A Backyard When I Get Bigger?

Andrea ran her first half marathon with several of her girlfriends in Charlottesville, Virginia. It was a beautiful course in the foothills of the Shenandoah Mountains--not to embarase her, but she rocked it!

A few of us families rented a little house so the kids could all play together. It had a nice little back yard where the kids could run around and race each other. The Wednesday after we got home, Mackay and Andrea were reading books when he said, "Hey Mommy! Maybe when I get bigger and bigger, we can have a back yard." I think it's safe to say that he enjoyed himself. It's also safe to say that we are starting to grow out of our little two-bedroom condo...as much as we love this place!

Beckett's First Bike Ride

I took Beckett on his first bike ride with Mackay. We rode down the trail by our house to a nearby marina where we could watch the airplane take off and land. Beckett did great on the way out, but it wasn't as much fun coming back...nonetheless, not bad for his first time and being cramped together with his bigger brother.


Mackay looks at least a little excited. Beckett on the other hand...stares of trepidation?

Egg Hunts Are Fun

Another Easter and another fun Easter egg hunt! I can't remember where Andrea and Beckett were for this egg hunt held at our church.

Nothin' Like Bath Time!

Mackay and Beckett love taking baths together. Often times Mackay will fight taking a bath, but once he sees that Beckett is going to take one he is usually excited to join in the fun. After they are both in the water and the bath starts to fill up, Mackay will splash with his hands getting the water in both of their faces and Becket and he will laugh and laugh. One thing I have realized watching Beckett is that you definitely have to be tough to be the younger brother. Mackay does all kinds of things to him (usually not trying to be mean)--like crawling over him or hugging him super tight or tickling him on his face--and Beckett usually takes it in stride, closing his eyes when necessary, but rarely crying. In fact, most of the time he just laughs. As a parent, it is fun to see your two sons bonding at such a young age.

After they are done bathing, we wrap them in towels and change them while they lie on Mackay's bed together. Sometimes Beckett will cry (usually when he is extra tired), but once we put Mackay on the bed next to him, he will smile and laugh as they share smiles. Ahh the memories...some day I will probably look back on these days as the "good old days"! Thanks for making it fun boys!

Playing at the Park

We're glad that spring is finally here so the boys (and we) can enjoy playing outside at the park. As you can see, they both enjoy the swings.

And as you can see, Beckett is one "chunky monkey," as Andrea loves to call him. I think he is currently something like 24 pounds (at seven months mind you!). If this trend continues, Mackay and Beckett should be one dangerous duo when they go to school.

That said, Mackay has yet to exhibit any "fighter" tendencies. If you ask me, he is more of a lover than a fighter. Takes after his pop no doubt! :)

Grandma Visits

Grandma (my mom) stopped by for a quick visit and was able to bond with the boys. We are certainly glad that our boys know their grandparents (well, at least Mackay does, but we suspect that Beckett knows more than he lets on to!). It was a pretty laid back trip, but enjoyable nonetheless. Grandma watched the boys while we painted our bedroom again--this time from blue to "celery."

We always love having family and friends visit...if only we had a guest room!

Mackay Nursing...

...his monkey! Yes, Mackay isn't nursing from his mommy anymore (after all he'll be three in May), but he does nurse his monkey from time to time. It appears that he has been watching the way his mom nurses Beckett: note the boppy (spelling?) and the shirt raised high enough to enable the monkey to nurse without flashing anyone. :) Enough to make any father proud! Mackay, you are gonna laugh someday when we show you these...

Mackay and Beckett Enjoy the Snow

Winter finally hit in February and the boys got to enjoy some snow. I think this was probably Beckett's first real snow.

Now I just need to take them both sledding. Good times...

And on a side note, a special thanks to those of you who kindly reminded me that I need to get off my duff and post some more entries. (Of course I will back date these so it will at least look like I have been on the ball!)

Beckett is Getting Big

Beckett is sure getting big...and cuter by the day! Thought I would share a few recent pictures of him...

Tired Mackay

These pictures Andrea took of Mackay are just too funny not to post! Mackay was so tired one afternoon that he fell asleep in this position! If only he would take a nap more often, maybe this wouldn't happen....

This skill (sleeping while you are sitting up) should come in handy later in life. I personally perfected in during early-morning seminary (i.e. 5:50 a.m.) when I was in high school! Looks like Mackay should be a pro by then...

His late great-grandpa, big "Mac," was a pro at it when he watched TV!