we heart spring and a little catching up

I really really really love spring- the colorful flowers and blossoms, the smell, the chirping birdies, the exhilaration, the shorts that get to come out of storage, and especially warm, bright sunshine!
So, I decided to take the boys for a bike ride this afternoon. Scott's bike is set up for the trail-a-bike, so I just tried lowering his seat the best I could and we wobbled our way down the road. Trevor is soooo very motivated by riding. He was on his very best behavior and excitedly put on his helmet with the ski goggles. I think he doesn't like his sunglasses because his eyelashes hit the lenses. So, I just let him. Someday we'll prevent him from looking like a dork, but for now he insists.

Joel practically buckles himself into the chariot and waits so patiently for the train to start.
We didn't go far, but I decided this is my favorite quad workout by far--destined only to get harder as the boys eat more and as Trevor continues to shout from behind, "I always want you to go faster, Mom! Go faster!"
He told each walker we passed, "I'm riding a red bike."
Stranger: "Yes you are!"
Trevor: "That's because I like red bikes and it's my favorite!"
Then he recaps the whole conversation to me.

Around other older kids Trevor often in listening mode. However, he is so very eager to talk to other adults. On the way to the grocery store I told him that he gets to help me count the fruit and stuff. He added, "AND, I will talk to the pear."
"The what?" I asked.
"The PAIR!" he tried to explain.
(Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.)
Then I finally got it. He meant the "Pay-er" --the person that I have to pay for the groceries. I am now choosing my checkout line by the friendliest register clerk because I know Trevor will be telling him or her about his brother, his Daddy, his yellow house, and how old he is.

Joel has constantly been showing his temper. When he doesn't get his way he immediately throws himself face-down on the floor with the back of his hand to his forehead. I see a lot of work ahead! His climbing skills are impressive. Too good, actually. He likes to stand on toys, on the seats of bikes on the hardwood, and hang on to windows wherever he can get a grab. Thankfully, he is not fighting any buckled apparatus yet. He is saying baby, bye-bye, dada, mama, please (once), and employs a nice loud squeal whenever it suits him. These new words give so much hope to Trevor who asks me if he can wrestle Joel "since he's big and talking now."
Joel loves to be tickled. He will go back for more and more.


He's still getting the hang of drinking for himself. I am desperately trying to get more fluids in him. He just refuses. This is very difficult. Thank you camera for capturing glimpse of humor in it all.
This is a baby of many expressions. He likes to bare his bottom teeth a lot. It always reminds me of my little Lhasa Apso who was kind of fiesty.

His first permissible seating and cup at the big table on a booster seat. He made himself right at home.



This morning before noon, Trevor took the opportunity to run through the neighbor's sprinkler.

Trevor just started operating the toaster. I just love how tiny he looks in his robe on top of his stool. When I get the butter out, he asks for a side portion on his plate to eat.