Divide and Conquer

We've been hitting up the museum every other week or so this winter. The boys enjoy it so much more when both Joel and I are able to accompany them. Again, they like to run in opposite directions....so when we're both there, neither one has to compromise with where they want to go.
Levi could easily spend most of his time between the music wall and the drums. He goes back and forth between the two.

Today, Jude and Joel got busy building....something that would never happen if Levi was anywhere nearby. (Jude likes to build, Levi likes to demolish....you can see the problem we have at home?)
Levi was digging for dino bones. Perhaps he'll take an interest in archeology?

Pet Shop

Lately, one of the boy's favorite outings happens to be a trip to Petco. They have discovered customer in training shopping carts. While both of the kids are running in opposite directions with miniature shopping carts plowing through the store, this trip is a mandatory double chaperon type of outing. Jude has been really into fish. He's been reading books from his Uncle Steve and has been identifying the fish at the store. Easily, Jude could spend over an hour looking around. He's been know to curl up in the doggie igloos. We can't leave without looking for the critters running in circles in their wheels. And don't even think about taking off before they get a chance to say hi to the kitties.

Indoor Play

On the rare occasion when Jude and Levi play together rather than go at each others' throats, they are usually up to no good. On this particular day, they thought they were being naughty by making lots of noise playing cars on the coffee table.
Meow, kitty...

Snowmaggedon

We're running out of places to throw the snow.....
Levi's always looking for an excuse to play outside! Another storm does the trick.... With about 1 storm a week since Christmas we've had many chances to play in the snow this season.
Both Jude and Levi each have a shovel. They love to help clear the snow.
With snow almost up to their knees, you wouldn't be able to tell that we cleared about 6 inches yesterday too. This weather doesn't seem to slow them down.

Finally over the fear of getting snow on his boots, Jude takes a plunge into the fluff.


Who doesn't enjoy a natural snow cone every now and then?
Heading out for a walk on the street....
Jack wishes he was out for a ski with Joel...."These kids are such a drag," Jack's inner voice screams out.


A break from the snow...time for some "I Spy" with Daddy!
The next day we we're back at it. There really haven't been too many days this winter that we haven't been able to fit some kind of outside play into our routine.

Making sure the Mercedes is ready to go!
"Where did our tunnel go?"

Time to get the construction trucks out. They need to do their part to clear the driveway too.





Lovin' every minute of it! (I can't believe that less than 2 years ago he was inside of me -17 months old and already shoveling.)

Clips

A new Great Clips has opened up in town. Since discovering that they have set their prices super-low to gather a client base, I've taken a slight vacation from cutting hair. Jude got his cut for $2.99 and Levi and Joel each paid $4.99. (The prices are slowly climbing....$4.99 plus tip may be where we draw the line.) Here are a couple shots of Levi's first time in a professional stylist chair.

Many bribes were in play as I worked to keep him still. First off, he wouldn't stop whining about the balloons at the front of the store. They made him his very own helium filled balloon. I also had a hefty supply of Smarties to keep him preoccupied. (We never were able to get him to wear a cape.)