We took the kids down to the tide pools a couple days ago. It was high tide, so there were really no tide pools to explore, but they had fun shell-collecting, wave-running, and rock-throwing. I was a nervous wreck... The beach is surrounded by cliffs, and the waves were starting to break on the only staircase in and out. So I was picturing Ryan and I with kids on our shoulders, having to be rescued. But we all survived. :) 
Behind those innocent eyes, Keaton can be such a trouble-maker! The kid can sniff out a crayon from a mile away. Up until a few days ago, we hid the crayons only because he loves to eat them. I'd find him happily munching away with neon pink drool all over his face. But now, he has learned that crayons can do damage, and we find him drawing away on the walls, tables, chairs, etc. He is always so proud of himself when we catch him. Nathan is going to have to teach him a lesson about covering his tracks and leaving no evidence. 
So these are two of Nathan's favorite commercials of all time. Whenever he hears the "Catch the Wind" song, he drops whatever he is doing and starts jumping up and down. I think the second one scares him a bit, but he is intrigued, and he argues with me about whether it is a coal man or a coal lady. Funny...
Some of the things that come out of Nathan's mouth leave me dying laughing.
Here are a few...
* Nathan's preschool teacher came over yesterday to do a home visit before the school year starts. He is completely confused about her name - Mrs. MacDonald. He jumped around the house before she came, excited that "Old MacDonald" was coming. I corrected him and said, "Not Old MacDonald. Mrs. MacDonald." He thought for a minute, and then said, "Oh, Mrs. Ronald MacDonald?" Poor kid is so confused.
* It was Nathan's bedtime, and I said, "Nathan, it is dark outside. Time for bed." He looked out the window, and said, "It is not dark. It is getting dark."
* When a toy breaks, I always do my best to fix it. But if it requires power tools, I usually tell Nathan that Daddy will fix it when he gets home. The other day, he accidentally tore a page out of his book. I told him I would fix it. He said, "Daddy will fix it. You're a lady." (gasp! What have I done?)
* Ryan and I were laughing at something that Keaton was doing. Nathan said, "Don't get too excited, Keaton. It is your nap time soon." (ummm, jealous?)
I confess, I am a starer. When I am putting Keaton to bed at night, he sometimes falls asleep while feeding. And I usually hold him... and study him. I love the way his foot rests on the arm of the rocking chair. I love how his eyes flutter a little bit as he drops into deep sleep. I love the way his chubby hand still holds my finger even when he is out.
I did the same when Nathan was a baby, and still sometimes catch myself studying his foot or his ear. Maybe I just want to remember these early days.. these baby parts and pieces.
We went over to Uncle Kenny and Aunt Mila's place the other day, and we had such a nice time! They live on a community that is built around a lake, so there is plenty for the kids to do to keep busy. Nathan tried to feed the ducks, but they must not like tortilla, because not one came near us. He still enjoyed it, though. The kids also love their house because they have three stories, so the boys have two flights of stairs to climb up and down. Nathan kept running up to the third floor and hiding in the closet. We had a great visit with Nana and Papa, and Mila's family. Happy Birthday, Mila!
Ryan, the kids, and I headed down to the beach a few days ago for lunch. The kids always have a blast - Nathan, running in and out of the water and chasing seagulls, and Keaton, eating sand. :) I think they could stay there for hours. The only drawback is that when we get home, we have two tired, sandy kids. So they always have a quick shower, and then a looong nap.
Nathan noticed his little brother was having trouble with his cup, so he helped him out.
Nathan's intense, GQ look. 
Keaton having fun... sandy mouth and all.
I asked Nathan to smile, and he gave me his normal cheesy grin.
So I asked him to open his eyes more , and he does this!
My baby is growing up! (sniff... sniff...) A few days ago, Keaton took his first step-and-a-half after Ryan took away a toy he was holding. He did the same thing a few more times that day. Then, this morning, he took four steps on his own! I put a toy that he wanted on my head, and he just went for it. We were clapping, and his face was priceless. He was so proud.. and a little shocked, I think. :) So the rest of the day, Nathan stared at us like we were crazy as we put toys on our heads and cheered Keaton on.
I still have to try to catch a picture of him walking, but until then, here are some of Keaton walking with a little help. Nana, Papa, Great Grandma, Great Grandpa, and Aunt Lori were here on vacation last week, and we had fun visiting with them. Keaton loved holding Nana's hands and walking around the house.
Nathan has a new obsession... Toy Story. We bought the movie a few weeks ago, and he watches it just about every day. I am absolutely sick of this movie, but Nathan seems as excited watching it now as he did the first time. It is so funny, because when he watches it now, he mouths the exact words.
Last week, we got him a Buzz Lightyear toy, and it is his love. He carries that thing everywhere, launching it off the side of the couch, and screaming, "To infinity... and beyond!" Poor Keaton has had Buzz land on his head many, many times.
Here is Nathan and his Buzz.
Here is a picture of Keaton going after the toy while Nathan was occupied.
