bru and the mrs. + twins!: Super

I continue to enjoy taking pictures with my iPhone. I've also downloaded another app besides Instagram. On another blog, I spotted a collage, but it was still credited to Instagram. That immediately had me puzzled/intrigued. After some research, I stumbled on a few options. I went with one called PicFrame and it helps you to create collages out of images in your Camera Roll (gallery). You can add Instagram filters to your photo first and then pull them into a PicFrame collage. Or, you can create you collage first and then add an Instagram filter. I've mostly used the second option. You may already know this, but you can email photos from another camera to yourself, save them to your gallery, and then use them in your apps, too.

PicFrame:

On Monday, when I was coming home from school, I drove around the bend to see this. I stopped (cul-de-sac advantage) and took a couple of pictures. While I'm at school, Eric's been venturing outside with the boys a little bit more lately. Up until now, we've been nervous about not having both of us around, in case they decide to sprint off in the opposite directions. I learned that one from experience. To unexpectedly see my three guys hanging out made my heart sing.

It turns out that they were helping Daddy. Well, Reid was all about helping Daddy.

Aiden wandered around chattering away about who-knows-what. I can't wait to understand what he's talking about, because he has a lot to say. He also like to point for emphasis, just like Grandpa Starrs.

Storm's a brewing.

Eventually, Aiden did help a little bit... by taking leaves out of the bag. We'll get him on the right track.

Cheese!

No time for smiles, Mama. I'm still exploring.

One of our favorite books right now is "Shake a Leg". It's a Sesame Street book and there are several actions to try out: shake a leg, honk your nose, pat your head. Our favorite one is "make a muscle" because Reid totally gets into it. I finally managed to get a picture of it.

Guess what Eric was distracted by? An airplane, of course.

Me.

Another PicFrame collage. This was a an idea from the Instagram blog: #fromwhereistand #lookingup. (On their tips page, scroll way down to find: "Photo Tips: Combining Multiple Photos Into One".) I realized that after I posted it to my Instagram album, I had forgotten to apply an Instagram filter. Oh well.

Sunrise on Tuesday morning.

At my request, my mom made some fleece blankets for the boys' crib. They turned out great. I picked out some fleece airplane fabric and four coordinating solids. She surged them together around the outside and tied the two layers together. Aiden especially likes to snuggle with his. On Thursday, after nap time, I was surprised to discover that he got a hold of Reid's blanket and brought it downstairs with him. (I had left the boys upstairs to play while I was getting their milk ready. Reid's blanket had fallen on the floor beside his crib, so that's why Aiden had that one instead of his own.)

Caught red-handed: Reid helping himself to a snack of cereal.

We had dinner over at Grandma's house. The boys thought Grandma's flashlights were a lot of fun.

Aiden enjoyed some reading time.

Reid enjoyed tickling Grandma with her laptop duster.

On Thursday evening, the snow began.

And on Friday, we had a snow day!

Aiden, watching the snow. He loves to watch out the window.

For some reason, Reid likes to grab the Pam cooking spray out of the cupboard.

Look at all that snow!

And help himself to some Animal Crackers while he's at it.

Cheese! Yeah right, Mama!

One of the ladies in our book club invited us over to her house for tea. I decided it would be good for the boys to be around some more kids they didn't know, so we bundled up and drove over to cul-de-sac behind our house. The minivan handled the snow great!

The boys loved petting Charlie.

Aiden found a buddy to hang out with.

But, he was mostly drawn to Charlie.

They were all tuckered out after our visit and were out cold shortly after I put them down for a nap. With all the snow glare, it was bright enough in their nursery that I could sneak in and take a couple of pictures. Notice that Aiden had already pulled off his socks.

Friday evening:

Instagrammed:

Even more snow by Saturday morning:

We did bundle up again and drove over to the hospital to visit Grandpa. The boys had the most fun with his walker.

My dad bought a grabber tool to keep at our house. He uses it to pick up toys off of the floor. I like to use it fish out Aiden's socks from underneath his crib.

Saturday, after lunch I went out to work on shoveling. Too bad Eric was out of town and missed out on that fun.

Saturday was Eric's birthday, but because we knew he would be out of town, we celebrated early. In his absence, the boys were happy to eat some of his birthday cake.

Reid helping to clean up with the Dust Buster. It wasn't on, but he went all over the kitchen and living room with that thing. I wonder if he'll be so eager to help us in a few years?

Aiden pointing out that we have a message waiting, according to the blinking light. I'll be glad when the GOP caucus is done- too many calls this week. I don't know how you Iowans can stand it.

Today at lunch, Reid decided to try to eat with two spoons. One of his favorite words continues to be "more".

Aiden went for the direct approach:

Remember the "grabber". Reid carried it around for much of the afternoon/evening. I remember one of my friends recalling how hard it was to have peace and quiet with little ones around; including in the bathroom. Sure enough, Reid made his move:

He even made it look like Aiden was the only one who was peering under the bathroom door. Unfortunately, holding the evidence was his downfall.

Aiden and I accidentally got whacked with the grabber a couple of times.

I wouldn't let Reid hold it during supper. I know. Mean mama. He was fine a few seconds later when he started chowing down.

Superbowl Sunday-My Facebook update: "The boys and I watched halftime and the 3rd quarter. They liked saying "ball", signaling for a touchdown (even on non-touchdown plays), commercials with cars, and commercials with puppy dogs. They also left the house looking like we had 500 party guests. Good times." Uncle David seems to thinks that means we need a dog. While Eric and the boys would agree, I think I need wait until I don't have two in diapers before that decision is made.

They were pretty mesmerized by the halftime performance by Madonna:

Lost interest for a while:

Then got back into watching the action. Here, Aiden spontaneously threw up his arms... for about 30 seconds. There was not a touchdown scored during that time, but it's good to see he learned a little bit about watching football this season from his Daddy.