Happy days...

We love these happy faces!

Zing, Zang, Zoom!

The Ringling Brothers circus is in Sacramento this weekend...perfect timing for Jack's birthday! Evan took the day off and we took the birthday boy (and little brother too!) to the circus for the first time. Jack was a little nervous when the lights went out and the clowns appeared...but he soon settled in and really enjoyed himself! His favorite parts were the elephants and acrobats. On the way home, we asked him if he had liked the circus and he replied "Yes- it was CRAZY there!". Evan and I both got a laugh out of that one. Here are some pictures from our big day:

Checking out the pre-show with Daddy down on the floor

Acrobats throwing and balancing tables on their feet was pretty exciting

Jack picked out this crazy, spinning, flashlight as his special treat (don't ask how much Daddy shelled out for this- he's a softie!)

Miles enjoyed the circus too...the flash from the camera, not so much!

Now that's better!

The 3 year old picked out his #3 soccer shirt to wear

Enjoying a popcorn as tall as he is!

Tomorrow is Jack's race car birthday party- pizza, cupcakes, and a jump house: what more could a 3 year old want? We're really looking forward to the party...more pictures coming soon!

Fun on the Farm

Last week I took the boys to the Little Farm at Tilden Park in Berkeley. What a great place for 2 little boys! The farm is a good size for little ones- easily walkable with lots to see. Jack, who is ready to sign up for Future Farmers of America, had a great time!

Aunty Kathryn and Greg met us there (Grandma and Grandpa too!)

"Look!"

Checking out the cows with Kathryn and Greg

Carol is a longtime family friend and lives about 10 minutes from Tilden Park. She was a great tour guide- thank you Carol!

Still fascinated by the cows!

We also rode the steam train and merry-go-round during our visit...more pictures to come!

My #1 Helper

These days Jack's favorite activity is "helping". Sometimes this is actually helpful...and sometimes not so much. But, it's always cute (and also scary) to see how closely he is watching Evan and me. Here are a few recent examples:

"Mom- I'm busy fixing this!"

Concentrating on his home improvement chores

"Don't worry Mom. I can feed the baby"

Who needs a shredder when Jack is available to practice his new scissor skills on the junk mail?

I figure that soon enough we'll be nagging him to make his bed and take out the trash so for now I'm soaking up his "helpfulness"!

6 months old...where have the days gone?

I can hardly believe that Miles is 6 months old today! Seriously, where has the time gone? On the one hand, I don't really remember what life was like before he was part of the family...but at the same time, his newborn days seem like they were over in the blink of an eye! He is a chubby, happy, smiley baby these days and growing and changing faster than I can keep up:

6 months old today!

This spoon keeps me busy for a minute or sometimes even two!

I love this little face!

Having a ball in my new exersaucer

Just having fun!

6 months old just might be my favorite baby stage. Miles is full of smiles and delights at the world around him. He loves his brother and lights up when Jack walks into the room. He is pretty easily entertained with toys on a blanket or a walk outside. But most importantly...he still stays put when I lay him down! However, judging from the scooting and rolling we're seeing around here...these days are just about over. I'm enjoying them while they last! Once they're both on the move- hmmm...