If the Shoe Fits

One of their favorite things lately has been going into our closet and trying on our shoes. They love to walk around in them and just have fun. This day they both chose a pair of Daddy's shoes. I thought it was photo worthy so I had to get some pics.

We had a block party the other night. We strolled down the street in the wagon and the boys spent the entire time on the " jumping thing". They had alot of fun. Dylan finds creative ways to jump or not jump. Last year Joshua wouldn't even go near it and Dylan was too small. This year we had to practically drag them away.

My New Bicycle

We wanted to get Joshua a "big boy" bike for his birthday, which is the beginning of November. We took him to a few places to get him sized for a bike. He took to riding the bike like a charm in the store. Of course I ran into a deal I couldn't pass up so I ended up getting the bike for him a little early. That's ok because now he gets to ride it even more before the weather gets too cold.

We have a great driveway to ride bikes on but unfortunately there are some spots that aren't level. Joshua quickly found one of those spots and ended up in the bushes. It was classic. We tried not to laugh too hard. He was ok just scared a little.

Dylan calls Joshua's bike "car" and wants to ride it just as much. We'll stick to the tricyle for him for awhile. At least we know that Joshua and Dylan can share helmets if need be . We can't believe the size of Dylan's head compared to his brother who is 2 years older. We definitely have fun with that.

They are growing up too fast. Probably 3-4 months ago Dylan was pretty scared to be pushed in the baby swing. Now he is on the big swing flying away. He'll be riding Joshua's bike in no time.

My Mom

I have been kind of out of the loop and out of my element this past week. Normally I am writing about the boys but this time it is about my mom. My mother, Betty Rybak, passed away on August 31st in Chicago. She had been sick this past year and wasn't really getting any better. The hard part was being so far in distance from her and my dad. Each time we would see her, which was 2-3 times a year, she looked physically different. To be honest, it wasn't my mom that I was looking at. I didn't recognize her because of all the weight and water gain.

This blog was mostly for my mom so that she could keep up with my boys. I think she got a chance every once and awhile to look at it. I just wanted her to know how much her grandchildren loved her and wanted her to be able to see what the boys were up to. I also loved her very much and knew it was important to stay connected even though we were hours away from her. I knew she loved Joshua and Dylan. She loved being around them and hearing all about them. All that to say that my mom will be greatly missed.

What We Do Best

It was an uneventful week but you can't go a week without blogging now can you? I know you can but I couldn't pass up these pics.

J and D are the best of friends, on most days. Their new thing is finding a toy, throwing it, and then chasing after it to pick it up and start the process all over again. They just laugh and laugh!! It is so much fun to watch other than when they may accidentally hit a breakable.

I'm not one to dress my boys alike but there are some days when you can't pass it up. My parents had sent these UIC tshirts and I figured they needed to be worn. Why not have the boys wear them on the same day.

J has a new pair of socks, not actually, but to him they are new. A friend will pass down some of her sons old things and J will get excited to wear "Luke's" things. J fell in love with the Lighting McQueen socks. He loved them so much he felt the need to pull them all the way up past his knees and wear them all day. Unfortunately they got wet and Mommy had to wash them.

My boys love them some treats. They both share the love of M&M's and Smarties. What is there not to love. Their new thing is to sit on the stools and eat their "treats".

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

This week has been a very busy week for us, school has officially started (preschool). Joshua is now going 3 days a week and Dylan 2 days a week. It is such a blessing. It allows me to have my time as well as get some errands done. It also helps me to realize how much I love and miss my boys when they aren't around. We were all definitely tired at the end of this week.

I needed to make sure the boys costumes would fit for Halloween so I pulled them out to try them on the boys. They ended up wearing them all day. They had so much fun. They did sweat a little but it was well worth it.

We took the boys to a Baron's game this week. Joshua thought we were going to a Cub's game (Chicago Cubs-Mommy's favorite team) . We only lasted 4 innings but it was still fun. Joshua was able to get a treat (popcorn) which he graciously shared with us. Wiggle worm Dylan didn't sit still but he and brother managed to watch a little of the game and have fun.

Just Having Fun

I guess you can say that we have fun each and every day. As we all know though, some days are harder than others. I never knew how hard being a mom really is. I'm tired, cranky, busy, a referee, a cook, cleaner, and the list goes on. Yes, that would be me complaining. What I fail to mention is all the joy that I am able to experience being able to stay at home with my boys. Something I really shouldn't complain about. It is a true blessing to have the opportunity that not everyone has. I don't need to take it for granted, but some days I really do need to vent.

Speaking of fun, Joshua couldn't resist the underwear on his head. It was a total photo opp. I am so structured, scheduled and organized that I forget to enjoy the silly things. I need to slow down a little. This just made me laugh.

Dylan is definitely my "big" helper. He knows exactly where the trash can is when something needs to be thrown out or even if something doesn't belong in the trash can. He is always helping to pick up, give you your shoes, or put things away. Maybe I can get him to help me cook and clean as well. He just loves to wear the oven mitts so I needed to get a pic to bribe him with later on in life.

Summer Is Over

It is hard to believe the summer is over, here in Bham that is. I know up north the kids don't start school until after Labor Day. Most of the schools around here start end of this week (the 8th). Not much of a summer.

School for Joshua and Dylan is a Mother's Day Out program that they'll start on the 18th. Joshua will be going three times a week and Dylan two times a week from 9am-1pm. It is a great time for me to get some things done or have some Mommy time. I just can't believe my babies are growing up and being prepared for "big" school already.

All that to say, it has been a great summer but as usual very fast. We have done alot of fun things: McWane Science Center, Birmingham Zoo, the library, going swimming, taking vacations to the beach and Chicago, gymnastics, hanging out with friends, and jumping on inflatables at Recreation Playstation. Most importantly we tried to stay out of the heat as much as we could. With the temps hitting in the high 90's and staying like this most of the summer, the cooler the better.

I do look forward to the fall and getting into a new schedule again. I look forward to the fall and the coolness it brings.