Bunk Beds

When Grandpa Ayotte was here last week, Keith had him help build bunk beds. The boys were so excited, but also distressed because we only had one twin mattress for about a week. So, the top bunk was off limits. And to make sure they didn't climb up there, the ladder wasn't attached, which stressed Andrew out.

But we went on Saturday and bought a new mattress and now the beds are officially finished! The boys are so excited to share a room, but we are giving Andrew a couple weeks to get used to sleeping on the top bunk. Plus Jonathan hasn't mastered climbing out of the crib, and I'm afraid he won't stay in a big boy bed the same way he stays in his crib jail. And I really like crib jail, especially during rest time!

More fun with Grammy and Grandpa

Andrew got a new Mater GeoTrax Car for his birthday and it was run through the paces, multiple times.

Grandpa kept trying to crash the cars , which of course was not part of Andrew's rules.

It requires a lot of concentration to run both Aero and Lightning McQueen!

Jonathan and Grammy drawing on the chalkboard.

Trying to capture a photo before heading to the airport.

Jonathan insisted on wearing this hat he made at Kid's Day Out. So we finally gave up and let him wear it. Backwards.

Andrew's all done with pictures.

And then Jonathan announced that he was "going inside." He was all done too.

We had such a great time with Grammy and Grandpa and can't wait until they visit again. Hopefully next time in cooler weather! Thank you for making the long trip to see us! We love you!

Grammy and Grandpa visit!

Playing Puppy Pals Bingo with the boys

Checking out a Grossology exhibit at Exploration Place

Andrew learning to fly with the flight simulator

Grandpa teaching Andrew to fly in the big plane simulator.

Andrew just likes to practice nose-first crash landings in this plane. Scary!

Jonathan LOVED the train table.

Watching the big model trains in the little village

Grammy and Grandpa came to visit and we had a wonderful time! Unfortunately, it was pretty hot, so we played inside most of the time. We did spend a fun afternoon at Exploration Place.

Car Wash

The other day I was trying to water a brown spot in the yard while the boys played. They immediately noticed the unattended hose and started watering every thing in the yard, mostly our cement slab that didn't need water. So, I directed them back to the brown spot and a car wash was born! They also found their paint brushes and painted, with water of course, until it was time to go in for rest time.




The down sides of this activity: a slightly higher water bill and more laundry. Jonathan was soaked from head to toe and required a new outfit. That was partly due to Andrew's wild spraying mostly directed at his brother rather the cars. Now if I could just teach them to wash our real cars...

Andrew's birthday party

Andrew's birthday baseball cake from Kraft. I baked it and Keith decorated it.

Blowing out the candles.

a soccer ball from Chad, Sondra and Luke

a scooter from Grandma and Grandpa

Luke thought he should give the scooter a test spin.

little tractors from Grandma and Grandpa

And a new Cars Sheriff from Chad, Sondra and Luke

I gave Andrew the option to have a friend party this year, and he said he just wanted to invite Grandma, Grandpa, Chad, Sondra, Luke, Matt and Sarah. I had to explain that Uncle Matt and Aunt Sarah live far away in Indiana and wouldn't be able to make it to his party, which prompted a whole series of why questions, including my favorite, "Why do they live in India?" He's currently trying to figure out family and who belongs where. We are asked daily, "Who is in the Nisly family and who is in the Ayotte family and why do some live near and far," etc.

So we had a Nisly family party on Saturday. Unfortunately, it rained all weekend and Andrew didn't have a chance to try out his new outside toys right away. He kept asking me when it was going to be soccer season. And I told him as soon as it stops raining. By the end of the weekend, he was starting to get the birthday gimmies and it was time for the parties to end. But he loved turning 5, unlike last year when turning 4 caused some trauma. It's just hard to believe that he is 5 already! Happy Birthday sweet boy! We love you!

Skype!

Skype is one of the greatest new inventions. We called Grammy and Grandpa via Skype on Friday night so they could watch Andrew open their presents to him. The boys love talking to the computer, and it's great because we can see and hear each other. So helpful when we are separated by so many miles!

Andrew's 5th birthday

Andrew turned 5 on Thursday and we celebrated that night with a little family party.

Puppy Pals Bingo

Jonathan appears happy for Andrew, but he kept asking, "Where my pwesent be?!"

a new baseball glove and ball

*disclaimer - Target made this super awesome cupcake cake. Not me! It was a pull-apart cake with both chocolate and vanilla cupcakes. And it was yummy!

Andrew had to test the frosting before we could eat it.

And yes, those are hot dogs on the table. I let Andrew choose the menu for his birthday dinner. At first he said whatever I wanted to make, and after he heard some of my choices, he picked hot dogs and macaroni and cheese. The dinner of champions!

"Cheeeeese"

Jonathan has a slightly different method of eating cake than the rest of the world. He eats all of the frosting so that the cupcake appears to never have been frosted. Then he asks for more "cake." I tried to explain to him that he has lots of cake left, but he only wants the frosting.

A new climbing wall for the swing set.

Playing catch with daddy after dinner.