One of these things just doesn't belong . . .

We had haircuts today. Porter went first - his first haircut ever - and did pretty well, all things considered. Lincoln joined Porter shortly thereafter, when his haircut was complete. I got Porter out of the tub and dressed before Ethan got in. I then proceeded to clean up the hairy mess in the kitchen. A few minutes later - over the noise of the vacuum - I heard screeches of delight. I made my way to the bathroom where I found this:

Can you find the boy who doesn't belong?

Bathroom behavior - addendum

Greg came out of the bathroom laughing tonight. Apparently, Ethan and Lincoln were peeing at the same time before bed and when they were done, instead of swatting his own bum a couple times to clear the drips, Lincoln reached over and spanked Ethan's bare bum instead. Ha!

Just me and PJ

Greg took Ethan and Lincoln early Friday morning to Utah with him to pick up some furniture for our hopeful move and ... drumroll please ... our new chocolate lab puppy. Yes, I'm a sucker for boys with puppydog eyes. We named the pup Dakota and she is absolutely adorable. I don't even like dogs - truth - but I can already see the potential for loving her. She's a doll.

AND ... with three boys gone that left only Porter and me to fend for ourselves. We went on an impromptu trip with Becky and her girls up to Jackson to visit the BEST dollar store ever - seriously. That's all. An hour-and-a-half both ways just for the dollar store. It's amazing how carefree and easy it is to pick up and go with only one child. Porter has never been away from his brothers for this long and, as it turns out, he's pretty independent and very happy to entertain himself. It lasts a lot longer, too, when nobody's bossing or pushing or teasing him. He's delightful. I always knew it ... but this weekend was a good reminder.

I did miss seeing my Kemp girls ... but could hardly pass up an unsolicited offer from Greg to take not just 1 but 2 boys away overnight. I feel refreshed and happy. Sometimes mommies just need a break.

This weekend's quotable quote: Ethan said to Greg on the way back from Utah, "Daddy, drive faster than the signs tell you and if a policeman makes us stop we will tell him we have to go fast because our puppy is cold!" Ingenious.

i told you so

And you all thought I was kidding when I told you he wouldn't sit still! Yes folks, these ARE the best of the best of Lincoln's 3-year-old photos. Little stinker . . .

Lincoln turns 3

Lincoln Dale is 3 today! I'm not quite sure how that happened, but he has managed to remain adorable through it all. He loves to play with Ethan (during the rare times they're both feeling friendly and cooperative) but really enjoys playing alone, too. He could spent an hour or two with simple blocks if uninterrupted.

He talks and talks and talks and talks and can make just about anyone laugh - even against their will. And any day of the week (yes, even in the 10 degree Wyoming weather) you will more than likely find him in shorts and his red rain boots. Why discourage such a cute thing?

3-year-old Favorites:

Book: I don't know (would NOT be pressured)

Movie: Um, Mickey Mouse!

Color: Um, white!

Treat: Suckers!

Drink: Juice!

Toy: The Rescue Heroes he's holding

He's easily influenced. I couldn't get him to focus on a book, Mickey Mouse was on the TV, his shirt was white, he's been begging for suckers all day, there's juice in his sippy cup and he never plays with Rescue Heroes . . . until I ask him what his favorite toy is and he picks up the first thing he finds in the toy box. BUT, every answer was given with zest! Gotta love life's simple pleasures.

At the moment, my computer won't let me upload his 3-year-old photos. I spent nearly 15 minutes trying to get a good picture . . . and it never happened. When I get more technological cooperation, I'll post the best of the best - which don't do him any justice at all.

Happy birthday Ethan!

It's true. Ethan is 5 years old and doing what he loves best - eating sweets (I suppose that's what happens when your birthday is the day after Halloween)! Yes . . . he's definitely my son. And to celebrate, here are some of Ethan's favorites to commemorate his last year (in his very own words):

"What makes me happy is when I go somewhere fun like miniature golf . . . What makes me feel good is when I play with my toys . . . I like to eat samwiches, quesadillas and nachos . . . I like to draw pictures . . . What I mostly like is to pretend to be a daddy."

FAVORITES:

Color: Blue

Movie: Ben 10: Alien Force

Toy: My new watch, my Bakugan and my glowing ant farm

Thing to do in Pinedale: Play outside

Person to talk to on the phone: My grandma

Song: I wonder when He comes again

Superhero: Robin (from Batman)

Place to go: The PAC (pinedale aquatic center)

Drink: Milk

Activity: Playing with a dog (sorry buddy, we're still not getting one)

Book: Never Tease a Weasel

Treat: Halloween candy (duh!)

Just another excuse to dress up

Amy and Sally hosted a fabulous mommies and kids' Halloween party last week. This was the only time I dressed up all week. Thank goodness Greg served in the Army so I always have a costume in the closet. And yes, folks, that's Army issue face paint!

Later in the week, Mandie had us over for pumkin carving festivities. Can you tell Ethan loved weilding a knife? I'll have to keep my eye on him . . .