Growing, growing, growing

During the last few weeks we've visited family in Kansas and both boys have grown like weeds! 

We had a great time visiting Tobias' family in Kansas.  Elias is now old enough to join in some farm adventures too.

My boys on the 4-wheeler.  Fun times!

Can you see Flat Stanley on the 4-wheeler too?  James' class had recently read Flat Stanley so we took James' with us to the farm.

James introducing Flat Stanley to a baby chick. 

I wasn't as brave as James or Flat Stanley!  It was amazing to hold a baby chick!

The boys show Flat Stanley some cows. 

Chore time - feeding the cows!

Both boys loved the cows!

James shows Flat Stanley how to get eggs from the chicken coup.

James' even had the opportunity to try and milk a cow, which is more challenging than it looks.  Grandma Edie even made ice cream from the cream!  Wow!

Both boys are animal lovers.  Elias loved all the farm dogs and they loved him!

Uncle Josh showing James proper safety attire for welding. 

The highlight of the trip was visiting with family though!  Here we are with Tobias' grandma and Aunt Teri.

We were a bit early, but the boys really enjoyed celebrating Easter with a fun egg hunt.

Grandpa and Elias found some eggs filled with Cheerios - yummy!

Elias enjoyed lots of cuddles with Grandpa and Grandma.  Love this picture!

The boys also had fun meeting their cousin, Avery.  Tobias' sister, Crystal, and her husband welcomed our first niece, Avery Grace, in November. 

James loved spending time with Avery.  He is such  gentle person.

The Walters grandkids - I bet that entire couch will be full in a couple of years!  For now, we are so thankful for these 3 miracles.

And you know it's a great vacation... when both kids are asleep within minutes of leaving the airport!

General update on Elias...
He is the busiest boy ever!  He is always exploring and into something.  We are so thankful for his laughter and fun personality.

Someone found the toilet paper.  James said he was trying to wrap himself up like a mummy.  Perhaps...

Elias looking good in cowboy boots and a cowboy hat. 

We took a trip up the Museum of Natural History last month.  James' school was studying dinosaurs so we enjoyed looking at the fossils.

Getting to Washington D.C. is always an adventure.  The boys love taking the Metro train in to the city.

James loves dinosaurs!

We went to the Naval Academy for a gospel choir concert.  It was a great time!

James loved the music and was impressed by the midshipmen!

We aren't too surprised that James wants to the Naval Academy for college. 

Who knows though, Elias might want to attend the Academy someday too.  Here he is showing off some Billy the Goat pride!

We enjoyed a lovely Easter at home.  They boys looked so cute in their bow ties (James' choice).

General update on James...
He can now read!  We are so proud of him.  He continues to build on his reading skills at school and is so excited to start kindergarten in the Fall.    He is 4 ft 2.5 inches tall and 54 lbs.  James loves the "Magic Tree house" books.  He is soft spoken and shy usually and eats more than I do!  I have had 2 moms with daughters in James' class tell me that their daughters want to marry James when they grow-up... brilliant young ladies because he will be a catch someday! 

James had his adenoids out and tubes placed in his ears today.  He was suffering from hearing loss because of all the fluid in his ears.  We are so happy that our big boy is all better now - and can hear us again! 

Here we are all dressed up to go to the OR.  James was so brave an so calm - he just wanted his ears fixed!

I'm one proud mama - these boys are just amazing!