Rub-a-Dub-Dub, Two Boys in a Tub

Bath time is a party at our house...especially with new Mickey & Thomas tub toys from our beloved babysitter, Hannah.  Keeping all the water in the tub isn't so fun, however.  I'm sure one day these boys will be so stinky and opposed to baths that I will wish for super splashers and tears when bath time is over...

Alfie's Back!

Our Elf on the Shelf, Alfie, returned to our house after Thanksgiving.  Even with the constant "reminder" that Santa is always watching, it has been a struggle to keep our boys in line this holiday season.  They are very four and very two.  

Anytime Davis does something that his brother doesn't like, Carter points to him accusingly and yells "Naughty List!!!!".  And, if Sean or I put Carter in time-out for something, he reminds us that Santa won't be bringing us anything in our stockings this year, because we're "not being nice."  He was speechless when I told him, "That's okay, Mommy doesn't need any presents."  What?!  No presents?!  I think his jaw hit the floor.

We are anxiously awaiting Mimi's arrival on Christmas Eve and Grampy's arrival on December 26th, along with our family celebration here at our house that evening.  Hope you are all enjoying this magical time of year!

Christmas Card Spoiler Alert

Since I was too cheap to pay for express shipping, it is safe to say that you will be getting our Christmas card after December 25th.  So, here's a sneak peak...I know I'm a little biased, but I think these boys are pretty darn cute!

Toy Story on Ice

On Friday I took the boys downtown to see Toy Story 3 on Ice.  I was starting to doubt my judgement in taking them both by myself as I was carrying Davis, a large tub of popcorn and a large lemonade while Carter trailed behind me tugging on my coat.  However,  I am SO glad we went to see the show--it was awesome!  We had great seats and got to see all of our favorite characters up close & personal:

We got a surprise visit from Mickey, Donald, Minnie & Goofy!

And yes, I bribed the boys with way-overpriced souvenirs during the show.  (FYI: all Disney souvenirs have a two year warranty which comes in handy when you notice on the drive home that Woody's hat is cracked in half .  One quick call to the Disney Ice show people and you will have new replacement Buzz & Woody toys in the mail to your house!)

Davis sat on my lap the whole time, mesmerized by Buzz, Woody, Slinky Dog and Rex.  He did not make a peep or any escape attempts during the entire show!  I don't know if you've been around many two-year-old boys lately, but that is saying a lot, people!

Here come the Army men!

Slinky Dog, Rex and Mr. Potato Head were the boys' faves.

Buzz Lightyear makes his grand entrance!

To infinity...and beyond!!!

The aliens & "the claw" coming down to get them.

My personal favorite, Barbie & Ken playing out the entire skit from the movie.  

Ken even modeled his many cool outfits!  So funny!

Grandad, the Storyteller

Grandad had a great idea to use the photo book we had given him to tell the boys the story of them becoming brothers.  He then talked to Carter about what it means to be a big brother and how "little" brothers can grow up to be BIG (just like he and his big brother, Mike).  

Long story short, be nice to your little brother now because someday, he could be bigger than you and pay you back for all the times you beat the crap out of him as a kid.  *Plus, that it's just not nice to hurt others. Good lesson!  Carter is just starting to realize this and let me tell you, it's been a painful reality for him.  Thank you for telling the story as only you can, Dad.   We love you!

After the story, it was time for presents!  The boys are loving their new Cars racetrack.  

Santa Train

Since Thanksgiving is the official kick-off to the holiday season, we decided to try something new this year for the Friday after Thanksgiving...the Santa Train!  We were so glad that Grandad & Grandma Nancy could come with us for this fun Holiday outing.  

Davis wasn't so sure of Santa...

Carter was all ready to talk to St. Nick...

and tell him what toys he wanted for Christmas.

But then, Santa asked Carter if he had been good this year.  That took a bit of thinking...define "good".

Okay, we're cool.  Santa says I've been good enough!

Cookies and Hot Cocoa made for a sweet ride (See what I did there?).

Winter Wonderland.  It even started snowing while we were riding the train!

Every child on the train got a bell--just like Polar Express!

Davis post-cookie, hangin' with Grandad.

Carter & Grandma checking out the scenery.

The Beilmans, minus one.

This is the only way I could get Davis to sit by Santa.

Just taking it all in...

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year with my Dad & Nancy coming to visit!  It is always nice to have a gentle reminder of all that we have to be grateful for throughout the year.  I hope you all had a great day with your families and friends near and far.  

We took advantage of the day to celebrate Davis's 2nd Birthday with everyone!  He was SO excited to see his Toy Story cake with Woody & Buzz.  He kept yelling  "My take!  My birfday take!" until we set it in front of him.  Have I mentioned how this kid goes nuts for dessert?!

 Taylor and the boys

 Susan, Grandad & Grandma Nancy with the yummy desserts she brought!  

Love my Aunt Debbie! 

 Birthday Cake coma!

 Love my Grandad!!!

 The boys were "helping" by putting the mint M&Ms away (in their bellies).  

Happy Birthday, Dear Davis...

Let me just say that I cannot believe that my baby is TWO!  Seriously, I must be in a time warp.  It seems like just yesterday that I was large & in charge, preggo-style.  It makes me so sad to think that Davis really is my baby, with no other little Beilmans coming to grace our family, but that's a whole different post...for my husband's sake, I'll try to stay focused.

Anyway, we had a low-key day of Davis's birth since we celebrated BIG-TIME with our Halloween dual Birthday Bash.  He got to open some new Chuggington trains and play with Carter all morning since Preschool was on break for Thanksgiving.  I wish we had a video of Davis lunging for his trains when he figured out that what was in his gift bag.  It was hi-larious!

 Big TWO!

 My two favorite boys!

Davis has surprised us by his verbal skills in the past couple of months.  The breakthrough was when he came over to me and said "Tarter hit me, mom.", while holding his head. (Carter confessed that he had actually hit his brother in the head with a toy.  Big surprise.)  He said it as plain as day, except that he can't say his "C's", so it's Tarter, Take and Tars for Carter, Cake and Cars (three of his favorite things).  Since then, he is all about the 3-4 word sentences.  My other favorite: "Mater's a tow tuck, mom." If you don't know who Mater is, you need to see the movie Cars.  It never ceases to amaze me how quickly these guys pick up new skills.  Sometimes it is a matter of days for them to master something you were worried they would never figure out...pretty awesome if you ask me.  

We love so many things about Davis:  his outgoing personality, his never ending resilience to falls, hits and bumps--what a tough guy!, and his softer side that is (for now) a mamma's boy and always ready to be hugged, kissed or snuggled.  It has been wonderful to watch Davis become not just a little brother, but a big boy in his own right and a best friend to Carter.  We couldn't be more proud or pleased.  Love you, buddy!