The Awakening

The Awakening is hands down one of our top five things we love to see here. I am not an art person. I don't get it most of the time, and feel like my 3 year old could create some of the paintings we have seen in the art museums. However, this piece of art is just to comical not to love. Basically it is a head, arm, hand, leg and foot of a man sticking out of the ground. Since we lived here a few years ago it has moved to a new location, so we had to check it out. 

Ashton wastes no time climbing on his eye. 

Talan is very concerned for a couple reasons. He thinks the man, although grey and lifeless, will eat him, and also there is sand in his crocs. 

I've learned having boys means picking noses is almost one of the most hilarious things. 

Can't really tell in the picture, but this is a leg. 

Next time I will make sure to take a picture of the whole display.

Lock up the straws

Due to my dislike of a 6:30 am wake up call, I sent pestering Talan to get his own milk out of the fridge, buying me an extra 30 minutes of slumber. When I woke up I found Tal had not only successfully managed to open up a new bottle of vanilla milk, but had also helped himself to the maximum number of straws which would fit in the opening of the bottle. He claims he could get milk out of all those straws, but it did take him 5x longer to drink the bottle.

Three years

I remember how he used to let us stay home from school one day every year for our birthday to do something fun. My most memorable was when he snuck us into the Disneyland hotel to go swimming. It was a great day.

I remember going far out into the ocean where I couldn't touch the sand and waiting for waves to head our way so I could yell, "jump daddy" and he would throw me up in the air as the wave passed.

 I remember the time he went deep sea fishing and brought home a baby octopus that didn't survive in our kiddie pool very long. I was terrified of it.

I remember how much fun he was to play with when I was small. How many dads would get in a dog house and let their child spray them in the face with the hose. He really was my favorite person.

I remember trips to Disneyland. How fast the tea cups spun, how I always wanted to ride with him, and how he always let me drive.

 How much does he look like Ashton here!? I think this picture is from when he was nine also.

I also remember how much Ashton loved being around him. They loved to fish in the creek, drive the golf cart, and just be crazy. Even antisocial 10 month old Talan went right to him without hesitation, and after only meeting him for the first time at 4 months old. 

I remember his voice on his cell phone voicemail message, which I play in my head often, so I don't forget his voice.

I remember how he never once looked down on me for being pregnant at 18.

I remember him singing every time I hear the song, The River, by Garth Brooks.

I remember how he told the best stories, and always had a joke.

I remember the smell of stale coffee and cigarettes which used to be gross, but now holds a special place in my heart.

I'm happy he was my dad, and will cherish the memories he left me so that I might pass them on to my own kids.

Sorry person who voted 'no'

It has been debated in our house, but after 9 yes votes, a confirmation by google that the word 'vroom' is an acceptable scrabble word, and Syphr's constant and correct use of the word I am excited to officially announce Syphr's first word is:

Vroom Vroom

A first word suitable for little boy who most enjoys driving cars and trucks around the living room.

Brotherly love....Talan style

Talan has a different idea of what brotherly love is compared to his experience with Ashton. Since Tal was born, Ashton has been showing his brotherly love by playing whatever games Talan wants, taking turns, etc. Talan is a bit different, thus my impending grey hair and Syphr's shrieking scream when Talan comes near. 

Lately, to show his young brother how much he loves him, Tal has been:

Trapping him under an empty laundry basket and sitting on top to eliminate any possible attempts of escape Sy might have:

Pouring countless cups of water on unsuspecting Syphr's head:

Poor Syphr is a good sport with all the torment, but he does know when to get out of the way if his brothers are being crazy wrestlers on the floor. It looks like he has found the perfect referee spot too:

Syphr will get you back someday, Talan. Just wait.

First word??

Personally, I don't count normal baby noises as words. Such words are things like: mama, dada, lala, baba. Syphr has been saying those for a while, but lately he has been saying 'vroom vroom' when he plays with his cars.

I think it is the cutest ever, but does it count as a first word? Vote on my poll above so I can officially record, or continue to wait for Syphr's first word.

I should choose my words more carefully

A few hours ago I gave Ashton the task of unloading and loading the dishwasher. A few minutes ago I walked by the kitchen and saw a giant stack of the days dirty dishes still sitting next to the sink.

Me: So, Ashton, I thought you were going to unload and load the dishwasher. 

Ashton: Yeah, you did think that, but I didn't do it. You probably think too much. 

Seriously love this kid and the sarcasm that comes flying out of his mouth at 90 miles an hour without hesitation.