Tigers

Go Tigers!

When Cort was born, we noticed how different the boys looked as infants.  However, I came across these pictures and they look a bit similar!

Ty at 2 months

Cort at 1 month - he has the fuller cheeks!

 

Kiddos

 Ella's first day of kindergarten!

 

A few of Ty's 1 year pics

 

 

 

Cort flashing a sly grin!

My boys...

 Ty's favorite place to read a book is in his car.

Cort must have enjoyed his one on one time in the hospital because he learned how to give mommy big smiles. 

We attempted to take a family vacation at a friends trailer.  We made it to our vacation retreat and settled in for the night.  The next morning we packed up and headed for the big lake for a picnic and swimming.  Cort and I hung out in our beach tent and Peter, Ella and Ty played in the water and sand. 

Mommies first "selfie".  I probably won't be doing that again :)

Our beach day ended and thus began our 3 night stay at the childrens' hospital with Cort.  

Thankfully all serious illnesses were ruled out and he recovered comfortably in the hospital.  Just a virus that needed to work itself out.  The hospital was fantastic and helpful.  Cort was probably the healthiest sick child there. Thank Goodness!

Thank you to all the grandpa's and grandma's and aunts and uncles and cousins that helped with Ella, Ty and Riley.  They seemed to enjoy their weekend despite our change of plans.  

Ella and I had a fun short weekend camping with friends.  The boys even stopped out for a visit! 

As parents, we all know our children are exceptional. 

Ty playing Bach at 12 months!

 Cort reading novels at 1 month! 

And Ella will complete choreographing her first dance routine for Broadway soon!

My Journey...

I set out on a journey today, on this, the last day of my 30% off coupon.

My destination: the GAP in the mall.  

After many days home with the boys, I reveled in my excitement to leave my comfortable abode and explore this amazing place where other adults roam.  

I was accompanied on this adventure by my two adorable little men.  Leaving the house was step #1.  Find the perfect time when both boys were clothed, newly fed and had clean diapers.  In achieving this task, I had to be sure I too was clothed.  The bonus today - my outfit matched my shoes!!  They were both basic black, but it is still a victory for me.  

By the time I thought I had accomplished step 1, the eldest son was already hungry for a snack.  That was an easy fix!

My treat for achieving step 1;  stop at the drive through for coffee!  Peter even had a coupon for a free specialty coffee.  I pull up to the window to obtain my free reward and what do I see?  Not 1, but 2  coffees!  They had accidentally made a second!  How did they know I could vitally use 2 coffees this morning!

We now are en route for our destination when I notice our mode of transportation is in need of additional fuel, as well as the younger of my sons needing to partake in his snack.  So we stop by Nana's work for a quick bite to drink.

After that pit stop, we finally make it to the mall!

 First stop: potty break.  That's a lot of coffee :)

Next stop: Food court chairs to feed Ty lunch.

Check and Check!

Next stop:  Our destination!  The GAP to use my beloved coupon and gift card!

As I am enjoying the assortment of adorable clothing to chose from, I notice another mother shopping alongside me. I hear the soft "waa" coming from her way and notice that she too had her two children with her.  In her fancy double stroller she had a new infant, about the same age as mine.  I notice how well put together this mother of two was!  I admired her ability to achieve such personal attention with two children.  Then I became a bit envious that she was able to fit into such small size jeans so soon after having her baby.  

I unsuccessfully tried to suck in my belly, then remembered;  I was at the mall and I got 2 free coffees this morning!!  Nothing can bring me down!

Off we go.  Mission complete!

The last phase of the trip is reaching our vehicle.  Moving the children to the car, unpacking and closing up the stroller and making it home before the next hunger outbreak and naps!  No time for extra stops in those tempting stores.  

Total time spent on my journey:  3 hours

Total time spent shopping: 12 minutes

 Accomplishing my goal:  Priceless