Hodge Podge (Part 1)

I wish there was an actual summer vacation that took place, just so that I had something to blame my absence on, but no such luck. What is it about the summer time where it seems like there's no extra time for anything. So here goes my catch-up post for the past, umm, wow, has it really been a month?!?

First, just a cute picture of the boys to get you smiling. It's official now... whatever Braedyn does, Chase must do also. There's no leaving this kid out of anything, even something as simple as eating yogurt.

We celebrated Ben's birthday in July. I took the kids to Target to pick out presents for Daddy. As usual, we ended up in the toy section first, and Chase quickly occupied himself with a plastic school bus which he pushed up and down and all around the toy aisles. So it was basically up to Braedyn and I to pick out the presents. After a long 45 minutes, we finally settled on two presents, both picked out by Braedyn. The first present was a shirt, of course, because... well, you know, because that's an easy gift. Just saying...

Here is Ben opening his second gift, with Braedyn eagerly awaiting.

WOW!! Look at that, just what Braedyn Daddy wanted!! I'm not sure who was more excited, Daddy or Braedyn. Actually, I do know the answer to that question, but I'm pretty sure you do too.

I would like to say that Ben was thoroughly surprised by his gifts, but that would be difficult to do seeing how 2 minutes after getting home from Target, Braedyn says to Ben, "Daddy, we went to the store and got you a shirt and Toy Story." (Note to Self: No more present shopping with Braedyn.) And just in case Ben forgot, as he was opening his presents one day later, Braedyn again reminded him, "It's a shirt, Daddy, it's a shirt", and "Hurry up, Daddy, open present, it's Toy Story." Remember not too long ago when we just couldn't wait for our kids to begin talking... **ahem**

Here's a cute picture of Chase enjoying one of his birthday presents. Trust me when I tell you that you'd be amazed at what these kids can shove into the back part of this truck. If something is missing, look in the truck, it's most likely there.

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Braedyn's newfound talent is drawing circles, and more circles, and more circles. You see, apparently you just can't draw one circle, you have to keep drawing them until you run out of room on the paper. I'm pretty sure he's a genius. Period.

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One day last week, or a few weeks ago (who really knows, I've lost all track of time), Braedyn wasn't feeling well. As he laid on the couch, Chase went to rub his back, trying to put him "night-night". I grabbed my camera so I could take a picture of this sweet moment. But what is it about these moments that turn into a picture that is All. About. Chase. I mean, seriously, do you even focus on anything else other than his adorable grin and cheeky face?!?

I asked him, "Chase, what's wrong with Braedyn", and he gives me his favorite line of "I dunno, I dunno". accompanied with his favorite "I Dunno" pose.

This is what I see ALL the time... "Chase, where did you put this?"... "Chase, where did you put that?"... No matter what, this classic face and hand gesture is all I get in return.

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Okay, this is going to have to hold you over for now. I have more pictures to post, but have no more energy left. My brother's wife and their three girls (ages 5, 7 & 9) are visiting us this weekend. And as you can tell by their ages, we have been going nonstop all day today. We are all wiped out, and I must get some sleep to prepare for Day 2 of kids, kids, and more kids.