The Most Favoritest Jake and the Neverland Pirates

Nick loves his Jake and the Neverland Pirates right now. He constantly asks to watch Jake. He got a Bucky ship for Christmas last year and he plays with it from time to time, but he has been playing with it a lot lately! He has two Jake figures and he makes little stories for them. It's funny to me that Nick is so good at pretend play at this age while Ben didn't really start to do it until he was closer to three and a half. I guess that's what happens when your older brother constantly makes you play castle and restaurant and whatever else he comes up with!

Probably the Beginning of the End

Adam introduced Ben to the PS3 last week. They played some of the sports games with the PS3 Move or whatever it's called camera thing. Ben really liked playing the jousting/battle game and boccie ball, which is basically the same as bowling to him. Somehow we have been luck so far, he hasn't asked to play again. He just asks to play on the iPad if anything. 

Forget Santa, Let's Have a Snowbal Fight!

Two weeks ago, we went over to Bass Pro after church. We went to check out the Santa area, but we were a little early and Santa wasn't there yet. The boys played snowball fight and a few of the other activities, but were not interested in seeing Santa (at all), so we moved on. I'm not sure if will make another Santa attempt. I think the last three years have been enough to make me think talking to George the elf is a better way for us to go. 

Only Boys...Seriously.

ugh.

Play-doh, Hot Chocolate and Cookies

Last Saturday the boys were not in a 'public worthy' disposition, so we had a night at home. The boys asked to play play-doh, then we had homemade cookies and hot chocolate. It was a screen-free, fun family night!

Tea Time at the Library

The boys playing restaurant at the library. 

A Story Staring Mr. Ninja Turtle

Ben doesn't usually make up stories when he's playing, but he was having fun with his Ninja turtle last week. 

Best. Toy. Ever.

At least according to Ben. He got a new toy last week, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figure, and it has is most prized possession. They had show and tell for the first time at school yesterday, and it was the toy Ben took.

Randomly Requested Pictures

Ben randomly requested his picture taken the other night. Well, if he's volunteering, I'm not going to say no! He picked where he wanted his picture taken, which was the kitchen. And Mr. Monkey See Monkey Do had to follow suit. 

Lights Before Christmas

Last weekend was very nice and the lights at the zoo had just opened, so we decided to take advantage of the nice weather and hit the lights early. We went with Lexi and Austin and had lots of fun. The kids got to see Baru, the crocodile, and Baby Lucas, so they were happy. And I got to practice some photography, so I was happy. And no one was cold!

First School Picture

Awww, Ben's first school picture! Sooooo cute!

Leaf Jumping

More jumping...But he wasn't so happy when daddy dumped leaves on him and he had his mouth open!

Why Nick Is Not Allowed To Do Gymnastics

There is a reason why Nick is not allowed to take gymnastics - because he is a crazy maniac! I didn't get a video of the running, flying cannonball into the foam pit. He almost hit the other side! He jumped in that foam pit probably 20 times in 15 minutes. And he would yell 'Cannonball!' each time he jumped in. Once home, the couch, fireplace, stairs, beds, bathtub and sandbox all become launching spots for jumping. 

Gymnastics Center Birthday Party

The boys were invited to Lexi's 6th birthday party at the Y's gymnastics center. After a very brief shy period, they were off and running with all the other kids. At the end of the mat time, all the kids make a pyramid with the birthday girl at the top and sing happy birthday.

Way More Into The Soccer This Time!

Ben was more into playing soccer the second and third time around. He played almost the whole game, taking his turn with his teammates so everyone got a turn. He got in some good kicks and had lots of fun!