Harper’s Birthday Party

It’s hard to believe that my baby is 2 already! Harper is such a happy little guy. He loves to give hugs and kisses, but he can also fight off anyone who tries to take a toy away from him.

Harper likes playing with cars. And though he is not obsessed with the Disney movie “Cars” (he likes it), I thought it was a good theme for his birthday party. With a power nap short of 2 hours in the late evening, I pulled an all-nighter to make this cake. I often kick myself for taking on crazy projects and stressing out about them, but it is all worth it at the end (not so much in the process though). The cake was chocolate with a whipped chocolate ganache layer and chocolate buttercream frosting. It was a hit. Harper with Alexis – his favorite babysitter at the gym. Everyday when I pick Harper and Andre up at the gym’s kids’ club, Harper won’t leave without giving Alexis a hug and a kiss.We had quite a turnout of friends. There was a mound of presents which I failed to take a picture of. Thank you everyone for making this day special for our little guy!And there goes the cake… The fruit of my labors…Now that’s a happy boy!  Denys with her nieceJulie and JackSuzy liked the cake

Harper liked the cake so much, that he came back for seconds and thirds

Topanga Canyon Hike

This Saturday we decided the boys needed a nature outing. We picked Topanga Canyon. After driving on winding roads and finally finding a trail we set off on our hike.

Before we even started on the trail, Andre located a stick and it immediately became a sword.

 

Harper is always copying everything Andre does, no matter how dangerous it is. They were really cute marching on the trail together. (Notice – I did not dress Harper, if I did – socks would not have been a part of his outfit :)

   Who knew taking a picture of two boys would be this hard. While both Jeff and I yelling out: “Andre – smile!”, “Harper – look at Mommy!”, “Andre – look up!” – this is the best we managed.

Take 3

Take 10

And on about take 15 – this is the best I could come up with.

 

I am really proud of my boys. The hike was about 2 miles in all, and they walked and half the time ran all on their own! My tough little men.

We enjoyed listening to the frog croaking, birds singing, crickets chirping; observing a caterpillar (which apparently was on Andre’s neck before it landed on the ground. Andre was very excited about it and was also very concerned that no one would step on it, since it was returning home to his Mommy after work); watching the ants; and smelling all the beautiful flowers.

Easter

We had a fun Easter. The weekend before the Easter kids were able to participate in a fun egg hunt. We also enjoyed a nice brunch at that party as well. Nap-less Andre decided to be a pain in the rear and refused to do the egg hunt with the rest of the kids. When he finally came around to wanting to do it, there were no easy eggs to find. Luckily I was the one who hid the eggs, so I was able to help him find some in the tricky places no one happen to look.   The boys checking out the goods I thought this was a funny expression on Andre’s face On Easter day the bunny came and filled the boys’ baskets. Unlike previous years, I decided to skip egg hunt in the house (was too lazy and plus the kids already participated in one the week before)

  

Happy boys. Needless to say the candy was gone quick! 

A couple of days back, Andre refused to buckle up in the car. Jeff proceded to tell him that if he didn't buckle up, he (Jeff) will be in trouble and the police would come and take Papa (that's what the kids call Jeff) away. Jeff then said: "And then you will not see Papa or have a Papa". To which Andre in a matter-of-fact manner replied: "Heavenly Father will be my Papa."

Instigator

Recently Andre has been getting his little brother in a lot of trouble (and himself). He tells Harper to do things that are naughty, and without hesitation follows his orders/suggestions. For example, he will 'whisper' to Harper: "Harper, go hit Mommy" and the next second I am being clubbed by Harper's heavy fists. Andre also never hesitates to demonstrate to Harper what exactly he wants him to do. The other day I was cleaning up in the kitchen, they took advantage of that, found crayons, and drew all over the walls. (And I thought that wall coloring stage was done and over with). When I saw the new mural, I asked Andre who did it. Without any hesitation, he was quick to blame it on Harper. When I looked closely at the 'masterpiece', there were 2 distinct styles - Harper's scribbles and a few gigantic A's. Good going Andre, I am sure your not quite 2-year old brother was able to write a letter, that is coincidentally the first letter of your name.
These two are definitely kicking my behind. Maybe one day they will mellow out... At least I can daydream about it.