Happy Halloween!

Whew! Today was a busy busy busy day.

First thing this morning (6:15 am), Isaac, a good friend of Grant's came over. Isaac's little brother was going in to get tubes put in his ears (everything went great!). Then at about 930, Emmitt, another friend of Grant's, came over so that we could head to the YMCA for their Gym/Swim class. (It was my first car pooling experience and I am happy to report that all went well. Although I will be glad when I don't have to work with a car seat and 3 booster seats!) After 2 hours of running and swimming, we headed home, dropped off Emmitt, and had lunch and naps. Then, promptly at 6:00, we headed out the door to begin Trick or Treating.

Grant dressed up at Batman and Beckett wore Grant's fireman costume from last year. I had wanted to put together a Robin costume for Beckett, but sadly, it just didn't happen.

Beckett was a real trooper. He lasted with Grant until about 7:15 and then Grant and I dropped him off with Roger and we finished out the neighborhood...mostly...and trick or treated until 8:00. Grant was absolutely wiped at the end of it, tripping over the cracks in the sidewalk on the way home.

 Grant showing off his fierceness as Batman. Not sure where the hip action came from, but as you will see in future pictures, it seems to be his new thing.

 Beckett the fireman. Poor kid, the costume was WAY to big on him.

 All ready to go, standing by their pumpkins. We didn't get around to carving this year...these are the ones that they painted at a class we went to while Cap and Macie were in town.

 Trick or Treat! Some of the steps were SO big...Beckett really had to work to get to the door.

 May need to reevaluate the bag for next year too...Beckett kept dragging it on the ground.

"We got some more candy!"

My favorite lines from the night:

Beckett runs up first...

B - Mommy I got pretzels!

Grant runs up next...

G - Mom, all they had was pretzels.

Oh how things change in 2 years. :-)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Our Growing Boys

Grant had his 4 year check up today. Everything checked out great - I was impressed with how well he answered all the doctors questions. It was a much more in depth appointment this time (longer exam, jump, stand on one foot) along with a few shots. The longer exam paired with Beckett being in the room made for a very small space. All in all though, everyone did great.

Stats

Grant - 57 pounds (99th percentile), 44 inches (98th percentile)
Since his 3 year appointment, Grant has grown 3 3/4" and gained 5 pounds.

Beckett weighs 39 pounds. Since it wasn't his appointment I don't know his height or percentages, but at his 2 year appointment (beginning of June) he was 36 pounds.

Whew. No wonder I am always so tired.

We are also in the beginning stages of potty training Beckett. He knows that, if he tries, he is able to wear a pair of Grant's boxers over his pjs. I believe you have all seen a picture of that. But here's one you haven't seen...it's a potty party in our house every night. I know, you all wish you could be here to join in. :-)

Happy Birthday Grant!

I can't believe it - Grant turned 4 years old today. Amazing how fast it goes!

Last week we had his "friend" party. Luckily the weather held out because we had about 25 kids/parents over for burgers, cake and a pinata. Below is the video of the kids trying to break open the pinata. Took a lot longer than we thought it would...maybe it was the plastic bat, but maybe it was the little arms swinging the bat!

Today we went to the Children's Museum with Macie and Cap. It was M&C's first trip, so Grant was really excited to show them all the amazing exhibits. We completely wore ourselves out, got home in time for a good nap and then the birthday excitement began. Presents galore, pizza for dinner and ice cream cake for dessert. As Grant said, it's the best birthday ever.

Thanks Great-Grandpa Farrell!

Today we have made ADF proud.

You might remember me mentioning Roger's trip to Washington, DC to pick up bunk beds that my grandpa made for my Cousins Ryan and Conor. Well, after some adjustments, we finally put them together in Grant's bedroom today.

For the past week or so, Roger has been working on a space mural for the ceiling of the bottom bunk. He used glow in the dark paint for some of the planets and most of the stars. So the mural combined with the glow in the dark comforters makes for a pretty cool bedroom.

The boys are really excited and are already fighting over the top bunk...of course. :-) Beckett is still in his crib and since he still really likes his crib, he will stay there for now.

A HUGE thank you to Great Grandpa Farrell (we know you are looking down on us) as well as Cousins Ryan and Conor. We promise to take good care of the beds and look forward to passing them onto the next generation!

PS - Uncle David - Army men to come at a later date. There are already plenty of distractions in the room. But no worries, they will be used! :-)

 Grant helping out.

 Beckett's turn to help.

 Grant checking out the planets on the space mural. Roger also painted a satellite, rocket and even the Death Star is on there!

 Roger getting the full mural experience.

 Grant, the beauty queen, waving from the top bunk.

The boys on the fully made up top bunk.

Video of the boys helping and Grant seeing the mural for the first time.

A & D Messiness

This morning I told Grant to go in and say good morning to Beckett. So he runs in Beck's room and they start chatting and playing. There are several toys in the room, so I wasn't too worried about the laughing and carrying on. Then we heard someone struggling to open the door and then banging. So Roger got up to check it out.

The end story - Grant found a tube of A&D Ointment and they had proceeded to do their hair. It was everywhere...hair...eyes...ears. EVERYWHERE. And, as you may guess, it's pretty much impossible to get out. After 2 shampoos in the shower and a Dawn shower in the kitchen, they are still greasy.

The A&D makes Grant's hair stand on end and Beckett goes from crazy curls to slicked/stuck to his head. Lovely.

Beckett went first at the sink. To make him more comfortable Grant sang to him, as he often does to settle him down. Beckett returned the favor when it was Grant was getting his hair washed. Here is a video of him singing to Grant. Too cute.

And here are some pics of the kids post Dawn shower. Looks like we have a bit more to get out of their hair - especially Beckett's.

 Looks like a mugshot of the accused front man of the A&D operation. :-)

5th Soccer Game

As we approach the end of the season, it's nice to see that Grant's team is trying to work more like a team...passing...communicating. OK. Not really. Roger and the other coach have been trying to teach them to pass to each other, but really, as long as they aren't stealing it from each other, we are happy.

Their last game is next week, along with the end of season ceremony. Should be interesting.

Beckett is desperate to play, as you will see in the video. He ran onto the field several times this week trying to score a goal in the net. I might have to tie him to his chair this week. :-)

Grant scored a few goals this week. Looks like I only got one on tape. The very last seconds of the game, Grant almost had another goal, but he kicked it the wrong way. It was fun to raz him about that. :-)

Funny Photos

Here are some funny photos that I took at random moments in our day.

 Beckett had been playing outside in the backyard and he needed a diaper change. He insisted on getting changed outside and apparently he also needed to read my book and his head required a pillow. Too funny.

This one was taken just as I was about to strangle them. We were having a particularly difficult morning...just trying to get out the door. And then I hear Grant say, "Mommy, we are a couple of handsome boys." Notice Beckett is holding Grant's hand. How can you stay mad after that?

 We went to Isaac's house for craft day and honestly their favorite part was pushing Beckett in this fire truck. Oh well. What can you expect? I like the train. :-)

 The boys helped me rake leaves in the front yard, then the trucks came out. When you can't play in sand, you improvise. :-)

Critter Costume Party

Grant and I had a very busy day yesterday. After the soccer game, we went to lunch with everyone in Grant's cheering section. Then we went home, dropped off Roger and Beckett (Beckett hasn't been feeling 100% and so he needed a nap), then Grant and I went to a Critter Costume Party at one of the local nature preserves.

I wasn't really sure what to expect at the "party," but once again, I wasn't disappointed with this class. Each of the kids was able to choose a costume to wear. After deciding not to be a racoon, Grant settled on a fox.

The beginning of the class was a bit disorganized. I am not sure if the teacher was just waiting for all the participants to arrive or if she decided not to do the original activities. The extra time allowed the kids to roam around the area and one of the little girls found this huge praying mantis. It was definitely the biggest one that I had ever seen...pretty cool.

Then the class started. Along the path in the woods were hidden cauldrons and pumpkins. Inside was something about each of the animals represented in the costumes. After a brief talk about the animal, the kids were given a "surprise" - a memory card game, bubbles, jumping spiders, bats and a few other Halloweeny things. Grant loved searching in the woods for the cauldrons and pumpkins.

 Learning about the red fox.

Rabbit footprints. I was amazed at how attentive Grant was. Many of the kids were wandering off or picking things off the ground. Grant listened to most of the mini-lesson...but then was also one of the first to wonder what the "surprise" was. :-)

A little bit of video from the day.

After the Critter Costume Party, Grant and I stopped a few stores to get things for the first of his 2 birthday parties - the friend birthday party. We decided to do a Halloween themed party with a pinata. So he was excited to pick out decorations and things for the pinata. We also found a costume for him. He originially wanted to be a bat...but now he is going to be Batman. We found a cheap costume at WalMart with a cool mask and body suit. The cape leaves much to be desired, so I think that I will make him a better cape. He has already worn the costume, mask and all, around the house and even wore it outside under his clothes. Beckett is still undecided, although Roger and I think he should be Robin. We'll see.

Very Cold Soccer Saturday

This week's game occured on one of the coldest mornings thus far. Not only was it only about 45, but it was also windy. Lovely.

Grant had quite the cheering section this week. Grandma and Papa drove down from Ft Wayne with Roger's brother Matt and his 2 kids, Gabriella and Preston. Grant's friend Isaac also came with his mom. I think that his cheering section was a bit distracting. He didn't play as well this week. No goals this week, but as I told him, sometimes you have super defensive days. He did make a few good saves in front of the goal. His team is working on passing the ball instead of dribbling it down the field alone. A very foreign concept to 3 and 4 year olds.

Beckett definitely enjoyed having lots of people to play with. He bounced from rolling trucks on a grate with Uncle Matt and Cousin Preston, to sitting in Papa's lap, to running around with Isaac.

Only a couple of games left and then the big end of season ceremony. Should be interesting! :-)

 Beckett ready to cheer Grant on, soccer gloves and all. :-) Love the $ store.

 Grant warming up before the game. I thought he looked cute in his hat and gloves.

 Still working on his jumping jacks.

 The team ran some laps before the game. He must be concentrating since his tongue is out.

 Grant leading the laps.

 Thought I would try and get some pics of Beckett and me.

 I like this one.

 Beckett and Isaac.

Beckett and Papa.

Video of the game. Love the tunnel at the end...especially the surprise participant at the end. :-)