IPhone memories--(Jan.-Feb.)

Spencer got me an IPhone and one of the best things about it is the camera!  It's so easy to take pictures.  I finally downloaded them onto our computer and thought i'd give a little history of the last two months through pictures off my IPhone.

BREAD! This is my Grandma Lloyds famous bread.  I've perfected her recipe and our family is loving the fresh bread--we easily eat both these loaves within a day. 

This picture of Tanner is HILARIOUS (pic. on left)!  He kind of looks homeless--but it captures him in January.  The only food we could always count on him eating was cereal.  His hair has a weird texture because he doesn't get all the nutrition he needs and his excema on his face was super bad last month.  We are happy to report he is doing much better as of today--March 3rd!

(pic. oAnd this was Tanner to a "T" in January.  Wouldn't eat anything--would throw massive fits in his chair--all I would have to do it show him food and he would freak out.  It's so funny looking at these pictures because I never thought we'd get food in him.  But, after 2 months of therapy we can now get at least 1-2 jars of baby food, lots of cereal, and about an ounce of formula each day! Slow and steady wins the race! 

                                   

We are happy to report he is doing much better as of today--March 3rd!

The boys have pen-pals so we sent them "Bee Mine" valentine packages!  Reece's pen-pal is Isobel Estaban, a girl from his kindergarten class at Maple Grove Elementary.  Benon's pen-pal is Lauren Weston, the daughter of our friends from medical school.  

And yes...Reece is still in his snow bibs.  He has to wear them to and from school--he likes to keep them on in the house because it keeps him warm. On our way to church today the kids were so excited because it felt like spring--it was 34 degrees!!  Welcome to Minnesota!

BENSON:

Pic on left: him picking out a pencil after registering for Kindergarten! He is so excited to attend Elementary school.  He does homework every day to get ready for next year! He's pretty cute about it.  

Pic on right: He LOVES his froggy pillow pet.  Sleeps on it every night.

Tanner is a major Daddy's boy.  He follows him around the house whenever he is home.  Spencer has to sneak inside the house when he gets home so he can change his clothes and use the restroom before Tanner freaks out about him being home!

But Tanner still loves his mommy--of course he does--I'm his main food source! :)

We went to a hill in our neighborhood and watched the boys sled while we stayed warm in the car.  It was hilarious because Reece and Benson's best buddy Adam came with us and whenever they are together they talk non-stop--literally.  Except, after we visit the bookmobile!  We ran to the bookmobile before sledding and on the way they were talking non-stop and after the bookmobile it was silent. Classic Reece and Adam.

I'm pretty sure Reece's diet includes Noodles, Rice and Beans, and ice cream.  That's all folks!

So one fine day after we got dumped on with tons of snow--I decided to use the snow blower!  I started out looking cute with curly hair and literally ended up ringing water out of my hair at the end.  The wind was crazy and I was quite incompetent with the snow blower and so I literally blew snow all over the place--my neighbors yard on both sides, the street, back onto my driveway, inside my garage...you name it--I got it!  I looked so ridiculous that my neighbor across the street said she was laughing out loud watching me and her daycare kids asked why she was laughing and she replied, "oh, I'm just watching my neighbor try to snow blow her driveway"!  I told her next time she should pull out the popcorn and I'll give her kids a good show!

I'm loving the Tie!

IPHONE pics part 2

We've been going to a therapist once a week and what seems like a whole bunch of doctors appointments as well...so Tanner has gotten use to the drill.  (Pic. on left) is him in the elevator entertaining the old people and (Pic on right) is him in his hair chair during his therapy session.

 For Valentines Day Spencer totally SCORED and gave me the best present ever.  He got me a gift certificate for a pedicure and a hair cut.  It was super fun to go have a spa day while he watched the kids.  My last hair cut was in July so I was long over due.

 Benson is hilarious when he goes to sleep.  He always looks like he's been on an adventure--which I'm sure he has.  He's got his neck light in one hand, his sword & ninjago alarm clock in the over. Love that kid!

Tanner is in that great stage where they go through all your stuff and carry all kinds of fun things around the house.  His favorite things are my purple and black stilettos, his inhaler, my root lifter for my hair, a ball, and books.  He leaves a trail wherever he goes.  Oh yes, and he is super loud so the binky is our best friend!  You would understand if you spent some time with him--he only has one volume level and it's crazy loud.

 A couple weeks ago we hit 4 grocery stores while Benson and Reece were at school.  By the 4th store Tanner was done.  So cute!

 Reece and Tanner.  Hmmm...I think they are brothers! They look a lot alike!

 Benson and his friend Carson having a picnic in our basement.

 Family sledding trip.  They cancel school all the time for weather.  This particular day they had a late start--meaning they don't go to school until 11am.  I decided to keep Reece home for the day because Spencer got home early and so we took a fun sledding trip.  Good times.

 OH MY GOODNESS!!! Look he's happy in his chair! I know, it's a miracle.

 Reece's waiting for his carpool to take him to school.  Yes, he has to get dressed up every day for school.  Snow bibs, coat, snow boots, hat, gloves, and then has his tennis shoes in his backpack to change into once he gets to school.

Reece's Birthday at school

 The Rochester Public School system has a lame rule that prohibits anyone from bringing home made food to classrooms for parties and such.  So for Reece's birthday I had to buy cupcakes instead of make them.  I was FURIOUS at first because I called every place I could think of in town who makes cup cakes and no one made them without milk.  I was ready to storm the principals office and tell them that my child was going to have cupcakes on his birthday because that was the only thing he wanted--was to have his friends taste cupcakes without milk--and I didn't care what the rule was but they needed to make it happen.  But, a day before I was going to make my debut in the principals office I found a lady who makes cupcakes without milk!  She made Reece Ninjago cupcakes which he was Thrilled about!  Next year i'm bringing my own homemade cupcakes and will just put them in a Walmart bakery box! Better to ask forgiveness then permission! :)

(Reece and I made the Ninjago toppers)
p.s. It was Pajama day at school--and yes I was annoyed because I had this darling outfit picked out for him.  But I kept my mouth closed and let him wear his favorite footie pj's.

Benson wanted Reece to open his present early so after school on Friday (the day before his birthday), Reece opened Benson's present and was super excited to find a new Ninjago!

Reece's birthday was a success this year!  He was super cute and wanted to help with all the logistics.  He made the birthday cards, decided who was coming, and planned how the cupcakes and cake would look like.  He had great manners at his birthday party--was very grateful and kind to his guests, and spent a lot of time picking out each little party favor for each of his friends.  He is a very thoughtful and loving kid.  We are so lucky to have him in our family.

 5 Things that sum up Reece:

1. Genuine & Sincere

2. Pure heart--always wants to do whats right

3. Loves to learn

4. Helpful

5. Passionate about life

Reece's 7th Birthday party!

Reece had his 7th birthday party today! He is obsessed with Ninjago and so we have a Ninjago themed party! It was a total success thanks to my friend Cassi and Spencer for helping me! Here's a recap of the party!

We had a Ninjago Training camp.  And then once they completed the training camp they got to have their ninja prize--Cake and Ice Cream!  This is what it takes to become a Ninja!

Obstacle Course:

Team Kia

Team Lloyd Jay

 Started in Reece's room.  They had to crab walk down the hall to the TV.  Do 5 jumping jacks.  Run to the toy room and jump on the tramp 5 times with a Ninja move dismount.  Climb up the stairs with hands and legs.  Then put 5 heart candies into the bowel with tweezers.  Then put the Ninjago halloween costumes on and run ladders on the rug.  Then finish off with Hopscotch.

Ninjago warm up--directed by Master Sensei Wu (thanks Spence!).

They meditated, stretched, and practiced some Ninja moves.

 Ninjago Sticker puzzles

 Ninjago Bingo

Pin the Shruiken

 CAKE AND ICE CREAM

Reece and Adam are best friends.  They are two peas in a pod and we are grateful to have him as our buddy.  

And now these two are in hog heaven putting all their lego toys together from the party.  Reece got a lot of ninjagos, star wars legos, and other fun things!