Train Museum

Rachel and I took the boys on a field trip to the Train Depot Museum today. They had so much fun! In Eric's bedtime chat last night he told Alex he was going to see trains today and Alex woke up bright and early this morning and we could hear him saying "I drive it" "go see choo choo" on the monitor.

We started out with a trolley/train ride on a little track around the grounds. Alex wore a very serious expression on his face from the minute he got on until he got off ;).

There were train cars all around that the kids could climb on and explore...


There was also an indoor section with an old fire truck and some other old cars for them to drive and explore. Alex loved the stuffed dalmatian on the fire truck.


Checking the air pressure just like Daddy taught him to do....


And buying his first pack of cigarettes....

They also had a little indoor play area as well. It had a little diner they could cook in, and various play areas with trucks and trains, etc.


And a big sandbox...

Totally Random

There is nothing that ties this post together - so here are just some totally random updates....

1. "Daddy Chats"
Eric has magic powers when it comes to getting Alex to sleep! Lately, due to fireworks, thunderstorms and what appears to be some nightmares, Alex has been waking up occasionally at night. If I go in the room, Alex just plays me - "mommy back" (rub his back) or "mommy lay down" (lay down next to his crib) - and I stay in there until he falls asleep. Well if Eric goes in there he has "man to man" chats with Alex - something like this, "Alex, tomorrow when you wake up we are going to watch race cars and watch them change the tires and drive fast, then we can mow the grass and you can help me and then we can wash the cars. But, right now you need to be a big boy and lay down and go night night" AND ALEX DOES!!! It is cute and crazy - but guess who gets to go in there now when Alex wakes up :).

2. Dressing Himself -
Alex is starting to sometimes have an opinion about what he wears for the day, but thankfully usually does well with two choices. He almost daily wants to wear his green warm up pants and we have to discuss that he can only wear shorts now. Well yesterday he found this vest in the pile of stuff I am organizing and storing and put it on all by himself and was quite determined to wear it all morning :).

3. Best Buddies
We are so lucky to live about 2 minutes away from some very good friends! My friend, Rachel, has a little boy, Evan, who is just 9 weeks older than Alex. She also has a 4 month old. We have been getting together 3-5 mornings a week lately and it has been great. The boys play together so well and entertain themselves nicely - most of the time. Alex is getting used to having a baby around and he LOVES Baby Mallory. He is constantly giving her hugs and kisses and playing with her. He always wants me to hold her too.


These pictures are funny because they are never this quiet - they are usually running around and dumping every toy in sight!

Family Swim

We all went swimming yesterday afternoon and Alex and Eric were already in the pool when I got in. As I was walking down the stairs Alex pointed at my stomach and said "baby go swimming too?".

Chores, Chores Chores

Some of us dread our chore list, but not Alex. He can't wait to see what chore he can help with next and a Saturday morning of chores with Daddy is a dream come true. This past weekend, Alex's dream morning consisted of vacuuming the cars, mowing the lawn, weed whacking, edging, and other miscellaneous "boy jobs". Of course, Alex's favorite was mowing the yard and he was never far behind Eric....




While Mommy's chores are never as fun as Daddy's, Alex is still willing to help out. After we got home from the store, Alex got his grocery cart and said "I go shopping". He proceeded to "shop" in the pantry.

Happy Father's Day

Alex was a big help with Father's Day this year.

He went to the Hallmark store with me and picked out Eric's card all by himself - excellent choice ; ).....


While Eric was golfing on Saturday morning, Alex helped me wrap his present. He was so excited to help and we only went through one roll of tape in the process. All morning he kept going to "check" on the present and would say "Daddy open it".

Here is how the present opening played out...

Eric walks in the door from golf and Alex brings him right over to the present and says, "Daddy open it".

Eric: "Oh wow! What is it?"

Alex: "A new hat!"

I guess he was paying attention more than I realized when we were wrapping! ;)



It only takes a minute of watching Alex and Eric together to see how much Alex loves and looks up to his Daddy. Eric spends so much time with Alex - teaching him how to use tools, washing the cars, playing golf, swimming together, doing the bedtime routine, etc. Happy Father's Day to Eric - a wonderful father. We love you!

New Blog Title???

E, J, AJ and ??????

As most of you know, we are expecting baby #2 in early December. I am 15 weeks along and all is going well so far. We are excited and blessed!

We announced the exciting news to our families with Alex wearing his "Big Brother" t-shirt.
Alex knows I have a baby in my tummy and he wants to "see it" all the time and now he is pretty sure he has a baby in his tummy too :). It's all a little abstract for him at this point.

Alex

Alex continues his obsession with lawnmowers. This weekend we took him to his favorite store - Home Depot- to drive the riding lawnmowers. We picked up a few pamphlets on lawnmowers and yard tools and they are now his favorite reading material....


Alex is definitely a two year old! His new favorite phrase is "No Way".....

Me: "Alex, it's time to wash your hands"
Alex: "No way, no way, no way"

Alex is definitely talking up a storm and amazes us everyday with what comes out of his mouth. This weekend he said "momma, be right back" as he headed up the stairs after Eric.

Alex is getting braver and braver in the pool and is now King of the Diving Board...