Be Proud Read Aloud!

 One afternoon Max came home all excited.  The next day he was going to read aloud to Will's class!  He had a book picked out that he thought they would love.

Will's teacher is the sweetest person alive and was more than happy to send me a few pictures when I emailed her.

I don't know which of the boys was more proud that afternoon, Max or William.  They may fight like crazy at home sometimes, but they love each other something fierce.

Will's Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

I was fortunate enough to attend Will's very first filed trip ever!  It was to our very favorite pumpkin patch, so it was pretty much meant to be.

I swear they were more excited than they appear here :)

 We started out with a hayride.  It was tough to hear too much that our tour guide was telling us, but the boys loved it.  I think Will was determined to clear the entire wagon of all the hay.

We explored pumpkinland for a little over an hour.  I will admit that it was a little bit miserable.  I swear it was 20 degrees warmer at home!  It was cold and it even rained on us for a little bit.  It didn't slow these guys down at all.  I they were still willing to zip every zipline, slide down every slide, overcome every obstacle course, and swing in every swing.  The only thing they weren't okay with - the dark hay tunnels.  

After the pumpkin patch the kids boarded the bus to head for lunch at the park.  The original plan was to let the kids play on the playground for a while after lunch, but it was just too wet!

Will had a great time and when we got home he asked me if I could go on every single field trip he ever has in his whole entire life.  I told him I would love to!

Underwater Pictures

I love, love, love the place where the boys take swimming lessons.  A few weeks ago they made a big deal about underwater pictures.  Once I saw the boys' pictures I could see why.  They are just adorable!

All three boys are making huge progress with their swimming skills.  Max is working on adding breathing to his crawl stroke.  He can backstroke the length of the pool.

Will goes under and attempts everything the teachers ask of him!

Jack is all smiles the entire lesson - apparently even when underwater.

I can't wait to see their skills continue to improve!

Max's Zoo Field Trip

 So I'm totally behind on my blogging - there are so many things that I want to document recently!

First up - Max's field trip to the zoo!  It is always one of our very favorite places to visit, so a field trip here was an added bonus.  The kids were studying food chains so we started off with a class in the education center.  Max and his classmates were able to learn about food chains and see lots of consumers - they even got to pet them!  Max said this chinchilla was super soft.

After class there was time for us to explore the zoo together.  The Puma's were in rare form this morning.  One kept hissing at the other and the kids were convinced that something big was about to happen.  

 Max and his buddy posing near the giraffes.  It was a beautiful morning to explore!  We finished up with a sack lunch before the kids headed back to school on the bus.

He is getting so old - but I'm glad he isn't too old to pose for a picture with mom every once in a while.  I love that as a stay at home mom I can attend things like this.  I know it never would have been possible if I was still teaching!

Family Hayride

 THe other day at hte gym I saw an flyer for a family hayride at a local state park.  We have thought about doing it in the past, but it always seemed to be so late for the boys. Now that they are a bit older, we decided to go for it. I'm so glad we did!  It was a fabulous night!

 

We boarded the hayride and went on a ride around the park.  The sun was just setting and it was beautiful.  The ride ended at a clearing and we all got our dinner.  The boys were super excited that their were chips. 

Of course,Jack always feels obligated to make his one nad only scary face every time a picture is taken these days.

 

 After dinner the boys were ready to roast marshmallows.  I think they need longer sticks next year!

Then it was time for the entertainment.  The boys have seen Babaloo several times - at both of their schools and the library.  Personally I find him rather loud and annoying, but the kids eat it up - underwear jokes and all.   Will and Max were totally into their new job as drummers - Jack thought it was a little loud and just decided to take it all in.

Then for the grand finale he blew toilet paper all over the kids.  It was ridiculous, and cheesy, and they loved it!

I think even Brian would admit that this was a pretty fun night!  It often feels like we do the same old family activities all the time, so this was perfect!  I can't wait for next year.

The Zoo

The boys have a four day weekend.  We took care of some necessities - the dentist - yesterday morning and then headed to pick up Nonna and Nonno for a visit to our favorite place - the zoo!

It is always a good time and our visiti didn't disapoint - although some little boys were not hte best listeners. . . .

As an extra bonus we were able to check out all the fun Boo at the Zoo decorations as we explored!

 No visit would be complete without the mandatory train ride.  Jack was thrilled to have Nonna and Nonno all to himself in one bench.  The big boys insisted we sit in the very last seat.  They know the drill, and sure enough the kind woman let them both say all aboard at each stop. I think this was their very favorite part of the visit!

 Max and William were happy to show Nonno our zoo's newest addition - Kali the polar bear!  They were all a bit grossed out when we went to the other window and saw that he was chewing on a crazy big bone.

 There is no doubt about the fact that this little man was cranky!  Luckily a ride on Nonno's shoulders cheered him up a bit.

 

 Both William and I were super excited to get this picture.  Last year for the 100th day of preschool each child brought in 100 pennies.  They used the money to become zoo parents for an orangutan.  Their name is still listed and Will thought it was pretty cool!

Friday's outing wore me out, so I"m still debating what to do with the boys on Monday.  Hopefully there will be less time spent pushing mommy's buttons no matter what we do!

Picture Day

The other day was picture day at the boys' elementary school. This picture is just too darn cute not to share.

They get more handsome every day!