We babysit our nephews!

Months and months ago (maybe last October??) Matt and I started dreaming with our siblings, Amy and Jason. We had each celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversaries last summer but with three nursing babies between our families, it just didn't seem feasible for either of us couples to take a vacation. But, we thought, why not celebrate almost a year late? Amy and Jason started making plans to take a cruise out of Galveston while we watched their twins (and our boys). Then, once they returned, Matt and I could go somewhere just the two of us while they watched all four boys. Amy and Jason truly had the tougher end of this deal, as they not only had the three-day car drive to get their family to Houston but also more than two weeks away from their home (not to mention that they were babysitting at the end of the time when the boys had played with pretty much all of the toys and knew how to push each other's buttons. :))

So ... we were first up to babysit the four boys. Overall, our time together was very smooth and easy. Of course, there were tears (none from Matt or me, though! :)) and quite a bit of refereeing, but mainly the boys really enjoyed their time playing together. And we absolutely loved the chance to get to know our sweet nephews better!

We played outside a LOT! After dropping Jason and Amy off at their cruise ship, we did some sidewalk chalk ...

... and playing in the water table. Ian LOVED trying to make the twins laugh (and they seemed to LOVE their older cousin Ian).

We ended each night with a group bath. Then, Matt and I divided and conquered for bedtime. Matt usually took care of our boys, and I usually helped the twins with their routine.

On the first full day of watching all the boys (Friday), we started out with some playtime at home. Jaden and Cody taught us the fine art of storing pom poms in their ears,

and the littlest boys played us a few ditties on the piano.

We decided that we should have at least one outing each day. Our first outing was to the children's museum. Jaden and Cody definitely spent the most time at the jumbo Lite Brite station,

while our boys (not surprisingly) were most enamored by the train table.

As usual, Ryan spent some time twirling his hair while watching the action. (Sometimes he gets both hands going -- one on each side. It's so precious to watch!)

We also looked at the parakeets,

played in the rice,

and dug around in the rubber mulch.

Jaden and Cody also got a big kick out of the tunnel. They giggled and giggled when Matt or I met them on the other end.

After spending some time going through the tunnel in the traditional way, Cody noticed an older child climbing through the holes in the sides. Of course, that looked like lots of fun. He needed some help shimmying out, but he got better with each of the subsequent (10 or more) times he tried it! Ha! :)

Both Jaden and Cody also spent quite a bit of time "cooking" and "eating" in the kitchen. It was so sweet watching them role play.

Cody especially was very interested in the pretend food and enjoyed having an older visitor to the museum serve as his "cashier."

The toddler area's slide was a big hit,

as were the fish

and the pick-up truck. :)

Later that evening, we decided to brave a trip to our neighborhood pool ... which we figured that we coudl only attempt if all three little ones were wearing life jackets/floaties of some sort.

Admittedly, the boys did look a little like overstuffed snowmen, which probably wasn't the most comfortable for them. Jaden let us know his displeasure and seemed a million times happier when we took it off of him, especially since he wasn't all that interested in getting in the pool anyway.

Despite his look here, Cody liked the kiddie pool at least a little bit better, especially if it involved picking up or throwing the rings.

The "clubhouse" was very interesting to the little boys, too.

Our boys were the only ones that wanted to go into the big pool, though Ryan wanted to stick by the stairs. Ian, on the other hand, was excited to practice his swimming.

We enjoyed ice cream sandwiches for dessert after dinner. Yum, yum!

Jaden

Cody

Day #2 (Saturday) started out with more outdoor time. Matt was coaching Ian's soccer game, and Kim didn't feel capable of juggling all three toddlers along the sideline. :) It was much more relaxing to stay home and not have to worry about anyone running out to be a part of the game. All three boys liked the bubbles -- blowing bubbles with the big wand, chasing them, and popping them!

Cody also thought it was pretty fun to make a few bubbles of his own by swishing his hands through the bubble solution really, really quickly.

Toward the end of our time outdoors, the rain really started coming down. The boys LOVED playing in the rain and puddles,

though Kim was pretty happy to have an umbrella!

We read some stories together after changing into dry clothes, while Matt fixed us all lunch. What a handsome crew! :)

Ian enjoyed reading the boys a little, too.

After nap time, we took the boys to a nearby playground.

Even though most things were pretty wet from all of the rain, the boys loved the slide,

the swings,

and the playground equipment.

Ryan enjoyed pretending to "slide down the pole"

We walked by the "turtle bridge" after the walk to the playground. The boys enjoyed dropping bread and crackers for the turtles when they weren't eating the food themselves.

Sunday was probably our most challenging day with the boys. It was a bit tricky getting everyone ready and out the door by 7:30 and then keeping everyone entertained during the (over 1-hour long, communion) church service. Thankfully, we sat near friends with kids who handed us a whole new batch of toys and snacks as we passed the one-hour mark. :) Church was the only outing we felt like we could handle that day.

Later that afternoon, we played outside some more. Jaden and Ian drew us some pretty pictures on the driveway,

while Ryan and Matt played some hockey with a soccer ball. :)

The little boys had so much fun looking at all of the bugs that had gathered on a lily plant.

Later, Jaden, Cody, and I enjoyed watching Ian hit baseballs in the cul-de-sac.

The boys enjoyed taking turns ringing the doorbell.

Ian enjoyed giving rides in the Jeep to all of the little boys. Both Cody and Jaden (especially Jade) were a little hesitant about Ian's driving abilities.

Ryan, on the other hand, didn't mind at all! :)

On on final morning of baby-sitting, the boys celebrated their 2-year-old birthday. We celebrated by giving them candles in their bagels. The boys enjoyed the bagels and candles but were definitely most excited about their birthday gift of having Mommy and Daddy back with them mid-morning.

We loved our time with you, Jaden and Cody! You are active, curious, smart and loving little boys. You'll have to convince your parents to take a getaway together again soon! We love you!