Weekend at Grandma's with cousins

The title pretty much sums this one up! Have I mentioned that my mom and I live in the same town, so when my sisters come into town, they always stay with my mom and we just all get together there? This weekend it was Hilary and her four kids. They are great with Nate and Lilly and always keep them thoroughly entertained!

Look who is sitting a the big table (barely peeping their heads over) with no booster seat!

They all want to cuddle with Grandma!

We don't need your stinkin' block!

All I wanted was one measly picture of my two year olds sitting/standing next to the number 2 block to match the one I have of them next to the number 1 block from last year. I have had pretty good luck with Portrait Innovations in the past because of an awesome photographer that really worked with my kids. I was never super excited about the quality of the pictures, but I admit for the price and the instant gratification of getting your pictures right then, you really can't beat it. This time when I called to make the appointment, the receptionist was rude and when I informed her that I only needed one picture with both kids in it (one pose), she informed me that we had to also take individual pictures of each kid in several different poses with different backgrounds, etc. even if I was dead set against buying them. Ok, if they want to waste their time that's fine with me. I'm not falling for those tricks and buying ten million pictures I will never do anything with again. When I requested the awesome photographer we had the previous times, I was informed he no longer worked for the company. Dang. Ok, well surely they will have other people who work with kids. I mean, they have to work with kids all the time, right?

We arrived at our appointment with brand new outfits, freshly cut and styled hair-dos, all the proper fixings for a great picture! Unfortunately it was taking a little longer this time for my kids to warm up to this new photographer, who I guess had had a long night the night before because his energy level was about ZERO. In fact, they were VERY scared of him. He just stood there staring at us, waiting for them to stop. No trying to warm them up or getting out any toys. It ws clearly the first time he had ever seen toddlers in his life. I felt like the photographer was rushing us and started to get frustrated that he wasn't doing anything to help AT. ALL. I understand it's not his fault my kids were scared, but I just would have hoped to have someone work with us a little more. Or maybe someone who seemed apologetic instead of anooyed with us.

When he asked if we wanted to reschedule because they needed to move on, I was extremely frustrated and disappointed. If he only knew what goes into getting them ready to have professional pictures made perhaps he would have been more understanding! In the end, I guess you get what you pay for (or don't get what you don't pay for in my case). I won't be bringing my kids back any time soon!! I mean, all you have to do is make silly noises and faces for a few minutes! It's not that hard!!

SOOOOO.. after a VERY defeating morning, we went home to take a breather (ok, I'll admit I pouted all morning). Igot an idea to try and take some pictures in my mom's backyard because it is very pretty and they are almost never scared of my mom (just kidding). After all that (sigh), here are the pictures from our backyard photo shoot that will officially be our "two year" pictures.

SOO BIG!

Bubbles!!

Thanks to Grandma and cousin Scarlett, who were working hard to help me keep the boogers happy!

Aunt Pam and cousin Matthew!

Last weekend we had a lot of fun when Brian's sister (from Colorado) flew down with her youngest little one to spend time with us. Matthew just turned one and is almost as big as Nate and Lilly! They had so much fun together, I can just tell they are all going to be good buddies!


They were very interested in Aunt Pam's cool new flip video camera!

Bath time! Don't they look like they could be triplets?!?
Sweet boy!

Yes, Lilly has Nate's life jacket on over her dress while she is playing in the living room with Matt.. Don't ask me!
Aunt Pam with the boys!So glad we had this little picnic table so they could sit and eat lunch together!

We tried this new little wiggly sprinkler toy in the back yard, but Lilly was the only one who even really tried to enjoy it! It was very cute and VERY funny!

We actually went swimming too (no pictures- sorry!). Matt and Lilly had a ball. Nate screaming, crying, wet-boogery mess the WHOLE. ENTIRE. TIME! I don't understand how a kid can have a blast in the tub splashing around and then freak out around any and all other sources of water. Oh well.

Pam, we had a great time- thank you for coming to see us! We can't wait to see you and the rest of the clan in October!

"Sweet Sleepies"

Is there anything sweeter than a sleeping baby?? Nope.

She's wondering what I'm up to..

Get me out of here, Mommy!

I love the way he sleeps with his arms folded under his head like this (notice the silky under his arm)..See our friends, Elmo and Grover?

Big Kids, Party of Two!

Your table is now available!

Look who ditched their high chairs for seats at the grown-up table! We got these booster seats and they really seem to like sitting at the table with us. We like it much better too!

I took this picture before I had the courage to get rid of my high chairs, but now they are gone and we have so much more space in the little breakfast nook- YAY!

They even sit at their little picnic table sometimes now too!

June 22- actual birthday!

I forgot I had pictures of their actual birthday, which was the Tuesday after the birthday party. I took that day off and we had fun playing. I did manage to get a few pictures..

They love coloring at their new Elmo table!

Of course we had to play outside a bit..Having left over cup cakes after dinner!

So much fun rocking after their bath!

Hard to believe our sweet babies are two!!