Christmas (3.99 years and 2.35)

On Christmas Eve, I had to work but I got off early so we could go to 4 pm Mass.  The kids did great in church.  It was obviously very crowded but it worked out fine.  After Mass, we went to McDonald's for dinner.  We always use to have Christmas Eve dinner however with Brian's family out of town and my parents not in the best of health we decided we would just do everything on Christmas.  The kids enjoyed eating and playing there.

When we got home we decorated Christmas cookies for Santa.  Austin and Sydney loved icing and putting sprinkles on the cookies.  They made the cookies with me earlier in the week.  They enjoy being in the kitchen with me.  They are good cooks.  They fight over who puts in the next ingredient however we have learned they take turns and it keeps everyone happy.  Then we got ready for bed.  Austin made the plate of cookies for Santa. He gave Santa about a dozen cookies.  He must of known how busy Santa was going to be.  We read "The Night before Christmas" book and went to bed.

After the kids went to sleep, Santa was very busy building Austin's request a "real space rocket".  It's a really good thing that Santa is an engineer.  He always comes up with the craziest and best ideas.  The Honda Oydassy became a "real space rocket".  It had wings that were hung up though the back windows.  Projectors were on the roof so we could have a front and rear view from the space rocket.  It had back exhaust pipes too.  It was covered with white trash bags and the appropriate decals to make sure it was clear it was a space rocket.  Santa did not finish until about 2 am.  It was an exhausting but fun project for him.

On Christmas morning, Austin woke up around 5am.  That is usually what he does and he wants his diaper changed and go to downstairs to sleep on the couch.  He knew that on Christmas morning he would have to sleep the remaining time in our bed.  It was fine but I realized why we never let them sleep in our bed.  My parents arrived at 7am.  The kids were still sleeping.  They waited downstairs until the kids woke up.  Austin woke up first. It was his job to go wake up Sydney and tell her what day it was.  That was awesome to see.

They came downstairs together and were excited to see all the presents under the Christmas tree.  We got a few pictures and then they started opening up their gifts.  Austin got a very large fire truck with a fireman dress up suit.  He also got a car race track and a cash register.  Austin also got a toy space rocket so he could always play with it after the real space rocket was taken down.  Sydney got Elsa, baby stroller, and a princess doll house.  She got a policeman outfit to dress up with Austin.  They had a really great Christmas.

After they opened up all of their toys we ate breakfast.  Brian's grandma always use to cook Christmas breakfast.  It was an important tradition for him.  Now that she is gone and his family lives in South Carolina I always make sure I cook a special breakfast.  We had scrambled eggs (Austin's favorite), pancakes, cinnamon rolls, and sausage.  It was simple but nice.

After breakfast, we showed Austin there was a letter from Kristoff (Our Elf on the Shelf).  The letter was very nicely written and told them they had one last gift and to follow the signs to the real space rocket.  The also opened their real space rocket helmets before going out to the garage.  When the arrived outside they got to see the "real space rocket".  Austin was very excited and enjoyed his ride.  The first mission was only the 4 of us but then Austin got to go back inside to get Meemaw and Papa and show them how the space rocket works.  Austin enjoyed showing them.  It was very cool for him!

The kids took a nap and then we went down to Meemaw and Papa's house for dinner.  Santa also made a trip to their house.  It was really cool watching them open gifts there too.  I really did not know what they got so it was fun to see.  Each of them got a remote control car which was a big hit.  They got a lot of bath toys such as bubble paint, bath crayons and spray soap.  Sydney got Rapunzel and Austin got some more trains for his train set.  He enjoys his train tracks a lot.  They had a really good Christmas.

I had to work the day after Christmas.  Brian had a fun days with the kids and all of their new toys.  Kaitlyn even came over to ride on the real space rocket.  Brian was off during the holidays and it was awesome!  We had some much needed quality family time.  It was the best Christmas break ever!  We even got the kids sleeping in until at least 7 and many days 8am.

The weekend after Christmas we rode Lolly the trolley in downtown Cleveland to look at Christmas lights.  It was fun to ride the trolley and listen to Christmas music and see a lot of cool Christmas places in downtown including the Christmas Story house.

Also during break we also took Austin and Sydney bowling for the first time.  It was fun.  They needed help getting the ball down the lane however they preferred to do it themselves.  Austin was able to by the end of the game.  Trish and Kaitlyn joined us for the bowling trip too.  It was a great time!

Activities before Christmas (3.99 years and 2.30 years)

December is our busiest month of the year. There are so many fun Christmas activities to do around this time of the year.  We started the holiday season with the polar express.  We took a train ride all the way to the north pole.  This year Austin and Sydney really enjoyed it.  There are elf's on the train to help keep the kids entertained until we arrive at the north pole.  They read the Polar Express book and sing Christmas songs.  We also get to enjoy some hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookie.

Once we arrive at the north pole we got to see what everyone was doing.  Elves were signing and dancing.  It's very nicely decorated.  And we even got to pick up Santa Claus so he could visit with everyone on our train ride back.

Austin and Sydney warmed up to Santa very nicely this year.  The liked telling him what they wanted for Christmas.  Austin decided on his own that he would like a "real rocket-ship".  We are not sure how he came up with this idea but that he what he told Santa.  One morning he told me that he would like a real rocket-ship and Sydney needs a toy rocket-ship to play with on the way up to the moon.  While on the train ride, we had paper to write a list of Santa and Austin told Daddy he wanted a real rocket-ship.  Sydney told Santa she would like a princess.  It was a fun train ride with them.  They really enjoyed it.

On my birthday we went to dinner with Santa at our local recreation center.  My parents joined us.  They had several crafts to do.  They made Christmas ornaments and reindeer food.  We ate dinner and then Santa arrived on a fire truck.  Once again, Austin and Sydney were excited to see Santa.  And once again they told him the same thing.  He would like a real rocket-ship and she would like a princess.  They got to wave good-bye to Santa in the firetruck and we went home to celebrate my birthday.  We had some cake and ice cream.  Austin and Sydney enjoyed blowing out the candles.

We decided this year we were getting a real Christmas tree.  Before kids we had a really nice large Christmas tree.  Then we got rid of it because it was too big and the glass icicles did not work with kids.  We got a cheap prelit tree that we did not care what happened to it.  It worked for the baby years but I never really "loved" the tree.  This year we thought we would try going to cut down our own tree.

We did not know what to expect.  We had to get Brian's car ready to bring home the tree on the roof.  I was afraid it was going to be a muddy mess (it was too warm for snow).  I had clothes to change into.  We thought it was going to be a lot of work and messy.  We arrived and went out to look for a tree.  After walking around for a little bit, we found the perfect tree for us.  It even had a baby pinecone in it.  The kids loving getting pine cones when we go around the block.  Brian cut down the tree (with the kids' help of course).   Austin really enjoyed pulling the sled around the tree farm even with the tree on it.

We went back to the front to pay for the tree and for them to package it up.  We had never been there before so we weren't sure what we were doing.  Brian had money so he was going inside the building to pay for the tree.  Both kids were with him then I heard Austin say he wanted to come with me.  I thought Sydney was staying with Brian.  Brian thought I had Sydney.  Once Brian came back out of the store, we realized neither of us had Sydney.  We were scared.  I ran to the parking lot and luckily a family had found her.  Brian asked Sydney what she was saying while she was lost and it was "where's my mommy".  She kept repeating that.  We felt horrible!  We were always cautious with knowing who had who but know we are extra careful.

One of our favorite Christmas activities is going to lake farm park.  They have great toy building workshop.  The night we were going to lake farm park, Brian's car wouldn't start at his work.  I needed to leave work early to pick him up.  Luckily my key worked so he just needed to get a new key made.  After the car issues we headed to lake farm park.

We went to see Santa first.  Austin didn't want to see him at first but he did once we got to him.  Once again Austin told him that he wanted which of course was a "real space rocket".  Santa took his time with the kids which was nice.  They got a candy cane after talking with him and that made them happy too.

The kids played in the playroom until it was time for them to build their toy.  It's so awesome at the toy workshop.  There are at least 20 different toys the kids can pick to build.  Then an elf helps the kids build the toy.  This year Austin made a plane and Sydney made a princess castle.  They both really enjoyed painting it.  Last year Sydney missed some parts painting but this year she made sure she got it all.  Then they put glitter on them.  Glitter is messy but they have so much fun putting it on.  We let them go all out.

While the toy was drying, we played and explored some more.  We took a wagon ride out the barn.  They had an horse show with the movie "Frozen" theme.  Sydney really enjoyed that.  She hasn't seen much of the movie but she definitely knows all the songs.  They had a model train area that Austin really enjoyed.  Afterwards we walked back.  The kids iced and put sprinkles on a sugar cookie.  The love eating cookies.  It was a great evening and again probably one of our favorites.

A long family friend always has a Christmas party and invites us every year.  It's great because each year Santa comes and delivers a gift.  They have lots of fun food.  It's nice to see everyone since we only see them once a year.  Sydney was very excited to see Santa this year.  At the party they got Play-doh toys.  They love playing with play-doh.  They have a table downstairs they play with all the time.  After Santa, the kids decided they wanted to play outside a little bit and get their pictures taken. They know how Daddy loves taking pictures.

After the Christmas party, we went to the mall to see Archy the Snowman.  Brian and I remember seeing him when we were kids.  It's a very large snowman inside the mall.  There were several years that Archy was not around but he's back.  He's a little smaller but still very cool for the kids.  Austin and Sydney told Archy the same things they wanted for Christmas, a real rocket-ship and a princess.  Austin had to help Archy understand Sydney and he was good at that.  Austin has started coming out of his shell and is not as shy as he was.  He's still shy but willing to talk to socialize much more.

Another fun activity we had before Christmas was my local mommy group Christmas party. They had several crafts. One of the kids favorite things were balloons to play with they really enjoyed it. They got to see Santa again too. We had pizza for dinner.  We have realized that Austin's favorite pizza is Pizza Hut.  I think he ate 3 pieces of pizza that night.

Our community has a great program where Santa comes in a fire truck/ambulance and gives kids a present (supplied by the parents).  The first year we did it Santa came on a fire truck which was really awesome.  Last 2 years, it's been an ambulance.   It's very exciting for them to watch and see Santa come to their house and stop and see them.  We love it!

Tower City has Mr. Kringles Inventionasium. It was something new we wanted to try this year. Mr Kringles is an interactive tour of Mr. Kringles laboratory. We started the tour with receiving lab coats. Then we got to meet Mrs. Kringle and help her decorate her Christmas tree.  Austin and Sydney built toys and then sent them to Mr. Kringle.  They played with music and bubbles.  They tried catching bubbles with gloves on.  We ended the tour with meeting Mr. Kringle.  Again they went right up to him and told him what they wanted.  It was the same, a real rocket-ship and a princess.  It was a very cool experience.

Every year, the kids school has a Christmas party after nap right before holiday break.  They got to decorate Christmas cookies and have fun snacks.  Austin put all of his treat bags for his friends into their cubbies.  He enjoyed doing that.  He helped make all of his friends treat bags.  There are 24 kids in his room so that's a lot of kids and treats to make.  There are only 14 kids in Sydney's room.  Austin is in the puppy room and Sydney is in the Bee room.  I really like the kids teachers right now.  Miss Emily and Mary are great with Sydney and Miss Jamie is great with Austin.  Santa made a trip into each classroom.  Sydney was in Austin's classroom so they got their picture taken together with him.  They had fun at their school party and we were happy to be there.

The final activity we did before Christmas was my parent's club party.  I always went to it as a child and loved it.  It's much different now but still nice they do it.  The kids got to eat a cupcake and chips.  Then they went up to see Santa.  The got a Leapfrog game which was extremely generous.  Austin loves his.  The best part is it's has a camera on it.  Austin likes to take pictures like his Daddy.  My parents had a great time with them.  It was a fun day had by all.

Potty training and Thanksgiving (3.95 years and 2.25 years)

For the local mommy group, I am a member of the field trip committee.  I decided to set up a field trip to the local fire station.  Austin loves fire trucks so I thought it would be a great trip.  We decorated cookies before hand to give to the firemen.  Austin was a great helper getting everything set up with me.  Brian and Sydney were still at home because she was still sleeping.  She came right before the tour of the station.  We got to have a tour of the fire station.  They got to go into a truck.  They saw all their gear.  They had a good time.

Sydney decided on Sunday before Thanksgiving that she wanted to wear underwear.  We were getting ready to go grocery shopping like we normally do together as a family and Sydney wanted to wear her big girl pants.  I tried to discourage it.  She had been pooping a lot and we were getting ready to leave for a while however Brian yelled at me and said we need to let her try it. I just didn't think it was the best time.   I was annoyed because I knew it was going to be a mess but agreed to see what happens.  We went shopping and she did great.  However when we got home so had an accident.  Part of it was our fault for not taking her to the potty in time.

She had only wore pull ups for nap and bedtime.  She loves her Dora underwear and usually keeps them clean.  She got pooping in the potty right away.  We have only had 2-3 poopy accidents and probably 4-5 pee-pee accidents total and it's been over a week.

I can't believe how easy it was for her.  I never thought this was possible. I heard about the stories but I didn't believe it.  But it was so easy because she did it on her terms when she wanted to.  We just helped a little bit.  Austin was a big influence too.  We are so proud of her!

On Thanksgiving morning we just hung out at home.  It was so nice not having anything to do.  I love being busy but once in a while it's great to stay home too.  After nap, we went down to my parents house.  We had a nice meal there.  The kids did not like the turkey but we had ham too and they ate that.  They loved the pumpkin pie.  That is one of their favorite things to eat right now.  It was a great evening for everyone.

On Thanksgiving night at home, Austin decided to go poopy in the potty.  This is what we have been waiting for for 10 months!  It has been such a difficult road for this.  But finally Brian and I realized we had to let him decide when to do it and he did.  He's been going in a pull up for several months and we were okay with that.  Of course we wanted him to use the potty but Austin continued to refuse.  He has a fear it's going to clog.  We have tried everything trying to ease that fear but nothing has helped.  Sydney helped that though because she has been poopy in the potting.  He wanted to be just like Sydney.  We could not be happier about this!

The Saturday after Thanksgiving we went to the Great Lakes Science Center.  Brian and I went there before we were married but that's it.  We didn't know what to expect.  I kind of thought the kids were a little young for it.  However I was so wrong.  It's great for them too.  They have an area for kids under 7.  It has a small ball pit that Austin just loved.  It's similar to the Cincinnati Children's Museum with the balls but just smaller.  Austin really enjoys playing with the balls.  Sydney liked exploring everything.  We had a great time there.  They watched a science experiment of making clouds that was really cool.  There was so much for them to see and do.  We even watched an IMAX movie.  It was their first time in a theater.  They weren't that impressed but snacks allowed them to continue to watch the movie.  We are definitely planning on taking the kids back there soon.

We have been taking the kids to some Cavs games.  We have our season tickets back and we both wish we would have gotten 4 seats but we didn't.  However we have been able to get tickets rather easily for Monday and Tuesday games.  The kids do great watching the game.  They watch about 3 quarters of the game.  I bring plenty of snacks.  They like to make signs, get tattoos, and get their hair painted.  It's great being able to watch some of the game too.  We are enjoying it.  Hopefully the Cavs will do great things this year!

Disney (3.95 years and 2.2 years)

Our flight to Disney was 6:45 am.  It was a late night for us because it was Halloween.  I don't think Brian got home with the kids until 8:15 pm.  We had to pack and get everything ready.  I was hoping just to pack one suitcase but with diapers and potty seats I needed to bring two.  We got up at 4 am and drove to the airport.  Austin was really excited because he knew where he was going.  This was the best flight for Austin and Sydney.  This was the first flight that everyone had their own seat.  That helped a lot.  Austin can entertain himself with his Kindle.  I had a chalkboard, coloring pages, and stickers but he mostly played with his Kindle watching shows or playing Temple Run.  Sydney played with chalk and stickers a lot and then took a nap.

When we arrived to our hotel I was so happy our room was ready.  We were all exhausted.  We all took a much needed nap.  That night we went to the Magic Kingdom.  That is the best park for the little kids.  We went to fantasyland since that is what we are most familiar with.  Austin rode the Barnstormer, and we all rode Dumbo.  We  ate dinner, and saw Goofy, Donald Duck, Daisy and Minnie Mouse.  Sydney really loves Minnie right now.  They had autograph books which help get them (especially Austin) to go up to the characters.  We watched the fireworks was we were leaving for the night.

On Sunday we went to Sea world.  We had to take a public bus.  We took a Disney bus to Downtown Disney then crossed the street to wait for the public bus.  It was only a 15 minute ride from downtown Disney.  We arrived at Sea World without an issues.  We saw dolphins first.  It was cool to be so close to them.  Then we watched a dog show.  It was nice because the kids sat though the entire 20 minute performance without issues.  Graham crackers helped with that but we couldn't of done that a year ago.  We walked to the other side of the park near the Shamu show.  That was the one show I really wanted to see.  Because we were early we did discover Antarctica first which was neat.  I really enjoyed the Shamu show.  Sydney really wasn't take interested and Austin was more concerned with a dime behind our seats.  They rode a few rides and then we had lunch.  After lunch they took a nap in the stroller.  Once Austin woke up he rode the kids roller coaster there.  We ended our day with seeing sharks and more dolphins.

We took the public bus back to Downtown Disney.  We ate dinner.  The kids were difficult that night.  They kept hitting each other and not listening.  We had to walk though all of downtown to get to the buses for the hotel.  I let them stop at the Lego store to play for a little bit.  It worked out because they were a little better afterwards.  Austin was really tired.  Sydney saw princess's and she wanted her picture taken with them.  Austin just stayed in the stroller.

On Monday, we spent the day in the Magic Kingdom.  We went to Adventure Land first.  We walked up the Swiss family Robinson tree house.  The kids enjoyed walking the watermill.  We also went on the pirates of the Caribbean ride.  Sydney was a little scared but Austin enjoyed it.  We went on the jungle cruise too.  We enjoyed the boat ride.  We had lunch at a restaurant then were planning on getting the kids to take a nap in the stroller.  We realized they were setting up for the parade.  Austin and Sydney really wanted to see the parade so we found somewhere to sit and watch it.  They were happy about that.  After the parade the kids took a nap in the stroller.  Austin then rode thunder mountain roller coaster.  And they saw Woody and Jesse from Toy Story.  Everyone was so tired we decided to go back to the hotel and not watch fireworks.

On Tuesday we spent the day at Animal Kingdom.  We arrived early and went straight to Kilimanjaro Safari.  We wanted to do it before it got too busy.  We got to see many animals.  We enjoyed the ride.  The kids liked going back and forth between Brian and I.  After the safari we went and saw the show the Lion King.  It was a really good show.  I forgot what a good move the Lion King is.  The kids got a little restless towards the end but they enjoyed it.  Then we took a train to Rafiki Planet watch.  Austin and Sydney liked the train ride.  We got our picture with Rafiki.  The area up there was under construction so there was not too much to do.  We went back to the main part of the Animal Kingdom.  Austin saw Baloo and wanted his picture taken with him so we did that.  Then we went to see Micky and Minnie.  We saw a lot of characters during this trip.  They really loved getting autographs.  It's neat to watch them interact with them.

We headed to the dinosaur area for lunch.  We had lunch and then allowed the kids to play in the dinosaur area.  They have a playground and a digging place.  They really enjoyed the digging area.  Austin and I rode the Dinosaur ride.  It was scary but Austin did very well.  He didn't really want to ride it again though.  It was intense at times.  It was really late in the day when Austin and Sydney decided to fall asleep in the stroller.   Brian and I walked around park then once asleep we sat and waited for them to wake up.  Then we went to Magic Kingdom for rides and fireworks.

During the night on Tuesday Sydney woke up vomiting.  It happened twice.  We were not sure if she was sick or just something she ate.  She was fine afterwards but it caused quite a mess.  She went right back to sleep and didn't seem bothered by it at all.

On Wednesday we went to Epcot early.  We were only there 2 hours in the morning.  Sydney seemed fine.  We went on the Nemo ride and talking with Crush.  Then we went on the Journey Into Imagination with Figment ride. They kids played there for a little bit but some things were not working.  We were not that impressed.  Then we went back to the hotel for kids to nap.  Austin went swimming after nap.  Sydney needed to rest more. We had dinner reservations at Epcot The Garden Grill to see characters Mickey, Pluto and Chip and Dale.  The dinner was awesome for the characters.  They came over several times.  Mickey came by right after we sat down.  Micky started coloring their papers and then they colored for a long time.  I think all the characters stopped by twice.  One of the chipmunks saw Brian was video taping and he stuck his head in the camera.  It was so cute!  They have never colored so much before.  It was a family style meal.  It was way too much food to eat and the kids didn't really eat anything.  It was for the experience than the food.  We had a great time.   After dinner Brian took Austin on the ride Soarin.  Austin enjoyed it.  Then we went and found a place for fireworks.  Since we didn't go to Epcot last year this was more of a learning experience on where to watch fireworks.  We didn't do the best this time but will know for next year.

On Thursday we went to the Magic Kingdom again.  It was another early day.   We wanted to allow Sydney to see the princesses so we stood in line for about 45 minutes to see Rapunzel and Cinderella first.  Sydney wore her princess dress.  She really enjoyed it.  Sydney got into princesses a lot during this trip.  Then I took Sydney to Belle's Castle where she got to meet Belle and Austin rode Splash Mountain.  Then Austin and I rode the 7 dwarf's mine train roller coaster.  We went back to the hotel for lunch and nap.  Afterwards the kids went swimming.  Sydney didn't swim much because it was a little cold.  Then we spent the evening back at the Magic Kingdom.  We meet Tinker Bell.  The kids rode Dumbo and Goofy's roller coaster.  We had dinner and watched fireworks and the electric parade.

On Friday we went to Hollywood Studios.  We went early hoping we could get a fast pass for Toy Story ride however that was not possible.  So we went to the Disney Junior show and the kids enjoyed that.  It was very similar to the one last year.  Austin and Sydney really liked all the gold coins to collect.  Then they meet Jake.  We headed out to the Frozen exhibit so they could play in snow.  Afterwards Sydney really wanted to meet the monsters from Monster Inc so we did that.  They played in the play area of Honey I Shrunk the Kids.  That area made me nervous because they could easily get lost.  We had lunch and then decided to go back to the hotel.  Sydney got sick at lunch again.  After nap, we went back to see the fireworks show at Hollywood Studios.  We didn't see that fireworks show last year either.  It was okay but it's not great for little kids.  We probably won't do that again next year. We walked over to see McQueen and Mater.  It wasn't that great either.  The Art of Animation has them and it's just as good.  However we saw their Christmas light display and it was fantastic.  We are glad we walked over there.  We decided to eat dinner at the Art of Animation.  Then Brian took the kids to play with the cars there while I went back to the hotel and packed.  It worked out very nicely. Brian and I ended up staying up late getting everything ready to go home.

Saturday morning we had to be on the bus at 7am to take us to the airport.   We had to eat breakfast at 6am.  We were first in line however it still took forever.  We barely made it to the bus in time.  Once at the airport, we dropped off our bags and went though security.  On plane was late arriving so we had more time in the airport to spare.  The kids did great though running around.  We like them to burn as much energy as possible before the flight.  They did great coming home too.  Austin fell asleep on the plane.  It's so much easier flying now than a year ago!

Once we got our luggage, we took the shuttle to our van.  The airport parking had a free car wash so we did that.  The kids loved it!  It was the first time in a car wash.  We never pay to have our car washed.  I always do it with the kids.  Once we got home Sydney and I were exhausted.  We took a nap while Austin and Brian raked all the leaves.

The next day I ended up getting a stomach bug.  It was terrible.  I haven't been that sick in a very long time.  Luckily Brian took care of the kids and I just rested.  It lasted about 18 hours and I am so grateful for that.  I had to send the kids to school on Monday because I could not have cared for them I was so sick.  I am grateful our daycare is so flexible.

Halloween (3.8 years old and 2.2 years old)

October is probably one of our favorite months of the year.  There are so many fun activities to do.  We took the kids to Lake Farm Parks for their Halloween hayride. We really enjoy their Christmas celebration so we thought we should give it a try. It was a nice evening for it.  We went on a hayride for about 15 minutes though the park and they had several different Halloween displays.  It was cool.  After the hayride we walked around.  Austin and Sydney would even go up to the people dressed up.  We were really impressed.  We also watched a glow light dancing show.  That was really neat.  It was a fun night.

We have also enjoyed apple picking with Austin and Sydney this year. It's fun to let the kids pick the apples. They love getting on Daddy's shoulders and picking them.   Austin is really good at helping peel and slice the apples.  He goes "superfast" with the peeler.  Also always too fast and Brian tells him to back up.  We have made some apple pies with the apples.  It turned out good.

One of the field trips for the local preschool parents club was to Petitti's.  They got to plant a flower inside a carved pumpkin.  I thought that was a really cool idea.  Austin loves planting things so he really enjoyed it.  They put stickers on the pumpkin too.  Sydney really enjoyed that because she loves stickers.  Most nights before bed she gets 2-3 stickers and puts on her shirt then she will go to sleep.

The kids picked out their pumpkins.  We carved them.  Austin and Brian had an idea to do have Austin and Sydney's hand print on one of them.  Brian had a difficult time making it stay but he did it.  They enjoyed carving them.

We have been so busy with the kids we didn't really didn't celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary.  I was kind of bummed about that but it worked out.  Brian took me to Target that night and let me go shopping.  I got some cute jeans and boots.  I was happy about that.  I had something made for him however I still haven't gave it to him because I haven't got a frame.  We did go to the Cavs season opener with the return of Lebron.  Brian and I were very excited about that.  It was a nice night out for us.  We don't go out together very often.

We also went to Boo at the Zoo.  We got to go with Kaitlyn and her family.  It was fun except Kaitlyn got sick and had to go home early.  Austin and Sydney had a great time though.  They had a craft station and they really enjoyed that.  Then they got a flashlight after they completed all of them.  They also danced around at a dance party.  The weather was raining all day but it never rained at the zoo.  It worked out nicely.  We really enjoyed Boo at the Zoo this year.

We also went to trick or treat street at the IX center.  They had an indoor trick or treat station with 10 different places to stop.  That was their first experience trick or treating this year.  They enjoyed it.  Then they had several rides for the kids.  Sydney was too short for a lot of them which was a bummer.  However she was tall enough to ride the roller coaster that was terrible.  She just kept getting bounced around and Brian was holding her protecting her head.  She hated it.  Austin loved it!  They also had a haunted house that we walked though.  It was a good time.

We went trick or treating at my parents house.  We came down for dinner and then we went out trick or treating.  We took the kids around the small block.  Then Sydney was done and she wanted to go back to Meemaw.  So we dropped her off and Brian and I took Austin around the big block.  He really loved that.  He would go up to every house and go trick or treat.  He was also good at remembering thank you.  It was a fun night.

The kids have been doing swim class this session.  Austin is in preschool 2 and is doing so much better.  Sydney is still in the parent and me class however she really wants to swim by herself.  The instructor taught Brian how to let her go and tickle her tummy so he swimming for a few seconds by herself.  She loves it! They said she can start in the preschool 1 class now.  However since we are going to miss a few classes we will wait until January to enroll her into preschool 1 class.  The swim instructor said she is going to be swimming by herself by age 4.  We will see.  We are so happy they love to swim.

On Halloween we went to the kids school for their Halloween party.  They were Micky and Minnie Mouse.  It was so cute. After their party, I went home to pack for Disney.  After school, we had trick or treating at our house.  Brian took the kids out while I stayed at home.  I feel that I should give out candy.  We are getting candy so I should hand some out.  We never get many kids (that makes me sad) but Sherry and I always hand out candy together.  The kids were out for the full 2 hours trick or treating.  A fire truck even stopped by and gave them candy.  They had a lot of fun.

The beginning of fall fun (3.7 years and 2.2 years)

I am loving all the activities we are doing this fall and so are the kids.  With being in two mommy groups it gives us plenty of opportunities to do different things.  We have been extremely busy but we wouldn't have it any other way.

We took the kids to their first Indian's game this season.  It was fireworks night so it worked out great.  We are not huge baseball fans but it's still fun to go to the ballpark.  It was $1 hot dog night.  Sydney loves hot dogs.  We had dinner in our seats and then walked around most of the game.  We went back to our seats at the end of the game to watch the fireworks.  Austin and Sydney love fireworks.  They enjoy being able to stay up and watch them.  They need to have their ears covered but they will sit and watch them until they are over.  Once they are over they always want more!

We went to one of our favorite fall festivals at Patterson's Farm.  When we arrived we were sad because they were out of apples and we couldn't pick our own.  But Patterson has many other activities to do so we did that knowing we were going apple picking after our day at Patterson.  The kids had fun on the slides and playground.  They liked the corn maze.  The really enjoyed going in the corn fields and trying to find corn.  We also got a nice family photo in the corn maze too.  Brian has awesome photo equipment that enables him to take great pictures.  I sometimes get annoyed because I am chasing the kids while he sets up but the pictures are worth it.  Sydney liked the sunflower fields.  Austin got to drive some of the cars around the track.  They got to go up on some trackers too.  We had a great day at Patterson.

Then we went to Eddy's to pick some apples.  They love picking their own apples especially since they get to stand on Daddy's shoulders to get the apples.  They had a system this time.  Austin got the apples and throw them down to Sydney.  Sydney would put them in the bag.  They love getting apples.  Austin loves the apple pealing we got at home.  He is always asking to peel apples.  He likes making applesauce with Daddy.

Austin recently had his ear tubes checked.  They are both in.  The right is starting to come out a little bit.  The doctor is hopeful that it will remain in for this winter season.  If we can make it though this season I think we should be good for Austin.  Sydney was close to having ear tubes but luckily she made it.  We will see what happens this winter.

I take the kids to story time at the library every week.  We have come so far with this.  Last year the kids baring participated in it.  They would be running around the room or hitting each other.  Austin would always have to be on my lap.  This year they really do a great job.  They will even sit close to the teacher to see the books while I am sitting in the back of the class.  This is a huge step for Austin.  Sydney is more outgoing and will do whatever.  Austin is more hesitant.  After story time, the kids get 3-4 books each that they pick out.  They love coming home to read them.

The first Saturday of the month Home Depot has a kids building project.  They have been going for about 5 months now.  They enjoy it.  They both really enjoy art.  We help them build the project.  Austin is good at using the hammer.  Sydney needs a little more help but she is getting good at it.  They really love painting their projects after they are done.  It's nice that Home Depot does that.

The other night, Pizza Hut had kids make their own pizza night.  Austin and Sydney got to make their own pizzas.  They enjoyed that.  They evened like eating it.  It seems like the only eat pizza at school or when we are out.  It was a fun night out.

I took the kids on a field trip to Sirna's Farm.  We got to go on a hayride.  Then the kids rode on ride pulled by the tractor.  Austin was hesitant at first but once he knew that I would walk next to it he did it.  It was a cool ride.  Then they played in the corn pit and put ducks in water race.  We ended the tour walking though the corn maze.  Within 5 minutes of being in it, Sydney fell and got all muddy.  She didn't seem to mind though.  They liked it so much we went though it twice per their request.  They got two small pumpkins to bring home.  It was a fun morning field trip.

That evening we went to a local fire station open house.  It was the best day ever for Austin.  He loves firetrucks.  He watches Fireman Sam on Amazon and he loves it.  Seeing the fire trucks up close and getting to sit in them makes him very happy.  They had fire hats for kids too and balloons.  They had a bounce house to climb up and slide down.  We didn't know if Sydney could do it but she did it.  My dad came with us.  He had a great time too. Meemaw has been in Alaska so she couldn't join us.  It was so nice of the community to do that open house.  It was an awesome evening

The kids really like reading right now.  Sydney's favorite book is Spot's Big Book.  It has colors, numbers, and pictures in it.  Austin likes new books.  He likes reading new books and learning about the story.  That is why I love taking them to the library on Tuesdays.  It's fun to come home and read all the new books we got together.  Some weeks they pick out great books other weeks not as much but we only have them for a week.  

Austin's School Injury (3.6 years and 2 years)

We took a day trip to Idlewild park in Pennsylvania.  We left early in the morning and got there when the park opened.  It was a few hour drive.  Austin and Sydney do great in the van now so it's fairly easy to travel with them.  It had lots for rides for younger kids.  We spent the entire day just playing and riding on different things.  Austin really enjoyed riding the log ride.  Sydney was not tall enough.  But there were lots of rides she could ride on.  

Sydney's highlight was Danial Tiger.  They watch Danial Tiger so they were excited to meet him.  The park also has story book forest which is a path you walk along and it has all the nursery rhyme characters.  Most are just statues but there were a few real ones.  It is definitely something to do while they are young because I'm not sure how much older than 8 would enjoy it.  It was a nice family day for us.  

While Austin was at school last week, he got hurt.  I was driving home from work and I was on the phone with my mom.  I say the school was calling and I knew I had to take it.  A call from the school is never a good time.  The owner told me that Austin fell on the playground.  He hit his head badly and it was bleeding.  They were having difficulty stopping the bleeding and wondered if I wanted an ambulance called.  I said I would be there in 10 minutes.  I called Brian and rushed to the school.

When I got there I could not believe how deep the cut was above his right eye.  We definitely needed to go to urgent care.  I left Sydney at school and drove to the urgent care center.  Brian ended up right beyond me.

Austin was calm during everything.  He was scared but wasn't really crying.  They gave him 8 stitches.  When Austin was getting the stitches they told us we had to hold his hands and head.  It turns out we didn't need too.  He was great.  He held still and let them do it.  They obviously numbed it first.  I had a hard time watching the stitches.  I was under the light and got extremely hot.  I felt like I was going to pass out.  I was hungry too.  I always get nauseous when I am hungry and something gross is going on.  I had to step away for a while.  Austin did great and just look at Brian.  Austin talked about getting ice cream the entire time while the stitched him up.  He wanted to go to Menchie's. He talked about his ice cream and topping.  

We were in urgent care for about an hour.  We were supposed to go to high school band practice that night.  They kids were going to play on the field with them.  After the injury I thought we wouldn't be going.  Austin was upset that we were not going to go.  He was insisted that we still go.  Brian ran to Wendy's and got dinner.  We came up and picked up Sydney (Meemaw went and picked her up from school so we could be at the hospital with Austin).  We rushed to band practice and we arrived just as the kids were going out on the field.  

Austin loved band practice.  He played his instrument.  He danced on the field.  He was so happy.  Sydney had fun with the pompoms.  She would dance too.  It was so much fun.  We are so happy Austin made us still go.  After band practice, we took Austin for ice cream as promised.  They enjoyed their ice cream.  

All of this happened on Brian's birthday.  It was not exactly how Brian was planning on spending his birthday.  But it all worked out.  We celebrated Brian's birthday on Tuesday.  The kids and I made him a cake.  They are good helpers with cooking.  Austin and Sydney painted him a picture on canvas.  They really enjoyed doing that.  They made a card and spelled out happy birthday Daddy with stickers.  Sydney just wanted to play with the stickers (she loves stickers) but Austin was interested in spelling it out.  

We decided this year to walk the Metro Park Fall hiking spree.  Brian did it as a kid with his mom and grandparents.  Then in high school and college we did it together.  After Austin was born we stopped because you can't really push a stroller though the parks.  Now the kids are old enough to walk a lot of it so we decided to try it.  They love it!!!  Austin runs and walks over half the trails.  We need to carry more but she tries to keep up with Austin.  

It's cool because each trail is different.  Looking at the trails in the kids eyes is inspiring.  It's the simple things like a bridge or train tracks nearby that excite them so much.  Austin found a caterpillar on one of the trails.  He likes his bugs.  He's gentle with them and lets them crawl on him.  Sydney doesn't really want to touch it (I can understand that).  Austin always wants to know when we are going to walk another trail.  It's one of our favorite things to do right now.  

Last weekend we went apple picking for the first time this season.  The kids liked being on Brian's shoulders and picking apples up high.  They like picking apples so much that we ended up with 20 pounds of apples.  Brian brought us an apple peeler and slicer so it would be easy to make applesauce now.  Brian and the kids used the apple slicer last night.  Austin loves it.  He probably peeled and sliced 20 apples.  Sydney tried it too.  It was hard for her to do after a while.  The applesauce was yummy.  We are looking forward to picking more apples this season.  

Austin sings his ABC's well now.  He still doesn't say LMNOP that great but other than that it's good.  Sydney also sings them.  She doesn't know them all but knows the tune.  Sydney loves numbers.  She can count to 10 easily.  Maybe she is going to be an engineer like her daddy.  

Austin was looking at the Giant Eagle ad on the table.  He would tell us how much things cost.  He knew something was 99 cents and something else was $4.  Austin never uses the word tomorrow.  He always says "After this night".  I'm not sure how he learned that but it's so cute!  

Labor Day (3.6 and 2 years old)

On Saturday we went to Wild Water Kingdom in the morning.  We came home and took a nap then went back after nap.  Austin even got to go down the water slide that you have to be 40 inches tall to ride.  He loved the water slide.  We had so much fun at Wild Water this year.  They kids loved it.  Sydney even thinks she can swim by herself.  There were many slides for them to go down  We can't wait for them to open again next year.

On Sunday, we went to the Taste of Hudson.  We love that even too.  They have several activities for the kids.  Austin worked very hard coloring his wooden monkey.  He can color in the lines pretty well.  Sydney colored for a little bit then she was off and playing with some Little Tikes outside toys.  We had dinner there.  They even had a cookie for dessert.  After dinner, the kids played in the bounce houses.  I thought Sydney was too young/little do it but like always she surprised me.  Austin helped her the first time then after that she could always do it herself.  She is a strong and determined girl.  It was a nice family night.

On Monday, we went to the Cleveland Air Show with my parents.  Austin went two years ago with Brian.  I haven't been there in a very long time.  It was hot and sunny but the planes were great to see.  We were there from about 11am to 4:30pm.  The kids had fun going in planes and helicopters.  They would watch the planes too.  Meemaw even got the kids ice cream so they were very happy.  Everyone had a fun time.

Our holiday weekends are always so busy and fun!  We are a little sad that summer is basically over.  But we do love fall too.  We are looking forward to pumpkin patches and apple picking.

We are still rotating each night on putting the kids to bed.  I get Sydney one night then Austin the next and so on.  It prevents most fighting on who gets who most nights.  Sometimes the kids are not happy with who they are getting but telling them they get that person tomorrow helps.  Austin goes to sleep within 15 minutes once in bed.  You never know what you are going to get with Sydney.  It could be 10 - 60 minutes.

Austin is now pooping in a pull up.  I am very happy about that!  He tells us he needs to go and goes in the pull up.  No more cleaning his underwear.  We are trying to get him to poop in the bathroom but he is refusing.  If we push it, he will just hold his poop in.  I am hoping that he will just want to do it soon!

Sydney uses the potty about 25% of the time.  She likes using it because she gets an M&M's if she goes.  She loves chocolate.  She also does really great a school.  She tries at school 3-4 times a day.  She is staying dry at school some of the time too.  It's nice because she doesn't have a fear of the potties at school like Austin did.

Sydney has grown up a lot in the past few weeks.  She doesn't look so much like a baby anymore.  She is a little girl.  She definitely has opinions about everything.  She wants to do it her way or no way.  She screams way too much.  That is her way to get what she wants.  Most of the times I want ear plugs.  She is much louder than Austin.  However when Sydney starts screaming Austin will follow.  That is one issue I wish we could control.  Brian and I try but it's so hard.

We are using the counting discipline method.  They get 3 chances to stop doing what they are doing or they have to go to time out.  Out time out chair is upstairs in the corner.  They will sit in time out fairly well now.  Austin is learning that 3 minutes is a long time and he doesn't want to sit there so he usually corrects his behavior.  Sydney enjoys going to sit up there.  Brian and I are not as consistent as we should be but we are trying harder at it.  The biggest discipline issues we have are screaming, standing up in their chairs at dinner, wanting the same thing all the time, and hitting each other.

We take them to the stores with us every weekend.  They sometimes have issues there.  They like to run and scream in the stores at times.  Other times they will stay with us and shop with us.  They like to ask for things to get.   They like Giant Eagle because they get a piece of cheese at the deli.  We get lunch meat every week because of this.  They now hold their own cheese and eat it while we shop.  Sydney use to drop it but she's good at holding it now.  I can't believe how fast they are growing up.

Happy 2nd Birthday Sydney (3.5 years and 2 years)

Nana came up to visit Sydney on her birthday weekend.  She arrived on Saturday afternoon.  Austin was really excited that she was coming up.  Sydney didn't completely understand but she was excited nevertheless.  It was great that she was able to come up and spend quality time with the kids.

On Sunday we all went to Wild Water Kingdom.  Nana couldn't believe Sydney and the water.  Sydney is convinced she can swim and will not allow anyone to help her.  She loves the water and wants to do everything herself.  In some places her head is barely above the water but she still manages somehow.  We had a great morning at the water park.  We are so happy we got passes this year.

On Sunday after nap we celebrated Sydney's birthday.  Meemaw and Papa came over too.  We had meatloaf for dinner.  We enjoyed our dinner together.  After dinner Sydney (and Austin) opened presents.  Austin really wanted to open all the presents but he did good allowing Sydney to try first.  Sydney got a Minnie Mouse outfit and socks from Nana.  Meemaw and Papa got her Dora dishes, dress, and a helicopter.  They got Austin a helicopter too.  Auntie Pam and Uncle Dennis got her a zoo flip book.  Auntie Melissa, Uncle Jonathan, and Camden got her dresses and PJ's dresses.  We got her a baby stroller and puzzles.  She loves puzzles.  She puts them together every night.

After presents we had a Dairy Queen ice cream cake.  Usually Lauren makes the kid's cake but this weekend didn't work out for her.  So I figured I would try an ice cream cake.  We haven't had one of them in a very long time.  Austin and Sydney loved the cake.  I wanted to get her an Elmo cake but they didn't have it.  They had Dora and Sydney loves Dora too so it worked out fine.  I thought the Dora cake was cute.  

On Monday, we went to the Akron Zoo.  We have passes to Cleveland however I do enjoy the Akron zoo.  It was very nice.  Austin and Sydney had a great time with Nana.  It was a beautiful day.  They had a few playgrounds to play on too.  It was a great day.

Tuesday was Sydney's second birthday.  It is crazy that she was born 2 years ago.  Time is going by way too fast.  Every day I am so grateful for Austin and Sydney.  They make our lives complete.  Brian and I could not imagine our lives without them.  It's complete craziness most days but it's totally worth it.  We are so happy they were born.

I took Sydney to her 2 year check up doctor's appointment.  It was so nice Nana was here because Austin stayed home with her.  It's so easy to just take 1 child to the doctor's office.  Sydney weighs 25 pounds (35 percentile for weight) now and her length is 34.25 (75% percentile for length) inches.  The doctor says she is doing well.  Physically she has always been ahead just trying to keep up with Austin.  She now talks all the time.  We can understand her pretty well.  She forms 4-5 word sentences and lets us know what she wants.  It's never quite in our house unless they are sleeping.

Nana and Austin watched a tree getting cut down a street over while we were at the doctor's office.  They watched for about 2 hours.  Austin absolutely loved it.  He sat on a big rock and would slide down it.  He told everyone about it later that day.  It's cool that Nana did that for him.  I would not have just because I wouldn't be able to stay there that long with Sydney.  Plus I feel weird standing in strangers yards but Nana didn't mind at all.  They had a great time together.

That evening we had dinner then I had to go to my mommy club meeting.  There are a lot of field trips I wanted to sign up.  Brian, Nana, and the kids played at the playground near by while I was at the meeting.  Afterwards we went to McDonalds for 49 cent ice cream cones.  Austin and Sydney were very excited about that.  Sydney had a wonderful birthday.

Nana put Sydney to bed a few nights.  It was amazing because she would have her asleep within 15 minutes without any crying.  It was awesome.  She takes over 30 minutes every night for Brian and I.  She loves puzzles and books so she wants to do that instead of sleeping.  But she listened so well for Nana and went right to sleep.

On Wednesday, we celebrated Sydney's birthday with Kaitlyn, Keith and Lisa.  They came over and we had ice cream cake and played outside.  They got Sydney an easel.  Sydney loves it.  They will probably use it a lot this winter.  Austin, Sydney, and Kaitlyn love playing together.  They fight over toys but they enjoy playing together.  It was fun to have them over.  We usually go to their house in the summer.

When Sydney went back to school, I made her Elmo cookies for her class.  Austin also wanted cookies for his friends so I made him Cookie Monster cookies.  I am not that artistic but I tried and I think for me they turned out well.