Saturday, February 23, 2013

Roxy Ann Hike

Last weekend was so gorgeous, we decided to check something off our bucket list that's been on there for over a year: hike Roxy Ann Peak.

The views were absolutely breathtaking from the get-go:
 It always makes a hike easier for me, if the view is gorgeous enough to distract me from the physical part of hiking!


 Cole switched between the backpack and running as fast as he could:

 Mad balancing skillz:

 Another first: Cole's first time peeing outside!  He was delighted, running back to me saying, "MAMA! COLE PEE ON YLOG!"

 Made it to the top!  

 See the tower at the top?  That's where we were!  And now every time we drive anywhere in town, Cole asks, "SEE TO-WER? SEE HIKE UP TO-WER?" He's so proud to have made it up to the top!




Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Rough with a capital R

oh my goodness.

some days.

some days are Rough with a capital R.

days where the day starts with tears.  so many tears.  tears because I turned the light off and Cole wanted to do it.  then more tears because I opened the door to bring the dogs inside and he wanted to do it.  then more tears because I refused to help Cole put on his pants.  then even more tears because I helped him put on his shoes - "COLE TURN! COLE TURN! NO HELP!".  then tears because I finally got fed up and told him I was going upstairs and he could come up when he was ready.  then more tears (wailing "MAMA! MAMA! HUG! KISS!" because he KNOWS how to make me feel really guilty about not going in to help him) because he wanted me to carry him up the stairs instead of just holding his hand.

uh-huh.  this is all before 7 am, people.  our day is JUST getting started.

Sometimes, I just have to walk away for a moment.  it's all the UNREASONABLENESS.  It's the incredible vacillation between wanting to be as independent as a twelve year old, then as dependent as a one year old.  And I have no idea which its going to be.

I'm over here like, can you maybe wear a different hat for each age you're going to act?  So I know if I'm talking to the twelve year old or the one year old? 

It's a little bit like walking on eggshells.

I'll flush the toilet and it will turn Cole into a screaming, crying mess.  How DARE I flush my own pee!  Don't I know how much that MEANS to him?  So I find myself asking permission for every single action:

"It's time to let the dogs out.  Would you like to do it or should I?" 

"What do you think should happen with your light?"

"Are you going to flush the potty or am I?"

"The toothpaste is really hard to squeeze onto the toothbrush, but you can try if you'd like."

And then listen to the sobs when I forget and accidently let the dogs in.  Or else put the dogs BACK out just so Cole can let them in.

We've been working on "taking turns".  "Oh no, I'm sorry buddy.  I turned the light off this time, but it can be your turn next time, ok?"  Sometimes that flies and sometimes it doesn't.

I know I should be grateful for this stage and all his newfound independence, blah blah blah.  It's awesome that he's now old enough to truly help out - I just wish it came with an instruction manual.

So if you need me, I'll be over here pulling my hair out and asking Cole's permission before every bite of food I take.  

It's a good thing he's so cute.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Valentine Cookie Decorating Party

This year for Valentine's Day we had some friends over for a cookie decorating party! It was so awesome having a houseful of kiddos playing, getting hyped up on sugar, and having fun:
 Decorating cookies is serious business:








I'm pretty sure this is the CUTEST group of kids ever!

Monday, February 18, 2013

Lost Creek Bridge

February is a cruel month here in Southern Oregon - for some reason, we always have a warm snap this month.  Just warm enough and sunny enough to make us think we're going to get an early spring...and then we get slammed with freezing temperatures and rainy days till June.

Oh well.  Last weekend was mild and sunny, so we took full advantage to go exploring.  Lost Creek Bridge is a picturesque covered bridge with an adorable little park next to it:










 My beautiful boy:
 Cole had such a great time running around:














We love taking Cole on new "VEN-TERR! VEN-TERR MAMA!" (adventures)!

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Yes to Love

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, here's a heartwarming video a friend posted on Facebook:



Thursday, February 14, 2013

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