Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Well, our "camping" trip was a raging success...mostly because we didn't camp at all. We all convened at a friend's cabin in Nye, on the Stillwater River...and reveled in luxuries such as indoor plumbing, queen size beds, air conditioning, and electricity. We are so hardcore.

The last time we were all (Myers, Schuylers, Perrines, Bedfords) together, for an extended amount of time, was probably Addie and Rob's wedding. We ate well and often, fished, napped, shot the bow, laughed, played games, and just enjoyed one another. I have to admit that this very pregnant- slightly uncomfortable, always warm, always peeing - Mama was very thankful for a bed and a bathroom...and the AC. In a few short summers, we will be camping as often as possible and really enjoying it with our kiddos...just not this summer, I guess.

Once again, I have shamefully few pictures to document the weekend but I'll share what I've got.

Monkey #1, Smith-gee, making funny faces in the car on the way to the cabin.
Monkey #2, MayMo, also making a funny face and giving a thumbs up to shark fruit snacks.
Blake brought many weapons for my boys to covet, but he was quite generous and M and S shot the bow and shotguns as often as possible. (Mason)Here Grammie is teaching Smith how to aim and shoot at unarmed civilians...mainly Papaw.

I can't tell you how many times I was called upon to untangle the line on a distraught little fisherman's fishing pole. Totally worth it though, to see my little guys trying to be just like their Dad.

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On another note...

Some miscellaneous little things I'd like to share:

I found this Thermos brand lunchbox at a thriftstore the other day for $2 and converted it into a travelling coloring pail.

Paper, crayons, and aprons. The monkeys love to open and close it and because of its shape, they call it "mail". Looks like a mailbox to them.

Home-made pesto is the besto! I have thought of making my own pesto many times but never attempted it...until yesterday. Turns out it really is very easy and very delicious. The recipe I used called for pine nuts but I didn't have any so I used walnuts instead and toasted them in the oven to strengthen the flavor. Basil, walnuts, olive oil, garlic, salt and lemon juice - stick it all in the food processor for a bit and voila! Presto pesto. (Couldn't resist.)
I scored this paint-by-number painting of deer at another thriftstore. I'm thinking it will go nicely in the monkeys' room. They think the two without antlers are deer and the one with antlers is an "eh-uk", elk. I have more thrifting treasures to share but I don't have pictures yet. Something for you to look forward to. :)

Monday, July 20, 2009

Of late


We've been enjoying glorious Summer weather here in Bozeman. This very-pregnant mama is happy to report that the temperature has crept above 85 degrees only a handful of times. I am getting progressively larger and less comfortable but still doing quite well and keeping the belly-aching (no pun intended) to a minimum. Ever mindful of the fleeting nature of Summer and the approaching arrival of a third little one, the boys and I are wringing every last drop of fun out of these warm, beautiful days.

What we've been up to:
Smith
Mason
Heading outside first thing in the morning (and staying there most of the day) - still in our jammies. Soon after I've gotten the boys up and changed their diapers, they start asking, "Out? Mama, out?" I can't resist their pleas, especially when they look so darn cute in their shark jammie shorts.Some days, when I'm craving something more than cold cereal or oatmeal, I'll make french toast and we'll enjoy it outside on the picnic table.

Both my little monkeys are increasing their vocabularies by leaps and bounds every day. "Bike" is a new favorite. As well as, "bah-cat" (bobcat), "eh-cuh-vator" (excavator), and "back-oh" (backhoe). You may have guessed correctly that we have a lot of road construction taking place around our house. My misinformed little lads point to the sky and shout "Choo choo!" whenever they hear an airplane overhead. Correcting them is of little use.
Since the days are longer, bedtime has become a little later. Matt and I put M and S in their pajamas one night and drove up Hyalite Canyon to the reservoir. Throwing "gocks" into the lake is always an activity the boys enjoy.
This picture also clearly demonstrates their "twin-ness". I can say, without much exception, that I am really enjoying having twins at this stage. I couldn't always say that, nor am I silly enough to think that the hard part is over (or will ever be). However, these two little guys are a lot of fun and are good company for one another and their parents.

Oh, the bounty and yummi-ness of fresh seasonal produce! My new favorite summer recipe. Find it here: Chicken-orzo salad with goat cheese . I add fresh, uncooked corn and double the dressing and cheese amounts :).
There is no shortage of outdoor activities with little boys. I can only imagine how it increases with their age. (Actually, I don't have to imagine. My husband constantly demonstrates his love of outdoor activity...a characteristic I much prefer to a love of sitting on the couch or the like.)



We lost our beloved froggie pool in a windstorm and have since acquired a smaller, but no-less-beloved, hippo pool. These guys love "wah-wah" and their "wee" (water and slide).

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In the works:

  • We're headed to the Stillwater for a camping trip with my parents and my sisters and families. Our first attempt at camping with children is still fresh in our minds. We can only hope and pray that this attempt is more successful.
  • Next week, Matt heads out for his annual backpacking/fishing trip with his dad and buddies. Mason, Smith, and I will be heading to Billings to hang out for a few days.
  • Mid-August I will be taking a weekend trip with my mama and sisters to Missoula for a girls weekend. Lord-willing, I will be a mere 9 months pregnant by then (and loads of fun to be around...as always :).
  • End-of-August/first-of-September we will be hunkering down in joyful anticipation of our newest little one. Hooray!

Monday, July 13, 2009

Clips


Taking turns using the skill saw on each other...how sweet. At least they're taking turns. :)


The fellas practicing their elk bugling - Mason using a vacuum attachment and Smith using an actual bugle. (Smith is dropping rocks into his.) They've become quite good and absolutely adorable.