Butter and Sugar...mmmm

Last weekend the boys and I decided to make a batch of homemade cinnamon rolls. We spent most of Saturday morning whipping up a batch of the Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls. They were DELICIOUS!!! Our freezer is now stocked with many pans of these gooey and buttery treats. Yum!

Touring DC

A few weeks ago my brother and his family came for a weekend visit and we took our first tour into DC.

Earning His Keep

Sam was recently started on a commission. Like an allowance, but he earns his money by helping out and completing some chores. When he fills his chart he earns some $ to spend, to save, and to give. At our house we think Dave is pretty smart and we are loyal followers of his advice. If you don't know Dave Ramsey, check out his show on his website. We all benefit from Sam earning a commission, he builds some confidence and a sense of accomplishment; and we get help cleaning around the house. One of his chores he frequently helps with is cleaning the kitchen windows and wiping off all the little boy finger prints that gather there.

The Big 2 is Coming

Zeke will be 2 in just a few weeks. I recently asked him what he wants to be when he grows up and his response was, "Two!". It is really hard for us to believe that our littlest guy is going to turn 2 already. This last year has gone by so fast. Here are a few recent pics of our Z. He is a wild and crazy man much of the time and he keeps us laughing. Zeke is always good for some goofy faces and showing us some of his latest moves, which we call "tricks". He loves to hold our hand and walk along like a big boy when we are out and about. I just love looking down at his sweet smile and those deep dark eyes.

A Taste of Soccer

Sam just finished up his first soccer experience. It may not have been the most structured practices, but he had a great time. More than anything he learned how some basic sportsman skills and that sometimes you get knocked down and have to get back up and keep trying.

Just Another Day of Play

The boys love to spend time playing in our basement. It is full of toys and a place that can become whatever they imagine it to be. Sometimes it is a landfill, other times a grocery store, and on this given day it was a construction site with lego buildings and lots of trucks. I think toys that require imagination are the best. Legoes are one of these toys and a toy that you never out grow. This mama likes constructing with legoes, too.

A Little Bit of Country

We miss wide open spaces and the country air of back home. City life is not for us in the long run, but for now trips to the countryside will do. Hans loves getting out and being around horses and his boys enjoy it just as much. They may enjoy sitting a top a tractor more than a horse, though. We have been blessed that Hans has met many people who have welcomed him to come and work with the horses and ride at his leisure. Even more blessed that these many people have welcomed our family to enjoy their piece of heaven on earth.

Camping Trial Run

In October we are planning to do some camping when the weather is not so hot and when the vacationers have left the area for the most part. A few weeks ago we did a trial run to be sure we could all handle sleeping in a tent together and also to create a master list of must bring items. The boys had a great time. Sam learned to chop wood and use a sling shot. Zeke loved "grilling" us some food on his play grill and jumping in puddles with his big brother. We all enjoyed getting out of the city and feeling the cool breeze amongst the trees.

A Lil' Scavenger Hunt

The boys and I do not venture too far from home yet. The traffic is something I avoid, which also means we have to get creative with finding things to do close by. Luckily we live close to nature preserve. Somehow it took me three months to get there, even though it is just over a mile away. We will be going back for many visits for sure. I made a little scavenger hunt for the boys for our first visit.