The Blonde Blur

I had to laugh this morning when our Sunday school teacher referred to Brenner as "The Blonde Blur"- oh, how true! He goes a mile a second it seems....

 That speed caught up with him today as he face planted it into the gravel. There was bloody gums and teeth, but as you can see, Brenner has recovered. Thanks, in part, from Uncle Chuck's magic!

 The other night, Brenner wanted to finger paint. Brenner asked to take off his shirt, so then Nola wanted to as well. BHP was mixingall the colors whereas Nola was using only one finger. Then I stuck my hand in B's globs and put it on his tummy - Nola busted out laughing. We had a good time. Then Brenner decided to play Zombie - which is shown in the picture.

 Nola "reading" a spiderman book.

Party time

 We had party time this week with Brenner's preschool Valentine's party and PawPaw Hinckle's 66th birthday! It was a fun week! My favorite Brennerism came on Satuday morning when Matt and I wanted to sleep in. Brenner came in our room and when he failed to get us up, he peeked into Nola's room but she was still sleeping. Then he came back and said "Get up, Mom" to which I replied "It is still night-nights". BHP then walked over to the window, pulled open the curtain, and said "See how light it is outside?!" Okay buddy, time to get up!

Nola's right hand made me smile - she looks to be walking so dainty! Notice Nola's long hair in her face. It drives Grandma Val nuts - especially when it gets caught in her runny nose (she is cutting some more teeth). But I don't want to cut it yet so we keep trying bows and clips hoping one day Nola won't pull them out!

Kids and shoes - they just love to try them on!

Brenner handing out treats at his preschool Valentine's Day party. They got to wear jammies and bring a favorite stuffed animal. Brenner wore his Batman jammies and took a 3 foot long stuffed snake named "Snakey".

Say Cheese! Nola, Mommy, PawPaw Hinckly, Brenner, Colten, Aunt Lynnie, and Krystee celebrating PawPaw's birthday.

Notice how Nola crosses her ankles when she sits - it just cracks me up! Brenner wanted to take this picture with his sister!

Snow day!

We had a very busy weekend. Matt and I attended the Art of Marriage at church - it was great. A very, very big thanks to Grandma Val (and Aunt Lynnie) for babysitting so that we could make this happen! We actually got to sleep in until 7 am - unbelievable! Both kids are doing well as the sickness has left our house....for now at least! Today it snowed which gave Matt a snow day.Brenner created a fight scenario where Mumra was fighting Spiderman (note how Spiderman is in the air). BHP was so excited that he called us all back there and wanted Papa and Nola in the picture. Later, I called and called him for dinner. I finally said "Brenner, I have asked you three times to wash your hands for dinner!". Brenner came down the hall and said "Ugh - I was too busy playing to hear your woods." Nola doesn't look too impressed in this picture, but she has impressed us with her ability to recognize and name people in our photo album. I love the way she says An Jan for Aunt Janet.Matt wanted to take me out for Valentines Day last Saturday night. Aunt Lynnie and Uncle Chris were nice enough to babysit for us. Nola loves the way Uncle Chris tells that story!

Brenner in a smore-coma during their visit!

Brenner was suppose to have his Valentine's Day party at school today. For treats, we made giant dipped pretzels - yum! Brenner colored the name tag :)

Nola and Brenner in the snow. This is really Nola's first time playing in the white stuff. She liked it!

Nola and her Papa.

Brenner trying out the mini-toboggans that Uncle Chuck and Aunta-ta Theresa sent. They work great - even Matt and I took a couple of runs down the hill!

Nola wasn't so sure....yes - that is a look of fear before she started screaming!

Snowball fight. Emi is just waiting to eat one! Not sure what Matt is doing with his leg.......

Outside time and water time

We have all been sick over the past 2 weeks and as Brenner put it "I wish I hadn't eaten that bug!". Luckily, the weather has been gorgeous so we have had plenty of sunshine and playing outside. There were some great Brennerisms this week. Grammy Vo filled in babysitting one day while Grandma Val was sick - thank you, Grammy!!!!! She was playing with the kids when she heard "Hello, can I help you? Is everything okay? Hello?". Brenner had gotten one of my old cell phones out of the drawer (and it still had a little juice) and he proceeded to call 9-1-1! Grammy explained the situation to the operator and to BHP about not dialing unless there was a true emergency. Matt was feeling sick one morning and told Brenner "Papa's stomach doesn't feel good." Brenner pondered this and responded "Well, then throw up." Matt replied "Papa doesn't want to." Too funny!
Check out the coat, Grammy! Doesn't she look beautiful?!

Brenner is thinking hard about something......

Brenner insisted that I take this picture of Buzz, Woody, AND Nola. Nola looks ready for liftoff with that crazy hair!

With warm weather, comes Emi getting into things she shouldn't. The upside (I type sarcastically) is that Brenner is willing to "help". This usually means that mommy gets as wet as the dog! BHP is getting better though and I appreciate his willingness to help!

Nola being silly in the tub. It may be hard to tell, but she is grinning and her eyes are shining!

Nola also loves to lay on her tummy (Papa taught her how to do this). So now when I am giving her a bath, she gets on her tummy and shouts "Papa, Papa, Papa" until he comes in and looks at her. Very sweet.

Nola also likes to try and dress herself. Hey girl, you forgot your diaper!

Brenner has also been creative during bath time. In this scene, BHP informed me that the octopus was having a hat party (the orange cup was the perfect fit). I guess the lizard is an accessory?

Saturday was rainy so we headed into the ARC for some swimming. This was a first time there - and the kids had a ball. Brenner is still timid of the deeper water which made him easier to wrangle :)

Nola loves the water - stomping and splashing - but never straying too far from mommy or Papa.