Girl's weekend with Baby Boys

While Ben went to Florida for a conference, my mom, Danette and Blake came into town for a long girl's weekend with the baby boys of course.  We had the best time and am so glad Danette lives somewhat close by.  We had a great time shopping, eating lots of mom's cookies and watching the boys play together... well sort of play together. It had been a few months since the cousins got together and we laughed our heads off while we watched them interact.  Parker is only 3 months older than Blake but seems to be unsatisfied with him as a play mate. Blake is such a mellow and happy kid and we think that might be a good influence on Parker.  

Here Blake is a little unsure of Parker

And after a few good pokes in the face he has reason to be.

However, Parker soon got bored with his cousin and began the "I am bored and unhappy face"

He also seem to get a little bored with all the millions of pictures we took of them together.

The Little Critter

(and the face continues)

If you don't know these books, you have to find them.  The are called "The Little Critter" books by Mercer Mayer and they are hilarious.  The main character is the funniest little boy and we always joke that this is going to be Parker as he grows up.  Parker is notorious for his crazy hair and this face just seemed so appropriate for the picture with his favorite books.  (Ok not really his favorite books but ours to read to him)

Parker's new surf-beach quilt by Grandma Rapp

My mom made this quilt for Parker and I absolutely love it.  She is so talented in the sewing department and well... i am ... not so much.  But luckily I have her to teach me.  There are so many adorable fabrics on this quilt and it really makes me miss the beach.  I love the square that has the shout out to San Diego too.  Thanks Mom.

Here are a few extra pics of Parker lately

I love this picture because he is so happy.  I took it while he was crawling under my chair and I feel like I captured just the right moment.   One reason I love Parker so much is that he loves to be silly, just like his cousin Gracie.

Lazy much?  This is when Parker wanted us to feed him everything.  We tried to stand strong and have him do it himself an this is what we got.

May Updates

So this is what we have been up to lately (or at least what we caught on camera):

• Ben and I both celebrated being parents by spoiling the other one on Father's Day and Mother's Day
• We did some serious planting in the yard
• Ben has played lots of softball 
• We found out Parker has a milk allergy

FATHER'S DAY

Chocolate breakfast, gifts, more chocolate, BBQing, playing with the Pman, and even more chocolate.  What could be better?

Reeses waffles with bananas and nutella.... nothing but chocolate for breakfast for the best Dad there is.  There was a fruit salad but come on now, we all know that barely got touched.

Unfortunately Parker's waffles only came with bananas.  

Parker's new patio chair to hang out with Ben while he works the BBQ.  

Testing out the new BBQ accessories.  

This steak and shrimp was some of Ben's finest BBQing.

Calling Grandpa to wish him a happy father's day while Parker hangs out in his new favorite spot.  He loves to stand there and look out the window.

Forget sitting in the exersaucer...

... when you can have Daddy spin you around down below.

We finished the day with what I must admit were the best brownies I have ever made.   I meticulously followed the recipe for the William Sonoma Brownies (because when I try to wing things, they just aren't so good) and they were HEAVENLY.   I used Scharffen Berger Belgium chocolate which I believe is what made them soooo good.  They were thick and rich it took us 3 days to eat a small pan... that never happens for us.  

The best part is that Ben LOVED them.  

MOTHER'S DAY

My first Mother's Day was awesome because it was spent by hanging out with my boys.  It started with pancakes in bed, then followed by a series of gifts to complete the "Super Mommy Kit", and was finished off by a custom Cold Stone Creamery Cake (oreos and caramel of course).  I had the best time being with my boys and I couldn't be luckier to be Parker's mom.  This was the best day ever.

Yep, this is it.  The unbelievable custom made oreos and caramel cold stone cake.  It was so rich it took us a few days to eat it.  Luckily we had some good friends come help us with it!

Another picture because I know you are all still thinking about it. 

My Favorite Gift - Parker's handprints.  This is something I wanted to do forever but never seem to find the time.  So Ben and Parker did it one night while I was at a GNO and it was such a wonderful surprise.  I absolutely love it and will keep it forever.

Yes, this is a PINK baseball mitt.  I am not sure what to think of it but I love that it came from my boys so I will use it.  Pman can roll the ball now so we are on our way.

SOME NEW PLANTS

Thanks to help of Thayne for getting us working and Ken our expertise neighbor to give us advice, we finally fixed up our backyard a bit.  Here is kind of the before and after. (Sorry the pics are from different angles)

We pulled up all the ugly rocks from the side of our yard and planted some new trees.  I must admit that I absolutely love black mulch.  It would be on my top 10 favorite things because it just looks so clean and nice and stays black all year long.  

.

Our rocks are temporarily moved to behind our garage.  Anyone want any free rocks?

SOFTBALL SUMMERS

Here is a pic of Ben's softball team.  He has a great time playing and Parker and I love to go watch and hang out with the other families on the sidelines.

Here is Parker focusing on watching the game.  

I just realized I need to take some more pics at these games.

MILK ALLERGY

Poor Pman had some yogurt and it didn't go down too well.  Hopefully he will grow out of it but until then, no cold stone cake for him.  Poor guy.