Stir Crazy

I love my boys. Love 'em. But they are WILD. Wild in a good way. They aren't big fans of watching tv (thank you, Jesus). They do not play video games (thank you, Jesus). Every once in awhile a puzzle or board game will entertain them, but sitting still just isn't their cup of tea. They NEED to be outside. A lot. Running around, burning off energy. A lot.

Thankfully, we have been blessed with a very mild winter thus far. It has been in the upper 50's and lower 60's. GREAT weather for January. We still put on our winter coats and hats and gloves; we lived on a tropical island after all - 50 degrees is cold! I know that Oklahoma is "home," and this is one reason why - letting the boys play outside year round!

Here are some pictures of the crazies playing at the school playground last weekend.

Thank you Lord for this glorious day.

Build-A-Bear/Smurf

Last weekend we were invited to a birthday party by one of Ethan's classmates. The party was held at the Build-A-Bear Workshop. My poor, neglected children had never been to a B-A-B before. I try really hard to avoid the mall at all costs, and when we are at the mall, we also avoid toy-related stores at all costs. I'm a mean mom. Also, we lived in Japan for 4 years so it was easy to avoid B-A-B there!

Alas, Ethan really wanted to go to this party, and I figured at the ages of 7 and 3, the boys could experience their first B-A-B. The place was actually really cool, and Jackson has decided he wants to have his birthday party there in May (don't worry, that will change 48 times before his actual birthday).

Ethan made an OU bear (he's a die-hard fan), and Jackson made a Smurf. Fun was had by all!

Ethan getting his bear stuffed.

Jackson getting his Smurf stuffed.

Giving "Clumsy" a bath.

Our new friends: Clumsy and Mr. White (clever, huh?).

Noah and Ethan with their finished products.

Zippity-ZOO-da!

Last weekend Andy had drill so the boys and I got in some quality time at the zoo. They are getting so big, and I just cherish every moment with them. This zoo trip, while riding the carousel, Jackson informed me he could do it by himself. No more babies in this house! Enjoy the pictures!

Love my monkeys!

Circus Freaks

We went to a circus...um...over a month ago, and I'm just now posting about it. Andy got free tickets (military perks!), and I was super-pumped as this was my first circus. Thanks a lot Mom and Dad! It was also Ethan and Jackson's first circus. Thank goodness Andy was not a circus virgin so he could take the lead.

Let's just say, the circus was kind of...sad...and...trashy. Kind of like a carnival! That was mean, but it's true. Very "interesting" people go to the circus, which is fine. We went to the circus so maybe we're "interesting" too? I also felt bad for the animals. It was not clean either, and we bathed in hand sanitizer throughout the show.

I'm content checking "the circus" off of my bucket list, but the kids loved it so I'm sure we'll go again...IF the Marines give us free tickets.

Hat on - juice in hand - bring on the circus!

Can hardly contain his excitement!

CREEPIEST Mickey Mouse. Ever.

The elephant show was very cool, and the animals were so cute. I pray they are well-cared for.

2011 in Photos

I can honestly say that 2011 FLEW by. I think it was because I went back to work. Besides Mommy going back to work, we had lots of other big changes too in 2011....like moving back to the USA, both boys being in school, and buying a house (just to name a few). Enjoy a quick recap of the last year...

JANUARY

We said goodbye to our home for the last four years.

We left Okinawa and moved to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma!

FEBRUARY

Immediately upon arrival in Broken Arrow, we were victims to the worst blizzard in Oklahoma history (of course).

We celebrated Valentine's Day stranded at home with no furniture (and no teeth for Ethan).

MARCH

Our furniture from Japan and Maine made it to Oklahoma. Jackson enjoyed playing in the Maine furniture, which he'd never seen before, and we hadn't seen since 2007.

APRIL

We had a blessed Easter.

MAY

Jackson struggled with turning 3. The 2's were good to him.

In honor of our 7th wedding anniversary, we bought our first home!

JUNE

Momo and Papa came to visit and help us unpack.

JULY

We kept super busy this summer (as usual) and did our best to beat the heat!

Some of the hot spots we frequented were the aquarium, the planetarium, the zoo, the pool, the library, and the splash pads.

Aunt Britt came to visit us (and for a New Kids on the Block Concert!).