Litlte Pistols

The boys got toy cap guns from Gigi and Papa and let me tell ya- they were in hog Heaven! 

 Gun slingers in the front yard

 I think I'm gonna enlarge this and keep it forever! It makes me smile every time I look at it! 

 Uncle Eric giving some lessons on guns. Start em young they say. Later I will post about the time Daddy took the boys out to the ranch to hang out with him and Uncle Eric and later I find out they were shooting ARs. Oh dear

Tate and his epic facial expressions. He was a real wild West cowboy. Love that imagination

Potty Pro

Bowen started using the potty during the holidays without provocation. It was random but I was hopeful. The thought of no more poopy diapers to change and going through like twenty diapers a day was a relief. I think he just saw big brother so many times he finally decided it was time. 

This is a picture from January and it just makes me laugh. He took a book into the bathroom to catch up on some quiet time. You know, because toddlers need that kinda thing. haha

Silly boy

New Year's Day Fishin'

I know this is super behind but my computer crashed in December. Which was seriously devastating to me...seriously, I had a melt down in front of the entire store when they told me some of my data, if not all of it, was probably gone for good! So I've been out of commission on the blog bit.

On New Year's Day we decided to take the kids out to the state park to do some fishing. It was a gorgeous day and we knew they'd love it! 

Bowen got his first little fishin' pole! He was pretty excited but he was a little more interested in the corn in the can that Daddy was putting on the hook. I decided I needed to move it away so there would be less temptation.

 Sometimes I step back and watch him. He's such a smart, sweet, observant little boy. He's growing up so fast. I take a million pictures because I don't want to forget anything. 

oh my baby, don't grow up so fast!

 Bowen was ready to get down to business and catch lots of fishies

 Trevor is such an amazing Daddy! I'm so proud of him! I always thank God for giving me someone like him who is so involved in our children's lives. He takes his time to work with them, and teach and play with them, and just show them how much he cares. 

 My baby is in the "I do" stage. He doesn't want help most of the time. I just try to stand back and let him figure things out. He decided that when a fish didn't jump onto his hook right away that he might like to look around and get into trouble. And trouble he did find...

I had put the can of corn back behind a chair hoping that he would leave it alone. Did he? NOPE! He stuck his finger in the can and when he tried to pull it out when he got caught it cut his index finger so deep! It bled everywhere and we all jumped up grabbed the gear and left in an instant! I felt awful for not hiding the can better or for not taking off the lid. There was so many moments of guilt and regret. Oh, being a Mommy is never easy and it's ten times worse when your baby hurts. But luckily he just had his tetanus shot. A friend's husband is a medic and so we went by for him to look at it and he cleaned it up, put a bandage on, and said it would be ok. Oh boys, please try not to give your Mama a heart attack!

But, other than that, it was a beautiful day to start our New Year!

Mutton Bustin'

When Tate found out mutton bustin' was in town he was so excited! This boy is happy to watch hours of NFR during December and he was more than ready to saddle up himself...even if it is just a sheep. 

Helmet on and he's ready to go

Getting a pep talk from Daddy about the rules of mutton bustin'...lean in, squeeze your legs, and hold on tight!  

And they are out of the gate

 holdin' on tight

 holdin' tight

slippin

and he's 

down

and another one bites the dust

But don't worry, he's a tough guy and ready for round 2! I love you, my little cowboy!

Girlfriends

The other day I took the boys with me on a photo shoot with a friend's little ones. She has two girls about the same age as the boys and cuteness ensued. 

The girls did this cute little number and I looked over and 

the boys decided to do some cute poses of their own

sweet brudders

 Most of the time they wrestled but Steely managed to sneak a hug in the mix. Is that not so adorable?! She really was a giddy little girl! Tate still thought they were wrestling

But doesn't look like he minded getting some hugs from a cute girl ;-)

After we got done with their session I asked the boys to take some pictures for a minute. They weren't thrilled but Grammy was there to make them laugh

Tate blaming Bowen

 giggly boys

 I love that they are not only brothers but best buddies and partners in crime!

tickle monster had to come out to get Bowen to smile

 Look at the love in Grammy's eyes! These boys sure are blessed!

 and so am I!

Little Dragon

Tate has been taking Tae Kwon Do for about 3 months now and is doing great! I think it's so beneficial for any child. It helps them in so many ways. Tate has learned what self-control really is, how to control his body, focus, and he understands discipline. His confidence has skyrocketed. Before they are eligible to earn their next belt they must receive stripes for doing their "forms" correctly and must accumulate 25 class hours. He started as a white belt and recently he belt tested and received his yellow belt! I'm so proud of my little man! This was at the belt ceremony.

Here's Chip addressing the parents and talking about the importance of Tae Kwon Do. Their hope is to develop children's coordination, confidence, discipline, and confidence. 

Tate was called to exchange his old belt for his new one.

Part of the ceremony is to untie the old belt and fold it and place it behind your back.

 In Asian culture the lower you bow the more respectful it is. In front of his master he bowed to the floor and each of them put their first two fingers on the new belt. 

 Such a proud, special moment to see him get his yellow belt tied on by Master Chip, a world-champion of Tae Kwon Do and the founder of Chip Tae Kwon Do! 

 Here's Tate with one of his best buddies, Slayton! They were both so proud to get their new belts!