Just Like Bri

I think anyone reading this blog probably knows that Uncle Brian (my little brother...okay...maybe he's 22...but still my little brother) lives with us. We've really been fortunate to share our lives with him for the past 1 1/2 years. Prior to Brian living with us, my sister Christy lived with us. Basically, for my kids entire memories they've had an aunt or uncle living with (and sometimes also babysitting) them. If it were just Jim and I, I think they would be so bored. They closely track the comings and goings of all adults in the house...and my younger siblings tend to be a little less predictable and thus that much more exciting their arrivals and departures.

Back to my point. Da boyz think "Unco Bwian" iz da bomb. Yes - Uncle Brian was the ultra-cool household member that decided tie dye was a fun idea. He plays guitar which is way cool. He has a cool bedroom...cool clothes...cool food (introduction to Nutella was a fun one). This month, due to some male bonding thing at work, he grew a mustache and goatee. The boys are fascinated and were asking all about it tonite when Brian came home, so I decided to have a little fun with them. We drew on mustaches and goatees. I pulled out a few hats...and then Brian added to the fun by hauling out his own stash. Then - best of all - they got to go hang out in Uncle Brians room (which is off limits for the most part)! Here's a few pics from our evening of fun. Bri-guy is a constant inspiration of fun...but coming up on his senior year at GVSU...I think the our months are probably becoming numbered :(


Being so still for mom!


Tanner and his inspiration


Happy little Alex Jett


Sorting through the hat stash. The State hat is obviously not from the Wooden's pile.


Alex still not letting go of the State hat. Not a good sign. May have to burn it.


Alex & Tanner taco!

B-L-T

Jim and I are having BLT's tonight. I was cooking bacon while Tanner was eating. Tanner wanted to know what is a BLT. So, I explained 'B is for Bacon, L is for Lettuce, T is for Tomatoe'. He seemed to understand. I love when you can just see the wheels turning in a kids head. He responds a minute or two later...'Mommy - I'm almost done with my CP'. I'm stumped and ask "What?". He responds very matter of factly, "My corn-pasta...CP". Too funny. This little game of acronyms is right up his alley. I have a feeling we've opened up a whole new world of fun for Tanner's little brain which is in constant overdrive.

Best Parenting Hold

At 5 years old, there are not a lot of socially acceptable means of restraining your kids. The bouncy seat is a thing of the long forgotten past. Toddler leashes for 5 year olds are taboo (though we never used them anyhow...the concept was always was a bit off to me). They've long outgrown strollers and now the wagon.

The shoulder ride is about it for certain containment. If you see Jim and I in this pose, it's not a lovable way of hanging out with the monsters...it's the 'I'd strap them down to a backboard if a could but this will just have to do' gesture. But we do so with a smile! We thank my Dad and Jim's Grandpa for our 6 foot frames...and the long and lean family genes that keep our little loads relatively light. Even so, I'm not so sure how much longer either of our shoulders can handle these troublemakers!

Tanner Bananer

Cracking me up lately! Here's Tanner with his swim goggles (put on upside down) and umbrella which will "keep him safe from the rain".





Then, being ultra cool in his tie dye shirt putting gel in his hair.

Our First Fishing Expedition

Cast, bob, set, reel in fish. Easy breezy - at least at Great Grandpa's lake where the blue gill are plentiful and love to graze on wax worms! Tanner and Jim get a head start with the fishing fun.



They both loved putting the worms on the hook. Hardly shocking given the recent fascination with all things creepy and crawly!



Stripped again Tanman...but that's okay.



Tanner: 'Hmm. Alex has caught one already. Maybe I should check out his technique for a while?"



Within 5 minutes, Alex catches his second, just in time as his short attention span was shot.



Very serious little Alex. Not sure if he was counting the fishes stripes or just marveling at how little this fish resembled Disney's Nemo.

Tanner stuck with it for about 20 minutes total, determined to match his brother fish for fish...and he did! (It just took a little longer)

Total success - thank you Crystal Lake fish for knowing the boys have a short attention span and doing your part! Greg and I likely tormented your great great grandfathers and grandmothers...20 years ago...same dock...same bait...still so much fun.

Alex Leads 4-1

I just returned from my 5th trip (in less than 4 years!) for stitches for a little guy! Alex strikes again - this time a head laceration deserving of 3 staples. His last trip for stitches was the head also. This time, it happened while lunging to his pillow when he heard Mom coming to scold the little dudes for monkeying around.

Of course, Alex slept in the ER waiting room (no urgent cares open after 10pm in GR), in the exam room, and while we were checking out. He woke up only for about 90 seconds when the staples went in. Taking his blows like a pro!

No swimming for a whole week until the staples come out...that's going to be the most painful part of the experience I'm afraid :(