Rainy day activities

Here's what we have been up to during all these rainy days... The boys are really into having tea and cookies in the afternoons. Its a comforting treat, even when its still a bit hot outside for my Seattle blood. They are eating some delicious gluten-soy-dairy-egg free banana chocolate chip muffins. Jake is not so crazy about the alternative grain baking, but I'm determined to get them more accustomed to it. Not that I would have picked gluten free baking as a top choice for ways to use my free time and money. But it really helps little Sam, AND its pretty healthy, so lets all make the best of it!

Homemade stilts. My husband likes to give me a hard time about saving lots of empty containers, its a genetic trait passed down from my father for sure. But these here containers have provided hours of free entertainment!

The boys thought the washer and dryer would work perfectly as deep sea submersibles. They came up with this all on their own.

Last but not least, poor little Sam has been struggling with a high fever for several days. His favorite comfort has been to snuggle with Daddy for hours on end. Jake and Ben, being the compassionate big brothers that they are, had very pure intentions when they tried to help snuggle Sam too. Here is the result... I love the expression on Sam's face- it says it all!

Two wheelin'

On Tuesday, Jake decided that he was ready to take off his training wheels. Since Daddy was home, we all went outside for the big event. Mommy did the honors with the socket wrench and let Daddy get him started. It took him all of 5 seconds to take off and he hasn't looked back ever since! Meanwhile, Ben was waiting on the sidelines, having a fit because he wanted his training wheels off too. I held him off for about 3 minutes to make sure Jake didn't need any more help, then I took Ben's off. It took him all of 2 trips up the street with Daddy before he was cruising along on two wheels without much problem either! He still needs a little steadying getting started, but once he is going he is gone. I can't believe both boys ditched their training wheels on the same day. And Ben has just turned 3 years old! Now if only he will want to be a big boy enough to poop in the potty, what a milestone that will be.

Baby sister photo shoot

We had a follow up ultrasound to follow up a few things from the 20 week scan. Baby sister checks out beautifully! We are so thankful she looks healthy and is growing well. Here are a couple pictures of her from today. In this one below, it kind of looks like she is smiling!

Happy Birthday to Ben!

Ben turned 3 today! Jason and I took him out for a special date to see his baby sister on the ultrasound and then for cookies and a trip to the Dewalt store. He had a great time. Then we had a neighbor friend over for orange creme cupcakes in the afternoon. They were gluten, soy, dairy, and egg free! I wanted Sam to be able to enjoy what everyone else was having. They tasted pretty good, since at least there was still sugar in them. Ben is my easy going predictable child. Since last Christmas, Ben has been asking for a forklift almost every day. Thankfully they just got them in at Costco right before his birthday! So that was his big fun gift.

Yes! Its a forklift!