Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful for. Enjoy!

Keeping the Kids Entertained

Winter is around the corner. Here are a few ideas to keep your kiddos occupied that I happened to discover by chance.

1. MITTENS--K & R don't want to wear their mittens outside. Instead they would rather wear them inside for about 20 minutes. I don't know what the obsession was but they wanted them on. Novelty I suppose.

2. PAPER---A paper towel can be a fascinating object to a 17 month old and the ripping develops fine motor skills. Only requires a few minutes of clean up time.

3. See how many kids can fit into a box and don't forget to time how long it takes before one gets mad. (I still don't know how they both managed to get in there.)

4. Play Peek a Boo with oven mitts.

Oh and I saw bubbles used indoors on another blog I read so I will be busting them out soon. I remember R & K loved them last winter.

I sort of started out this post as a joke, but then thought about how the activities were really all things that kept my kids busy and they liked. I know you are going to try these ideas out today aren't you? M.O.M.s have to stay sane somehow. Got any tips for me???

Uh-Oh

I went to the food store and returned to find Ryan standing on the couch! Apparently he can get up on his own now and according to Daddy was sitting nicely until I got home. I'm seriously not ready for this. Let's hope the novelty wears off quickly.

A Very Special Visit

I took Ryan & Kaylie to see Santa at the mall by myself! It went well despite my fear of them running off in two directions and tantrums to get back into the stroller. None of that happened. I went super early to avoid the lines and crowds. We were the only ones there so I think that made the difference. Ryan walked right up to Santa and smiled. Santa put him on his lap, so I got Kaylie out of the stroller and plopped her right down. They were both just happy sitting on his lap. No smiles for the pictures however, but what else is new? I have serious kids. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Laughing Duo

Here's a video of Ryan & Kaylie. They didn't know I was filming. Of course they were laughing more before I got the camera. I love giggles.

Needed a Change

I figured the beach picture/theme wasn't fitting in anymore with the colder weather coming. I think I need to get some better pictures for the header and I really wish I was talented enough (or just knew HTML code) to change the background and make it a "cool" blog like many others I see. Until then, I'll have to stick with Blogger templates. Enjoy!

Halloween Photoshoot

Last weekend we finally had a Halloween photoshoot in our house. They weren't the most smiley kids for it and trying to keep them still was near impossible. Bob saved the day by using the candy container. They wanted to play with the candy in it. To think we have to do another shoot in a week or so for the Christmas card exhausts me!

What's Cooking?

Tonight I made cornflake chicken for dinner. The recipe calls for crushed cornflakes. I put some cornflakes in a baggie and let the kids go to town. They loved it and it kept them busy for a whole 15 minutes. I can't wait to bake cookies or cupcakes with them when they get older. I used to love that as a kid.

Playground Fun

Sunday we went to visit at my friend, Carra's, house. We took them over to a playground and they had a blast climbing through a tunnel, going on a merry go round and the swings. This was actually the first time they went on a slide! They loved it. The outing wasn't terribly long because it was a little chilly but it was a great idea to get out and enjoy the weather before it turns really cold.

Whee!
Kaylie's turn. (I'm taking this halfway across the playground while chasing after Ryan)

Then they got into a little mischief when we got back!

Happy Birthday Em!

This weekend we celebrated Ryan & Kaylie's cousin Emily's first birthday. It was at a restaurant with delicious food! I will say that this was the first time these two have been to a restaurant outside of going to the mall food court. I know, I know. What are we waiting for? I don't know. We have toyed with the idea many times but it seems daunting to go out with two toddlers. Ryan and Kaylie did fine for the most part. They sat for awhile and then of course wanted to get up and explore. Ryan had one thing on his mind and it was to get out of the private room we were in. I spent most of the time telling him no and bringing him back into the room because well....he doesn't listen yet. Kay attempted escaping as well, but not nearly as fixated on the idea as Ryan. I will say my son is persistent.

I suppose we may be brave soon and try an outing as a family at a real bonafide restaurant. They really have to learn how to be in a place like that.

Emily received this HUGE bear that entertained R & K for a while.

And here's the birthday girl...Happy First B-day Em!

17 Monthers

Before I forget, I thought I would capture some of what Kaylie & Ryan are into at 17 months old.

Kaylie: loves to bite these days. She can moo like a cow and hiss like a snake. Does so big, peekaboo, marching/dancing, and loves ring around the rosie. She tips over quite well at I'm a Little Tea Pot. We're still working on language but the animal sounds this week are new. She points at everything and LOVES animals--especially dogs. She identifies body parts and is VERY interested in her belly button. She enjoys running away from Mommy when getting dressed.

Ryan: is into standing on ANYTHING and letting go!! As a result, many of our ride on toys have been confiscated. Ryan played peek a boo for the first time this week (with him putting his hands on his eyes) and he now hisses like a snake when asked what sound a snake makes. Still awaiting words from him as well although I think he says ball, and this? (for What's this?). He does the sign for MORE and uses it appropriately. Ryan also likes ring around the rosie and so big. He likes shape sorters and still loves the rings from the ring stacker--he can put them back on now (Kaylie too)--but not in the right order. Ryan tries to get into the cabinets at any chance he can. I think he has radar for when I forget to relock the cabinet.

They're both love Elmo, Jack's Big Music Show, Laurie Berkner music, (pretty much any kid's music), and being outside. They really love books too (YAY!) with current favorites being Goodnight Moon, Pajama Time, and any lift the flap books. Kaylie loves to destroy these!

They are really keeping me on my toes! I love to see them developing into toddlers with personality, despite the many tantrums along the way.Here's Ryan in a shirt that says Little Guy on it. Bob frequently calls him that so I had to get it!

Halloween 2008

Halloween 2008 began with a trip to Daddy's office to show off their costumes. They enjoyed the attention and were even given some yummy treats. The best part was being able run around and test out Daddy's office chair!


Then they headed home for some trick or treating in the neighborhood.

Ryan & Kaylie (or should I say Pebbles & Bam-Bam) had a blast running around the neighborhood!! We went to only a few houses but it was enough for them as they don't get the concept yet. Ryan helped Grandma hand out a piece or two of candy. In our neighborhood, we literally get close to 500 kids so I need help to man the door and take care of these two. Here are some miscellaneous pics from that.

And another Halloween then and now....

2007

2008