Tinkering in the Garage

This past weekend, Mark built a "work bench" (pictured behind Aiden) for the guys so they could work while I cook dinner.

We hope one day they will tinker and hammer, etc. while I cook or Mark works in the garage.  I would say it's a success, as they have "worked" on this evening while I've been cooking.  They do prefer Daddy's big bench for now, though!

 Aiden literally "looking up" to his brother.

Dinner Outside

Tonight, we enjoyed dinner outside!  It is perfect weather right now, and the mosquitos are just starting to come out (at dawn and dusk), so we are trying to soak up the last few days of spring.

Walking More and More, and Speaking

Since taking his first steps, Aiden has continued to prefer crawling over walking.  However, starting this past Monday morning, Aiden regularly "practices" and is completely humored by it.  He will push up, take 4-6 steps, then fall forward and giggle.  All day Monday and Tuesday, he has repeated this pattern, even when we're outside.  I'm fine with him taking his time.  At the same time, it would be nice to hold two hands instead of carrying a growing baby, and holding a little boy hand.

Aiden is also becoming more and more vocal with specific words "More more!" and "Dad-dy!" when Daddy comes home (or he thinks he sees Daddy come to the door).  He also says "O-vaaah," which you can kinda hear at the end of this recording.

Construction 3rd Birthday Party

Oliver is very much into construction.  This year was the first year we decided to have a friend party, not just a family celebration.  So...we made it construction-themed!  

We gathered large cardboard boxes, created a cardboard house/castle/village and the kids painted them.

After the "project" was complete, we moved into the backyard to enjoy lunch and play time.  It was a success!

Singing "Happy Birthday!" (Oliver sang along.)

Cousins, all born in 2011 within 5 months of each other. Pictured oldest to youngest, from the left.

We had fun (and Aiden enjoyed his cupcake)!

Happy Birthday Oliver!

My big boy is 3!

We celebrated just our family with his favorite meal (bisquetti) and a trip to Amy's where he was allowed to select his own flavor and topping!