bou-tang clan: May 2012

Thursday, May 31, 2012

memorial day weekend

Great weekend in Kaukauna with the family! We couldn't ask for anything more - family, sun, relaxation, and BAY BEACH. Here we are the "kids" and the "kiddos" at Bay Beach. Jackson was so, so, so, so, so excited about this visit to "bisconsin" (as he pronounces Wisconsin) because it meant that we were headed to the Green Bay for rides. He remembers last years trip, in particular he remembers he wasn't tall enough (we are talking mm here) for the bumper cars. But this year we told him that he definitely exceeded the 42" limit. 3 days before we left for Kaukauna Jackson told me ... "Mom, Grandpa, Dad and me are going to ride the bumper cars today!" Mom had to break it to Jackson that he would have to wait just a few more days.

First we rode the helicopters remembering to avoid the scrambler (remember last years first ride and conversation). After that Jackson ran to the bumper cars. Jackson's excitement was contagious that everyone (except the Gramps and Will) had to take a turn. Jackson chose to ride with Daddy but guess what ... he's legs were too long and that didn't allow for enough room for Jackson to drive the car. So the next best co-pilot was Aunt Molly! We know he looks a bit terrified here but what happened is that Jackson/Molly got stuck and was hit from behind so he got a bit upset. Molly said it lasted for a couple seconds, she turned them around and off they went - driving and bumping! See ... happy and driving. Love this picture of the aunts waving and Jackson driving!

Little bugs.

Although all of the rides were a hit, some were a bit slow. So Jackson took a turn on the swings. He held on for dear life and we tried to yell to him to lean back but he stayed in one position the whole time. He said he liked it.

The train is a great ride for all to enjoy, even Will. I love this shot of the Grandparents and Will. We tried to get Will to sleep in his stroller but he didn't fall for it. We think he was holding out for the train ride - stubborn runs on both sides of the family! We're glad he got to experience his first train ride with Grandma and Grandpa. What's great about the ride is that it runs right by the water, where riders not only enjoy a relaxing break from amusement park chaos but also a much needed breeze-break from the heat. What kid doesn't love a good, ol' fashioned train ride. On this particular ride, Jackson and Dad experience the red train. Its time to squeeze in and get comfy.

One of the best things about being home is being able relax, relax in the backyard with family. We love the green, the space, the accessibility ... and no one loves that more then Jackson, and we can see that Will is on his way to appreciating these same things. We find these foursomes together often, and love that we could capture these candid shots. Ah, Sun Chips - bringing families together. We have about 15 photos from this series. Who doesn't love the green grass, the bright blue shirts, the golden color, the white bellies, and the undies!

Will got very excited about the BIG diggers, just look at how adorable he is! Jackson did a good job of sharing the diggers. Will is becoming increasingly more interested in his brother and what he plays with. Jackson works hard to include his brother and share with him. We've proud of them both, and can't wait to see what new stage/phase is next for these two amazing boys.

Will is walking! After a long day at Bay Beach and literally no naps, the boys changed into their matching jammies and we all had some good quality family time. Aunt Becky was reading one of our new books (from Alaska when Grandma and Grandpa visited a few weeks ago) to Jackson on the couch when all of a sudden we noticed that Will was spluttering non-stop. He would walk back and forth from Grandma to Mom and Dad on the other couch just spluttering away. Will loves to give raspberries! We all loved it. Hilarious.

What a great end to a fantastic weekend - reading with Grandma! Our little family is so loved!
(PS I can't seem to download a couple videos, be on the look out for those later)

Friday, May 25, 2012

Will turns ONE

So much has happened since we last posted back in February. We moved into a larger apartment, doubling our living space and also our bedroom space. The move was crazy and we thought it would be relatively easy since we moved 2 blocks away ... boy, were we wrong. Its even harder to move within the same city. We planned less and relied on moving in waves throughout a week = not good! But its over with and we are very happy to be in our new space. The boys both have their own rooms, for now, we might consider having them share a room again when Will is around 2. The first week in April Daddy and Mommy traveled overseas (without the boys) for Rubrick and Sophie's wedding. We explored London for 2 days, took a lovely train ride just SE of London (Canterbury/Whitstable) for the wedding festivities and then back to London. Quick trip, much needed R&R, and fantastic sites/food/company. Things are finally gearing down for Daddy and work, he's been busy planning events (one in particular was JamFest, which is part of ESPN/McDonald's All American HS Bball game), filling in for one of the mangers who has moved on to a new job, etc. So this means we get to travel a bit this summer - first to Madison to help celebrate with Ty/Rach on all that is wedding, then Mom's off to KS/Ozarks to party with the girls (and she's hoping Dad will get together with his buddies), we hope Conner and Aunt Zan come to visit us and experience Chicago, and lastly a trip back to MN.

Alright, on to our happy, loveable, silly, and strong William. We can't believe its already been a year. It seems like just yesterday we were in the hospital welcoming him to the world. Through it all - his feisty first months, refusing a bottle, sleeping with Jackson, becoming a champion napper, developing an amazing personality, getting HUGE, learning all sorts of things (curiosity is the best!), and walking! - it still seems like a finger snap away. We had a very low key but perfect first birthday with Will. Nana and Pappy come to visit, and we celebrated in all sorts of ways - playgrounds, the beach, the museum, restaurants, cake, good company, and laughing. We love our Will so, so, so much, and can't imagine our family without him.