March update

Hi everyone! I apologize for not posting so much lately. I've been a bit lazy taking photos, and feel busier than ever, so I haven't been focusing on the blog much. Anyway, here are many photos since January and some anecdotes.

Max and Sam practice some drawing

Sam hugs a pole at the nearby park

We've been taking the boys to the park at the Seattle Center more regularly recently. Generally it isn't too difficult to keep they boys together and entertained at the park, but occasionally they run in opposite directions which makes it difficult. Overall it's been positive and I hope to take them more as the weather gets nicer, and they grow in their size and abilities.

Dad poses with Max (close) and Sam (far)

Sam reads a book with Great Aunt Bea

Sam looks adorable in the blue wizard sweater

Max looks adorable in the cozy rainbow sweater

It was about this time I started noticing just how long their hair is, especially at the sides and the back. Amanda really likes it but I was wanting to finally give them their first hair cut.

Mom hugs sweet Sam

Mom cuddles Max and his stuffies

Great Aunt Bea talking to Max

Mason (our neighbor) and Sam

Neighbors in our condo building have a similarly aged boy, Mason, who threw a 2nd birthday party. We don't know them very well, but it was fun to attend and a nice opportunity to help Sam and Max "socialize" a bit.

Max liked playing with the gold balloon

Speaking of birthdays, Cousin Tessa turned 10! Naturally the Bellevue Kaisers had us over to celebrate, and the kids had fun together.

Sam on Nora's lap and Max on Tessa's lap

Tessa with her birthday cake

Sam enjoying the party and the fleece sweater

The green fleece sweater was a hand-me-down gift from Cousins Tessa and Nora. This sweater has kept many a Kaiser grandchild warm.

Max also enjoying the party

Tessa enjoys opening some presents

Max, Dad and Sam

It was at this point I finally convinced Amanda that we should cut their hair. She was worried that the boys wouldn't look like babies anymore, but it was time, something had to be done!

Dad cutting Max's hair

Max wasn't happy about it

Max with less shaggy hair

Max, Aunt Sarah and Sam reading

Amanda's mom kept many of the toys and books from when Amanda and her sister were little. This book apparently was a childhood favorite of Amanda's, and she enjoys sharing it now with her own boys.

Max, Great Uncle Bruce and Sam

The boys hadn't seen Bruce for a long time. Although Bruce is a family friend, he's always been "Uncle Bruce", so obviously he becomes Great Uncle Bruce to Sam and Max.

Sunday night family dinner at Grandma's house

Sometime last year, the habit of going to Grandma's house for Sunday night dinner became so frequent that it turned into a standing invitation and regular event. Sam and Max enjoy all the attention, the family gets to enjoy spending time with the boys, and Mom and Dad get to relax for a few hours while other people supervise. We all look forward to it every week!

Sam, Dad and Max read a book

Note Max touching my hair in the previous picture. This is a really common Max behavior, as Max really likes touching or stroking soft surfaces: blankets, stuffed animals, and the back of Dad's head. For whatever reason Max does this frequently, and Sam rarely ever does.