well that was up until Molly gave a shaky shake and got Joel all wet. He was a little hesitant to get close to her after that. Then it was Vances turn to get a shaky shake from Molly. Needless to say it was a good thing they were about finished giving Molly a bath.

Joel, Vance and Pa with Molly after her bath.

Just another day at the park.

So I meant to blog about this a few weeks ago. We took the boys to the park one weekend while Tj's grandparents were here and Tj's dad was home. Here are the pictures.

Weekend Update, FL edition.

So we had a really fun and busy weekend. I was able to go back to Daytona for a belated birthday weekend with a bunch of my girlfriends. It was really fun. So while I was there the boys got to spend some quality time with Daddy as well as with Nama and Pa.

I left on Thursday and met up with our friend Davina and two of her kids. We ate at Mimi's Cafe. It was the first time I'd ever eaten there and I believe I have fallen in love with their spice muffin. Then it was on to Daytona. My good friend Christine was kind enough to let me stay with her. She was such a good host and we had a really fun time. I went into my old work office and got to see a bunch of people that I had worked with so that was nice. I also got to go see my friend Diane and her little boys. Her oldest is just a few months older than Joel. He was a bit disappointed that I didn't bring Joel to play. The rest of the weekend was filled with good food, a horrible movie pick followed by an enjoyable movie pick, a really fun laugh packed girls night, some craft projects and a lot of relaxing. So ladies, thank you for such a fun weekend! (Especially you Christine!!!!)

So while I was gone the boys hung out with Daddy on Thursday and Friday morning. Then they got to go over to Nama's house. They got to go pick up Pa from the airport, eat MccyDonalds and probably stay up way past their bed times. Saturday included a trip to the store, a Madagascar marathon, bubbles, Jiffy Pop and swimming. Then they got to go to church with Nama and Pa. Of course these were just the highlights and you know what they say, "What happens at Nama's stays at Nama's." : )

Otherwise, things are good here. Tj stays busy with his church calling (he now serves as Young Men's president for our ward). He also goes in to work a few times a week to keep current on the airplane. We're hoping the flying picks up so he can have the opportunity to work more. But it will probably be feast or famine and in a few months I'll probably be wishing he were home more. So we're trying to appreciate the time we have now. Joel cracks us up. His imagination has completely taken off. He loves to tell us stories, sing songs, tell us about his day, and pretend. He is such a tender heart. He is always saying thank you and sorry and wants to make sure that he doesn't hurt people's feelings. He loves playing with Vance and they are getting into the whole wrestling thing. Vance is our over achiever. He turns 18 months next week and is already talking in sentences. He LOVES shoes! He also loves animals. Tonight on our walk around the block we saw a small frog. We were all bent down looking at it and Vance just reached down and grabbed it. He was quite surprised when it wiggled and probably the texture too. He quickly dropped it on the ground and ran the other direction. We all laughed at his reaction. And Manda? Well I'm just trying to keep up with everyone. Life is good.

Joel and Mommy


Pa and Vance; tired after a long weekend.


Vance's Obsession with shoes: Exhibit A


Vance's Obsession with shoes: Exhibit B


Joel is out laid back boy. This is him just relaxing while watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. This picture epitomizes our Joel.