Honest Abe

This last weekend we decided to go visit Honest Abe Lincoln. We parked at the Arlington National Cemetary and walked across the Memorial Bridge to the Lincoln memorial. As you can guess, Logan loved walking up the stairs and down. He has way too much energy. Aaron enjoys the lap of luxtury and riding in the stroller up the elevator. After that we went and looked at the Vietnam memorial. There was a tour there with a park ranger, and he probably talked about the memorial for half an hour; some of the history behind it, how it was chosen, what it is supposed to mean, etc. It was very touching and very informative. I gained a lot more of a perspective of the Vietnam War from the presentation, and a greater respect and reverence for those that fought in that war.

Paul was recently called to be the Webelos leader in our ward, so now we all go to the church on Tuesday evenings, and Logan shoots hoops for an hour. There are only three boys, so it is really easy to work on projects they need for their advancements. It is also nice that they are eleven years old, and enjoy participating regardless of what is being taught and what they know about it.

Today Logan and Aaron were supposed to take naps before going to church, and it was really quiet for quite some time, so we thought that the were both sleeping, a parent's dream come true! Well Logan decided to try a new canvas for his art work, and we began to hear laughing coming from their room. Never a good sign during nap time. Behold, part of the results....

To Know Me is to Love Me

Paul had this shirt when he was a baby that reads "To know me is to love me." We took a picture of Logan in the shirt when he was 6 months old, and recently did the same for Aaron now that he is around the same age. I just get a kick out of it whenever I put them in this shirt. I sure love my little boys and am so proud to be their mommy.

One of our latest adventures was to the Natural History Smithsonian. Logan really liked the dinosaurs. It was amazing there, and lots of fun. We had a hard time keeping Logan in one spot long enough for a picture, so we don't have many to post from the museum.

Here are my sweet boys. I love it when they play together. It makes my heart melt. They just love being around each other. Aaron positively lights up when Logan walks in the room, and Logan delights in making Aaron laugh. They're a great team.

My Projects

I did it! I actually did it! I finished my projects! These projects have been in the works for YEARS.

I made this quilt for Logan's bed. Logan had been sleeping in a hodge podge of bed coverings.

His original sleeping arrangement?...

Comforter with blue zebra stripes

Pink rosebud sheets

Snowflake print pillowcase.

It was rather comical to see those patterns together like that, not that he minded in the least. But his MOTHER minded. So I did something about it. I have to say I am very proud.

I have been working on these stockings for years. I think I started the one on the right before Logan was born, and the one on the left before Aaron was born. Needless to say, we're buying the remainder of our Christmas stockings.

Thanks to everyone who donated jeans for the quilt below. I think it turned out rather well, but you'll have to look at it up close to really do it justice. I used all sorts of jean parts in it. I am excited to use it as a picnic blanket for the great outdoors.

So that's it for my episode of Shameless Showoff. Next week should be about the boys again. Stay tuned!

Air and Space Museum

With the nice weather, Rebecca has been taking the boys to a water park that is close to our house. They seem to enjoy the sprinklers and the new little friends that they make while they are there. We also went to the Air and Space Museum in downtown. It was exciting. Logan enjoyed the interactive section where you can learn about how winds work, weight, and simple physics. Mostly he likes to push the buttons. Aaron just enjoys the free ride of being carried everywhere. We have also been feeding Aaron solid foods which he seems to enjoy immensely.

Leaping Logan

Logan is growing up very fast. He is enjoying just about anything he can get hishands on. Lately he has been enjoying playing golf in the grassy area behind our apartment. Last weekend, Pauls parents were visiting from Utah, and we all went up to State College in Pennsylvania to visit Paul's sister Jackie, her husband and new daughter. While we were there, we walked around Penn States campus before the Penn State vs. Notre Dame football game. While some went to the game, others went to the park and had a barbeque. This was the first time Logan had had a smore. Needless to say, he never let the marshmallow sit long enoughfor it to be placed between a graham cracker and chocolate, but he enjoyed himself none the less. The next day was the blessing of Jackies and Jareds new baby. It was a great event to be present for.

Adorable Aaron

Here is a glimpse into the life and personality of our little Aaron. Aaron is probably just as smiley as Logan was as a baby. His little grin lights up his little face. Aaron is starting to sit up by himself, and only tips over after a minute or so. Aaron loves his brother! Even if he does get pushed and poked and man handled by him. He and Logan are going to be great buddies and playmates. Aaron can also stand up by himself if you prop him against a couch or hold his hands. All babies can do that, but it is fun anyway. Wiggling is his newest passion, and he does that constantly. What a cute baby boy.

The county fair came to Arlington last week, so we decided to venture out for some fun. It was the first fair for Rebecca, Logan, and Aaron, but old hat for Paul. Logan liked the ride where he sat in a car.

Logan was absolutely terrified to ride the carrousel. It took all of Rebecca's soothing influence to keep him from bolting. He looked stressed and nervous for the whole ride. When it was over, he hopped off gladly, then looked back and wanted to ride it again. Go figure.

As you can tell, once again Logan got into my makeup. This time, it was the lipstick he got his hands on. He'll need to work on his aim. None of it ever touched his lips.

As for the eye patch, I took Logan to an ophthalmologist this week. We had noticed Logan's right eye wandering regularly and decided to check it out. It turns out Logan has Amblyopia, or Lazy Eye. Occasionally his right eye stops working because it doesn't see as well as his left eye. To correct the problem we need to patch up the good eye. This forces him to use the bad eye. He will also need glasses, which he will start wearing sometime this week. Wish me luck keeping glasses on my active toddler. My guess is that we're going to end up spending a small fortune on replacement glasses. :-)

Here's our smiler in action.

Aaron started solids this week. He loved the rice cereal, so it was an easy transition. He also loves to smear it all over his face and hands. Logan wanted to eat the rice cereal too. I let him have a taste, which he promptly gagged on and ran to spit it out in the garbage can. Apparently it wasn't as big of a hit for Logan as it was for Aaron.
Look how great Paul is with the kids. They absolutely love him. What a fantastic husband and father! He is doing well and is enjoying his work as a dentist.

Mount Vernon

Our family made a trip to Mount Vernon last week, which was George Washingtons mansion and plantation. What a neat experience! The grounds are quite extensive, and the house is kept in pristine condition. How amazing to walk where our first president walked. We saw the room where he found out he had been elected our first president, and we saw the room where he passed away. Paul had a treat in seeing George Washingtons dentures on display. It was a worthy Saturday adventure.

By the time this photo was taken, the kids were done. We tried to snap a picture in between sobs from Aaron, and wriggling from Logan. We were partly successful.

Logan thought the child statue was pretty neat. He kept staring at it.

Here is George Washington's tomb. What a great man

On the home front, Aaron rolled over for the first time. I can't believe my little baby is growing up! *sniff* Logan got into our markers, and decided they would look best scribbled all over his wall. That kiddo never seems to find an end to his mischief making. But he warms our hearts with his adorable smiles and sweet hugs. I'd do anything for him when he says "I yuv yoo mommy." What precious moments.

Here's our Curious George. He spotted a blue tailed lizard and wanted to poke it. Unfortunately it was unobliging and scurried away. Smart lizard.

Isn't Aaron a cutie! Just look at that smile.

Williamsburg Weekend

Well, this last week was rather exciting. Logan got his head stuck between the metal bars of the hand rail in our apartment. It took a little work to get him out, and I don't think he will do that again, but I wont hold my breath. Last weekend we went to Williamsburg, VA for a suprise 50th birthday party for Paul's aunt and uncle. While there, we stayed in a time-share and there was this miniture golf course on it, so we decided to go play a round. We also indoctrinated Logan into the art of golf. He loved it. Aaron got to ride in the stroller around the course, soaking in the sunshine. Paul's mom came out as well to go to the party and to go help his sister Jackie have her baby that is due, any day now. Things here are going well and we are staying out of trouble, for the most part.

Iwo Jima Visit

We are now pretty much settled in our apartment. The trouble now is trying to keep our place clean with Hurricane Logan leaving a trail of havoc and mayhem in his wake. But what can you expect from a toddler. He is great about helping to clean up though, and sings the "clean-up song" whenever I ask him to put things away.

Here's our family outing at the Iwo Jima monument. We're glad our camera has a rapid shutter speed, because Logan was off in a flash within milliseconds of this picture being taken. Paul is learning photography, and is thus our family photographer, which is why he's not in the picture.Logan got into Rebecca's makeup this week. In an effort to beautify himself, he decided that mascara around the eyes would give him the desired look. If his goal was to look like a raccoon, he succeeded admirably.
Aaron is getting so big! He is only 3 months old, wearing a 6 month outfit! I'm lucky to have pulled it out of the closet in time. Enough pictures Mommy!!! I don't wanna smile anymore!
Daddy and Logan just chillin' on the couch.Spending a relaxing Sunday afternoon together.