Outdoor weekend fun!

I haven't spent this much time outside since I was a kid. When we were kids, we stayed outside. We either were playing sports, or swimming in our pool. We just didn't spend time inside watching TV, or laying around. 

Since college, I realized that I spent most my time indoors. Whether in class, working, or at the gym. And then after college, it was working all the time with travel, and then working out. Once I had kids, that all changed (becoming a stay at home mom also allowed for a more flexible schedule). I began to remember how much I loved being out and about. My boys love the sunshine and running free outside. Whether exploring, walking the dog, playing on the swing set, coloring with chalk and crayons, or playing with all the countless toys I have outside. We don't spend time indoors, unless it's raining... and that doesn't happen often in Southern California. 

This weekend Grant and I had a blast with the boys. After a very messy dinner out with friends on Friday night, we brought the boys back home and had a "glow stick" bath. We took glow sticks from the restaurant we ate at (yes, they gave them to the kids... what a hit), and some I had that we never used from Halloween (yes, very random I also had some on hand). We cracked them and threw them in the bath. The kids had so much fun! 

After the bath we laid around and snuggled a bit before bed. I am OBSESSED with Asher's hair. It's so curly and soft. It always has the most luxurious curls! I'm dreading his first hair cut. By now, Jake had had about a dozen hair cuts! ;)

On Saturday night, Grant and I went on a date night. We went to Disneyland. It was so odd driving in and walking around with only my purse. We had a small dinner there at the park, and ran around California Adventure. I think this is my favorite side to the park! We went on a few rides, and ran around like kids! We watched World of Colors, and came back home. We didn't get home until 11pm! We were so tired! ha ha!

Grant and I got separated for this ride. We went on the single rider side because the line was significantly shorter. 

Then the next day, we went back. We went with our Disneyland partners in crime! The Levenshus! 

Asher is such a ham! Silly boy!

Jakey!

After all the fun and running around at Disneyland, the kids where knocked out 5 minutes into the car ride home. I love Jake's face! He was smiling the whole time he was falling asleep. 

Then after naps, they got up and played outside in our backyard. Grant and I barbecued. Asher's first time on the big slide. He went down with his big brother. :)

Such a good big brother! At just 2 1/2 he's so amazing!

Little rascals!

Our daily walks are so fun! I get a workout, and they get a workout! Lots of exploring!

ENJOY YOUR WEEK!

Twenty things a mom should tell her son(s)...

Recently I read a post I just had to blog about. Being a mom of boys, this really touched me. I wanted to share. I love all twenty!

Here it goes:

TWENTY THINGS A MOM SHOULD TELL HER SON(S)

1. Play a sport. It will teach you how to win honorably, lose gracefully, respect authority, work with others, manage your time and stay out of trouble. And maybe even throw or catch.

2. You will set the tone for the sexual relationship, so don't take something away from her that you can't give back.

3. Use careful aim when you pee. Somebody's got to clean that up, you know.

4. Save money when you're young because you're going to need it someday.

5. Allow me to introduce you to the dishwasher, oven, washing machine, iron, vacuum, mop and broom. Now please go use them.

6. Pray and be a spiritual leader.

7. Don't ever be a bully and don't ever start a fight, but if some idiot clocks you, please defend yourself.

8. Your knowledge and education is something that nobody can take away from you.

9. Treat women kindly. Forever is a long time to live alone and it's even longer to live with somebody who hates your guts.

10. Take pride in your appearance.

11. Be strong and tender at the same time.

12. A woman can do everything that you can do. This includes her having a successful career and you changing diapers at 3 A.M. Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.

13. "Yes ma'am" and "yes sir" still go a long way.

14. The reason that they're called "private parts" is because they're "private". Please do not scratch them in public.

15. Peer pressure is a scary thing. Be a good leader and others will follow.

16. Bringing her flowers for no reason is always a good idea.

17. It is better to be kind than to be right.

18. A sense of humor goes a long way in the healing process.

19. Please choose your spouse wisely. My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me spending time with you and my grandchildren.

20. Remember to call your mother because I might be missing you.

Zoo fun!

This afternoon I took the kids to the zoo. This week it's supposed to be in the high 70s to mid 80s. I hate staying indoors with these boys and all their energy. Jake wakes up full of energy and wants to go on a walk or go somewhere in general. It gets a little challenging sometimes with a 2 1/2 year old, and a very busy and also walking 1 year old. But, they are actually pretty good. For the most part Jake stays close, and I can keep Asher in the stroller for a little part of the outing. Once Asher is out of the stroller... its on! He wont go back in! FREEDOM! ;)

My friend Erick met up with Jake, Asher, and I. We wanted to go to the zoo, and they have annual passes. Jake and Henry are good buddies. They play great together. Such sweet boys. This morning I asked Jake if he wanted to play with Henry and he scream, "yes, mama!!"

Henry has the green hat, and Jake has his fedora on.

Screaming at the monkeys! I love hearing the boys make monkey sounds. So cute!

ALL ABOARD! 

My silly boys and I on the train. Jake was having a blast. Asher had a baseball cap on... and he decided he wasn't so into that... so... he threw it overboard. I just watched his new hat lay on the ground as we choo chooed away! 

Looking forward to another day spent outdoors with my favorite little men! Have a great week!

Park time fun. Weekend recap.

On the weekends, Grant and I like to take the boys to the park and let them run wild! They love to be outside, and its too beautiful out to stay inside. This past weekend we had 2 full days at the park. Not only does Jake love it, so does Asher. He's been walking around for quite a while now... so, he's got the park down. Asher loves to run around with his basketball, or he loves to go on the swing. I'm starting to teach him to go down the slide! He loves it. Jake runs like crazy, and climbs up to the highest of the slides. 

Here are my happy boys!

SILLY BOY!

Grant teaching Jake how to slam dunk. 

Grant teaching his boys to dribble the ball. Jake was clapping! So cute!

A sweet moment the other day... I was cleaning up after the kids, and heard Jake tell his brother to have some apple juice. Asher has never had apple juice (up to this point), but watching Jake teach his little brother to use the straw was precious!

Grant and I also had a fun date night! We went to our favorite Mexican Restaurant, Javier's. I love catching up on our week and dating my handsome husband. :)

Finally, my littlest man getting ready for Easter. Such a silly little boy!

Happy Monday all!

Asher's first year baby well appointment

After the random sicknesses I decided, why not just schedule shots this week too? Add a little more "fun" to my week! Oh... and the week has only just begun! ha!

I took Asher in for his first year baby well. Everything is great. He's big, beautiful, happy, and most importantly healthy!

He's walking (since 9 months), running (now), wrestling with Jake, eating everything we eat (no more baby food), drinking whole milk since his birthday (about 24 oz), and just a healthy little dude.

In the next few months (by 15 months) there will be no more bottles in the Stone house, and all boys will continue with no more than 16 oz of milk. Jake drinks much less. But, he still LOVES milk. :)

On to my little man's stats...

Asher John is 28 pounds and 2 ounces. He's 33 inches as well. 100 percent across the boards. Jake was 26 pounds and 32 inches when he was one. It's hard to believe that this little dude is even bigger!

Let's all take bets when my boys outgrow their 5'4 mama!

We recently switched doctors, so they haven't met my husband yet... as you can imagine, a little mama walking in with these big babies. They measure and weigh the boys twice thinking they've made an error. They can't believe how tall they are. And then I have to go into the story about my husband being 6'8. That story will continue for the rest of my life, I'm sure.

As soon as they meet Grant, I'm sure they will stop with the double measuring and weighting! ;)

He had 2 shots, and a hemoglobin test. He didn't even make a move with the blood test. He was preoccupied and didn't even move. He looked down and saw the band aid, and ripped it off. That was it! The nurse said that never happens. Then the shots came... He only cried for a second. It mainly scared him, and then he moved on. The nurse made a comment about how strong he was. Something else I already know. ;)

I was talking to my sister and law last night, and I told her I think it'll be harder taking the kids in for shots as they get older, and actually know what's coming. She said it does get worse. Especially when they look at you and say, "mommy, promise me we will never ever have to do that again!" YIKES. I'm sure that will happen to me at Jake's 3 year old appointment in September. BOO!

Here is my baby love at his appointment. And yes, I squeeze him all day. How could you not? ;)

I love being a mommy!

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Being prepared is key.

Yesterday we all had the case of the "MUN-DAYS!" With Jake getting sick in the back of my car, and throwing up everywhere... and me, pulling the car over on Seal Beach Blvd and PCH to clean it all... I'm welcoming a new healthy day!

Its was weird. Jake seemed fine all morning. No fever, no signs of a tummy ache, etc. So, when we went out for a drive and errands, I figured all was well. They were snacking in the car, when I heard Jake to start whine. I looked behind me and he was rubbing his tummy. Before the light the turned green... He started puking. He's only thrown up 2 times. Once when we were traveling to visit family, and another time randomly at home. So, this was certainly a shock!

The light turned green, and he was still throwing up! I finally was able to pull over and realized that I used some of my last wipes just yesterday at the park. The wipes that were in my diaper bag. I forgot to replace them before we left. But, then I realized that I always keep a spare diaper bag! THANK GOODNESS!!! I also had a spare grocery bag, to throw all the soiled napkins, and napkins away!

I didn't have any wipes in the diaper bag, but I had blankets, a change of clothes, and wet wipes! YAY! I was able to quickly clean out the back, clean up my child, and sit him on a blanket in his car seat. Problem solved until I could get home to deep clean. UGH.

When we got home, I brought the boys in... cleaned off his clothes, threw them in the wash, and then bathed Jake. He was totally fine. We had a great nap, and it didn't even phase him. And the rest of the day/night he ate jello, drank water, and ate a bland dinner.

I've only heard the stories of this happening to people. I felt lucky it hadn't happened to me. And now, I'm part of the elite group. YIKES. Totally gross. I'm glad Jake was such a good boy during it all. I'm surprised Asher didn't get crazy during the process too.

Well, I hope everyone has a good Tuesday! I'm off to take Asher to his baby well appointment. Today is SHOT day! The fun never ends! I'll update the blog on Asher's stats later today. :)

When dad's away...

The kids do scary things.

Whether they fall and need stitches/glue, get sick, etc. It's usually something. Not every time... but, a lot of the time.

This brings me to last night.

Grant and I have a weekly Saturday night date nights. Since Grant has been in Mammoth for work/skiing, I decided to keep the sitter. I wanted to work out, and get my nails done. So, at 4:30pm, Amelia came over. I worked out, got my nails done, grabbed take out, and a bottle of yummy wine. I was home by 7:30pm so I could still put Jake to bed.

Amelia (our wonderful sitter) decided to stay and have a glass of wine with me and catch up (After the kids were asleep of course). We have also become friends. She is a Tridelt alumni now... and has been watching the kids for a year and a half. I seriously love her! Anyhow, at about 8:30pm Asher started screaming. He never does that! My boys are great sleepers. Once they're out... They're out until morning. I went in and grabbed him. He was inconsolable. I could not relax him. Amelia decided to stay while I called the doctor and was trying to calm him down.

Asher cried for 45 minutes straight. I felt like he was a newborn all over again. I could tell his tummy was tight. I was hoping he was having gas pain and nothing worse. Amelia decided to watch a TV program and stay while I was in my room letting Asher stretch out and relax in my room. The doctor said if I couldn't calm him down and he kept having these "crying episodes" I'd have to take him in to be looked at. Apparently there are a million stomach viruses going around. And since my kids aren't in day care, etc... mine probably would have gotten something at the park or Target! ha ha. So, if I had to take him in, at least Amelia would be here to stay with Jake, instead of me waking him up.

Asher finally fell asleep on me. I laid him down on his tummy, with his legs tucked under. I had a feeling it was just a gassy baby. And then I told Amelia I think he was going to be OK. She left, but said she'd keep her phone on in case he got worse.

Little monkey slept through the night with me in bed. I of course didn't sleep. Worried sick. These boys are going to make me get grey hair! Or white hair! What ever blonde's get! ha ha.

Thank goodness Amelia was here... just for the support alone. Nothing is scarier than your kiddo not feeling well and you are all alone. No family near. Husband on a business trip. But, we got through it. Grant is on his way home. I need a nap and a massage. Burke Williams or The Montage is calling my name.]

Asher woke up totally normal. He opened his eyes, looked right at me and screamed, "mama!" Then he stood up in bed and started bouncing! Silly monkey!!!

Here's Amelia sitting with the boy's on Asher's birthday. It shows how much my boys like her. I'm glad I got this picture. She helped Grant and I with the boys so I could set up, and Grant could start barbecuing. If theres one thing I hate at parties, its kids going wild and no one watching them! I make sure I have several eyes on my kids and others. 

Jake is officially 2 1/2 years old.

Jake is officially 2 1/2 today. In 6 short months, my first born will be 3. Craziness. I love it... ALL!

Jake is doing great! Loves being outside, at the park, nature center, Disneyland, playing sports, wrestling with Asher, playing with his friends, puzzles, playing Lego's and blocks, and art!

He's wearing 4T/5T clothes, and size 9 1/2 - 10 size shoe.

He still likes Pocoyo, but has moved into the Disney movies. Right now the favorites over here are Rio, Toy Story (1-3), and Cars 1. Grant is proud of his Disney boy... ;)

Favorite foods:
Peanut butter, brown rice, chow mein noodles (LOVES CHINESE FOOD), noodles, chicken fingers, steak, bacon, ALL berries, bananas, pancakes, whole grain blueberry waffles, popcorn (a treat for movie night), frozen go-gurts (I call it ice cream), yogurt with granola, trail mix, jello, apple sauce, apples, and so on. Way too many things to list. He's a little picky of an eater. Not the biggest fan of veggies... but, I keep trying!

Here are a few pictures from this week.

Momma and my little man!

Jake loves to wear hats. This week he was wearing a cowboy hat everywhere. It was a decoration from Asher's party. Glad it's getting good use. ;)

This little man has no fear! Climbed up the big stairs, to the big slide! Went down like it was nothing. 

He also has finally found his voice and personality. If he doesn't like something... we are made fully aware of it. See exhibit A:

Such a joy and blessing these boys are to me. It's been truly amazing to see Jake grow and flourish as a toddler. He's my buddy, and will always be mommas baby... Even if he'll be bigger than me in the 2nd grade! he he.

Have a wonderful weekend!