Like...

So, lately, Tyler has been using the word “like” in conversation. I don’t mean he says, “I really like pancakes.” He uses it as a filler, as in, “I went to, like, the sandbox and I sat down and played, like, Transformers.” He’ll talk like this usually right after he gets home from pre-school, so I’m sure it’s something he picked up from his friends (or maybe a teacher?). I just wasn’t expecting to have to deal with this problem a) with a boy, and b) when that boy is only 4 ½! I realized that I use the word “like” more often than I want to, so now I’ll really have to watch my mouth at home. Forget worrying about cursing in front of my kids, I’m worried that I’ll sound too much like a valley girl!

Fun with the girls...Aunt Laurel's House

We just had a super fun weekend at Aunt Laurel’s house! Tyler and Mason freaking LOVE their Aunt Laurel’s and all the fun stuff we do there. It’s seriously like a mini-summer camp for them, especially Tyler. A total of 9 cousins, 7 aunts and uncles, and occasionally Laurel’s friends were there.

Mike and I took Friday off of work to make our 3-day weekend into a 4-day weekend. We spent the day relaxing and hanging out with the boys, and packing for our weekend-o-fun! On Saturday, we left after a quick lunch and arrived at Laurel’s and the kids proceeded to start going wild with their cousins. Within a half hour, Mike’s brother arrived with his family and all the kids were outside playing by the pond, in the sandbox, and throwing Styrofoam airplanes across the yard.

Us girls snuck out for the evening to watch Eclipse (the third film in the Twilight “Saga”), and left the hubbys to put the kids to bed. Thanks, Mike!! :) While we were at the movies, Mike’s brother, Dave, arrived with his family (new baby!).

Sunday was also jam-packed with activity! Mike and I tried to fit in our Yoga X workout of our P90X exercise plan, but were only able to do the first ½ hour of the hour and a half-long routine before 5 children started getting in our way.

We took the kids to Laurel’s pool, went back home to rest/nap/etc., then built a bonfire and roasted marshmallows and made S’mores! YUM!! Mike, Jay, and Laurel camped outside in tents with all the older kids. The rest of us stayed inside with Mason and baby Mea.

Monday was the last day-o-fun :( We took pictures of each family, then of the kids together, then of the adults in various groupings, and then had to say goodbye. I felt like a camp counselor…we had so much fun!! Thanks so much, Laurel, for letting us take over your house! Can’t wait until next time!

Mason is 19 months old!

Dear Mason,

Today you are 19 months old! How time does fly. You’re much more of a little boy now than a toddler…you’re almost as tall as your 3-year-old cousin, Jaime!

Watching you grow and learn is such a pleasure. Hearing you say new words every day is so exciting, and we try to encourage you to talk often. I’ve lost track of all the words you can say, but I’m always surprised at how well you pronounce things. The other day you said the word “slide” clearly as I had just said it. You currently do this very cute pout after you say, “No!” where you pout your lips to the point that you look like you want to give someone a kiss. But you also furrow your eyebrows and look mad, it’s all really very darling :)

Your last doctor’s appointment was a week ago, where we found out you were 28.4 lbs and 34 inches tall. People who don’t know you often think you are 2 years old (that’s the size you’ve been wearing for a few months, by the way) and probably expect you to act older, so they’re surprised when I tell them you’re only a year-and-a-half. You also wear size 7/8 toddler shoes! Ms. Bonnie (your daycare provider) thinks that you’ll be a linebacker ;)

Love you!
Mommy