Brothers

I never really pictured myself as the mother of two boys, but here we are. And here they are:

Last Sunday I dressed them like twins, something made possible by my sister and her boys' hand me downs. They will probably hate me for it, but I think I've got a taste of something I like.

Coziness and carwashing

This picture was not posed at all. As a matter of fact, this is what happens just about anytime I sit down. It's like I am a magnet. I guess that just means they love me, right?

Andres was taking a nap and just looked too comfortable, so we decided to invade:

We decided that it was high time to wash the cars (especially the van since it had not been washed since it's excursion half-way across the country) and it was a lovely day to do it, too. Jason thought it would be fun to let the kids wear their swimsuits to wash the car. He didn't really think about the fact that they would not fit. So both of thier outfits include some part of a swimsuit, some pajamas and rain boots. I think they've got this fashion thing down!

I think I like him

Dexter is pretty popular around here. Anytime I put him down, there are two very anxious on-lookers. Sometimes he get a little nervous with the close proximity of these two crazies, but he also has lots of smiles for both of them. They are usually very good about being gentle and sweet with him.

We were finally able to catch a couple smiles. He's been smiling for weeks but has an uncanny ability to not allow them to be captured on camera.

He's becoming a much happier and content little guy and we all have fun seeing him grow and change almost daily.

. . . and the Grandpas

Just a few weeks after the Grandmas were all gone, we were descended upon by the Grandfathers. It was another wonderful treat. They came for Dexter's blessing, which was also a wonderful experience. My sister and her family were supposed to come as well on their way across the country. But, the darn weather did not cooperate. I was very upset that they were not able to come, because they're headed out of the country for a few years and who knows when we'll see them again. Darn blizzards and road closures!

Anyway, we were still very excited to see both of our Grandpas. They both showed up on Friday, my Dad arrived first. When Jason and his dad came in, Andres said "who is it" and when he looked and saw Grandpa G, he said (very excitedly) "It's the OTHER ONE!".

The blessing was just wonderful, especially since Dexter was wearing the blessing outfit that my dad made. This is the 4th grandson to be blessed in it, and we were glad that Grandpa Dexter was able to be there.

They helped us set up Addie's new big-girl bed, took the kids for some fun Grandpa time, and generally increased the fun level. Here's Jason making his famous carne asada for everyone:

And Grandpa Gonzalez:

And Addie's spiffy new bed that makes it possible for all three to be in this tiny room:

Here come the Grandmas . . .

We are extremely lucky to have two sets of Grandparents that are so willing to come and help when we need/want it. My mom was very generously able to come about 2 weeks before Dexter even showed up. I was so grateful that she was there. Jason was still crazy-busy and it was nice to end my day laughing with her and watching silly movies instead of being stressed about all that was coming. Addie and Grandma Heidi always have fun together. Here they are making bracelets:

Grandma Karlena and Aunt Kim arrived the day after Dexter. Not only did we have fun, but we then had Kim and her camera, so there are a lot more pictures and they're better ones. We also got some snow while they were here and they were able to go and play with the kids and had a great time.

It was so nice to have them here and enjoy newborn Dexter. While they were here we celebrated Grandma's birthday and Valentine's Day.

They tried to get a picture of our whole family . . . and this is the best one. Sad, I know. The exhaustion is evident in every face.