The Terrifying Slide

When Matt got out of preschool today, I took the kids over to the church playground to burn off some energy. This playground has a rather clever design, and both boys loved playing on the equipment. Nolan, however, met his nemesis in the slide.


Oh, the terrifying, terrifying slide.


In what amounts to a great feat of courage for a two year old, he finally let go and enjoyed the ride. And then he showed his big brother how to conquer this foe!


Slides everywhere, be warned: Nolan is coming for you, and he is NOT afraid!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Brothers, At 33 Months

Matthew, August 2008

Nolan, March 2010

Dandelion Joy

I know that dandelions are weeds, but if I have a favorite weed, dandelions are the top pick. The kids have endless fun with them, if only because they are allowed to pick as many flowers as they want. Matthew brings me endless little-boy bouquets of dandelion flowers, which dot the house in short glasses filled with water.

A dozen roses has nothing on a handful of crumpled dandelions brought in by a four year old with tousled hair.


Dandelions are also the preferred flowers of fairies, so they must decorate our fairy houses. Fairy house building is a very serious business, which requires a solid afternoon of finding the right sticks, acorn caps, dandelions, and wood violets. Nolan prefers the log cabin style fairy house, because he can stick more flowers in the spaces. Matt prefers to build a tepee, "because they need a roof in case it rains."

It won't be long before the dandelions have all gone to seed and disappeared from the lawn for another year. In the meantime, we have some more fairy houses to build!

Deconstructive

The boys were running around like little crazy people, so I did what any sane mother would do and kicked them outside. I told them to find something constructive to do.

When I looked outside, I realized they had taken apart a few toys in the backyard. Upon further questioning, I found out that they were "constructing." Next time, I'll choose different words when I send them outside!

Peek-a-boo.

Saying hi to Mom.

Uh-oh. We got caught.

Are we in trouble?

They were worried they'd get in trouble, but I wasn't upset. These toys snap apart and are easy to put back together, so it isn't a problem to fix their "construction" work. I do have a feeling that they are outgrowing the toddler level toys, however!

Wordless Wednesday: Frankenfood

Short Trip to Lakewood Beach Park

I had to make a quick trip to the post office, so I thought I'd take the boys to the playground in Lakewood to burn off some energy (Matt) and to get some fresh air (Nolan). Nolan is still recovering from his tonsillectomy, so he took it easy and just played on the bridge, but Matt was all over the park, chasing other kids and two friendly golden retrievers. I am sure this will renew his pleas for a dog!

Nolan in the playhouse

Matt, AKA "Spiderman"

Climbing to the top

Getting some fresh air

Wordless Wednesday: I Wear My Sunglasses At Night