Bouncing Babies

We had one of those perfect weekends where we barely went anywhere but actually managed to relax and just be together at home.  I know Greg and I always feel like we need to go and do fun things with the kids on the weekends but I think most of the time they are quite content to be at home and play.  It was so beautiful outside that we spent most of our days out and about.  Friday night we got to keep our sweet little nephew Leo.  The kids were over the moon for baby Leo and really loved having him at our house.  He was a such a sweet little boy but definitely a reminder that Greg and I are not cut out for more than 2 kids.  Harper is really into babies so Leo was just perfect for her.  She loved putting his binky in his mouth and giving him his bottle. I had to really watch her or she might have smothered him with love, literally.    

We had our neighborhood garage sales this weekend and because we know that Doe Doe is a sucker for anything the kids love we suckered her into buying a few items for her house.  First and foremost Doe Doe is now the proud owner of a mini bounce house.  After a rough start in the bounce house (it deflated while they were in it, lots of tears) they really have the hang of it and love bouncing.  Doe Doe also purchased a train table complete with tracks and tunnels for her house.  We are currently keeping it in our garage and it has provided hours of fun and entertainment.  I am not sure that Briggs is fully aware that we are not keeping it, we will cross that bridge when we get there.  Doe Doe sure provided lots of entertainment for our weekend, thanks Doe Doe.   

 Briggs and the girls in the bounce house.  Briggs was usually a little rough for their taste.

 Here baby Leo let me shove this binky in your mouth till you want it! 

 The girl has never taken a binky her whole life but suddenly felt the need to suck on Leo's.

 She was not really sure what to do with him when he cried.

 Our new tutu which we love to wear, thanks Aunt Liz.  She even says tutu but is a little confused because she also calls trains tutu's.

 Baking cookies with with mom on Sunday.  What a awesome bakers assistant.

Yum!!!

Flying High

An airshow, our very own butterfly and lots of play time with our friends equals a really great weekend.  We took the kids to a fun day at the Johnson County Airport on Saturday.  It was really great, lots of planes and helicopters taking off, firetrucks, bounce houses, and face painting.  Briggs of course was very nervous about getting in any of the planes but not little Harper girl, I think she might have even shoved some kids out of the way to get in the helicopter!  Briggs has always loved planes so seeing them do the fly-bys was super cool.  Harper had her first face painting, a little heart on her cheek, she thought it was so pretty. 

Saturday we noticed that our cocoon we have been housing for the last few weeks was starting to turn dark.  By night our little friend had broke out of his cocoon and was a beautiful black swallow tail butterfly.  The kids were ecstatic to see Bob (what Briggs named him and every other pet we have ever had) and release him into the wild.  We had to wait till his wings were dry so we actually released him on Sunday morning.  Harper was less than impressed after all the waiting and excitement that Bob flew away within seconds.  Hope to get another one soon. 

 Harper trying out driving the fire truck.  I am pretty sure she was flirting with the firemen.

 Johnny Rowlands news chopper, I think he might go down after Harper flipped every switch in the helicopter

 Kids dancing in the party bus.  The floor changed colors and lights flashed on the seats.   

 Our dear friend Bob before his release into the wild.

Excuse our just rolled out of bed outfits and hairdo's!

Small Joys

It always amazes me how simple things can make kids so happy.  We bought a bottle of bubble bath last week at the grocery store and for three dollars we have received hours of entertainment.  We decided to fill up our sand table with bubbles and the kids loved it.  Harper and Briggs also found that bubbles, water, and dirt make mud, that was a fun mess. 

Briggs is getting so big these days, I often wonder how he learns half the things he knows.  He is so inquisitive and asks such brilliant questions for a little man.  He is really looking forward to his birthday and surprise, surprise, is asking for a train cake this year.  For Halloween this year also surprise, surprise, he has asked to be a train conductor.  Not sure when this train phase will end but man does he love them. 

Harper is a wild woman as always.  Greg and I have been calling her Pistol Annie lately because she is a little spark plug of a girl.  She has learned that "no" word very well and is now starting with "mine" for everything.  I swear if she does not want to do something you will know about it and usually in a loud fashion. If she was not so stinking cute I might be able to be a bit more enforcing.  She has started a love of baby dolls which I think is precious.  She loves on them, feeds them, and pushes them in her stroller.  She might be crazy at times but she is my sweet little girl.



Smooth Sailing

We have been busy as always at the Tomlinson casa but have had a great couple last weeks.  Knock on wood school is going great for all, including Briggs and we could not be happier about what a successfull start to the year it has been.  I am thrilled it is already September and I have not had to take time off yet for sick kids, that is a first.  Greg has been burning the candle at both ends trying to keep up with his school load, grading, and just the general craziness that comes with the first year of teaching.  He is doing awesome in my eyes and I am so proud of him for being such an awesome teacher.  

We spent memorial weekend relaxing and enjoying a extended break from school.  On Sunday we went to the annual St. Joesph's BBq in Olpe.  As always it was a great time and a good chance to catch up with family we do not get to see near enough.  The kids got to stay with their cousin Allie, her first babysitting gig.  Allie did a great job and we will hire her anytime. 

Last week Kelli decided to take the girls for a few days to visit Papa and Doe Doe.  From the stories and pictures I do not think that Harper missed her family all that much.  The girls had a great time and it gave Greg and I a chance to have some 1 on 1 with Briggs and we even stuck in a date night.  Briggs informed us he loved being with just up and it was ok if Harper did not come back.  Sorry brother but you are stuck with her forever.  We totally realize we should have never complained about the hardships of having one child.  It seems like such a piece of cake now that we wrestle with two daily.  A few pictures of the last few weeks.