Life seems to fly by!

It seems like I just wrote a blog post a few weeks ago but it has been 2 months! I can't believe how fast time flies!

Since the last post we have been busy! The last weekend in September we had a birthday party for Matt's godson, Jayden in Appleton. On the way to the party we stopped at a pumpkin patch to break up the drive a little for the kids. We attempted a corn maze (maybe next year), went on a tractor ride and saw some animals. The kids enjoyed it and the last hour and thirty minutes after the stop were very peaceful. Maybe we need to do that every time we travel!!


At the party there was a bounce house, delicious cake and family and friends. The kids had a blast in the bounce house and loved the monkey theme! It was a long day but are glad we were able to celebrate Jayden's 1st birthday with him!!

The following weekend we were in Dodgeville/Madison for Becky and Tim's wedding! It was a great day! Congratulations again Tim and Becky! We wish you many years of happiness. The kids love to dance and did so until we forced them off the dance floor!

At one point they got thirsty but continued to dance! Coordinated toddlers!

We also hit up an apple orchard this year during a warm October weekend. We didn't do any apple picking this year. We let the kids run to burn of some energy.

I love this picture! So sweet!
(We are generally fighting over toys, blankets, cups, etc. 24/7)

When we got home from the apple orchard we decided it was too nice to be inside so we let the kids play in the leaves. They had a blast and asked to do it almost everyday after for about a month. Occasionally they still ask!

What a diva! That's our Reagan!!

We let the kids paint pumpkins instead of carve this year. Two 2 year olds with knifes didn't seem like a good idea. Surprisingly they used the paint brush mostly and only colored on the pumpkins and the plate I put the paint on! I was very impressed!!


The twins were Raggedy Anne and Raggedy Andy for Halloween this year. They were adorable. Next year they will most likely be demanding that what they wear so I thought this may be my last chance to get them to match. I loved it and they didn't seem to mind :) They did great trick or treating and would say thank you after they received candy but did get tired after about one street so we headed home. They got way too much candy!


So what else is new in our world? Reagan is 100% potty trained (even through the night) and has been so for about 6 weeks. Amazing - I love it! She trained herself in one day. I couldn't believe how easy it was. Quinn has no desire to be potty trained. I asked him one night last week if he wanted to go potty on the big kid potty and he said "no", I ask why and he said "cause", so I guess we will wait a while longer. I cannot wait to be rid of diapers!

We are definitely in our terrible twos. They throw tantrums, cry and whine numerous time throughout the day and really like to aggravate each other. But, they can also be very loving and give each other hugs or gently pat boo boos after one of them gets hurt, they will feel your head and ask if you have a fever, say I love you all the time, blow kisses whenever they pretend to go bye, bye, etc.

I can't believe they are 2 1/2 already and we are heading into our third Christmas with them. I am so thankful they are health and happy, wells adjusted, loving, crazy kids. They really soak in everything around them, talk in sentences and can count to 10, say their abc's and know all their colors. It amazes me everyday the knew things they learn. Our favorite sentence right now is "Mommy, I not be naughty". They say this every time after they get in trouble, redirected, etc. So cute. How can I stay mad at them after they say that for unrolling the whole roll of toilet paper into the toilet or coloring on the wall?

At times our life is hectic and very loud but I would have it any other way!

Until next time,

Chris

Bye Bye Summer!

We had the busiest summer this year! On the first day of fall I sit here and wonder how it all went by so fast. It feels like just yesterday we got back from Mexico but it has been over 3 and closer to 4 months! I love summer so much and am sad to see it go. We had a blast this summer so picking up from my last post this is what we have been up to!

On my birthday (July 9th) the twins, my mom and I went to Black River Falls for a family reunion. The twins enjoyed being oohed and awed over, meeting new people and dancing! The best part had to be that the park we were at had a big pond with lots of ducks and fish. The twins are in love with all animals so this kept them entertained until...Quinn took a digger head first into the cement.

After the reunion we came home to a party for my birthday that Matt had put together while we were gone with good food, great friends, games and of course a bon fire. The twins got to spend the night with Grandma! It was a great day and the best 30th birthday I could ask for.




Later in July Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Chris and Aunt Jody came for a visit. The twins love when they come and play, play, play the whole time.

We had our first movie night which included popcorn, water and Toy Story. They twins were super excited at first and I thought it might work but both of them were up in less than 10 minutes tormenting the dogs with their popcorn and couldn't have cared less about the movie! Maybe I'll try again in a few months but for whatever reason these two are not good tv watchers (a.k.a. we never ever get a break while they are awake).

July 29th was the twins' last day at Aimee's house. Aimee has been watching the twins since they were three months old. They love her and her children so much and miss them like crazy. They still talk about them almost everyday. Fortunately they have been able to spend some time with them a couple of times since and hope to continue in the future. Thank you Aimee for taking great care of my babies for two years! Going back to work would have been a lot harder if it wasn't for you.

August 1st was their first day at the new daycare. The transition was very rough for Quinn. Reagan (miss independent) didn't have much hesitation although there were a few days at first that she didn't want me to leave. Quinn would cling to my legs and cry/scream for me to pick him up every day for about two weeks. Since then though things have been better and he will blow me kisses when I leave. Every once and awhile he will have days that he is clingy but all in all I think was a good change for them and they seem to be doing well and love being around all the new kids. Also their vocabulary has really picked up.


The first weekend in August Matt hosted his brother's bachelor party in the Wisconsin Dells. The twins, Lindsay (a friend whose husband was also at the bachelor party) and I stayed home. We had a great relaxing weekend playing outside and going to the park. The twins absolutely love summer and love playing outside and water is their favorite!!!

On August 20th Matt and I had the honor of standing up in his brother Chris's wedding. We are so happy to welcome Jody and Danielle into the family! It was a great day and so much of fun. The twins danced the night away and stayed up way past their bedtime! I didn't get many pictures but here a few. Reagan would not get off the dance floor!

On the way home from Dodgeville the weekend of Chris and Jody's wedding, my mom and I stopped in the Dells. Matt had to head home earlier to get back to work. We really wanted to take the kids to Storybook Gardens. I have a lot of memories going there when I was a kid. We learned that it closed. I guess they are going to create an exotic animal park in it's place but when we were there it hadn't opened yet. So after driving back forth we decided to stop at the deer park. It was okay. The kids enjoyed feeding the deer and other animals. I couldn't believe how domesticated these deer were - taking food right from our hands. Some aggressive deer would stand right by the feeders and try to steal the food as you put the money in. They reminded me more dogs than deer. If any of you know our dog, Baylor that is exactly how they acted!

On Labor Day weekend Matt's parents came up to spend the weekend/following week watching the kids so we thought it would be a great time to go to Como Zoo for the first time. We went with Jenny and Mickey and their kids and my mom and Aunt Bev as well. The weather was a little cool at first but the sun came out to make it a little warmer. The kids really enjoyed it and loved the animals. Quinn still talks about the mama and baby monkeys we saw. He is truly our animal lover. And of course a trip to Como isn't complete until we ride the rides!!

I guess that pretty much sums up the summer! It went by way too fast but we tried to enjoy every minute of it. This weekend we have a birthday party in Appleton and next weekend we have our final wedding of the year. After that our life will slow down for a month or two until the holidays! Hopefully I will be able to update this blog more often during October and November and not make you all wait so long. Thanks for reading.

Until next time -

FYI, never introduce pop tarts to 2 year olds. Mine are addicted and ask for them all the time. I can even show them the empty box that we don't have anymore but they still whine and cry. They say "all gone" but really don't understand that they are ALL GONE and Mama can't magically make them reappear!

I normally feed them much healthier breakfasts than pop tarts but sometimes I need a break. I may regret sugaring them up later in the day but it always seems like a good idea at the time!

Happy 4th of July!

We had a very busy day with good friends but are going to skip the fireworks. The kiddos are already fast asleep!

I thought I would share with you what I go through to attempt to get a good picture.








I hope you all had a great day! Enjoy the fireworks and stay safe.