5:30 Wake Up Call

My 3 year old alarm went off today at 5:30 in the morning. Graham declared he was awake and ready to go to preschool. I guess he did not get the memo that school did not start until 9:00. I have been preparing him for the past 2 weeks about returning to school with a new teacher and new room. He likes structure and routine and did not understand why he just could not have Ms. Liz and Ms. Jenny again for his teacher. I was also preparing myself to handle all the tears and crying that would ensue as I attempted to leave the room. He made quite a seen last year in the 2 year old room, so I was going to be ready this year...stay strong and walk away. But this year, my little man walked right into his room greeted his new teacher with a firm handshake and started his day with no tears, no crying, no needing Mommy. So instead, Mommy walked out the room silently crying wanting her little boy to need her just a little bit longer. 1st day of preschool

Already playing before I could get out of the door.

We miss you Daddy!

I love you Daddy!

Bring me diamonds!

Hurry up and come home! Bring me diamonds also.

Check out my shirt! AND bring Mom diamonds too!!!!

Pairs are not always twins

My mom, Aimee, Jordyn and Jacob came for a visit before everyone had to head back to school. Graham LOVES when his cousins come for a visit. He gets to stay up late, miss nap, and eat junk the whole time they are here. Could life get any better for a 3 year old?

Double Trouble

The girls' personality are really beginning to shine and take shape. Not only do the girls look different but they act different as well. Different in a good way, they compliment each other very well. Bryce is much more aggressive and fearless. She can climb on top of just about anything and can get to the top of the stairs in a blink of an eye. Layne is much more observant and cautious. She likes to check things out before venturing off on her own. However, when the two of them are in sync with each other double trouble is likely to follow... How many pieces can we put on the floor?

How long can we make our mom rock us before bedtime?

Clothes are for chumps! Diapers Rule!!!

Who needs toys when we can destroy a closet. We can tell mom Graham did it!!!!

Apparently, I have a handful...

Does anyone else have a handful? A handful of what you ask? Apparently, I have a handful of kids. Why is it that everywhere I go that is basically the first thing out of a stranger's mouth when they see me coming with my children? Wow, you must have your hands full. Boy, you sure have a handful. Is it a compliment or a put down?

I had yet to figure it out until today...at Wal-Mart of all places. On most occasions I have no problem taking G, B and L into places. It is not hard, it just takes pre-thought and organization. I had 1 errand to run this morning at Wal-Mart. I needed to return something and buy milk. I wanted to be in and out of there in 10 minutes. Wal-Mart can get you in trouble when you have a 3 year old. He wants everything he sees. So I tried to alleviate any wandering around and decided to put G in the stroller with L and put B in the Bjorn. Apparently, I must have hand my hands full with 2 kids in a stroller and 1 strapped to my body in the 100 degree heat. Before I could make it to customer service, 4 strangers said, " Wow, you must have your hands full!" I politely nodded, smiled and went about my business. In my mind, I am thinking I hate that phrase. In my opinion, it sounds rude. My children are well behaved in public 99% of the time. So why are my hands full and the lady with 1 child that is screaming for a toy or pulling things off the shelf doesn't have her hands full. But I digress...

But, while I am standing in the customer service line seething about how full my hands apparently are, an older gentlemen joins me in line and strikes up a conversation about my kids. It was your basic conversation, and then he started the dreadful phrase...Wow, you have your hands full, is what I was preparing myself to hear for the 5th time that morning. But instead that sweet gentleman made my day and said, "Wow, you have a handful of blessings!" So from today forward when some random stranger tells me I have my hands full, I will simply respond, "I sure do. I have a handful of blessings!"

Daddy Time

If Brian is home, then you can be sure to find at least one child if not all 3 attached to him.

They could be reading...

on the computer...

swimming...

or playing at a party (that is Graham in the corner getting ready to jump on his back). They love spending time with their dad.

Chuck E Cheese = Good times!

2 out 3 in diapers deserves a celebration. The girls enjoyed the pizza and the limited freedom in the toddler area. Graham had a GREAT time. He was allowed to go off without mommy but I had Sophie there as my watchful eye. Bryce

Layne

Graham

Graham with Sophie