Visitors.

We anxiously awaited the arrival of Uncle Mark, Aunt Kate and Cousin Logan. They were coming to visit for a few days and we were so excited. Luckily, our neighbor kept us distracted while we patiently waited. The boys and I need to get our plan together for this fun little garden. Thank you Hugh!

 

 

 

Hugh built us a raised garden that the boys and I will plant in a few weeks. We love your neighbors!

KM&L's arrival was delayed but not canceled. We had our doubts because of the crazy rain all day long. The boys were so happy to wake up and find them in our house. It rained all morning so we played and played around here in the morning. We did manage to squeeze in a visit to the Armament Museum and a quick trip to the beach during a little break in the weather. It was the perfect outing that ended with some tasty fish tacos.

The rain came back but that did not stop all the fun inside. Trains, Legos, movies and super heroes made for an action packed evening!

Cousin Logan arrived! He just turned two and sure was fun to have around.

Axel and Logan became instant friends.

Axel loves friends and having a cousin to run around with was even better than Legos!

Logan was thrilled. This was a fun game...

And they did it over and over and over again.

There was even a visit from Super Logan and Super Axel!

They were REALLY fast!

Really tough!

And really adorable!

Lucas opted to hang out with the adults and watch a movie.

 

Our super heroes discussing their next plan.

 The next day, the rain subsided a little so we headed to Baytowne Wharf to check out the tree houses and awesome playground. We headed back to the beach and although chilly, it was beautiful water and enough sand to keep Logan happy.

MaryAnne the parrot who lives at Baytowne Wharf down by the docks.

Back to the tree houses.

With all the rain, it was extra swampy and check out all that Spanish Moss. We were just thankful the bugs weren't out!

We had to take Logan to the park.

Uncle Mark found some fun climbs for Lucas.

And Axel too, of course!

It wouldn't be a trip to Florida without going to the beach.

 

Frisbee time.

Uncle Mark wondering  how he was talked into this beach thing?!? He's a mountain boy like his brother. :) Way to hang in there Mark!

The water was cool but still fun.

Full of surprises too...those waves can get you in a hurry.

Logan loved the sand.

 

Only a few more weeks until these beaches will be jammed packed with spring breakers.

We were just so happy to get a break from all the rain.

Axel patiently taught Logan the do's and don'ts of Legos.

   Unfortunately, our visitors had to leave sooner than we wanted but we sure are glad they made the trek out. It was so fun to see them and Logan is getting so big.  We sure miss living closer.  Thank you so much for coming to visit us! We love you guys!

It ended up raining all night again and this was our backyard after the three day down pour. I was so happy it stayed out back and not in the house. We are ready for some sun!

Our flooded back yard.

Swimming anyone?!

 Lucas is the "Mad Scientist" of the week at school so we've been testing out some fun experiments. More to come on that!

Lucas made 3-D puff paint and here he is doing some experimenting.

Legoman UPDATE

Axle's creations!

 I wanted to add some of Axel's Lego creations. He loves a good instruction book but we are excited that sometimes he just uses his own imagination. We hope to spark more motivation in this arena.

This one is my favorite..his fighter jet with fuel lines on the wings.

 Mr. Axel had to be extra brave today. He had to get 3 shots to get him immunizations up to speed. He clenched his teeth together and pushed through the 3 pokes bravely. We talked about it days/weeks in advanced and I think that really helped. So did knowing that he could bust into this sweet Lego set afterwards! It took us a good 30 minutes to make sure each and every piece was separated then he dove in.

He is going strong but quickly realized this was going to take some time.

Good luck my brave boy!

Legoman!

Axel has found his new passion...LEGOS!

This boy is addicted and I'm completely blown away by his attention to detail, determination, patience, persistence and stamina for putting together Lego kits of all types, ages and sizes. It started back at Christmas when he took over all Lucas' Legos and built them all. For his birthday, all he wanted were Legos especially the "Creator" kits. These kits come with instructions to built three things. He likes to call them "transformer" Legos. Axel loves to build and loves to destroy so these are perfect.

Recently, we discovered that he also loves to build, destroy, build, destroy, build, destroy and so on for hours on end. He is very meticulous when it comes to taking them apart. He will not start a new project unless each and every piece has been completely broken down and separated. This includes the tires and wheels and numerous other pieces I had no idea you could separate. He is adamant!

We've recently purchased new drawers to help him keep things organized. A tray is mandatory and sometimes he'll sort all the colors before starting to build something new. It's so fun to watch. On top of that, he's quick. He'll build, take apart and build again 2, 3, 4, 5 times a day. The rest of us don't have the patience but Axel sure does.

He received numerous kit for his birthday but also dug up old ones that have not been built in years. He'll search for each separate piece which he has sorted all by color in his drawers. It's almost painful to watch and he will ask for help to find things here and there but not until he's searched himself. He will also not allow you to help him assemble any pieces, that's his job..."Mom, I'm the Legoman!" he tells me with his sweet smile!

One day after hours of working on various versions, I could tell he was getting tired. I suggested that he take a little break. His response, "I can't! I'm so tired of this but I just can't stop. I have to finish it. I'm just so tired. Oh, this is taking forever. I'm really tired of this." Axel, "Take a break, lets have a snack?" "But I have to finish. Okay, I'll eat but then I need to finish."  And that's exactly what he did!

Our series of rainy days has really encouraged even more building but don't worry. When the sun comes out, we are taking a break! :)

He completed this one and then seconds later, destroyed it.

Wasted no time to convert it.

He's go it figured out.

Another truck!

3 wheeler dug up from the past...

New storage which Mommy loves!

His gift from Lucas.

He built this a few weeks ago, dismantled it tonight and re built 2/3 of it before going to bed. Whatever he is currently working on goes to bed with him and lives on the night stand until morning.

Tonight he asked Daddy if he could bust into his Lego collection and get started on this guy! That's my boy, you go Axel!

Valentines Day

It's amazing how quickly time passes and my blog is a great indicator of days ticking by. Normally, we don't try to rush time and focus on enjoying each day to the fullest. Lately, I don't think anyone has too many regrets about hoping the days go by a tad quicker. We are all anxious for March and early April when Daddy is scheduled to return.

With that said, we still try to make the most of each day, each season, each holiday and Valentine's Day was no exception. It was a school morning but one with some extra red, some extra LOVE!

The boys were more than pleased when they came in to eat breakfast.

 

Although, Axel was NOT impressed that he had to eat before opening his gift.

The chocolate milk in exciting glasses distracted him for a few moments.

We had pink chocolate chip pancakes. Axel starred at his plate and expressed that he did not like the taste of pink. Lucas reassured him that the pink color had no flavor. He bought it!

 

Mommy loves celebrating!

Wooden race cars!

 

Our neighbor, Bailey, surprised the boys with the grandest Valentine of all times...

 Dear Lucas and Axel,

You have been dear friends. I love when you come over every day after

 school. My mommy said that I could give one of my best friends. Right then

 ther was a ding in my head like a oven. It reminded me of you!! 

Your best friend, Bailey

It was very sweet and it looks like she spent a lot of time on it. Axel is in love with Bailey and always gives her a huge hug when she gets off the bus.

Lucas and I designed his Valentine's box to look like a big huge book. "Open Up and Take  Look.."

It got rave reviews at school!

We have been limiting some candy/sugar consumption lately so they were both very surprised to find treats from Mommy & Daddy after school. Just the perfect amount not to linger for weeks and weeks.

Lucas even made me a circle puzzle card.  I love it. I also love the three awesome Mexican cookbooks Daddy sent me. I think Daddy is dreaming about tasty food and planning all sorts of meals when he returns! :)