Playing Ball.

 Garrett has a lot of power when it comes to sports.  I am not kidding.  If you give him a ball of any kind and a stick, he is going to hit it.  Therefore, if Garrett has a golf club and you see he is getting ready to putt, don't stand behind him....

 ...you may need the "Boo-Boo Bear" from the freezer. 

Bless his heart.  You can tell by his face he didn't mean to hurt anyone.

 All good little ball players, must stop for a good nose picking -

 I love this one -

 Laughing with Daddy....

Fort Jordan

If you have been reading my blog for over a year, you can probably recall our swing set story.
If not, here is a quick timeline and links to previous blog posts:

September 2008:  Our parents and Aaron and I bought the boys a swing set for Jackson's 2nd birthday.
Link:  Jackson's Birthday Party

August 2009:  Storm destroyed swing set.  (If you're doing the math, we had only had it for 11 months)
Link:  The Swings Swung....A little too High

Our house was actually about to be put on the market when this happened.
About a year or so prior to this, Aaron's dad, Randy, got a new boat.  He gave us his old one since we had space for it and with the intentions of Aaron being able to take the boys fishing on it.  Since both sets of the boys' grandparents live on the lake and own their own boat, the boat in our driveway was being ignored.  
With our house on the market and plans to move to a smaller lot, Aaron's parents were very gracious and told us to sell the boat and use that money to help with the cost of a new swing set for the boys once we were in our new house.
Link:  For Two Sweet Boys

We sold our house, moved to our new house which is in a neighborhood with a HOA.  Although many people have negative things to say about neighborhoods with a HOA, Aaron and I LOVE it!  That is a whole other story......so let me get to my point without debating about a HOA!  :)

We had some rules we had to follow concerning structures in our backyard: 

• Only one per lot. 
• Roof pitch will be similar to that of the house.
• Will not exceed 8 feet in height at ridge line of the roof.
• Less than 80 square feet of floor space.
• Visually harmonious with the house or fence to which it is most visually related or physically attached.
• Shingles will match that of the house.
• Not located in front yards or in unfenced portions of side yards facing streets.

The challenge:  Will not exceed 8 feet in height!  The shortest fort we could find was 11 feet.  We had to think outside of the box.  Even though the HOA Bylaws does discuss the roof requirements, it doesn't require a roof.  

We contacted a company that makes custom sets, Backyard Fun Factory, and they were able to make a fort that was 8 feet tall without a roof.  The HOA quickly approved it and we had the green light!  Who needs a roof anyways?!  A little sunshine won't hurt!   

Our backyard is small, so we also decided to do the space saver swing beam so it doesn't take up more yard space.  I am so glad we did this!  

    

If you look closely you will see some chalk on the wood.  The boys decided to decorate the fort with sidewalk chalk for "Garrett's birthday party" (his birthday is in March....??)  We haven't had a good rain to wash it off yet.

Oh Rigley.  Why do you continue to like the boys?  Although Rigley drives me insane at times, he is a trooper when it comes to the boys.

Jackson has a plan....

Rigley is kissing Jackson's hand......

Lovely....

Jackson found it funny.....

Rigley doesn't run inside to hide, instead he sits on the back porch and watches every move they make to make sure they are okay.   

Everything Needs a Purpose.

Garrett has always loved putting little objects into a big object.  (e.g., blocks in a box, cars in a basket)  This is a skill I often appreciate because he is a great assistance when it comes time to clean up.

I have this vase sitting on the console table under our TV.  Yesterday, I had to laugh when I walked by and saw this:

It was filled with wood letters and a pair of goggles.  

Notice the lid he placed on top, it doesn't belong to that vase but it is such a perfect fit.  

The lid came from this little vase thingy.....

....which Garrett thought was a the perfect spot for his drink.

It all makes perfect sense.  In Garrett's eyes, everything needs a purpose so he was just helping me out. 

The most amusing part of it all was when Aaron got home from work.  I said "Hey, look at the console table in the living room."  He looked and responded with "Why did you do that?"  in a serious voice.  I then said "AARON, Seriously!!  [which by the way, 'seriously' is Jackson's new favorite thing to say...kids are great at making you realize the things you say too often] You think I did that?!"  He replied back with "Oh....did Garrett do it?"  DUH!!!!  

Qualities of the Youngest Sibling

Being the youngest sibling myself, I know it isn't a job that just any Average Joe can do.  You have to have special qualities to be able to deal with your older sibling.  

The youngest sibling will naturally be patient. 

The older sibling will most likely have to be taught this quality.  (As Mommy and Daddy are pulling their hair out!!!....They need to be patient too!)

It starts from the time of conception.  

Mom is tired during her 1st pregnancy, she naps or goes to bed early.

1st baby of the family is crying, he/she is quickly comforted.

There isn't another sibling to steal toys.

The world simply revolves around him/her!

The youngest sibling.....

Mom doesn't take naps during pregnancy.  Focus is still on 1st baby.

2nd baby will learn to self soothe as Mom tends to oldest child who is in need.

2nd child's toys are stolen from day 1. 

2nd child's world depends on their older sibling's current mood.....because that is what's going to determine Mommy and Daddy's mood, too!

They learn to be patient.

Sometimes they have to just wait for their moment.

Find joy in playing with the little toy....

Understand that when the older sibling asks you to become involved, it is probably to benefit them in some way....

When they see their older sibling is in need, they will help....

They enjoy seeing their older sibling happy....

But they can't always figure out their older sibling.  Sometimes they may THINK their brother or sister wants their help, but there are moments when the oldest wants to PROVE that he/she doesn't need help!

The youngest will want to scream.....

But, the youngest has a sense of humor.

The youngest just sits quietly, waits, and thinks.....