Campers Flying by those Milestones

 Caleb on the airplane on 1st bday

 Going to wake up Dad.

 Happy First Birthday!

 Caleb Cake Smashing!

 Brendan never wanted to let go.

 Imagination Avenue

 Brendan and Camille at Imagination Ave.

 Caleb trying to stay up at Flip Dunk

 Brendan and his pal Thomas on a playdate

 Brendan and Thomas at the Children's Museum of Phoenix

 Duck feeding

 Checking out some cards in Gram's antique desk

 Cowboy Caleb

 Boys love the new swing set Pop and Gram got them. Took a group effort and a week of construction until it was finally up. Both Grandparents helped on the day we finished.

 Playing cars with Pop Pop

Caleb started walking right before his first birthday, around 11 months. He loves to put on shoes and has earned the nickname of "one shoe" when he motors around with just one happy as can be. You know he has a big brother because one of his first words was 'batman'. He's recently started dancing and it's adorable. In fact he's always responded well to music.

Caleb has many teeth and is still teething. He likes to sleep with the blanket Aunt Paula knit. He's been really good about going to bed when we put him down for bed and naps (most days). His favorite book was one he got from Great Grandma Josie on his birthday: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?  Caleb loves the water and has no fear.

Brendan is getting so tall. He can reach things and is becoming more and more independent. He just finished his first year of preschool at Cross Roads. At his going away party he didn't want to let Mrs. Gulden go during a hug. I could see the connection he had with her. Mrs. Wyse was also an amazing teacher at Cross Roads and we are so pleased we chose to send him there. He's happy there and growing. One day Mrs. Wyse could not be there and I substitute taught in Brendan's class. I was so proud of him.

One thing I love about Brendan is that I never know what he is going to say. He is inquisitive, silly, honest, and unbelievably logical. He's an excellent big brother, helper, and negotiator who loves computer time, National Geographic kids, dinosaurs, Curious George, super heros- especially Spiderman, Superman, and Batman, and playing outside.

Two days ago Brendan called for me while I was cleaning up dinner and I'll never forget what I heard and saw. He said, "Mom I have pee in my hair and on my face." And there it was. I could see the droplets. He ricocheted his own pee off the potty seat and sprayed himself. This was clearly no accident. His punishment was to clean it up. He did not like cleaning it so hopefully this won't happen again.

In all honesty the boys are wonderfully adorable and fun, but so messy! It's making me a little crazy especially since we are confined indoors now with the 100 degree weather. I just look at them and love seeing them play together. I love Caleb's little curls totting around and exploring everything from the shower to the kitchen cabinets, and really anything on the ground and within reach. I love how Brendan is a small genius making everyone smile and laugh telling jokes, learning about dinosaurs, and enjoying playing with other kids.

I still take off every Friday to do something fun with the boys and plan to continue. Just before Caleb's first birthday we went to Indianapolis for K$ and Nick's wedding. We got to see Paul and Andrea at the Children's Museum there. The museum was amazing with the Matchbox cars, dinosaurs, dragons, geckos, funny mirrors, trains, merry go round, and Withe Castles just before. We enjoyed our trip but the flights. Traveling with small children is not easy.

They are amazing blessings and we are grateful for our boys. Life wouldn't be the same without them!