Troublemaker

That is his name now, troublemaker. He seems to be getting into more and more things lately, just like every little kid I guess, but he is wearing me out!

This morning he colored on the chair with a Sharpie. Thank goodness for the magic eraser. I have no idea how it works but I sure am glad it does!

You can't really see it in the picture but he had a blue mouth here from eating chalk. This was just a few small nibbles but in the days to follow he managed to take large bites out of the pieces of chalk. I don't even know how he did it actually but he had a mouth full of green chalk. Gross.

He loves dumping stuff and was so quick to give me his "cheese" smile. He sure was proud of his mess! Luckily Pebbles liked these puffs and ate most of them up.

Some of his other recent tricks include playing with dog food and water when I am not quick enough in the morning to remove it, climbing out of his crib, throwing huge hissy fits about stuff, screaming until he has a hoarse voice just because he wants something, and my least favorite playing in the toilet. I found him twice in the past week dipping his pointer finger in the toilet and cleaning it off in his mouth. If only everyone would shut the bathroom doors!

But then it comes to prayer time and he is so cute and loves to fold his arms now and it all goes away. It is so cute to see him know what prayer time is and fold his arms without me even saying anything. Some times he starts to jabber with whom ever is saying the prayer too.

I think his, and mine, least favorite thing to do is change his diaper. He cries, screams, arches his back, twists around and does anything he can to get away from me. It is a huge source of stress for me every day. Anyway, as you can see in these pictures we have switched over to cloth diapers to see if it will help with his diaper rash that never seems to go away completely. Maybe that is why he hates diaper changes so much becasue his heiney always hurts. We still use regular diapers some times but now that I bought these things I am trying to use them. He still has a rash but that is expected with diarahea. I am hoping once we get the rash away this time the cloth diapers will keep further ones away.

He was watching a baby Einstein video that had different pictures of things in the house. He was trying to copy the words they would say. When they got to the picture of the table didn't try to say table but he said "get down." I couldn't stop laughing. He's got it, even if he doesn't listen to me, I know he is hearing me!

Playing with Pebbles. He loves to play with her, feed her, and hang out with her and on her. Pebbles is the only one who shares his love of balls and the backyard. They are good buddies. He is a fun little guys but he definately is getting harder for me. And he doesn't stop moving. Love this guy, even if he is a trouble maker.

First Dentist Appointment!

Rachel and Olivia had their first dentist appointment. They were a little anxious about going, naturally, but nothing too bad. They like the office right away with its Dr. Seuss theme everywhere. The staff was great and made them so comfortable and gave them lots of little surprises that made them so excited.

Livy went first and was a champ! She did everything they asked and had a great experience.

Happy with nice clean teeth and a new tooth brush!

When it was Rachel's turn she was more than ready to go! She saw how fun it was for Livy and she couldn't wait her turn!

They both did awesome and when we left they said "That was so fun!" I'm glad they could start off their dental visits that way! I hope it stays like that for them but I don't know anyone who loves the dentist still, well maybe Jamie, but here's to hoping! Since the dentist appointment they have been so good about brushing and trying to floss themselves everyday. You're getting so old you two! You guys did awesome! Thanks for making it a fun easy visit for me too! I love you girls!

Austin and Confrence

We spend the first weekend of April in Austin. We got to enjoy the beautiful weather and listen to General Conference. I really enjoyed conference and the kids cooperated pretty well so we actually got to listen! For a week before the girls talked about conference and how they wanted to watch it. They watched a little but knew it was important and were good at sitting when we asked them to.

We went to the part, played outside a bit, went for a dip in the hot tub, and of course they goofed around. I love when they all play together. Colt just wanted to be like the girls and do whatever they did. It is so cute to watch as he tries to tag along and thinks he is as old as them. I'm grateful we had the chance to listen to General Conference and hear our prophet and apostles. I am really grateful for this opportunity we have to hear from them.

Now is a great time to live in Texas

It has been beautiful weather here in Houston lately. I know the heat is coming soon so we are trying to enjoy the out doors and the kids are loving the nice weather. It has been in the 70's and 80's and just really nice out. These pictures are from before I went to Utah but I'm running a little behind!

One Saturday Livy asked if we could make a garden. So we settled on a few plants in pots. Maybe next year if we plan ahead we can get a real garden going. I think it would be great to have a real garden one day.

We went to Home Depot and got some dirt, tomato seeds, one strawberry plant, and one cherry tomato plant.

They were so into it and still are. Everyday when Eric gets home they remind him that it is time to water their plants. They get so excited every time a little sprout grows, it's adorable. They loved planting and watering and taking care of it. It is their special project with daddy.

Thanks dad for this fun time together!

There was also a crazy number of lady bugs in our grass for a few days. Livy was really into catching one and asked me to help her and what are the chances of looking down and finding one. Well little did I know they were all over. They caught tons of them that day. It sure was fun for them and so neat to see.

I love this one of Rae and the one of Livy below. They loved just staring at them and trying to keep track of where they were crawling. Rachel did suggest at one point to rip its wings off but we had to have a chat on why we don't hurt the animals. Trouble maker!

Mr. Outdoors has been loving it too. Happy to do anything outside he is enjoying his alone time on the trampoline!

Breaking out the bathing suits! We haven't gotten as crazy as their cousins and hit the freezing pool regularly yet but we have broken out the sprinkler and water table which seems to entertain them enough for now. I'm not ready for swim season yet!

Sharing their treasures! I love your sweet spirits and wonder with everything you come across. You two are amazing little girls and we are so blessed to have you in our family! We love you so so much. Thanks for being such good examples to your little brother.