Chillin...

Just hanging out with my teething biscuit next to my mama.

Let's Hear it for this Sweet Face

Summer Time...

Mike and I took the boys to eat at Twisted Root this weekend.  I had their Western Burger and I can't stop thinking about how good it was.  Typically, I add mustard and ketchup and my burgers are fairly standard, but this time I let the burger speak for itself -  jalapenos, bacon, cheddar and onion strings.  I am so grown up.  Afterward, we headed right outside to a little fountain that we have let G play in before.  We were shocked to find that Track is a total water baby.  Graham loves the IDEA of water, but full submersion is not his cup of tea - I'm kind of with him.  G ran all over the place and Track crawled right over the water.

Poor G - he is super light sensitive, but doesn't love having sunglasses on.  This is definitely my child...I can barely open my eyes outside with out shades on.

Let's Hear it for our 1st Water Adventure of 2012

Daddy and G Project Time...

A few weeks ago we were at Home Depot and a really nice older woman gave G two bird houses to build at home.  This is the same woman who I had to dismiss after 5 minutes of trying to get G to look at her and say "thank you".  You know the moment that drags on for too long that you realize as a mom is not working out and you don't know how to move past it.  Graham was just too shy and no amount of waiting and holding this stranger captive was going to get him to say the words louder than a whisper directly into my shoulder.  So Home Depot Mam....THANK YOU.

Hammering

Gluing

Then a lot of this went on...Mike working and G...

Snack Break.

Painting.  I kept telling G how pretty I thought his painting was and Mike was teasing me that I tell him he does a good job at everything...good job sitting still baby, good job painting,  good job wearing that shirt, good job looking like you, good job just being here, good job blinking your eyes...you get the idea.  I guess I do take the praise to the next level...too much?  Nah.  I think after writing this I might even take it up a notch.  I could do better!

We decided the best place to hang it was on the play set to give it a little "flare".

I don't think it could get much better.  It's perfect.

Let's Hear it for Young Artists

No words...

These are the moments that get me all choked up inside.  The Lord is drawing these boys together like magnets.  In response to my prayers?  Maybe.  In the Lord's grace?  Definitely.  Praise His name.

I love these kids.

Let's Hear it for Moments

Lurve...

Remember this bag that I wrote about in December?  Apparently, It was not sufficient enough hint for the hubs to purchase it for me...also it was $500 that probably had something to do with it.  It is 5 months later and I still DREAM about this particular bag.  Well, the other day I was doing some online shopping and the stars A L I G N E D.  I was just about to purchase a used one on Craigslist for $175, but I needed to ask my friend Betsy if it wolud be ok if we had exact matching bags (if your wondering she said she would be honored or something like that).  So I text her, she tells me she is just about to walk into da club and she will come up to my office (coincidence, I think not).  Then it happened....Diaper Bag MIRACLE.  She had just gotten a text about a Kate Spade super secret sale (in the form of an email to likely thousands of people).  We pull it up and MY bag pulls up for $189, but it is even better than the one I was in love with.  Here is is....it is perfect for me.  I called Mike he said YES and 5 days later here it is.

Coral and Khaki with a Navy inside.

Kels modeling my new purchase in my office, where the MIRACLE occurred.

I took this to eat last night and fit two sippy cups without spilling, a binder, toys, diapers and I even think my bible was in there.  I LOVE it.  I am completely hands free.  This is a life changer.

Lets Hear it for MIRACLES

T looks like T...

People usually comment that Track looks more like his mama than Graham did.  Ill take any resemblance I can get.  Honestly, because to me both babies look like their daddy.  Also, I look at them and think...I'm not THAT cute. 

I mean really these kids are adorable (so says their mama).

What do you think?

Lets Hear it for the Tracksters

Happy Birthday Puppy...

Landry- Your life has drastically changed from the days of sleeping on the couch, long walks, getting kissed ON the face - just being petted in general, treats, organic dog food, dog parks, fancy collars, traveling IN the truck, etc...  You turned 6 years a few days ago and you have been officially sequestered into a tiny section of the kitchen that holds your bed, you haven't had a bath in about 8 months, the kids climb on you, someone is constantly telling you "BED", most the time we cant find your collar and tags, long walks happen once in a blue moon and you are so out of shape you lay down and it takes two adults to goad you into finishing strong,  you have been down graded to a "more inexpensive" "cheaper" dog food and sometimes I remember your heart worm medication. 

However - we Mike STILL loves you and the boys really LOVE you.  I would like to say that I will vow to take better care of you this next year, but likely you will come last again in the Hummel family line up.  Sorry in advance, but I really will try and prioritize your heart worm meds and you are still pretty -that's something, right?!?

Who decided owning a Great Dane with tiny babies and a 1500 sq ft house was a good idea.  Mike?

Lets Hear it for Landry

Red Stamp...

This app is AMAZING.

Lets Hear it for Red Stamp

Bye Bye Bassinet...

Time to put my favorite piece of baby furniture away....until next time bassinet. 

 I really do love you.  Thank you for holding my tiny babies safely and for looking so darn cute.  Don't get me wrong, you are kind of dangerous, which is why they don't sell you anymore, but I trust you - remember that - I believe in you.  I am packing you away with your friends, jungle bouncy seat and jungle play mat - try not to get annoyed...it will be hard.  Hopefully we will come get you sooner than later and I am sorry in advance for the heat in the garage.  It will be a hot (blazing) summer, just put your head down and power through - no chipping or pealing and no animal inhabitants, please.  So until next time....I bid you farewell (like Sound of Music - right?).

  

This guy doesn't seem old enough for a big bed (bigger crib), but he is standing and cruising like crazy and Mike and I (Mike more than me) are terrified he is going to flip over the rail.  I already miss having a tiny baby in the house - jeez.  People say it all the time...but really time flys.  It seems like I was just pregnant, which I guess I was...I digress.  Each stage seems to get better, but I need to figure out a way to enjoy these times EVEN more.  Maybe I should quit my job (j/k kels - well maybe).  Who knows the key to maximizing enjoyment during this season?  Please leave me a comment.

Also, to those of you who feel inclined to ask, "you're done, right?" (which is not really a question, by the way) - NO WE ARE NOT DONE (Lord willing).  In this house children are a blessing and we think we can handle and would like more.  If you only want two, great - but don't  impose your magic number on me by making me feel like my children are going to be terrible and drive me crazy any minute.  Not a burden, BLESSING.  BOOYA 

Lets Hear it for Time

From the garden...

Does anyone know when Tomatoes turn red?  Did I buy Tomatillo?...they have been just like this for a month or so.  They are super firm, so I am guessing they just arent done yet..  We succeeded in planting agarden and actually growing some stuff, but I gave know idea when to "harvest" it.  Sometimes I wonder to myself...why don't I know more stuff?

The first thing we have actually eaten out of our garden...Parsley.  It is likely the easiest thing to grow and definately a very small part of any meal.  We are a long way from sustainable living over here.

Let's Hear it for "Trying"

InstaSnuggle...

Enough Mommy for both boys - Phew.  This is my favorite thing to do after naps...sit and hold a baby close while they wake up.

Let's Hear it for Sweet Down Time

Genius...

I did some research on this (aka thought about it in my mind) and I am fairly certain that if...

your child can use two paint brushes at one time they are considered a genius

(so says his mama).

Let's Hear it for Smarties

Serious...

Give me Bananas - OR GIVE ME DEATH.

Let's Hear it for Serious Eaters

Happy Mothers Day Mama...

My heart is full (for now)...I must say that more of these guys would really make my "quiver" happy.  I might be the next Michelle Duggar, seriously.  I love these guys and I love being a mom.  It's the best job I have ever had and I am so blessed with these two babies.

Let's Hear it for Eventually Having a Quiver Full

Bathing together...

We got the boys in the bath tub together for the first time, not really on purpose but just out of convenience.  Track thinks his brother is HILARIOUS!  Graham was splashing and getting in Tracks face and Track was belly laughing.  Mike and I were  looking at our boys in the tub and thinking that life couldn't get much better.

Let's Hear it for Shared Bath Water (Gross)

Flight home

We made it to the airport, parked the rental car, took a shuttle, checked bags, rode elevators, got yelled at by a security checker for leaving a jacket in the bin, arrived at the gate approximately 1 minute before the plane boarded and then ran back out to try and find something for dinner so everyone wouldn't melt down.  Phew...S T R E S S E D. 

Whatev, we made it....Hummel family of 4...

This flight was at the end of a no nap day, so everyone needed serious distractions...

warning: good parenting below.

G can read...didn't know?

T enjoying some Praise Baby on repeat.

Time for teething biscuits for everyone.

And then the last straw broke...nursing on the plane.  These are nursing legs if I have ever seen them.  Fully extended and pressing on anything so as to not lay still.  Mike and I calculated how many times I fed T on this trip, in a car on a mountain at a museum...whatever it takes...approximately 1200 times.  Sometimes I feel like all I do is feed this child.  Regardless, I LOVE nursing legs!

Let's Hear it for Surviving this Flight

Vacation Day 4

The last day of our vacation rolled around and we were NOT ready to leave.  I can't remember the last vacation I have been on that I wasn't ready to come back to my house, my bed, my routine, whatever.  I really could have stayed a few more days.  I LOVED being with my family and away from all of our daily distractions.  Here are a few more pictures of Miss "Darweens" VRBO property.  If you know anyone traveling to Albuquerque it is worth looking in to.  It was perfect for our family of four...3 bedrooms/ 2 baths and clean clean clean...so much cleaner than my house (seriously, I know it's not that hard, but it really made my vacation).

No busy streets and concrete, just pretty views and nature right outside our windows.

Mike planned for us to take the Tram at Sandia Peak - the longest/ tallest tram in the world (I think).  Anyway, we crammed on this thing with the boys and about 30 other people.  In my opinion it was approximately 105 degrees in the tram and the operator kept yelling at people to stop talking and listen to his tour guiding speech.  Really, sir?  Ok, so we are on this thing it is going up over the mountain and then over a giant valley.  It was a 20 minute ride, plenty of time to be extra anxious about my toddler sitting on a strange mans shoes, trying to open the same mans "pack pack" and leaning precariously against the doors over a ravine the size of the Grand Canyon.  I was SWEAT...ING and Sir, He is just a tiny guy - don't get so mad about your "pack pack".

We FINALLY get to the top and it is BEAUTIFUL.  Graham was fascinated by the giant wheels that operated the tram - almost as much as his obsession with fans.

We tried hiking, but the terrain was flat and straight down, which means we would have to come back up with the boys on our backs (literally) - so we opted out and just had lunch on top and did a bit of exploring.  Mike introduced Graham to snow on the top of the mountain, so they put together some "snowy balls" and practiced throwing them.  It was sweet to watch the amazement in G's eyes about something brand new to him.

After the Tram excursion we had a few hours before we needed to be at the airport, so we headed over to the children's museum...Explora.  Graham loved the different activities.

This contraption was his favorite.  It was like a giant mouse trap game. 

Not pit sweat - just got too involved with some water activities.

Ok...time to head to the airport...

Let's Hear it for Day 4