Will 3 year old facts

Here are a few of Will's favorite things....

Favorite cuddly thing: green blanket
Favorite ice cream: green ice cream (usually mint)
Favorite song: What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Favorite toy: Incredible Hulk
Favorite place: Orange Leaf (new yogurt spot)
Favorite movie: Madagascar 3
Favorite book: Race Cars ready set go! or How do dinosaurs say I love you

Will my serious boy with mischievous eyes 

Goofy Will on the left, Jos, and Ben 

Two by Two

That's how they marched into Preschool....two by two. Our first week was awesome! While we still have some bouts of separation anxiety, the boys walked into Seeds of Faith like they owned the place. They were excited to go. They were devastated today when they didn't have school. We are off to a great start, much better than last year!

Last year's kick off to preschool was long and difficult. The boys had to learn that mama always comes back. And that's just what we've said for a year. It's our mantra. I think it gives me as much comfort as it does them. They no longer fear I won't return. It's sweet to feel so loved, especially since one day Will and Ben (and Josie too) will want not as much to do with me!

This week I was reminded to savor these moments. The boys are now in the yellow duck class. It's weird for me to think that Josie was a yellow duck when she started preschool, stopped going to daycare, and I officially started staying home full time. How did I blink and now it is Will and Ben's turn to be in the same class?! I had the same feeling come over me today when we started our third session of music class. I remembered how we had to bring the double stroller in every week, rain or snow, or sun that's how we had to roll at the time. When the boys raced to the door of music this morning I thought, "We've come a long way boys!"

High Five Brothers.

Will and Ben heading into Preschool to meet their teachers.  

 Example of how they ran into Music class today... (Ben top pic)

Official First Day of 3year old Preschool... Go Yellow Ducks (Will on Left, Ben on right)

We are 3!

The boys turned three on August 17th. We started celebrating on the 12th and didn't stop till the 19th. While I'm still trying to figure out where to put all their new toys, we sure had fun!

Here are some photos....

Celebrating with cousin Maeve

Presents (aka Chaos!)

Mickey & Minnie Mouse Birthday

Yummies!

Will looks like a natural on Porky

Ben loved Jessie

Mom and Will doubling up

 For three years I've carried two boys...  (Ben Left, Will Right)

Our balloon birthday surprise. 

Birthday breakfast at My Favorite Muffin

On their birthday they did gymnastics all by themselves! 

Birthday party in Omaha! (Ben Left, Will Right)

They look a lot alike here

More presents! 

Facing our Fears

The boys have developed a fear of dogs. It used to be manageable but for some reason (that we haven't pinpointed) it has become unbearable. They scream a high pitch scream, shake in fear, and jump on me faster than I can say "it's a nice dog!" The freaking out is as recent as this week.

We went to a friend's house who had a small dog. The boys panicked and the poor dog had to be put in the kennel (behind three closed doors) until we left. They thought they heard the dog coming and went into panic mode. The next day they got out of the car in our garage and a dog was on a leash across the street and they headed for the hills. My heart aches for them to have this fear. As their mom, I want to take all their worries away. I know I can't fix it instantly, but we are working on it!

I mentioned to our friend Eric, who trains dogs to help others, about the boys fear. Eric said let's go for ice cream! Not only was the ice cream delicious, it was the best thing we could have done to help the boys.

Eric knows what he is doing. He picked the ice cream store because it was a neutral playing field. We weren't entering the house that has a dog. We were going for ice cream with a dog. If you are 2, even if you have a fear of dogs, this is a cool thing. We met Archer and Eric in the parking lot. We let Josie approach Archer first. Archer is the sweetest black lab service dog on Earth. The boys saw how much fun Josie was having and decided to come closer for a pet. They did good for a few minutes then Archer moved his head slightly towards them and the boys panicked. I didn't realize this, but Eric was right on it and moved Archer so he couldn't face the boys.

We went in for ice cream and by the end the boys were smiling and excited to be by Archer. We talked a lot about how Archer is a service dog and what that means. I think Josie got the most out of that conversation... Ben's big take-a-way was Archer was allowed in the store. They were so calm and fearless. I was beaming for them.

Additionally, Josie has decided she'll be working for Eric when she's older, like 10.

Thanks Eric!

Ben, Josie, and Will with Archer 

Learning about Archer

It's a Twin thing...

I've always heard about twins having a sixth sense . I've seen our boys show some examples of this, but nothing like the other day. Ben has been a little under the weather this week. One day he was crying because his tummy hurt. He just wasn't well. As I was dealing with comforting Ben, Will kept falling on the floor. He was fussing... and not just crocodile tears for attention as they both sometimes do. Finally I grabbed Will and frustratedly said, "Will what is your problem?!" To which he looked me in the eyes and said, "I hurt when Ben hurts. I am sad." That's when I realized those were real tears. Tears in pain, not tears that are for attention.

I should also say, Ben's medicine is kicking in and we have a follow up appointment next week. Let's hope for all of our sake he is back to his crazy pink loving self soon!

Happy Weekend Everyone...

Will & Ben

Sweet Boys

I took these two pictures yesterday to test out our new camera. There was approximately 2 minutes in between the adorable picture of Josie, Will, Billy, and Ben snuggling and the picture of Ben bouncing on Will. Boys will be boys. 

New Do!

The boys shaggy hair needed to be trimmed up. One day I felt like I kept swooping their bangs to the side. By night time I was done swooping and moved onto something a little more permanent. They look like Pebble Flinstone, but it worked. The next day they requested pony tails and I decided we need to move get those bangs out of their eyes. While Josie was at Playhouse camp on her birthday the boys, dad, and I went to get the much needed trim. They both did really well, but it was funny to see how opposite they can be. Ben hopped into the chair without hesitating. He sat still and calm. Will wouldn't go first and NEEDED to sit on Dad's lap.

Looking good boys!

                                     

Will and Ben at bedtime

                                       

Will, me, Jules, and Ben

Looking good boys.... lollipops too!

Will and Ben at Josie's birthday party