4 Years Old!

Sam has been looking forward to his birthday for weeks.  He was up until 11 o'clock last night asking how many hours until he would finally turn four.  He then got up bright and early this morning (4:30 am to be exact!), ran to our bedroom and whispered, "Mom, did you know I'm 4 now?!"  It was big day for him, and I think it turned out perfectly.

 

We celebrated in true "Sam Style" with a WHALE party...and 9 crazy little boys! 

The pinata was a huge hit (no pun intended) and the water balloons were a close second.  Sam had a little meltdown during "Pin the Tail on the Whale" because he didn't come out the winner.  But as the saying goes "It's my party and I'll cry if I want to!!"  Thankfully, he recovered quickly and the rest of the afternoon went on as expected...a little chaotic but totally fun.

 

Sam is a gem.  He is my buddy and I love being around him.  He has such a tender heart and is so thoughtful and sweet to me. I have loved these past 4 years.  Sam and I have done a lot of growing and changing together, and I'm so thankful that he's been so patient with me as I continue to get this whole "Mom" thing figured out.  

Happy 4th Birthday, Sweet Sam!  You are one of my absolute favorites.

Outnumbered.

Boys = 3
Girls = 1

Boys Win.  Louisville Slugger Museum it is. 

We spent the morning in Kentucky.  A new state for all four of us.  It was humid, green, and full of folks with great southern accents.   I was pleasantly surprised with the baseball museum, and all 3 of my boys loved it. 

The boys donned white gloves in order to hold and pose with Mickey Mantel's bat.  Eric was in awe of the bat; while the boys were mostly intrigued with their stylish new accessories. 

After taking the tour, we walked away with 4 mini bats.  We decided to put them to use and played a little ball ourselves.  Sam was way good; just ask him.

Then we hung out with the Great Bambino for a few minutes before heading back home. 

All in all, it was a great outing.  Who knew that so much time and precision goes into making baseball bats?  Not me.  I'm learning all kinds of interesting things by being the only girl in the family. 

Life is good.

Good weekend.

I was reminded of a few things that I really like this weekend.

First, I really like eating out.  Let me clarify that a little...I really like eating out without kids.  It's even better when good friends can come along.  We were able to enjoy an afternoon out with the Curtises.  And thanks to Indy's 'Devour Downtown' event we were able to eat out in style. 

Second, I really like when Eric has weekends off.  Like, really, really like it.  This month has been a good one.  Although we don't see much of him during the week, once those weekends come he's all our's! We went to the Indiana State Fair this weekend and our boys were in heaven.

Third, I like, no love, watching my boys try and see new things.  We did a lot of that at the fair.  While we didn't try the Doughnut Burger (barf), or the Fried Butter (double barf!), we did try out the ferris wheel and rollercoaster, we gawked at some giant pigs, and we giggled at head butting goats. 

Oh, and Max tried cotton candy for the first time.  I think he liked it.

Nerd

I found the boys totally enthralled with a bedtime story Eric was telling them the other night.  I never would have guessed that Netter's Anatomy could hold the attention of an almost 4 year old and his kid brother.  But then again...isn't everything fun with Dad?

Bunk to the Bed

Brothers and bunk beds just go together, don't they? 

So far the boys have spent many afternoons turning their new beds into boats, forts, and caves.  I'm thinking this was a good purchase. 

Sam is loving sleeping on the top bunk.  He had the hardest time falling asleep the first night in his new bed, though.  He kept yelling downstairs, "Mom, it's so great up here!"

And as for Max...he's still in his crib.  I don't know if I'm ready to give him all of the freedom that a bunkbed provides.  The thought of him climbing up that ladder in the middle of night totally freaks me out.  Someday though.  Someday.

In the summer time

These two rascals love to be outside.   

Their new favorite pasttime is to grab any and all sporting equipment we own, take it down to the baseball field, and then run, hit, swing, jump and score to their little hearts' content. 

They're truly in heaven; especially when Eric can join in on the fun.

All of this outdoor time makes for two very tired, totally exhausted, and ready for bed little boys.  It also makes for one happy mom. 

Here's to summer!

Who's related?

Memories with the Christensen and Dockter families go way back.  Back before we even were the Christensen and Dockter families.  Back to the days when we were cool, young, hip college kids.  Back when we were just Cody & Nikell and Eric & Lindsay.  Times change.  Now we're old and all grown up...with kids of our own!  And all boys to be exact. 

The Christensens landed in Illinois to begin residency this year and decided to drive over for a day and spend some time exploring Indianapolis a bit.  Eric had to work, but the boys and I tagged along to the children's museum and the zoo with them.  My boys had a blast with their new friends.  It's always fun catching up with friends you haven't seen in nearly forever. 

We laugh because the Christensen brothers look as different from each other as Sam and Max do.  If you had to guess, wouldn't you pair these boys up as brothers instead?

Thanks for coming guys!  We look forward to exploring Illinois with you in the near future!

Water

I'm finally feeling on top things.  The dishes are done, our beds are made and I just started my second load of laundry for the day.  The boys are enjoying a snack and have been getting along pretty well.  Sam's practicing his counting, "... thirty-eight, thirty-nine, thirty-ten, thirty-eleven..." and Max babbles right along thinking he's counting, too.  Ahhh, I like moments like this. 

But suddenly we hear something.  The washing machine upstairs sounds like it's jumping up and down.  Sam and Max look terrified.  "What IS that?"  Sam screams.  I reassure them that everything is fine and dash upstairs to take a look for myself. 

Water.

Water!

All over the floor.  Ahhh, I hate moments like this.

I peak behind the washing machine to find the hose totally unhooked and water pouring, no, shooting, out the back.  After a quick scream, I rush to the bathroom to grab a bucket from under the sink.  In my attempt to empty the bucket of the cleaning supplies it holds, I dump bleach all over my bathroom rug.  Awesome. 

I get the bucket in place and frantically search for a knob, a handle, anything to turn the water off.  I finally find it, grab some towels to soak up the sopping floor, and feel like I've got the situation under control.  Phew.  That could have been much worse, I think to myself.

I can hear Max downstairs yelling 'water!'  "I'll be right there!" I yell back, as I run downstairs to get Max the drink of water I think he's wanting so badly.  As I'm walking back into the kitchen I can see both boys staring up at the ceiling.  Sam's giggling and Max is yelling 'water' over and over.  I look up and sure enough Max was right.

Water.

Water!

Pouring through the light fixture above our kitchen table.  Ahhhhh, I hate moments like this!

In a panic, I grab the phone and try to call Eric.  Like that's going to help.  Even if by some miracle he could answer his phone, what could he do to help when he's downtown at work?  So, I do the only other logical thing I can think of...call my mom.  Yeah, Utah's far away, but moms know everything, right?  Thank goodness she answers the phone. I explain my wet situation and she calmly gives me a few tips.  I grab some bowls and pots to catch the water as I'm talking to my mom.  Max thinks this looks like fun.   So while I'm a little preoccupied, Max grabs a bowl of his own to help out with the situation.  He just happens to grab a glass serving bowl and promptly drops it on the floor where it breaks into about 40 pieces. 

"Uh-oh!"  he yells.  Awesome. 

I move Max away from the glass and start picking up the pieces, all while on the phone.  I get the big pieces of glass thrown in the garbage and turn around to find Max tipping over the bowls that are still catching the water falling from the ceilling.  Seriously?

"I've got to go, Mom."  I say and hang up the phone to start cleaning up the other mess that's just been created. 

I look at my kitchen.  Towels everywhere.  Glass on the floor.  Water still dripping from the light fixture.  I can't help it.  I start to cry.  What else was there to do but shed a few tears?  Sam and Max give me hugs and look a little worried at the sight of their sobbing mother.  Sam tries to reassure me by telling that he'll fix things by taping some towels to the ceiling.  He sets off determined to find the tape.  His thoughtfulness makes me laugh, and laugh, and laugh.  I can't stop laughing. 

How quickly my peaceful little morning had changed. 

I think things are under control now.  The ceiling is still a little damp, but at least I've dried my tears.

Oh man, I can't wait until Eric gets home.