Hide, Hide, Hide

Ben has discovered how to play Hide and Seek (or simply "Hide, Hide, Hide" in a hurried and whispered voice as he races off to his next hiding place). He first figured out how to get behind the clothes in our closet, then behind the blinds in the windows, and then in the little gap next to the couch. He's ruined 3 sets of blinds, but that's just the price you pay when you want to have some fun.

Got any Flowers?

The new favorite game in our house is Go Fish. It gets pretty competitive sometimes, so if you're up for a game just give us a call. Don't forget your goldfish, that is what we wager around here.

"I'm Really Good At This Game" - Caleb

We finally made it out to the legendary "Frankies" at Brier Creek. That place was a child's dream (and way too many grown men as well playing video games on their lunch break). The boys had a great time playing putt putt. They really liked the pirate ship and tiny houses on the course, along with all the blue water fountains and waterfalls.

Block Captain

This block castle was constructed by these two when Poppa was visiting them the other day. They were so proud of it that it stayed on the coffee table for three days. It quickly became a hotel for the good superheroes, complete with protecting wall to keep all the bads out. [Note the new Spiderman T-shirts]

Futbol Practice

On Tuesday the boys got together with some of the other kids in Caleb's preschool and went to "soccer practice" up at the Factory sports complex. Ben got to go and hang out with the big boys. He wasn't a paying customer, so he was supposed to just stay at the other end of the field with Emily, but that didn't last long. The "coach" was really nice about it, and Ben ended up sitting in her lap before long. Don't tell Ben he can't do what his big brother is doing. He loves his big bubba. By the way, the little girl in the picture with Caleb is his good friend Ella. From what we hear these two are inseparable at preschool.

Phat Tuesday on Saturday

This past weekend we celebrated Mardi Gras with some natives of Louisianna, and we got to eat some awesome Cajun food! The boys didn't care for the food, but the played with the decorations for hours. Masks, beads, and dubloons, what more could a kids ask for!

Somebody's Watching Me

Ben is learning to say the blessing at dinner, mostly from Caleb. Whenever Caleb starts with "Thank you father" Ben quickly chimes in with the few words he knows. When Emily or I say the blessing, he just quietly listens (and watches) to see what is going on.

Bugs in the House!

The stomach bug that is hitting most families didn't overlook us this past week. Ben got sick first, and he generously shared it with Emily, who was kind enough to save some for me. Caleb has dodged the bullet somehow so far. It's been a good lesson about germs for Caleb, and why we wash hands. Hope everyone else is feeling ok.

Happy Valentine's Day

Emily loves me yes I know, for her cookies tell me so.

She did a great job decorating these valentine cookies.

Happy Valentines day everybody!

Death By Chocolate

Tonight I'm fighting a mixture of feelings. I'm a little excited and a little scared at the same time. Emily and I are going to Hope Lutheran Church's "Death By Chocolate" gathering. (This is the church where Caleb goes to preschool). I love chocolate as much as any male (ladies, I know you got me beat), but I never wanted to meet my maker over a little chocolate. It should be a good time of stand-up comedy and hopefully many servings of the dark stuff. Emily may have a hard time controlling herself in a room full of chocolate, so I'll be the designated driver tonight.

Museum

On Saturday we visited the Natural Science Museum in downtown. The boys had a blast as they gazed at dinosaurs and studied the snakes. Caleb learned where a rattlesnake gets its name, and Ben marvelled at the 2 story waterfall. They both agreed that we should go back real soon.

Just above the ears, please

Thursday was family hair day for all the boys. Ben was up first and did extremely well for his first full cut. It helped that he could sit and watch the snow fall out the sliding door glass. Caleb was a trooper too and has learned to tolerate the whole process so that it really only takes about 5-10 minutes to finish him up. I tried to sit still too while mine was being cut, but I'm still learning.

Trip to the Krispy Kreme Bakery

We headed downtown this weekend for some Hot Doughnuts Now at the Krispy Kreme Bakery. The boys marveled at the conveyor belts full of fresh doughnuts through the window, and they were not disappointed when they got to eat one of their own. We had to eat in the car because the store was so busy. Note to self, that is very messy and probably shouldn't be done again.

Snow Ball Fight!

If you see these two coming at you, RUN! They are armed and dangerous. Don't be fooled by their adorable smiles.

Sledding

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling ring ting tingling too ... It's time for a sleigh ride, Wake Forest style. Maybe we can get enough snow to actually sled next time. The boys sure had fun, but the horse is a little out of shape.