What a difference!

I have to say, I'm proud of Austin and all the maturing that he has done over the last 6 months. Yesterday he went to a play date...first time all by himself. The first time he was invited over to Rion's house, Caden and I ended up staying with him. Not sure if he needed me...or if I just wanted to make sure he was okay. We were just going to stay for a little bit, but ended up staying the whole time, enjoying our visit. Rion came over last week to our house and we had a great time, and he invited Austin over yesterday. I dropped him off at 11am and was asked to come back around 1pm - enough time for me to have a little trip to the mall by myself! Just as I was getting close to picking him up, Dave called and said that Rion's Mom called and they were playing so well together, we could call back at 2:30. Austin ended up staying until 3:30pm, having the time of his life.

I think the words Austin said when I got there was, "go away, I'm playing at my friend's house". Not exactly what I wanted to hear, but at least he wasn't crying for me. This is the same boy that 6 months ago couldn't go to the neighbors house without running home crying. He is now much more adjusted, having fun with his friends, staying the night at Ammy and Papa's house, staying in his bed all night...doing all the fun and good things a four year old should. Dave and I are so proud of our big boy, and enjoying this new independence too!

Zoo Lights!

Austin & Caden, with cousin Anson!, originally uploaded by dlac.lee.

We had a great time at The Oregon Zoo tonight, for their special Zoo Lights during the holidays! Dave and I hadn't been since before we had the boys, so it was a special treat! We had a great evening with Auntie Jen, Uncle Phil and Anson...with nice, but cold weather. Caden even kept his hat and gloves on (smart boy!) and made several squeaks along the hour adventure to tell us that he loved the lights. Didn't make it on the train, but the wait in line was over an hour - can you imagine? Hope to do this again next year!

Lee Family - 2006 Christmas Day!

Lee Family - 2006 Christmas Day!, originally uploaded by dlac.lee.

Having two boys, I've found so much joy in matching their shirts for the last year or so. I think they look so cute when they are matching, but their Daddy is tired of it. Luckily for him, Austin is a big boy and growing fast, so as soon as he is too big for 5T, they won't be able to match anymore.

So, here's our family on Christmas Day. They probably won't match 100% next year, but that's okay. It's been fun, and they can always coordinate (while I have anything to do with how they dress). :)

I think Dave is just lucky that he hasn't had to match the boys the last year...although, I've tried!

Christmas Eve boys!

Christmas Eve boys!, originally uploaded by dlac.lee.

Trying to figure out how to put pictures on our BLOG...and hopefully this works. Here's Austin (holding up 4 fingers, as he just turned 4) and Caden on Christmas Eve. Can't you just feel their excitement??

Shopping...

My favorite hobby is to shop, but typically not with my husband. So when he told me to get ready this morning so we could run out to a few stores, I was surprised. So, we headed out to Home Depot for a few things and then to Target to rummage through their 50% off Christmas stuff. Well, for some reason, Austin has a hard time behaving in the store when the four of us are together. I have dragged the boys to every store and mall in the last 10 months for continuous hours and have never left the store due to a boy screaming...until today.

We were in the aisle at Target when we ran into our neighbor. As we were talking, Austin was goofing off and a kid driving a cart ran right into his head. I should have known that things could only get worse. He then started to wonder away...then sitting in one spot refusing to move, talking back the whole time. Dave, who had taken Caden out of the cart because of a few whines (I NEVER do this!), was chasing him around. I picked up Austin and told him we were going home for him to take a nap and I was going to carry him the rest of the trip. Well, you guessed it...he screamed and hollered the whole way out to the car, as everyone stared at us. Caden and Dave proceeded to go through the checkout and met us in the car. In four years, we've never had this and hope to not go through this again soon. On the bright side, we got some wrapping paper for next year, 50% off!

The day after...

Yes, today was the day after Christmas. I love Christmas, but never been too fond of the day after. I guess as a little girl, it was the let down of it being over...although shopping was always fun afterwards. But now as a Mommy myself, the complete mess and chaos of the day after is a little too overwhelming for me. It felt like I was going in circles today - picking up new toys, opening new toys and playing with new toys. Along with the messes of paper, boxes, etc...and daily chores. I spent a lot of time cleaning out the boys' toys so that we have room for all the new toys they just received. Now that the 26th is almost over, we can start getting ready for the New Year and take down the holiday decorations. It's been the best holiday season ever, but I'm ready for a good, clean start to 2007~!!

How does this work??

So, I've never been much into reading and writing...and didn't know what a BLOG was until a couple of months ago when I heard someone talking about it on the radio and then that same week my sister, Lisa, was creating one herself. So, I've been reading her BLOG and enjoying it...and now my sister-in-law in Virginia has started one too. I always have something to write about these days, especially with our little boys...Austin and Caden. They are busy and oh so funny, I am sure I could post daily. So, let's give it a whirl!