Life with Jack & Zach: Memorial Day Weekend

Greetings Family and Friends,

We had a busy yet fun weekend. I did my best to capture all the exciting moments!

Saturday
We woke up and immediately started our day. Why? The boys had their 2nd birthday photo shoot scheduled so we wanted to make sure that we left ourselves PLENTY of time to get on with the day. We have to account for breakfast, changing, playtime, and possibly a couple of trantrums. So...the day started off good, but then we were experiencing some unpleasant moments that led us to believe the day would go otherwise. We quickly sent some prayers to the picture fairy. :) We hear all the time that around 18 months up until they are 3 could cause for some uncertainty with pictures. As I reflect back, yep, I would have to agree. I will let you know if it is easier by the time they turn 3. We got them dressed...looking sharp as ever. The boys are still little peanuts so there are some clothes that fit perfect at 24 months, and then we have 18 months clothes that fit GREAT. Unfortunately the "birthday outfit" has caused a stir and left us calling around for different sizes. In any event, it worked out great and Steve and I could not have been happier with their outfit. :)

Upon arrival to our photo shoot we were brought right to our room. Thank goodness because every other time they were running behind. We decided to shut the curtain as to keep the boys focused on the art of ..... PHOTOGRAPHY...something they clearly are having a hard time grasping. Just kidding...afterall they are going to be 2 and have a different agenda. We attempted after 5 shots and they were not having it. They were too busy taking out all of the props and banging them all over the place, climbing up on stools, fake rocks, you name it. After one more attempt the boys kept wanting to go out in the lobby and it finally clicked they wanted that gosh darn it toy in the lobby. So, I looked at all three photographers, yes we ended up getting additional help, and said can we just bring that toy inside? So, it worked. Although there are shots of them including this infamous toy...you know the one you always find at the dentist office?, we got them sporting their famous smile! We love it. All in all we got some good shots and will share them with you once I can begin downloading them.

We got back home in time for lunch and then played for a bit longer. While they were napping, Harold and I went with Steve to get his birthday present. He decided that he wanted a new set of golf clubs! The boys got him a Chicago Bears golf towel and they even went in with me to get Daddy a new golf bag. :) We got the bag located to the far left, all black with yellow.

We got home and started to get ready to attend Fred and Caryl's BBQ, I packed some food for the boys since they are and can be unpredictable when it comes to taste buds, and Steve packed up some toys. We had a great time hanging out with the Townsend's/Helland's. Since we knew we would not be home until late we brought their jammies, knowing they would fall asleep on the way home. :) We wanted to make the transition from car to bed as seemless as possible (it worked :)).

ZachaROO

Zach...being silly

Jackson

Jack and Daddy

Zach, Jack, and Ryan

Ryan (Boys' 2nd Cousin)

Harold, Phyl, Caryl, Fred, and Joyce

Presley (Boys' 2nd Cousin)

Mike and Ryan

Zach in the Cozy Coupe

Jack

Sunday

Steve and I had plenty to do this morning. For starters, his parents took care of the boys in the morning so that we could have breakfast down by the pier. We have not been able to do that since we moved to San Clemente and it was nice to do that, watch the waves roll in, sip our coffee, and talk. We arrived at Fisherman's and were able to get seated outside. It was a little damp and chilly but the patio heaters were on and so it was warm and relaxing. However, of course, leave it for a monring when the waves came crashing in and then decided to pour rain so we hurried on inside. The rain only lasted for a few moments and did not stop us from enjoying morning. :) We were still able to sit and relax, drink our coffee, and plan our day. After breakfast we made our way over to Ralphs Bakery to order the boys' cake, "Bob the Builder". The boys have really been into trucks lately and REALLY into watching daddy build things so we thought this could be the theme for their birthday! We then went to the party store to pick up some supplies and start looking at balloons and ideas for centerpieces. I guess Bob the Builder is not the hit like it might be in the Midwest. We had plenty of time and were back in time to skype with my Mom, brother, my nephews, and sister-in-law. It was great to "see" them and talk for a bit. Since we had interrupted the boys' playing outside, we figured we would have to do this another time but right after breakfast! We are excited to see my mom; she comes in Friday evening!

Steve...before the rain!

At Fisherman's

Steve and I ran a few more errands while the boys were napping and then made it home just in time for his parents to head down South to visit with some of their friends. It was nice to have some quiet family time. We grilled a pork loin since it was such a beautiful day. After dinner we got the boys upstairs and ready for bath. Hilarious. It has been some time since I took pics of them in the bath, but I was able to get a clip of Zacharoo running from his room into the bathroom. They both have this cute "excited" run because they love bath time so much! They have really been good about carrying their clothes to the laundry basket. In fact they have been doing this since we were at the apartment. Hard to believe it has been that long already. Goodness. They also will throw their diaper out, but we will only let them do it if it is pee--wink wink. :) After they went to bed I really wanted to go sit outside and enjoy the evening but lately I have been hit with possibly allergies and just have not been feeling good. It has been a long time since I have been sick so I will take it, but I was so pooped that I fell asleep on the couch early. Ooops, oh well.

Aww, brotherly love!

Blowing Mommy Kisses!

Jack sportin' that smile

Daddy, Jack, Zach

Daddy tickling Zacharoo

Jack putting his clothes in the laundry basket

All done!

A previous bath moment. They love to run around with their towels as if they were Superman!

Monday----Happy Memorial Day

We did not have too much planned other than just hang out at the house. We spent the morning playing around the house. While I was getting ready Steve took the boys to get my car washed as they appeared to be antsy in the pants. When they got home they helped me vacumn (not so much Jack) and clean the inside of my car. They even thought the outside needed to be cleaned again. HA! Once the kids were down for the count, Steve and I decided to go out to lunch since that could be the only time for a long time---well, not having to pay a babysitter. We got home and I decided that once the boys were up that I needed alone time with them. They hopped on their ATVs, decorated for Memorial Day, and we went for a stroll down our block. They are good about knowing what direction to travel in so I had to tell them we were not going straight home. :) I enjoyed hanging out with them alone and they brought a much needed smile to my face. I love them SO much and I can always count on them to bring so much laughter, love, and light to my life!

Zach and Jack

Zach

Jack

Zach and Jack

Zach

We then grilled out, enjoying the great weather. After bath, Nana brought out some new books for them to look out! They love books, I am happy they do. Their expressions are so darn cute as they flip one page at a time, soaking it all in. They even let Nana read one book without taking it away or wanting to flip pages themselves, etc.