Chore time and other exciting things!!!

Mommy and Daddy are very pleased as Brock and Kyle are learning to "help out" around the house. They are so much help, in fact that Mommy is being forced to clean more, organize and reorganize, and work quicker to stay one step ahead of the boys. Here are a few pics of our new skills and the job list that Mom and Dad have come up with. We hope this trend continues as they grow up!!

Kyle loves to unpack the groceries after a day of shopping. It is very helpful not to have to empty the bags by ourselves, and no one really minds the teeth marks in the bread wrapper as long as the drool doesn't make it through the bag:).

Brock has become quite helpful in getting things out of the refrigerator and making Mommy aware of what things need to be used up that have been pushed to the back of the shelves. He and Kyle are both always on call when the refrigerator door opens!!

As you can see, a lot of Brock and Kyle's work is done in the kitchen. Here we are helping Mommy unload the dishwasher, even though it isn't clean yet. I think we've posted pics of Brock pre-licking the spoons before. Like the refrigerator  the boys are always listening for the clink of dishes, calling them to come and help!! Notice the chocolate on his chin?? Daddy was sharing his chocolate pudding - yummmm!! What a treat:).

Both boys are very efficient in doing laundry, or banging on the washer and emptying the dryer of the wet or dry clothes. We are expecting someone to choose the drums as their instrument of choice when 5th grade hits, as both boys seem to have rhythm:).

"Here Mom - we noticed that this shelf needed to be rearranged AGAIN, so we emptied it for you. Can we look up a number for you in these wet phone books while we're at it??"

After the laundry has been emptied from the dryer, Brock is a great help in folding it. Here he is working on a set of sheets. He also does a great job with the "baby loads", emptying those laundry baskets with great efficiency!!

Kyle has become our resident register licker, I mean cleaner. I never knew they needed washing so often before Kyle check them out for us:). He can routinely be found moving from room to room, licking each register on the floor, making sure that he saves Mommy time in dusting them!!

I knew that some of you wouldn't believe me, so I managed to get a shot of the little licker in action!! And, no, for all of you concerned loved ones, he is not deficient in anything. We checked with Dr. T at our last appointment and she drew blood to check- just in case. She says that he's perfectly healthy - just exploring:).

Here's Kyle, all tired out from working so hard!! "Can't a guy just get a little rest, Mom??"

Here's Brock, relaxing in his high chair. "I'd better kick back and use this like a barca-lounger now, because I'm sure that Mommy or Daddy will be starting dishes soon, and I'll need to be ready to help!!"

On a different note, the boys are starting to play together very well. They follow each other around the house, and some days spend good time in the living room playing toys. Mostly they just steal each others' toys, but neither seems to mind too much!!

Here is Brock standing on his own. He is getting very brave and very steady, getting into a standing position in the middle of the room on his own, and even taking a few steps (5 is his record so far) when prompted. We'll be very surprised if he's not fully walking by Christmas:).


Kyle has definitely developed attitude about eating. Baby food brings on the snooty face and clenched lips most of the time. I guess he just wants to eat like a big boy, but the problem is that he still gags easily. Mommy's challenge is finding things that he will eat, besides his beloved cheese!!

Here's Brock, showing off his "big boy" skills. This is also one of his favorite dance moves - hands in the air while jumping up and down to the music:). Both boys love to dance when the chicken song starts(see duck beside Brock) as well as the radio and commercial music on TV. The radio is on a lot of the day and occasionally the boys hear the music and start to groove. It's so funny to watch, and neither of them usually dances alone - when one sees the other dancing, he joins right in:).


Here are some cute high-chair shots of the boys. They both have such great smiles, and know just how to use them to melt Mommy and Daddy's hearts.


Brock and Kyle - you are Mommy and Daddy's funny bugs!! We love you very much!!