Thursday, October 25, 2012

Leaves

A few weeks ago, when the weather was still warm, we took Matthew outside to play in the leaves (and burn off some energy).  Kate was still taking her afternoon nap, so Matty got some time with just mommy and daddy.
 
Matthew just enjoys running around outside in the yard.  But you do have to watch this little boy!  He.is.fast!  Before you know it, he'll be across the street!
 
He also loves playing catch or kicking around the bouncy ball.  He thinks it's sooo funny if he rolls a ball down the driveway for us to chase after to then roll it back to him to repeat again!
 
lots of leaves!



decorating the garage door with the leaves?

some leaves for the baseball glove, too

{love.his.dimple}

going to get the mail after watching daddy. loves doing what we do!

investigates everything

new Nike kicks! now he can run even faster! ;)

see ya later, alligator!
 

Monday, October 22, 2012

ECFE Toddler Class

The twins attend two ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) classes each week, Music and Incredible Years.  I blogged previously about our Music class.  The twins love going to this class and singing and playing with different instruments. 
 
Incredible Years is the other class the twins go to every Friday.  This class is great!  I love it because it's set up similar to a preschool type schedule of activities: large motor room (with slides, cars, balls, etc), circle time where we sing songs, weekly themed centers, snack, and arts and crafts. 
 
Then each class, us parents, get to meet for 20-30 minutes outside of the room with a Parent Educator.  We follow a parenting curriculum on the many different stages of toddler hood.  It's been a great way to meet such a wonderful group of ladies (and some daddies, too!) and sit and discuss, ask questions, talk about any concerns we have, or just plain sit and have an adult conversation.
 
The first two classes, the twins were scared at the arrival of class.  Kate clung close to me for most of the class time.  But as we have been going weekly, almost for 2 months, both K and M are no longer apprehensive when we enter the room.  Matt darts right out of the stroller towards the toys in the room - especially for the kitchen set.  Kate likes to still walk with me into the room until she find the "item" that catches her eye.  I've been so proud of them for how much they became so brave and more independent through these classes. 
 
And these last two class times, no tears from our kids while the mommies and daddies leave the room for the Parent Ed class!!!  Such a relief for me, too!  I don't have to be in group time worrying about the kids being upset.  It makes this mommy soooo proud to hear from the teachers that Kate and Matthew didn't cry while I was gone!  I know I'm only gone for a short amount of time, really, but it's long for them who stay with me all day.  Makes me feel good they aren't afraid to leave my side and feel comfortable with their teachers.
 
These pictures are from a class in September.  The day's theme was apples.
 
Gluing apple cut-outs onto a tree

Apple puzzle!

Ms. Dorene is an awesome aide in both our ECFE classes!

Playing with our new friends at the sensory table.


more apple puzzles for Mr. Puzzle Man.  Matthew loves puzzles!

Yay!  Painting at the easel!

So careful to just paint inside the apple.  He really enjoys painting.  I think we need to get an easel!


Nice painting buddy.

Back at the sensory table.  Kate's favorite class activity.


Oh, the kitchen set.  We.definitely.need.to.get.one!  Great Christmas idea.


Couldn't be more happier opening and closing the cub board doors.
 
I'm so happy I signed the twins up for these classes.  Its been great for them and great for me to meet some awesome, new friends.  Also, when Kevin had vacation at the end of September, he had the chance to go to class with us.  So great to have him see the kids interact with other kids and to see what they're learning.  Plus, I loved having the extra hands of help with the kids!!! :)

Monday, October 15, 2012

Matthew's 1st Haircut

After talking between the two of us for awhile, we decided it was time to tame Mr. Matthew's long, crazy, stick-out every which way hair.  So on Saturday (10/13), I took Matt to a kids' hair salon to get his first official haircut.  {I guess that means our little boy is growing up!}

Daddy had some work he needed to do, so he stayed at home with Kate.  It was a nice Mommy and son outing.  Kevin and I always enjoy when we can get some one on one time with just Kate or Matthew.

I tried to get a pre-haircut picture of Matthew at the salon.  It's hard to really see how much long hair was sticking straight up on the top of his head.  I had to act fast because Matthew didn't like sitting in the chair strapped in.  He definitely was scared of what was happening.  I tried his blankey and paci but neither were really doing the trick long term.  I felt bad because I knew he just wanted me to pick him up.

Before haircut - feel bad for my little guy being so scared

Let the haircut begin...



Trying to be brave



Looking sharp sporting the new do!  Hair gel and all. :)


Thursday, October 4, 2012

Heartland Farms

The four of us traveled back to Iowa this past weekend and stayed through yesterday.  Kevin had some vacation time, so we thought it would be a great chance to head home for a longer period of time. 
 
While we were home we were able to watch Aunt Jenny's volleyball game at UNI, attend my cousin's son's first birthday party, hang out with family, have a mommy and daddy dinner with some friends, and go to Heartland Farms pumpkin patch.
 
Tuesday we went to Heartland Farms Pumpkin Patch with Grandma Carol, Grandma Joyce, and Aunt Jenny.  The twins LOVED it at the pumpkin patch.  Heartland Farms has a lot of fun activities for kids: bouncy house, a "bouncy blob", petting zoo, slides, hayrides, and of course pumpkin picking!  Both Kate and Matt couldn't get enough of the bouncy blob!  Kate already loves to bounce - always asking us to "boun-th" in our arms and Matt loves anything where he can be physical and run around.  Kate also really liked the hayride (I think because it was a bouncy ride).  She sat on Daddy's lap and sang 'The ABC's' during the ride.  Matt liked the animals and going down the slides.
 
Definitely great family memories!  Glad we could have the twins go to the pumpkin patch with family while we were back.  I know the grandmas and Aunt Jen had just as much fun as the twins!  Can't wait to go back again! 

Daddy and Kate on the hayride

On the "bouncy blob" jumping around

Mr. Matthew the Ghost

Count Matt-ucla

This is one of my favorite pictures from the day.  Kate's mouth is wide open, tongue out.  Makes me laugh!


Our 'lil pumpkin head' :)

He was talking to the bunnies

Grandma Joyce and Katers


"I want this pumpkin, Daddy!"


And this is my other favorite picture from the day.  ADORABLE!

Mommy and Katers

Conductor Aunt Jenny driving us around in the pumpkin train.

Auntie Jen and Kate



I got to shoot the 'Punkinator'!  Pretty cool!


Grandma with both grand kids :)

And of course, Mommy and Daddy enjoyed making memories with our kiddos!