Toes in the Sand

Two weeks ago we went to Holden Beach for the weekend to celebrate Father's Day and birthdays.
Max and Claire were so excited to play in the sand and they loved the waves!

Max has been getting the worst rashes when he plays at the beach.  We ended up putting his pj shorts on, hoping less sand would get in.

My neighbor gave me a tip yesterday.  She puts diaper cream that has a lot of zinc on her son's inner thighs.  Says it works like a charm! Any other tips?

They also got to try sparklers for the first time! Thanks, Aunt Darcy!

Double Trouble

Twins = Double Trouble

Today has been one of the most challenging days I've had in a while.  The three's have not been kind to me.  While they are learning, exploring, growing and turning into little people that make me laugh everyday, they have also been giving me gray hair.

Yes, they are typical three year olds, but they feed off of each other big time.  They have started ganging up on me.  Today I let them play in the sprinkler and ended up knocking off an outside bath at the same time!  It was all fun and games until I said it was time to go inside.  Max took his soaking wet shorts and chucked them at my head then Claire picked up the sprinkler and pointed it to me then proceeded to run around the yard naked .  I finally got her dry and inside and went to catch Max.... somehow she got by me and ran around the yard again.  AHHHHHH  At this point I had had it.  I had no patience left.  It was nap time.  I sent Claire in her room to get underwear and something to sleep in. As I was walking back there, I noticed a wet floor.  She had peed all over her floor. (not to mention our cleaning lady came today).  She peed on the floor and she did it bc she was mad at me.  This is the second time she has done this. ARG!

Good thing she's cute!

Max had his share of tantrums today.  Most revolved around TV.  I have had to really limit how much tv he watches.  He is addicted and wants to watch Paw Patrol or Sofia the First all the time.  He has actually demanded it. Some days I feel like their butler... (yes, I know that I am the adult and can put a stop to this behavior)

Enough complaining... There is no greater joy than my two children!  They are double the love and fun!

Where are the results?

So, our six week weight loss challenge ended Sunday.  (We had a six week challenge against another couple - highest percent lost, won)  I am so glad it is over.  Although we try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it was stressful to always be thinking about the competition.  Justin did great! He lost about 8.5 lbs! The other couple lost about 10 lbs each - then there was me... +2.  really?  And as of yesterday, I am +5.  I'm having a hard time knowing that I am 10 lbs heavier than last summer.  I've tried all different types of exercise: HIIT, Interval, Cardio classes, spinning and recently, Pure Barre.
What gives?
Tomorrow is my last day of Pure Barre.  I have really enjoyed my two weeks.  It's hard as hell.  I think I have noticed some small changes.  I would like to continue, but think it will have to wait until after kids go back to school.


Last week they finished swim camp and have turned into big fish.  They want to be in the big pool all the time now and don't want to wear their puddle jumpers.  I usually let one take their's off and swim to me, while the other stays in their puddle jumpers.

This week they have been in Vacation Bible School.  They seem to be having a great time!  Actually, it's always a good time when their buddies are around!

Pure Barre

A few months ago I bought a living social deal for Pure Barre.  I had heard all about it and what a great workout it was.  I needed to try.  I had no idea what I was getting into!  Very challenging and different from anything I have ever done.

The class is very fast paced that focuses on isometric movements in your arms, hips, core, thighs, and "seat".  While in position you start to shake from your muscles fatiguing.  It is crazy how much my legs shake...often making me laugh.  I still get confused with "tucking".  You hear, "press and tuck, press and squeeze, press and hold" over and over.

I'm hoping to see results by the end of next week! Even just a little more tone will be nice!  I don't know that I'll be able to keep up the classes bc they are ridiculously expensive!  We will see.

Having a big time!

I know this sounds silly, but I think one of the reasons I don't blog as much is because I hate coming up with a title and don't have a meaty subject.  I really need to post pics of my not so babies anymore!

Lately we have been at the pool almost every day!  Max and Claire are loving the water and have so much fun swimming and playing with their buddies.

Claire swimming UNDER water!

loving the big pool!

Tomorrow they start a swim camp!  I drop them off at the city pool, they play at the park, do crafts, have swim lessons, then have free swim.  They did this last year and loved it so much.  I'm hoping they will be swimming by themselves by the end of the week!!

Let the summer begin!

School is officially out.  Yesterday was Max and Claire's last day of school until September.  They had a wonderful school year with awesome teachers and friends.

First day of Preschool 

Last day of {2s} Preschool!

I can't believe how much they have grown in 8 months!  Max looks like he is ready for kindergarten!

Ms Laura and Ms Angie

Claire's favorite teacher, Ms Monica

We are already starting the summer off right..... at the pool!

Lately

Just needed to jot down a few things Max and Claire have been up to.  I am so afraid I'll forget some of the hilarious things they do each day.

Claire:
3 going on 13!  I'm scared of what the teenager years will bring! She has an opinion about everything, especially clothes.  I have so many cute dresses, seer sucker and monogram outfits.... but will she wear them... NO.  She wants to wear sweatshirts and leggings in 80 degree weather!  She is feisty, mouthy, hilarious, my mini me and a human recorder.  She pays attention to EVERYTHING that comes out of our mouths.  I've been caught a few times saying cuss words and she heard and repeated.  She is obsessed with being a little mommy to her babies and our friends' babies.  She walks around on our old cell phone and carries on conversations, most of which, sound like the ones I have with Justin or my friends!

She talks with her hands and has the funniest facial expressions. Some funny things she has been saying:
Nightstand = night gown  "where is my hello kitty nightstand?"
Maxident = accident  - after spilling water on floor "Help, I just had a maxident!"

She is an awful sleeper! I am pretty sure she slept better her first year than now.  Last night she was up 1:30-3:30 wiggling around and fussing about some stuffed animal she wanted.  THEN woke up at 6:15.  Trying to work on this....

She is a handful, but I wouldn't change a thing. Love her and her little diva self!

Max:
Buds is my tv loving snuggle bug.  He would watch tv all day if I let him.  He is a good helper (most of the time) and has pretty good manners.  I love when he says, "bless you" or "thank you" to anything we do for him. He loves to be read to and playing outside.

Today he said Claire doesn't have buddies, she has friends.   Boys have buddies and girls have friends! I wonder where they come of with these things!

He absolutely LOVES peanut butter and peach yogurt...could live off of both of them!

Max cracks me up bc he loves to wear "things".  Things could be mittens (in 80 degree weather) hats, ear warmers, you name it, he would wear it!  Oh, and I love his sweet voice and how he refers to his toes as his "piggies" :) He melts my heart and I love him so!