Picnic in the Park

On our way home from picking Hayden up at school, he asked if we could take a picnic to the park and have our lunch there. Chris and I didn't have to think twice about our answer, and as soon as we got home I began making sandwiches and gathering a few other things to take with us down to the park. We loaded the boys in their wagon, with our picnic too, and walked down to enjoy a family lunch together. The weather was beautiful and perfect for eating outdoors. After lunch, the boys enjoyed playing for a little while before it was time to head back home for Noah's nap. Times like this remind me of what it is truly important in my life and I realize that it doesn't matter what we're doing as family, but it's spending time together that matters most. These days with Chris flying and being gone, our time as a family is sometimes limited -- today was a perfect chance for the four of us to just be together and I loved every minute of it.

Halloween

Buzz and Rex

Earlier this week, with Halloween approaching, the boys and I were invited over by my friend & teaching partner, Jennifer, to trick-or-treat with her girls, Ellie and Lia. Though I appreciated the invite, I decided we would just stick around our house and go through our neighborhood and then pass candy out later. As the day of Halloween came, I had to work and throughout the day, contemplated taking Jen up on her offer to join her family for the night. I soon learned her little ones were not feeling well and realized it was for the best that the boys and I stay close to home. When I was picking the boys up that afternoon, my friend Heather called and offered for us to go trick-or-treating in her mom's neighborhood with her family. Though I considered sticking to my plan of just staying at home, I realized I really didn't want to take the boys out alone again this year, and accepted her last minute offer to trick-or-treat with them. Not realizing how much I was missing Chris not being with us, I am really glad I decided to switch our plans for the evening.

Our Little T-Rex

Buzz and Rex

Buzz Lightyear

My Sweaty, Tired Boys

Even though it was still very warm, Hayden had a great time trick-or-treating with Carter, he even kept his purple hood on the entire night, which I was completely surprised by. Noah was the cutest little dinosaur walking around, helping himself to candy from all the nice people in the neighborhood. After about an hour of filling their pumpkins with treats, I packed up two very sweaty boys, still in costume, and drove over so their Grammy and Grampy could take some pictures and see them dressed up. Just a picture or two later, the boys were visibly exhausted and so began the transformation from T-Rex and Buzz to Noah and Hayden. They looked adorable in their costumes, but poor Hayden was so hot and sweaty he probably lost 5 pounds from wearing his "plastic" suit. Noah was pretty warm to, and kept saying "mommy, my hair wet", though the material of his allowed a little bit more air flow. It's a good thing the boys have a little cousin up in Seattle who can use these costumes again, as I am certain sweating won't be an issue there. I'm already thinking ahead to next year and am thinking perhaps dressing the boys as surfers .... I am sure they can't get too hot in swimming trunks!

Trike-a-Thon

Today at pre-school, Hayden participated in a "Trike-a-Thon" where he rode tricycles with his classmates to help raise money for new play equipment. He was sponsored with donations by us, Grammy, and Grandma (thank you!!). You can see by the pictures that he spent more time waiting to ride than he actually spent on the bike riding. It was cute to see him wait so patiently for his turn to come. Being a safety conscious kid, he waited with his buddy, helmet on , and was ready to ride. The boys' turn came, and quickly went, but they were so cute on those little red bikes, riding intently up and back on the school's sport court. As the class finished up, we all headed back inside, and with a shiny gold medal around his neck, Hayden led the way in line. After enjoying an Otter Pop inside the classroom with his friends, and even little brother enjoyed one too, we said our goodbyes and headed for home to begin our weekend.

The Park

This afternoon, after a slightly busy day of errands, including taking Grummy to the groomers, grocery shopping, our weekly visit to Costco, fitting in a nap somewhere for Noah, and baking friendship bread (thanks Nicole, I forgot how yummy it is!), the boys and I walked down to the park for some outdoor play time. Truthfully, I needed to get out of the house and do something that didn't require me to pack along my purse, bring along the diaper bag, or buckle the boys into their car seats. The weather, though still VERY warm, has started to "cool" down enough to be able to withstand time outside without the complete fear of total dehydration. The park was empty, an extra bonus, which gave the boys free run of the play structure and swings. Upon getting to the park, Hayden informed me that Noah is able to climb up this spiral ladder that leads to the top platform of the play area. After my heart nearly stopped watching him climb up, stand at the top while holding on with just one hand, and finally maneuvering himself over to the platform, I took a deep breath and cheered him on as he repeated over and over (and by this, I do mean over & over & over...) "watch me mommy" and "look at me mommy". So here you can see a my brave little boy climbing up, before he gets ready to slide down and do it all over again.


So as not to give little brother all the glory or spotlight, here you can see our big boy enjoying the park in his own way. Hayden has always loved the park, and the older he gets, he still seems to enjoy the same ol' thing. Climbing, sliding, hanging, jumping, swinging ... all of it keeps this active little boy of ours busy enough for the time we're there. He is really trying to get the hang of "pumping" his legs as he learns to swing on his own - let's just say he still needs a good push or two to get himself going. I guess it's still nice to be needed for the little things in life.

Swimming & Splashing

Our little boys have become such fish swimming and splashing around in Grammy & Grampy's pool this summer. Hayden has become quite the swimmer, using his arms together with his kicks, he wiggles and swims all around the pool. He's our own little Michael Phelps. Noah, who loves to do anything and everything "Haynen" does, has really amazed us, going from just being held in our arms in May to practically jumping in on his own. He loves to sit on the edge of the step while scooting himself closer and closer, and then says to whoever is nearby "go under." Before you know it, he lowers himself under the water, pops right back up ready for more, coming up with his big smile and watered-down runny nose. Amazingly, there is usually still water left in the pool after he manages to swallow and then sputter some out. So come the 2020 Olympics, wherever they might be held, keep your eyes peeled for the Robb Brothers ... they're sure to take on the world, one lap at a time!

Flight of Hayden

Preparing for take-off ...

... and he's up to altitude.

Beginning his descent ...

... for a safe, splashy landing.
He smiles, and says "Let's do it again, Dad!"