Does Anyone Have As Much Fun As We Do?

As I was choosing what pictures to add to this post, I began to think about how fast my Babies are growing up! If I am only good at one thing, it would be taking in every moment. I was given this advice years ago, and I have tried to instill it in myself as well as others.

The Babies and I traveled to my parents house last weekend to visit with my Uncle who journeyed up from the coast. It was wonderful to see him and to hear his amazing stories and views on raising kids. There are so many facets to child rearing that are sometimes confusing; but listening to him, it all seems so simple. He was and is not a perfect parent, as none of us are, but I think after visiting with him, raising his children years ago, is helping him now in his daily life and struggles. I tried to take what all he said and apply it to my life now, as a parent. This was not at all meant to be a sappy entry, but I have had that on my heart for the last week or so. Thanks for enduring!

While we were there, an amazing thing happened! My son, who is "Captain Independent" (and I'm glad) enjoyed playing with his cousins, as he always does. We were all outside enjoying the nice weather, and jumprope became the "item of the hour." After watching his older cousins jump for a time, I guess he felt he was missing out. Grandpa held one end, and Aunt Brandie held the other end for whoever dared to jump. Well, out of nowhere, here comes Hayden (who had been watching from afar.) Guys, he just jumped in there like he was a professional, Olympian jumproper! Of course he couldn't quite get the rhythm, but for a first timer, he did pretty darn well. I was so proud of him for his coordination, is perseverance, his comfort, and his excitement! You could tell on his face that that he had done something big! What a big boy!

On Valentine's Day, Hayden & Kaylen Rae attended a wonderful Valentine's Party hosted by our neighbor. She runs a daycare next door, and does a fabulous job as well. She has loved the kids since day one, and treats them like her own. Hayden just went on in and made himself at home with the others. He is truly a party animal! Way to break it down with the three and under crowd there Son! Kaylen Rae pretty much slept through the entire event but the others enjoyed walking by her saying, "BEBE, BEBE!" What a wonderful time we all had! Thank you, Tami & Angelica!

We finally were able to enjoy a nice day outside with minimal wind! Hayden had a good time playing with Carli & Sandy, and climbing on his playscape. Kaylen Rae just took in the light breeze and giggled when the Girls would come by and lick her feet. They both are such outside kids and I am so glad! I pray for many more days to come like that one! We can only handle inside so much!

This week I have seen so many wonderful things happen! Hayden had suddenly become interested in the moon, and so we go and look at it every night before bed. His favorite color is green and he can say his ABC's and count to seven (with prompt!) A car is now called a "Hun," I guess because really, it goes, "hun, hun." Oh, sweet innocence! How creative!

It has been amazing to watch Kaylen Rae discover her hands. They have become a BIG part of her life in the last few days and I know she is glad to add them to her "Friend List." She is the happiest baby I have ever seen, and has a beautiful smile! She is loud and squeely, and I love it more than anything!

Tonight as Jared and I sat, exhausted, in the living room sourrounded with toys of every kind (all going off at the same time,) and with two Babies being loud, we just looked at each other and laughed! How different our lives have become. It's definetely worth all the chaos and noise in the world!