How boys play

Boys just play differently. I am reminded of this anytime we hang out with friends who have girls. Actually I am reminded of this all.day.long when they are trying to tackle me or wrestle me or just use me as a jungle gym.

This may look like a normal horsey game, but it is really Spence about to do push ups with Ben on his back

Zeke joined in on the fun... he decided daddy's head was the best spot to sit

Boys trying to get the best seat in the house

Ben's version of pushups... I personally like them better

Poor Spencer after their playtime

The neverending bday posts

This is everyone singing to Zeke. We definitely need to do some work on his candle blowing out skills...

Zeke's Book Party

For Zeke's birthday this year, we decided to do a book theme. He LOVES books so much. I thought about seeing if the library would let us have it there and quickly rethought that one. We let Zeke invite 3 friends because he is 3 years old (thanks for the idea Morgan!) Zeke invited Holt, Evan, and Brayden. We of course had our family come as well. Spence's side was able to all make it, but my side was struck down with a bug and none were able to make it (trust me, they have made up for that exponentially). We really enjoyed watching Zeke interact with his friends and also present opening was a bit different this time. It was the first time both of our boys have really understood what was going on. We will just say that Ben made things interesting...

Zeke's homemade book cake

(this was round two, my first attempt got to be eaten the night before with Uncle Matt and Aunt Tori)

The kids painted book bags to take to the library with them


My boys were done in about 25 seconds, but these three had to be drug from the table

Not a great pic, but this is Evan. Evan likes to help open presents. He was so sweet about it and Zeke actually was really nice in telling him no he didn't need any help :)

We love creative gift wrap and cards

Here is the gift thief, trying out Zeke's new chair

All the boys enjoyed trying out the new toys and books

The Shelton Four

Three Year Old Zeke

Ezekiel, I can not believe that you are three years old. We have been talking about you turning 3 for a few weeks. Today you announced that you are a big boy. There were a few things you told us you couldn't do because you were too big. We celebrated with a party Saturday (more pictures to come) and then we have celebrated all.day.long today.

Here are some fun things about your right now;

• You are growing like crazy. You mostly wear 3T clothes.



• You aren't napping so much anymore, probably 3 days a week. I am very sad about this



• You say the funniest things. Your 3 year old logic is hilarious.



• You can be so sweet to Ben, but at times you just pin him down and make him scream. I guess this is just part of being a big brother.



• You engage in conversations with us now. You rationalize and really try to process what we are talking about.



• You try to teach Ben everything you know. You are constantly asking him if he can say something or knows something.



• You love learning about the Bible.



• You still love books and read all day long. I love how you have started to "read" to me



• Anything Cars is a fave. Your presents were almost all in that theme.



• You have become pretty defiant recently, which has not been so fun for mom and dad. We know it is just a part of you figuring things out, but we also know we can't let that sin stay rooted in your heart



• You aren't quite as self-centered. You seem to be more aware of people you interact with. This isn't to say that you are 100%, but you are definitely getting there.

And just for some laughs:

What Ben has in common with 22's

OK, so nothing really except that he is 22 months old! Benjamin has really seemed to turn a corner to being a big boy this month. It has been very interesting watching his personality, physical and verbal skills EXPLODE this month. I am going off my normal pattern for this month to tell about Ben just because I needed to shake things up.

• Ben has become so inquisitive. He constantly asks questions and wants to know what's going on. He asks me what song is on, the color of things, what Zeke is doing, etc. All day.


• He is also hilarious! His laugh is infectious. He is a wild man and so much fun everyday.

• Benjamin is adventurous. He definitely comes up with the ideas for all the trouble he and Zeke get into. He was the one who first jumped off the otoman, he asks to run outside and play in the rain, he climbs up onto the counters.


• He loves being outside. This has been so tough with the heat. We have been outside at 7:30 to try to get in our fresh air and vitamin D.

• He is a rascal! He is so michevious. He gets the cutest little look on his face when he is doing something.


• On the flip side of this, he is so defiant sometimes! He can throw a tantrum like I have never seen and boy have I seen some.


• He is such a deep feeler and expresser of his emotions. When he is mad it is tantrum city, but when he is happy he is so pleasant and cheerful. He has definite highs and lows and lets it be known what is going on.
  
  


• Ben is way independent. He says everything "I do it myself" He now climbs up into our big chairs with out assistance. He tries to climb into the car and up into his carseat. It is so great in some ways, but in others he drives me NUTS!


• He loves going potty. We sit at least once a day. He hasn't had any success yet, but I am just happy that he is interested at all.
  
  

Muppets

Spence loved The Muppets while growing up. He even had a dog named Muppet. And really who can blame him? What's not to love about those crazy puppets? We actually bought an Animal ornament this year to symbolize Benjamin for 2010 since he is such a wild card.
Recently we recorded Muppets Take Manhattan. This is the boys reactions:

In awe

Dumbfounded

A little confused...

We aren't sure they fell for it immediately but we will continue to expose our kiddos to the wonders of good television.

Daddy's helpers

Spence decided it was time to wash our dirty cars one afternoon. Zeke and Ben were great helpers.

Zeke kept saying he was gonna wash daddy's horse

Ben observed the action

and then jumped right in

boys hard at work