Morning Coffee

After my MNCREW 5k race on Sunday we stopped at Caribou for some "coffee". The boys got a little shot of hot chocolate and loved every minute of it. 

Grandma Julie will certainly love these photos!

(m is on the left...p on the right)

Insta-Weekend

Thai noodles! 

Our ever so well behaved dog.

Finally....after 3 1/2 years I broke down and bought a second set of carseats. We had been getting by with just one set. And by getting buy, we've had some serious mad scrambles switching car seats between vehicles. The boys were excited and said: "That's fair! Now both Mommy and Daddy's trucks have car seats. That's fair!" 

Gussie (two pix in one post!?!?)

TOUGH guy! Watch out Uncle Cory! (p)

Gorgeous evening walk around Lake Harriet

I'm fairly certain I didn't attend any MLB games when I was 3....let alone in the FIRST row! Lucky boys!

Welcome Fai!

Our new au pair arrived! Her name is Fai and she's from Thailand.

We are SO excited to have her join our family and we have loved getting to know her over the past month. Fai is unique in that she's already been to the US a few times, so her English is fantastic.

Guess what else? She's an excellent cook! Have I mentioned how much I love Thai food? The boys have been insisting on fried rice for lunch almost every day. Luckily Fai knows how to sneak in loads of chopped veggies and chicken!

She's started teaching the boys some Thai words...my favorite being "I love you" and the boys have been busy learning how to write their names.

Fai has already gotten her MN license and has met a lot of friends and au pairs in the area. It truly is a small world. 

She brought the boys these adorable Thai outfits (in red). The boys call them their "fancy outfits". They are so stinkin cute!

picking Fai up at MSP

[m] fai [p]

p/m

p / m

p...needs a hair cut!

p

go twins!

Preschool

The boys' official first day of preschool was September 10. We went to summer camp for a total of four weeks this summer - the school said it was to help get the kids used to school. I think it was really for the parents. It was much easier for me after having already taken them this summer. Remember this post? See, they have been growing like weeds. Seriously.

It's only two days a week for 3 hours each day, which is super inconvenient for working parents, but it is the perfect amount of time for them. Thank goodness for our au pair. 

The teacher asked if she could use masking tape on their back to tell them apart. I'm sure we'll get that question for a while. 

It's also interesting to hear how they act in those situations away from home with other people. They've been good so far but apparently they wrestle "a lot". We really don't wrestle/rough house much at home, so I'm not sure why....but they are boys. And they're probably showing off. 

My favorite is the email I got from the teacher (addressed to all parents): "As is typical at the beginning of the year, we have been talking a lot about manners, listening to directions, and keeping our hands to ourselves at school. Thank you for reenforcing these same values at home." I laughed out loud when I read this one! We have a long ways to go on mastering those!

I see them walk into new situations such as this together and realize how unbelievably lucky they are to have each other. I don't think they have the same sense of fear or uncertainty when they know they've always got someone to watch their back. Pretty damn special.

P/M

Neither of my children are paying attention here.

Bucket List: Camping

Everyone has a 'bucket list'. Things they would like to do in their lifetime. I've always had one - adding things faster than I can check them off the list. After what happened this summer, I've been focusing on checking things off my list. I may actually post my list...(I'll have to add that to my list!)

Canning was on the list. Check!

Camping was also on the list. Check!

This was a very last minute decision, and a huge thanks to my dad for picking up the camper we rented, hauling it to our camp site, and getting it all set up. (My preferred way to camp I think!)

We picked a perfect weekend - the weather was gorgeous. We all had a blast and the boys loved it. Their favorite part, of course, were the smores.

While on our way to Decorah, the boys asked if our camper was going to have a toy room. Ha!

our digs

pure.silliness. (p)

so peaceful..and relaxing

the boys with our friends, the T family

chillin'

look! no feet!

shopping!

treats!

amazing snickers cupcake.

bocce

Bike rides! Pretty soon these two will be ready for the loop de loop!

Using two forms of extra lighting during the day to help find the trout.

Looking for trout!

My bestie, Beth, and her beautiful family joined us for a picnic lunch at the campsite on Saturday.

I love you Beth!

P&M stretching with me after my run. Since we camped right along the Elvelopet route I couldn't resist running the route. The weather was amazing.

Is that your camper? Nope - just our bus truck

grandpa came and made us pancakes on Sunday morning - what a treat!

lookin' for trout

Little Things

Sometimes there are little things that remind me of how much these two have grown up.

It wasn't that long ago that they couldn't even hold their heads up, needed to eat every 3 hours 'round the clock, and had a reputation for burning through up to 4 diapers (each) in one feeding/changing session.

Now look at these two . They are putting away the clean silverware in the right slots.

This "they grow up too fast" thing has risen to a whole new level. I mean, I feel like we might as well start packing the car for college.

Can't we leave those silly dishes in the dishwasher, push pause on life, and go snuggle!? I'm gonna get all emotional here so I better put an end to this post!

Insta-Been-A-While

Lovin' up that Mr. P at the park

The "I get whatever I want" eyes (M)

Crazy cousins at the park!

Lots of giggles...only a little brushing.
If anyone knows of a "longest nighttime routine" contest, sign us up.

Practicing at the field

Fun walk at Calhoun! P&M were in awe of the dog playing fetch in the lake
70 pounds in this stroller is getting to be a lot to push!

Chillin' at School Park!

Germ-o-phob or not, I certainly would not recommend drinking this water!!

Is it obvious that Mom and Dad know absolutely nothing about soccer? Yeah, I put their shin guards on over their socks. I realized that after their first game but decided to just go with it for the season.

story time...

dinner with friends...

school park

more school park! (m)