King's Champion Faire

We had a great time this weekend! The boys got to go in costume for the first time. I wanted to make them nice colorful costumes but ran out of time. As it turns out, they didn't much care as long as they got axes to chase each other with. Here's a really funny video. I only wish I had figured out how to get the sound to work on my camera. Gwydion was screeching like mad and more than one spectator stopped to enjoy the show.

Ready, Set, Learn!

Gwydion has started school. We're into the second full week now. He absolute loves it. His best friends from pre-K are in the same class, so he feels quite comfortable. Gavin misses his brother but is happy to have some time alone with Mama. We've also had a few little adventures: The Wiggles Live, a new sandbox and a trip to the lake.

Gwydion and Gavin can't believe The Wiggles are real people.


Enjoying the new sandbox.

Gwydion's first day of school.

Gwydion and Gavin reading books in bed.

Our trip to the lake. We thought we'd get in some hiking, maybe see a few wild animals. But what did the kids want most to do? Play in the sand, of course!

Gavin is identifying letters for me, but apparently there's no sound. I'll have to check the settings on my camera to see if I missed something or if it just doesn't have a microphone. Sorry folks.

The end of summer

July is the end of summer for us, as Gwydion starts school this week. As many of you know we were strongly leaning toward homeschooling, but Michael and I decided to let him try public school. He's very excited and can hardly wait to see his friends again. Gavin and I will miss him though. Somehow it doesn't seem fair that he has to spend the bulk of his day away from the family. We've been making the most of our time together though and very much enjoying the summer. Here are a few pictures of our recent adventures.

Gwydion at dance class. He's taking a tap/ballet class at our local park community center. He's thoroughly enjoying himself and is very much looking forward to a performance this winter.

While Gwydion dances, Gavin plays in the gym nearby. The giant balls and hula hoops are fascinating.


When it is time for some quiet activity, they boys enjoy being crafty. Here, Gwydion paints beads for his pipe cleaner animals.

Gavin enjoys a foray into abstract art.

Gavin tries to tickle his brother, which of course results in a round of wrestling on the couch.

Snuggly boys watching cartoons.
Playing trains and chasing the camera.

We also went bowling for Sara's birthday. The boys had a great time, though the lighting made it difficult to take pictures. Gwydion was quite excited that he could actually knock down pins (with the help of bumpers and a ramp). Gavin was so determined not to be left out that he picked up an 8 pound ball and carried it about two feet before rolling it across the floor. After that we let him use the ramp too. Who knew a 20 month old would like bowling too?



We took a break from the lanes to ride the go-carts. Papa drove while Gwydion enjoyed the ride. Our foster brother Darrean got to drive a go-cart for the first time and had a blast, while Gavin and Michael watched the race.

After racing for a bit, we took a break for cake and ice cream. With Papa's help, the boys ate their fill. Gavin even tried the ice cream!

Then it was back to the race track for Gwydion to try driving on his own. He had a little trouble steering and pushing the gas pedal at the same time, but he finally got the hang of it.

Busy boys!

The boys have really been enjoying the summer in our pool. It is their favorite way to spend time with Daddy. Gavin wears his little suit and can dog paddle all the way across the pool. Gwydion's swimming has done nothing but improve, despite his swim class being cancelled. He swims under water like a fish and is learning to float on his back.


We also went to Philbook again last Saturday. The boys had a blast! We did an art project, walked in the garden (hot!!) and did the scavenger hunt.

We've also been to the zoo several times, most recently with Grandma and her boys. We all had a great time seeing and learning about the animals.

Darrean, Gwydion and Jabre play Atlas.

Gavin and Nolan atop the big rock at the zoo.

The boys posing at the entrance to the rainforest exhibit.

Grandma, Gwydion and Gavin in the rainforest exhibit.

The boys monkeying around!

Grandma also had puppies visiting for a few days, so the boys got some interaction time. They weren't quite sure what to think. The puppies were fun but they had sharp little teeth.

And of course, since we've been visiting the museum, Gwydion insists that we have our own museum at home. You can see our 'exhibit case' in the background, while the artists create more masterpieces at the table.

Here's a cute Gavin video for his adoring fans.



And a few more pictures, just because.

The boys had a good time making sidewalk paint and decorating the patio.


That is until Gavin spilled the paint on his foot. Apparently feet aren't supposed to be green...

Congratulations Gwydion!

Gwydion has officially graduated to Kindergarten! His preschool class had a small ceremony, during which every child received an award. Gwydion loved every minute of it and is very excited about starting Kindergarten in the fall. Here are a few pics of him at the ceremony and some from our other activities this month.


We also started our summer activities including family days at Philbrook, our art museum. The kids had a fantastic time drawing, painting, and making puppets.


We also made a short excursion to the park to let them run around, since we couldn't do that at the museum.


We also had a birthday party where Gwydion AND Gavin went down the big slide. I went with Gavin and so did Grandma. He loved it!


And finally, the boys both had checkups this month. They're both big and healthy. Gwydion is 46 lbs. (80%)and 44 1/4 inches tall (76%). Gavin is 26.4 lbs. (50%) and 34 inhes tall (92%). Gavin got one shot but he didn't cry- he just got mad. Big boy!