All Smiles

Riley and Madison had a 'bout with NASTY colds the last week or so. As horrible as they must have felt, they have remained the happiest, smiley toddlers around! How blessed are we?!? Despite runny noses and wheezing, playtime must go on I guess!

The kids are still into the riding toys and wagon we have in our lower level. Rides in the wagon are a playtime favorite!

We picked up a couple of buckets for the kids at a local store recently. We thought they would like putting stuff in and out of them. Madison loves running around with a bucket on her head! "Buckethead" somehow manages to not run into anything! Silly girl!

Being sick does not stop these kids from being really good eaters. Pasta and baked potatoes are a house favorite right now.

With Christmas fast approaching, I think the fun has only begun...

Are we ready?

The other night at dinner, I decided to try to give the kids a chance to "attempt" to feed themselves with utensils. I think that it will only happen if I continue to give the kids the opportunity to "practice." However, this "practice" is messy, but, oh so much fun for the kids and a hoot for me to watch!

Madison could have "practiced" with her spoon and bowl for hours, Riley was letting me know he was all done by attempting to take off his bib. Silly kids!

So, we have been stuck inside a lot the last week or so. Madison and mostly Riley have bad colds. YUCK! I have been really trying to keep them busy and out of trouble when spending more time than usual in the house.

M and R LOVE the Christmas tree! They just stare at it and point. It is so cute! They have been so good around it, no trouble at all and I am thrilled about the distraction! they can point out different things on the tree as well as the lights and pine cones. Riley says "Santa" when he sees a picture of Santa, and they both say "ho, ho, ho!" Gotta love it!

Yesterday, we hung out in the kids bedroom for a while...they grew tired of the toys in there, but no worries, there is always the dresser drawer! HA! They loved taking the things out and chillin' in the drawer. They even had their sippy cups in their for a bit. Hey, whatever floats your boat!

So, when did Madison and Riley get so tall? They are beginning to reach things I thought were unreachable as well as climb on things I never thought they would. The newest fascination is the furniture. They can now "monkey" themselves up on the living room couch and chairs. A nightmare for me, a thrill for them!

At meals, I am trying to introduce them to using a spoon on their own. They are still at the stage where it is a thrill to have "control" of the spoon and most of the food ends up anywhere but their mouth, but it is such a fun experience for them, hey, that is what vacuums are for!