Sandbox!

Olson and Liddy Costen got a new outside toy today--a sandbox! I think I was more excited about it than either of them, but it seemed to grow on Olson after a bit. Here is how it played out...

Cool climbing toy, mom.

What am I supposed to do with this?

Oh, I see. I pick this sand up and throw it on the ground.

Hmmmm, this does not seem to be going as I envisioned. Let's start over.

 I much prefer not being IN the sandbox.

I think I can handle shoveling sand into the dump truck.

I'll even put Woofie down to do this. *gasp*

I'm not sure I've ever seen Olson do anything Woofie/train-free.

I want to bury my feet like Daddy.

Liddy Costen was happy to play outside of the sandbox, as well.

Siblings playing together! Amazing!

Olson kept saying "Liddy Costen sandbox too". So cute.

I'm sure she is about to put some sand in her mouth. 

I think it's a hit!

xoxo the nelms family

Daddy's helper??

I think Liddy Costen is trying to help daddy get ready to put the recycling out tonight!

Look what Gaga taught me!

Liddy Costen has been busy learning a new skill, thanks to Gaga!

xoxo the nelms family

Daddy's little helper

Keith was outside working on a yard project, and called for me to hurry outside. This is what I found:

Keith said he turned around to find Olson had picked up the trowel and was digging like his Daddy! So cute. It never ceases to amaze me what that kid can do while holding onto so much stuff! 

xoxo the nelms family

On the hunt...

Here's a little video of Olson gathering eggs in our backyard on Easter. Just in case you were curious  how things went...

xoxo the nelms family

Easter 2013!

Easter was a week long event this year, as we had two Easter egg hunts the week before Easter, then actual Easter day! So here are some highlights from the week:

Egg Hunt at Trinity Church (Olson's preschool)...

Olson had his hands full with his trains and Woofie, but was determined to add some eggs!

Success! And without dropping his accessories!

Liddy Costen slept through the hunt, but didn't miss all the fun!

Olson making one of his famous abstract faces

Wednesday afternoon egg hunt in the neighborhood...

I LOVE an egg hunt! 

The neighborhood kids, ready to go!

Liddy Costen was content with one egg

Olson dominated the 2 & under group

Easter Sunday was busy! First, baskets at home...

The Easter Bunny found our new address!

Olson immediately wanted to read his new Thomas book

Liddy Costen checking out her basket

Olson wouldn't wear his bunny ears, but Daddy was a good sport

So was Liddy Costen!

Liddy Costen loved the Easter grass as much as the stuff in her basket

 After church, lunch at the farm...

Easter lunch at the kids' table!

Then a stop by Gaga's house...

Happy to see Gaga

Gaga's house may be his favorite place on earth 

Giving Gaga some love

I love Daddy!

Olson sharing his snacks.
Ha, just kidding. He was taking it away from her!

And finally, back home for an egg hunt between rain showers!

Last bit of Easter fun with an egg hunt in our back yard

Olson checking to see if there is actually anything in the egg!

It was a busy week, but full of family and fun! See you next year, Easter Bunny!

xoxo the nelms family

9 months!

Another month down! Liddy Costen is 9 months old!! Yikes! She is so independent, yet can be so snuggly. She loves to play with Olson's trains, much to Olson's dismay, but also loves to play with pretty much anything else--her toys, Olson's toys, Lilly's toys, the recycling bin, etc! She is 26" (6th percentile) and 17 lbs 8 oz (15th percentile)--just a little peanut! She loves to stand, and pulls up on anything she can. The girl is on the move! The pictures were especially fun to take this month, as Liddy Costen is figuring out what a camera is for! As soon as I pointed it at her she gave me a huge smile! So different from her brother, who runs at the sight of the camera!

We just love her so much!!! 

xoxo the nelms family