Raking 2012

After running a ton of errands I came home to Wyatt helping daddy do a ton of yard work. It was great to see them working so hard - and of course it was a bonus that Wyatt was enjoying it fully!

Working hard

Granted Wyatt has always loved to rake the leaves (2011, 2010, and 2010) . He is all about using the rake and listening to the leaves as they crumble. 

Break time

We did have a hiccup this year though with an overly friendly bumblebee. That bee wanted so badly to be friends with Wyatt. It kept landing on his shoulder and walking up his neck. I was glad it was just a friendly bumblebee (no stings) but Wyatt did not enjoy this new friend. So Patrick took care if it. Then Wyatt made sure it wouldn't come back...

Smacking the bumblebee

For at least one day our yard was free of leaves this fall, I think that is great, because who knows if it will be completely cleared before the snow comes...

Silly Levi

Levi provided another opportunity to play with my camera settings, well at least a little bit. And this was just a funny pose!

Relaxing in his chair...

Light & Shadows

Alright, so my abilities with shadows are still not perfect, but there is some improvement in my mind, and it's all a learning process. Levi and Wyatt were all about playing in Wyatt's room, so we tried out some new lighting and captured some smiles.

Levi reading a paper

Wyatt showing off Lightening and Thomas

Wyatt was even willing to smile for these!

Pumpkin Patch 2012

Our autumn tradition continued this year with a trip to Dussel Farm for pumpkins (reminders of previous years, 2011 & 2010). We love going to pick out our pumpkins, Wyatt was ready to go as soon as he woke up even.

My parents were able to join us again this year, which was nice. We got some great pictures and spent some quality time together watching both boys have a blast.

Levi was thrilled to have the freedom to walk around the pumpkins by himself - such freedom. Since we got there early it wasn't busy at all. He liked touching the pumpkins and trying to roll them - just pure joy.

This was the first year Wyatt showed any interest in the picture "op" set ups. He was all about posing with Nana and daddy. 

We got Levi to stand still long enough to mark his height... Wyatt on the other hand... well he was more focused in trying to pull our very full wagon around. That boy is strong!

Wyatt got a special treat of  seeing the actual farm where all the pumpkins grow and are harvested - there were still tons on the vine. He also got a chance to check out the big farming tractor... Nana was great at helping Wyatt with this little excursion. 

Wyatt also enjoyed the learning stations that were set up - this one had tons of facts about farms in general. There was also one about pumpkins that Wyatt enjoyed. 

Of course I was thrilled to get my caramel covered apple - it is truly my main reason for going to this particular farm every year. Plus the prices are perfect. It's nice to help out our local farmers, get our pumpkins and enjoy some time outside. Can't wait to do it again next year!

Mommy & Wyatt

Last week Wyatt and I got to enjoy some time in the sun while Levi napped.

It was a great chance for both of us to soak in the fresh air - I know our days for such medicine are numbered for a few months - I have living in NEO my whole life...

Wyatt loved "sweeping" the leaves. Of course he also loved burying himself up in the leaves. Not to mention listening to them as they crushed under his feet. There is something about sun, fresh air, and outside that brings boys to life - a new level of energy seeps into their souls I do believe. I mean I even get a little energy jolt and I would never classify myself as the outdoorsy type!

Plus I got the chance to play with my camera a little more... of course learning on a speeding bullet of a child is sort of like jumping into the deep end, but hey that's my lot!

I figure, I will eventually be great at taking pictures of kids as they play, even in the shadows!

Meeting Pilot

Flash back post:

I know I have posted about the zoo a million times (well maybe a little less) but my boys love it! So here's another one.

In August Patrick took a special day off so we could have some family fun, and what did we do? Well of course we headed to the zoo!

Levi was a great helper as we got ready - oh yes this was pre-walking and he was climbing those boxes with ease. 

Climbing up to get into the bag

The lemur exhibit is one of Wyatt's favorite. I'm starting to think it's because he gets to talk on the phone to them...

Talking with the Lemurs

One of the reason I love our zoo so much is that there are many little areas that provide some extra play for the kids. What a great way to wear them out without tiring out mommy and daddy too much! Only this summer did Wyatt get brave enough to cross this rope bridge on his own - and now he has to go across it at least 3 times in a row.

Loving the bridge

With daddy along Levi got the special treat of playing on the playground with Wyatt - usually he has to stay in the stroller because mommy just can't watch both of them at a playground at this stage (Wyatt is too quick to bolt and Levi is too needy - maybe next year the boys will have both reached an age of independence that will allow more play). Anyway, Levi loved the slide, and would have stayed there all day. 

So happy to be able to go down the slide

We lucked out because a childhood friend of mine is working at the zoo now, and we happened to run into her. She so graciously offered to bring a special snake out for Wyatt to actually meet! He was thrilled. 

Meeting Pilot!

So we met Pilot the snake. Wyatt got to learn that snakes eat mice and they can squeeze tight. He was a little unsure about being too close, but interested non-the-less. That timid behavior is so like me at that age, I'm glad we are able to push him a little out of his comfort zone though. Allison was great with explaining about the snake and how he eats and where he lives. I know Wyatt was super grateful because he still talks about Pilot the snake - although I don't know if Allison knew he was so into it at the time...

Allison and Pilot

Daddy was brave enough to take Wyatt to the touch tank! I was shocked. Surprisingly Wyatt it made it through the introduction talk... but then changed his mind when he realized they wanted HIM to touch those creatures.

Trying the touch tank

Overall it was a great day spent at the zoo. 

Catching up with Wyatt

I am sure all almost-four-year-olds get to this stage, but I'm contributing a lot of this independence to being a big brother. You see Wyatt has always been great at entertaining himself - what a blessing. But he's gotten even more creative in his quiet/alone play times.

Putting together yet another dirt castle

He's been stealing 15-20 minute outside play times while I make lunch with Levi (grateful for a large kitchen window that allows this independence). He's gotten into building castles for his water toys - I mean what boy doesn't like to build things? We have had to step over many a castle in the past couple of weeks. 

A quick smile for mommy mid-study

As daddy was preparing for a recent bible study, Wyatt wanted to join in the preparations. He picked up one the study guides and sat down to help for some late night work (you know burning the eight o'clock oil). He was all about helping daddy and reading daddy's book. Of course it meant he stayed up a little later than normal, but hey sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do!

Dr. Levi

Much to my dismay the boys are not on the same nap schedule anymore - well most days. However that means there are more opportunities for one-on-one time to play with mommy. So I guess we are looking at this positively.

Scout was the patient of the day

Levi's current favorites during these times with no loud brother running around include playing with his doctor set and finding chairs he can sit in. 

Yeah I'm thinking that is exactly what the doctors do before they walk in the examine room - no?

I'm just enjoying see Levi express himself in his own way. Most of the time he is trying to mimic or impress Wyatt. So these times of play, although I know Wyatt influence (who else showed him how to play doctor?),  are great fun because the real nature of my little guy stands out.

Leaning in close - what great bedside manner he has!

Air Show

Love it when Patrick writes a post!  Here's what he did with boys before Levi's party a few weeks back.

I have always been enamored with flight.  What little boy hasn't?  Airplanes, rockets, the space shuttle… they all were amazing to me.  Wyatt has been granted my same love of flying.  When we went to Disney World back in January of this year, Wyatt spent the entire time in the airport glued to the window watching the airplanes take off, land, and taxi to their gates.  Now that Wyatt is rapidly approaching four years old, I've been actively trying to find activities that will let his love for flying grow.  He has such a spirit for adventure that it is hard not to want to pour gasoline on the fire and watch his eyes light up. 

This September, the nearby airfield hosted their Aviation Heritage Fair.  Admission was free and the weather was destined to be gorgeous.  With Oma coming to town to celebrate Levi’s birthday that same weekend, the air show was on. 

A flying Wyatt

I was surprised at how many people showed up to this little air strip in Stow, Ohio for an air show that is just a few weeks after the big one held in Cleveland every year on Labor Day weekend.  There were planes from many different eras represented, and pilots talking about them, both civilian and military.  The small air show was well-organized, had just the right amount of aircraft, and Wyatt could get so close that he literally walked right up under a B-26 Liberator bomber and looked inside the open bomb bay doors.

Totally loving the airplanes

Wyatt was so proud of himself that he kept walking up to the next airplane and declaring if it was too small for him, and thus the perfect size for “baby Levi,” or was too big for him.  He never did find one that was just right, but I suspect that the Cleveland Clinic helicopter was the closest to meeting his exacting requirements.

Checking out the helicopter (which he still talks about!)

The quick air show trip was capped off by a fly-by provided by the U.S. Air Force.  Wyatt and Levi watched in awe as a KC-135 refueling tanker soared low over the runway. 

While we didn't stay long at the air show because of Levi’s birthday party later that day, it was incredibly memorable for Wyatt and I would imagine he’s hooked on flight for life just like me.

Saturday Outlet Trip

Crisp fall days are perfect days to go shopping at the outdoor outlets, right?  Well it worked out exceptionally well for us, so I'm not going to complain.

Mesmerized by the ducks

We started the Saturday with our regular library routine and then headed up to the outlets to pick up just a couple of things, and price out some possible Christmas gifts. On the way the boys got a treat of McDonald's so it was starting off well.

Loving how close the ducks were

We make a quick stop at the playground - didn't last long as most of the equipment was a little damp. But the ducks quickly caught our attention. Both boys were fascinated with the ducks and geese in the water. 

Soaking it all in

I think Wyatt could have spent house just watching the birds swim, but the cool breeze kept us going. Wyatt isn't a fan of wearing his coat, but I have a feeling as the temperature drops he will become a fan!

Smiling and smelling - multi-talented!

Of course we had to stop to smell the flowers- the groundskeeper was taking down the hanging baskets of flowers that were no longer enjoying the weather. Wyatt however still enjoyed them. He spent time smelling them, and then decided one was especially sweet and needed to come shopping with us. How can a mom say no?

Taking in the new surroundings

My adorable monkey!

Levi was a great sport riding along in the stroller. He was content just to keep seeing new stores and people. I could not ask for more out of my second son!

Oh and mark this - Wyatt stopped moving long enough to smile for a good picture! I know monumental. Who cares what we went to the outlets for, and what we got, this shot made the trip worth it!

Just being

Because I can't help myself, here are my current favorites of Levi... 

Levi's favorite lounge spot

The poor dog has been overrun by the one year old. When he approaches she resigns her spot and finds another while Levi just reclines and enjoys the warm, soft spot. 

Smile for mama

What a smile - this is worth a thousands words.

Oh the remote!

Totally excited to have total control of the remote - doesn't happen often, being one of three boys in this house!

Three snapshots into the personality of my one-year-old!

Quick play time

Here's a major catch up, just for fun post... can't believe how much happened while I prepared for Levi's first birthday that I never wrote about!

Anyway, we decided that Levi is going to be a little Thomas the Train this Halloween - since Wyatt refuses to wear the costume, but Levi seems to be alright with it. Plus it isn't crazy big... well maybe a little... but really who's going to say anything?

Levi in the costume, playing with Wyatt's trains

Another newer development - Wyatt has become scared of the dark, or rather the monsters in the dark - or maybe the closet. Not exactly sure...  So we have adopted the "monster spray" idea to help rid his room of all things scary before bed. It seems to work most nights...  I also took the opportunity to get Monsters, Inc out from the library for a family movie night - I couldn't resist the chance to watch a Disney movie with my boys! And it's just a prep for the re-release this December! So excited - sorry for the Disney-fanatic-mommy-tangent.  Anyway, the monster spray is a great appeal to Levi during the day, and has resulted in a couple of soakings - of both boys in fact... good thing it's just water!

Taking a turn with the monster spray

And of course the play times continue to involve a ton of daddy wrestle time. I mean is there really any better game for a three and a half year old? Yep I don't have any good answers. Besides they love it and it tends to wear Wyatt out, so who's going to hear me complain?

Wrestle time with Daddy

I'm so grateful we had such a warm August and September, because we got to enjoy many sunny outside days, and plenty of open window days. I'm sorry to say that those days are gone for the year it seems. The cold air has moved in (not quite heater time yet though!) and our windows are probably going to stay closed now. Here's hoping for some sunny snowy days that will wear out my boys, because keeping us inside all winter could be a recipe for disaster!

A one year bug

I know I'm supposed to say how unbelievable it is to me that  my little guy is a whole year old, but honestly, it's been a long year. It's been a challenge to figure out how to be a stay-at-home mama with two energetic boys who are as different as night and day. But I wouldn't change it.

Enjoying a cookie - even his hair wanted a bite

This little cuddle-bug (the source of the nickname bug or buggy) has been a joy, most of the time. He's a great eater, which is a welcome relief from his picky-eating older brother. He loves to get hugs and just sit in my lap (for a few minutes at least), which again is a new thing for me.

Loving sitting in the grass just a couple of weeks ago

He has such a great demeanor - he giggles over so many things. He just loves life. He loved to be tickled. He loves to sing and dance. He is a great observer - learns quickly from watching his older brother - another favorite activity.  

Examining a leaf

And now that he is walking he is all the more fun. He toddles as quickly as he can, in fact he gets going so fast with half of his body (sometimes the top, sometimes the bottom) that he tumbles to the ground often in a thud. But he's got a great older brother who gives hugs and kisses during those moments and up Levi gets again to try again. He's determined to be just like his brother, although they are so different.

So here we are looking at another year of new discoveries and memories, I can't wait to see what they are... I just pray my patience and endurance levels continue to grow as the energy these two have is unbelievable - did I already say that?

Zoo date

Flashback post:

We got to enjoy the weather this past August with zoo trips, a favorite was a play date at the zoo. We had the opportunity to visit the zoo with my friend Nikki and her kids, Kaleigh and Micah. It was great to see the interaction between Wyatt and Kaleigh - I hear about Kaleigh all the time even though we don't actually see her that much. (Nikki used to watch Wyatt when I was working, which meant Wyatt spend a large part of his first two years with Kaleigh.)

Kaleigh and Wyatt - so sweet

I've been working on the importance of holding hands when we are in public and busy places with Wyatt. I mean if you've been around us at all you know that Wyatt is a very independent child and he doesn't really know slow. Hand holding is a serious life skill for him!

Nothing like little kids holding hands 

So it was absolutely the cutest thing when Wyatt would continuously ask Kaleigh to hold hands as we walked between exhibits.

Friends

We had the amazing opportunity to see the new baby cubs at the zoo while they had alone time in the public exhibit. It only happens for about an hour every day and I think Nikki and I could have stayed there for hours just watching those little cubs play. Of course preschoolers are never that interested for long. 

Real interest

Equally glued

We even got to eat lunch together, which allowed for some actual catching up between Nikki and myself, which is a real luxury when there are four kids between us to keep track of.

I think I am going to enjoy seeing my kids make friends and enjoy spending time with them.