One Year!

I still can't believe the boys are already ONE. What a fantastic birthday weekend. We got to celebrate with so many loved ones.

The Birthday (Friday the 15th)
These was no stopping me from heading to Segal's to have them install our carseats facing the front. I couldn't wait! Now they can see me- and me them. It is so nice.

We went to the park once Travis was off of work. It was the boys' first time in swings. Tyler- not big fan, but Carter enjoyed it.

The Birthday Celebration (Saturday)
What a fiasco and so much fun! There were so many kids (close to 20- all under 5!) it was wild! Thank goodness we had a backyard (Travis just finished) and it was a beautiful day. . . we lucked out!
Oh boy- the monkey cake. It was banana (the boys' favorite) and wow, even on a full stomach, they couldn't get enough. I really didn't think they would "go to town" on it but there was no stopping them. . . . and no hesitation.Above it Tyler-Below is Carter
Our godson (and nephew) Holden came to the party with Uncle Mike (Camden was sick and Auntie Kylie is due VERY soon!) He helped blow out the candles along with cousins Mary and Lucy- they are the ADORABLE girls in the next picture.


On Sunday the Bringhursts were in town (my second family growing up). We miss them so much and it is always wonderful to spend time with them. I am sure our two bring back memories of raising Chris and Colin- their twin boys. Of course at that point Karen had 4 boys all under4 - can you IMAGINE?!
NEW POLL: I took these pictures of the boys in the car and realized how much they look alike. Wow. Now, you get to guess: Who is Tyler, Who is Carter? Vote on the Poll!

11 Months

The boys are taking little steps but still then resorting to their bear crawl on all fours which they find so much faster (and safer)! Is it bad that I am slightly depressed they are turning one so soon? Where does time go? Every day I am in shock by something new. For instance . . .

How did Tyler get in this position all on his own? Better yet, why is Maizy letting him do this??!
I never thought that of all things to get from me- it would be CURLS!
Really?! Walking already?
Who knew Costco was so prepared for twins? Their carts are the BEST- carrying two. The boys just loved their first trip like this. They got a kick out of sitting by each other and kicking feet.
In upper and lower Pix: (Carter on the Left/ Tyler right)
Their little bodies just crack me up! Rubberband wrists and all.
We took Popi to Gubanc's for his birthday. It was the boys' first time in booster seats- they did so well! (I am holding Carter)
Above: Here's my fam at Salishan for Joe and Cora's wedding.
I have given the boys one drawer they are allowed into and stacked it with cloth and tupperware. Usually they will pull out one or two containers. But tonight was a different story. It's their only drawer and they are so good about obeying and staying out of the others so I let them "go to town" on the drawer tonight. . . as you can see. . . they were having too much fun together. Just laughing and pulling out new things. I then said, "let's put it away" and Tyler was so cute. He looked at me when I said it, took an apron and put it back in the drawer, slowly while looking at me for recognition. Very cute. Although one apron barely made a dent!

T-R-O-U-B-L-E

It is the day I have been dreading . . . on April 29th (a couple days ago) those little one step baby-steps turned into a FEW and the boys walked . . .

It was sweet actually- Travis had just got home and was holding Carter and Tyler was a foot or more away from him- suddenly he started to walk to him- Travis called for me to look and we started freaking out when he reached him! You could tell Carter was a little upset. So RIGHT after, Travis put Carter down where Tyler was and he did the exact same thing. CRAZY how a little jealousy works . . .

Pictures to come.. . . tonight Tyler walked a 3-4 feet . . . but all-in-all they know crawling on all fours like a bear is the fastest way to go!

I have been in no rush for these guys to get moving- tried to actually discourage it, but I think it's a twins thing where they compete?? Ultimately what this means: I am in TROUBLE!!

The Zoo with Grandma

Before we get to zoo pictures, I just want to give Maizy props. She is given such a hard time for being "Crazy Maizy" but she really is such a great family dog. She takes such beatings from the boys- it's unbelievable how tolerant she is. Yesterday I thought she would lose it. Carter had a piece of cheese in his hand and he wanted her to eat it so he kept on sticking it right up to her mouth and she didn't even take a lick- I wasn't even telling her no . . . Finally, I felt so bad so I said "okay Maizy- you can have it" and she knows that means it's fine but she still looked at me and wouldn't eat it. How good is she?! Then about an hour later Tyler REALLY wanted to nap on her. He kept pulling on her, laying on her to try to get comfortable and close his eyes to sleep. She didn't move an inch. It was so sweet.
(Above: Carter in Brown/Tyler in white)

We took Grandma to the zoo with us last Sunday! Boy has that membership paid off- literally- it paid for itself long ago.

We decided to take MAX- so smart! It was the boys' first time- they seemed to like it but as you can tell, it was a little too loud for Grandma.
(color code for pics: Tyler is in the lighter blue, Carter in the navy/orange)

The goats were the big hit! It was the boys' first time in the petting zoo. . . oh my goodness- they just screamed when we left cause they wanted more. Tyler had to touch every goat. And he just laughed and laughed when he felt their fur.
Here we are with my favorite- the giraffe (oh, I love the otter too) Grandma is having fun!

The giraffe, not too big of a hit for our guys- but they LOVED the meerkats. Go figure- the meerkats? They were AMAZED!

So the big winners of the day- goats and meerkats. . . . and of course crawling around in the grass. They do it every time and are so friendly- will go up to anyone. Sometimes even eye their lunches.

So Many Happenings!

Gigi Turns 60!!

We had a big bash and the whole family was here! Even Brian & Karen & Luke came up from California . . . it was the best!! Below are some fun pictures from the day after. We went to the zoo.

We had a picnic on the grass. It was the boys first time rolling around and enjoying a lawn. Now I can't wait for us to finish our backyard and put sod in cause they LOVED it.
(Tyler is in the green, Carter in the red)

As you can tell above, the boys love lunchtime! They practically attacked Gigi for the bread of Luke's hotdog.

How cute is our little blond hair/blue eyed cousin? We just adore him. He couldn't get enough of the elephants and of course wanted to pet the goats.

We meet ALLY GOFFRIER!

Such a little cutie! It's wild to hold such a little baby again. She seemed like a feather. . . so delicate. For the first time I understood why everyone was in awe with how small our little guys were back then. Thank you so much Jenny and Chris for bringing your little girls in town for us to meet the angel! And it's always a joy to be able to hang out with Lillie!


The Boys' First Easter!
And what a jammed-packed day of activities . . . First off, Tyler got a ride in the wagon. They just think it's hilarious taking one another around the house.

This Easter also marked two years of having Grandpa Mack blessing us from up above. It was the boys' first time to visit him at the grave site. We know he is watching over us, just getting a kick out of these two. . . but he is dearly missed.
Then it was off for a Rehse family visit. (Travis' side of the family- Grandma's sisters and brother)
Of course, they quickly tracked down Drake the dog.
(Both above and below are Carter- great pictures taken by our cousin Will!)
The family gave the boys Easter gifts! Two huge ducks- way to big to fit in baskets. . . they immediately got a kick out of them (below is Tyler) . . .and Momma loves the outfits they received that they will be sporting this summer!
Next up: Celebrating with Momma's side of the family!
A Picture with the Grandparents
(Popi is holding Carter)

Below: Leave it up to Great-Aunt Joan to come up with a fitting Easter Dessert
Really?! A Peeps Cake? She is incredibly creative!

Who needs toys?

I am learning that there are advantages to two! I have always known how neat it will be that they will always have each other, but now I am seeing it . . . how lucky they are. They have yet to be bored.

Here they are in their favorite spot to play together. Right by the front door, no toys, no ME, nothing. Just each other. (Tyler is in the white, Carter navy) I had to hide to take this cause once they see me with the camera they want to come over and grab it.

New Favorite Activity

Travis travels most weeks, we miss him so much! So I thought he would appreciate a couple videos from this week while he's been away . . .

The wagon walker has always been a hit to push, but now riding is just as fun . . .

We dearly love our Papa. He hasn't been feeling well lately, but he still gives us so much love when we visit. Here he is holding both the boys . . .

(Tyler is on the left, Carter right)

Many Firsts!

Before I share some "firsts" I wanted to start off with this picture- because I love it. I was driving along and heard chuckling in the back. They began laughing so hard that at the next stop I looked back and saw this. I about died- but grabbed my camera quickly to snap a shot. Always have to have your camera handy for moments like these.

FIRST FAMILY TRIP TO THE ZOO
It was SUCH a beautiful day.

Carter wanted down to check out the fish!
The boys pose with the elephant. . .
And then with the Zebra. . . looking at animals, losing shoes, pulling off socks- what a day!

TRAVIS' FIRST BIRTHDAY as a DADDY
We celebrated at Gigi & Popi's with them and Uncle Mike, Auntie Kylie, Camden & Holden.
(Tyler is on the right, Carter left.)

FIRST ST. PATTY'S DAY
Only fitting that our Patty (Gigi) spent the day with the boys while I worked. She showed up in her Irish shirt even though she is %100 German. It was a Notre Dame top, so of course I was in full support.
I walked through the door and entered in on Gigi sitting with both boys on the couch all snuggled in blankets. It was too sweet.
(Above: Tyler on Left, Carter right)


FIRST HAND-ME-DOWNS
Below: Tyler sports cousin Luke's outgrown pajamas
It reminds me of when I used to get my cousins' (Amy & Megan's) clothes. It was the best and saves so much money! Plus, I am sure many will appreciate when they are sometimes dressed differently to tell them apart!

Almost 10 Months!

(Above: Tyler is on the right, Carter Left)
This weekend celebrates the boys 10-month birthday. I realized I never updated their 9 month weight and height. Both are almost exactly the same- a few ounces from 22 pounds and 29 inches tall. They just want to walk and are using their walker incredibly well and now try to turn everything in walkers . . . random toys, chairs, Maizy, each other.

(Carter is walking Tyler)
They can stand but after 10-30 seconds they realize they are and drop. I think they get excited or just surprise themselves!
(Above: Carter showing off his great legs)

(Below: Our first shirtless night after dinner cause Carter made a mess-
and was darn proud of it as you can tell)

Need something to brighten your day? Here's Tyler with the best medicine:


Pat-a-cake is among one of their favorites!

And so is the SNOW! YES we even got some this morning. They zoom toward the window to stand and look out. Snow, really? Do we live in Vail?

Here they are rushing to Dad after work. They hear his voice and just crawl as to beat the other for his attention. Not to mention, Da-Da is heard all day long. It's very cute.
(Above: Tyler is in the red)