Bunkbed!!!!

The Wonderful Bunkbed

Above-Opening his gift from Papa. Click the link above for even more bunkbed pictures.

Much deliberation and planning ensues. Originally they were going to build one. Then we found this one at the Habitat for Humanity Restore, and two things happened- 1. We realized we couldn't build one for the price of this one, and 2. James was in love with it. He came home talking about it. It didn't take us long to make the decision to purchase it.

Setting up- the boys were bonkers with excitement! We finally had to ban them to the other room because they were runnning back and forth bonking into the mattress leaning against the wall and trying to climb on the half built bed!

Finally it's together- well, I mean obviously we got the bottom mattress on later, but for the boys this was the important part: getting to climb up to the top! Yay!

Train toy ride!

First time on one of these rides.

Where did they go?

That's what the boy silhouetted in the window wants to know. He shed the tears of a younger brother too little to participate, as his Papa and brother headed off this morning to a Tumbling Class. James is SO excited, "I'm going to learn to cartwheel Mama! And how to...uhh...how to tumble!"

What I realized when they left is that it really is very rare for James to go anywhere without his little brother. Even when Michael or I offer to take just James on an outing, "It'll be special, just you and me," we'll say. James doesn't want to go without Leland. He often will flat out refuse to go somewhere if Leland can't go. So this is an odd experience for Mr.Lee to be left behind! It should be a lot of fun for James and Michael though, and I'm sure Leland will quickly realize the benefits of having Mama all to himself for a bit.

The Boys' Favorite Activity

Playing with Papa on the bed.

 

Once, last year for Micahel's birthday card I asked James what he really loved that his Papa did. "Plays on the bed with me!" was his quick reply. I don't think that answer has changed yet.

 

 

Watching the inauguration

James would rather be watching his garbage truck video, but I'm torturing him.

Friend fun

Having snacks at Stella's house.

Double Fist Drinks?

Leland says, "Mmmmm, Juice!"

A Project With Papa

Happy Boys

The boys and I have been visiting my mom in Sedona and we came home today. These two are very content little boys to be having a nice evening with Papa.

Aunt Jessie gave James a model Plane kit and (EXCITING!) they are starting to build it tonight. Leland's not exactly helpful, so he's hanging out with me now while James and Michael paint the pieces. I think this'll be the fun after dinner activity for the next few days.

Horse Play

These are from last month, but they were on my mom's computer, so I'm just getting around to sharing them now. This is the first time James and Leland rode on a horse.

Leland got on first. We asked James, but he said maybe his little brother should get up there before he did.

James was a bit of a reluctant rider, but he DID give it a go. He was happy though, to give up the saddle to his cousin...

Miss Elizabeth who was screaming to get ONTO the horse. Elizabeth the adventurer, no fear in that girl.

Here's the activity that James prefers- cleaning stalls. Or walking around behind Nana with a small rake while she cleans stalls. He's the helper.

Conversation Between Nana & James

James: You know Nana, there are boats that go under water and split in two and they're called submarines.

Nana: I don't think they split in two, I think the Tintanic did that, but that was an accident.

James: But you know, Nana, the submarines do go underwater and they just turn into two.

Nana: I think you've been misled.

James: I haven't been sledding in a long time!

Papa Time!

The boys are happy to have lots of snuggles with Papa since he's on vacation right now. Yay! We're thinking of renting a video tonight and relaxing.

 

A Doll Sling for James

Just as with a real baby, a sling is a must for carrying around your doll.

I had to (really, I just had to!) make James the sling after we went to the library and he wanted to take his doll, but all he had for carrying was the Moses basket bed. So he lugged that thing around with his doll and two blankets draping out of it.

I have to say, either way, there are few things more satisfying in life than watching your child play with a (and love) toy you made them. So sweet.

Rest stop

Taking a break on our way home from Phoenix. We were down visiting friends last night.

The request when James is tired of driving? ''Can we stop so I can dig in some dirt?''

Let's Play "Where's Leland?"

Yule 2008

Yule 2008

An early gift

While I was nursing Leland this morning James decided to check out the package his grammy sent. A little early, but at least painting is keeping him happy this morning.

Leland is not impressed.