Happy Birthday to CHASE!

 

I promised myself that even if I get behind with my blog I would not let a birthday update pass. Time for me to reflect on how lucky I really am to have such beautiful miracles in my life! And to jot down some fun memories at this stage in their lives. I haven't yet decided if I am excited, nervous, or pre-exhausted (is that a word?) for Chase's TWO's! lol. Of course I look forward to how he will grow and things he will learn during this next year, but it means that most of that little "baby" that I have left is drifting away...... Chase is abundantly blessed with energy, charm and a short temper. He is working on those words so hard, but many of them just don't translate to anything we understand.... It's frustrating, but oh is it ever adorable. When he comes up to me and just blabbers a sentence knowing full-well everything he is saying - and then it ends with a slight tilt of his ear to his shoulder and this flirtatious smile :-) Gets me EVERY time - even when I might be a little upset.

My heart grew bigger than I thought possible September 22nd, 2011. And although there are days I'm just not sure if this is what I should be doing, I am fortunate enough to be spending these days that everyone talks about never getting back and going by so quickly at home with such a lovable little growing toddler. On to my Chase updates and pictures.

CHASE, at 2 years old YOU:

• have started to ask that one cute, but at times annoying question of WHY or "why-a" about 20 times a day.
• have a fetish for things on your arms/hands. Lance's spider man glove, hats, socks... you just put them on then walk around and do your normal stuff, play in your kitchen, etc. with them on.
• run away, anyway but toward me, when it's time for a diaper or clothes change - UGH. I don't need to go further on this one. Probably seems humorous to many and when I read this is several years I might smile, but really KID, it's NOT funny.
• sing "HI HO, HI HO" in the sweetest, cutest little voice. We sing this for many occasions. It helps me get you moving. "Hi Ho, Hi Ho, to get shoes on we go....."
• just want to do everything your brother does, and if you see that something upsets him, like taking a toy, you do it over and over again (and run faster than I've ever seen you run with a HUGE grin on your face)
• like to scream, sometimes for a reason, sometimes not, but you just scream. It's loud, it's unpleasant, nothing about it is cute. I can't lie - I really dislike it. I'm still struggling with this one. It's slowly getting better....
• are in love with Popsicles! Well, really anything with sugar - but Popsicles this summer. Suckers, jelly beans, candy "dindy"
• LOVE trains - which right now sounds something like "Chiz" You say "All aboard" with your hands cupped around your mouth and just love to read books about trains, do train puzzles, see pictures of trains and watch videos of trains on Daddy's phone. As soon as he walks in the door from work it's your first word while you stand at his feet looking up at him! About a month before your birthday you were all about firetrucks (or fa-fucks, ya - you read right and it's embarrassing in public, but that's your word for them)
• can feed yourself with a spoon and fork just fine, but constantly ask for "elp" Help! Not just occasionally, but ALL the time.
• Say "Ewwww, grooosssss" when we change your diaper. And we also now have to pretend to change your baby's diaper before we change your diaper. Dad might disagree with me, but you and that baby doll you carry around is pretty sweet I must say.
• point out stop signs all over the city - and you put your hand out in that back seat when you say it - Love it. Oh, the little things.
• have lots of words, but one of my favorites right now is "olk" which is your word for cold. But you say it when its just windy, not really cold. It's a game now. I'll say "it's not cold Chase" and you get that big grin on your face and then say "indy" for windy.
• your favorite book is Goodnight Train
• your favorite food is Mac n Cheese - the frozen wheels are your preference.
• love to be outside, like most toddlers and boys especially. You play with your "mo-mo" mower the most, but have started to take a liking to golf, which Dad likes just a little I think.

I really haven't done the official 2 year pics, these are just a couple from a day at the park when I had the camera with. Since Chase was into fire trucks, I was planning a fire truck party so I took some of him in front of an old fire station, but since then he is really more into Trains.... Ah well, I got a couple cute ones for the party invites anyway!

 For those of you who never get to see him without a smile on his face, we do have a few of these faces in a given day.

 Looking like such a little toddler.

 

Chase, thank you for keeping me on my toes and for allowing me endless smiles and laughs each week, even if they are accompanied by a few rough moments. You are teaching me things about myself and helping me realize some finer things in life, no doubt. You truly are one happy, very happy little boy. You are sad at the things 2 years olds are supposed to get sad about and I often forget that. Aside from that normal growing and learning frustrations, you are as perfect as they come! We are so incredibly lucky to have two happy, healthy, growing, intelligent little boys full of personality. So fun to think what these next year will bring. I love you and Happy 2nd birthday!

 

Lance -1st day of Pre-K

..... and don't you dare call it "pre-school" folks! This pre-K is big stuff compared to pre-school. LOL. Lance was pretty pumped to get back to school. When I asked him what he was most excited about he really couldn't tell me. But now that we are two weeks in (yes, I am again behind on posting) he is never at loss for words. He tells me all about who he played with, who the leader of the day was, the snack they ate, and on and on.... And I'm safe to say so far that painting might be his favorite part of "pre-K"

Chase is NOT too happy about leaving his brother off - OR the fact that he knows as soon as he gets home it's to bed for nap! (And he has definitely protested those starting this new routine) He's also cutting them a little short. Hmmm.....

The back-pack for the year!

 So, don't let this sweet picture fool you - Minutes leading up to this was Chase fussing because he wanted the back pack like his brother, and then several more minutes of Lance whining that it was his.... after some convincing (or demands perhaps) Lance gave in and decided to let Chase have a turn...

 and BOY was he excited to be just like his big brother!

 Lance is not into this picture business - this is what I got for the 1st day of pre-K! It's who he is - and I do love him :-)

Holy BATMAN, Lance is 4 years old!

Wow, 4 years, passed by JUST like that! I don't even remember what our lives consisted of before Lance came into this world. He is one talkative, LOUD, fun-loving, compassionate, dramatic, goofy, consistent little boy. As I reflect and think only about what comes to mind when I think about Lance, all I can think about is that you watch him and see exactly what it looks like to just LOVE life. Almost all of the time (not 100% because he is a typical 4 year old) he just takes what is happening and enjoys it to its fullest. You give him a beach ball and the kid can laugh and giggle and find something fun to do with it (again, most of the time)

He loves his little brother to pieces. A new routine at nap and bedtime is for Lance to give Chase a hug and kiss - talk about heart melting moments as a Mom :-) On the other hand, those two just KNOW how to push each others buttons. They know exactly how to get that scream, cry or whine in an instant....... But then I see them play together and giggle (and try to talk too) and I wonder how I can freeze moments in time? I would be the richest person on earth if I came up with that miraculous formula, right?

I really need to start one of those quote books, because the questions and phrases a 4 year old comes up with can create smiles and change your mood in an instant........ He's so curious and so smart. This kid remembers the smallest details and events from 2 years ago. He hears everything and soaks it ALL in.

My favorite part of the day is still our nighttime prayers where Lance will thank God for 2 things (sometimes more) each night. His frequent prayers are for his cozy bed and "you, Mommy!" But I love hearing him come up with things from the day (trips to the Zoo, playing in the sprinkler, library books, his chicken noodle soup!)  These creative minds and young innocent hearts - I wish I could wrap them up and keep them locked away.

Sad and happy - I'll never get these 4 years back, but I can reflect on what he has brought to our lives in 4 years. Some challenging and exhausting days, no doubt - but really those compare nothing to the days that he has created smiles and that warm/chilling feeling on the heart. I can describe it no other way. It's just that feeling of "I am so blessed and lucky to be given these moments" with one happy, healthy, delightful little boy.

Below are some fun pictures of Lance as Batman exploring downtown, watching for villains. :-) He had so much fun - ALL smiles.

Happy 4th birthday Lance! Thank you for 4 years of daily entertainment and life fulfillment. I love you more than YOU love going to look at Batman toys at Target and Wal-Mart :-) And that is a LOT of LOVE right now, let me just tell you!

A July summer day

A quick post from the old iPhone (trying out the blogger app again)

Just a fun summer day with the boys! Lance at bug camp while Mom and Chase hang out, then some museum fun for all! Chase is starting to dig the trains!

Lance in his bug shirt that Grandma had for his special week of bug camp! 

Chase's favorite at the museum is visiting the "tuhtuh" as he calls it! But he still is in love with his "fa pas" or firetrucks for the rest of us. 

Had fun in the art studio with some molding clay - Lance was excited to make ( or watch Mom make that is) Mike from Monsters Inc. Chase stayed busy for a few minutes until he decided to flirt with the student helper... Over and over again :-)

They had fun playing in the grocery store together today.

Chase and I enjoyed a bike ride together to Whiteys for a Popsicle, while Lance joined Dad for a dinner date! And Chase was excited to have the bath ALL to himself tonight for a change- all smiles :-)

And that's a quick wrap on this July summer day with the boys ( I may have left out the whining, crying, fighting part.... But that's all just known, right?!)

4th of July

Since I am so far behind on blog posts, and playing catch up - the comments will be kept lite, letting the pictures re-create the memories (although I tend not to take pictures of whining, crying, sad children, I re-assure you those moments DO in fact exist)

First, the annual Red, White and Blue 4th of July photo session for Mom.... I'm telling you - trying to be a photographer AND a Mom really doesn't work. These boys do NOT like it when I get out the "Big Guns" Which is why most pictures of them are from the iPhone! I got a couple keepers, but it did take some candy bribing to get just these.....

 Cheeser Chase

 Serious Chase...

 Munchin on some bribery skittles :-)

 Goofy Brothers!

We made our annual, traditional 4th of July trip as well - different location - same friends (although I didn't manage to get lots of pics of everyone this time around.....) Lance couldn't wait to get on that boat ride. When you tell an almost 4 year old they are going to do something fun, probably a good idea to wait until 5 minutes prior to the event to tell them...... "When are we going on the boat - I'm just ready to go on the boat!"

top 10 - bottom 10 of the summer VACATION

In no particular order, necessarily, Keegan and I came up with our top 10 and bottom 10 list of the Dodson 4 summer vacation...... We'll start with the bottom 10 and end on a happy note with the top 10!!!

I'm sure as time goes by we will so easily forget about these fun trips!

BOTTOM 10:

1. Missed the very first exit we needed, 5 minutes after picking up the camper. Had to then drive an extra 15 minutes to turn back around..... while making the turn around - GAS spill EVERYWHERE in the back of the Tahoe! Spent at least 20 minutes pulling everything out, trying to soak up the gas with 2 rolls of paper towels and some water bottles. The smell was HORRIFIC - and so strong. SO, we spent the 6 hour car ride to our destination with the windows rolled down, listening to the song "Spilled us some gas, made us have to roll our windows down.....) Boys weren't too happy about it being loud and not being able to hear their DVD's. Keegan I did however enjoy the fresh beautiful air and the temps were very reasonable for having windows down.
2. After arriving later than planned at our first destination, night 1 (Ludington State Park), we pulled up to our campsite - Ahhhh.... a sweet camp site ALL the way in the back - furthest camp site from the front of the park, just beautiful - EXCEPT - oops, apparently no water hook up. Clouds are rolling in, starting to get dark, so all the way we go back up to the front of the park to fill the camper with water for our 3 night stay.
3. So, we had to head into town on Day 1 to get paper towels that we had used for the gas spill and other cleaning supplies to help remove the gas spill. Decided to grab McDonals and eat on the beach. Boys were hungry, I was hungry (we know what happens when Mom and boys are hungry - crabby!) As we started to walk onto the sunny beach, ONE cloud, yes ONE cloud started to roll in. Keegan and I though, "ah, 1 cloud, if it rains it will be light and short" So, the boys saw the beach and water and although hungry wanted nothing to do with McDonalds.... we told them they had to sit and eat before they could play - which started the whining. Then the rain started - POURING DOWN, not a light cool off rain. Keegan picked up his stuff and told Lance to run. I needed an extra hand. I had most of the food and drinks and then Chase didn't want to walk. He was bawling, I was yelling for Keegan - and then the food ALL dumped over, out of my hands. Recap, I'm hungry, boys are hungry, it's POURING down and our food is now covered in sand..... and we have a 20 minute drive back to the campsite. So, McDonald order number 2 it was.
4. Trying to find a gas station that Keegan felt comfortable pulling in with the camper was not too fun - very annoying actually - so that makes the bottom 10 for both Keegan and I, along with driving the camper in high winds.
5. "dumping" at the end of each campsite ranks right up there, or down there I should say, in the bottom 10. You have this wonderful time at the campsite and just before you leave you have to smell some pretty awful stuff.....
6. The title of this one - Kite in the lake - it also goes along with one of the top 10 (see number 5 below) It was Lance and Chase's 1st time flying a kite. So beautiful on the beach, just us, the sun getting ready to set, boys laughing, us smiling and just watching them enjoy such a simple thing in life..... Chase decided he wanted a turn holding the kite, so we asked Lance to share. He handed Chase the string, after a little reluctance.... and before we could get over to Chase to help - slow motion - the kite flies away - JUST like that. Into the cold lake. The giggles have turned into INSTANT cries. (You can picture this, right?) Super Dad for some reason has his swim trunks on and after realizing this kite isn't coming back to shore dives in to rescue the kite, the three of us cheering him on along the beach. He brings it back and the frowns turn to smiles. They begin to fly the kite again... UNTIL Chase walks into the string, pulls down the kite and breaks the string. Ok, time to head back to the campsite (After Lance urgently must go potty alongside the beach)
7. About a week or so before vacation, Chase started this occasional biting thing. He only does it when he's excited and Lance is near him. So, while biking on Mackinaw island (another one in the top 10) The boys are sitting together in a carrier behind Keegan's bike and for almost half of the ride, we had to keep pulling over and scolding Chase for biting. Lance is whining and crying because Chase is biting and Chase is crying because we are getting upset with him. So all of these people are passing by, enjoying this beautiful scenery and island while our two boys are screaming in the back..... Ok, maybe it wasn't half of the ride, but it sure felt that way during the ride.
8.  Campsite #2 in Mackinaw, night #2, we decide to head to the camp pool for a little swim. We had promised the boys all day that we would and the day was coming to an end. I was heading inside to grab towels and...... "Keegan, why did you lock the door?" Well, we had realized two different times when we pulled up to a campsite that the door wasn't locked (both of us could swear to the other that it had been locked prior to departure) Keegan had messed with it a little to figure out why it wasn't staying locked and figured it out, so we thought. Just a bit earlier, the bugs were swarming and I put Daisy inside and shut the door.... Apparently it had been locked. "You have the keys, right Keegan" And I bet you can answer that question since this is in the bottom 10. Yep, in the camper. Panic sets in, Keegan pulls at the door for what seems like eternity - Boys are starting to whine (imagine that) because we told them we are headed to the pool.... I ask "didn't you say you made a spare set - are they in the truck - is the truck unlocked?" Whew, spare set was in the truck, unlocked. Lesson learned!
9. The usual bumping of heads, scraping of knees, falling off something and the whining and crying that goes along with it should probably be noted on the bottom 10. Normal yes, but something that adds to some frustration while on vacation, where you just want it all perfect, right?
10. Hmmmmm, So I guess I only have a bottom 9!

TOP 10: (These will mostly be described with pictures, and little words as the pictures can do the talking) OK, a few more than 10 - I lied :-)

1. FISHING - I polled everyone for their "favorite" moment of vacation and this was Keegan's top pick (along with family time too, don't want him to bust me for that) Keegan was excited to teach Lance what it was all about and to get some alone time fishing too. And when they actually caught a fish, his eyes lit up!!!! He may have been more excited than Lance.
   
   
   
2. BEACH time - Lance's #1 pick
   
   
3. HIKES - my #1 pick
   
   
   
   
   
4. Last minute visit with the Breselow family and the train ride - He obviously can't answer, but we all KNOW this was Chase's #1 pick.
   
   
5. KITE FLYING
   
6. LIGHT HOUSE visit - I have close to 300 pictures from this adventure (ok, maybe not 300, but A LOT!) And this vacation post is like 2 months overdue, SO...... I can't spend any more time trying to put together a collage. You get 4, and yes, they are low resolution.....
   
   
   
   
7. BIKERIDE on Mackinaw Island
   
   
8. FERRY RIDE to the island
   
   
9. CAMPFIRES (we could not have asked for more beautiful vacation weather. Not too hot, not too cold - although a little chilly for swimming I guess. Just right for night time campfires. The boys didn't enjoy too many of these since they were all tuckered out from busy days! It was nice relaxing Mom and Dad time though) And a couple of the campfire meals were pretty tasty too. 
   
10. ROCK THROWING
    
    
    
11. VIEWS, from our camper, to the views on the hikes - just some beautiful scenery all around.
    
12. BASEBALL
    
13. PARKS, SLIDES, SWINGS
    
    
    
14. FAMILY TIME in general
    15. OH - and ICE CREAM, lots of of yummy ICE CREAM!
    

    

    

    

    And that's a wrap...... This is over a month past due (ok, more like 2) GEESG, so I'm leaving it at this - Long, fun, some bad with the good - memories made for a lifetime. Blessed with a safe trip and everyone glad to be back home in their "cozy beds" as Lance said!