The Brothers Blankenship: 1 + 2.75 = AWESOMExhausting

Kai has arrived at the 1 year mark in style. He sports curly, golden locks, a big smile, 8 teeth, solid walking legs, chunky yet silky thighs and generally a winning attitude. He enjoys sweeping the floors, meeting other toddlers, playing peek-a-boo, wrestling, hair-pulling and biting his brother, milk (of course) and snuggling (he gives the best hug around the neck ever). In addition he has started to communicate in sign. His first sign was "cat" which as Aunt Dharma said makes sense because "he is Leo - the great cat." He also likes to talk about "birds" and being "all done." At 22lbs-1oz and 2ft-5in tall he is a force to be reckoned with.

Bjorn is nearly three and is getting into the groove of being big brother. He has taken his parenting role to new heights, packing up to 4 babies around at a time, making sure they get their naps, keeping the house quite for their rest and so on. In addition to his daddy persona, he frequently adopts other roles such as caterpillar, train, snake and beetle just to name a few. Like any good actor he doesn't just act; he becomes the part. One day I complimented him on his parenting skills and he replied in all seriousness, "I'm not a parent. I'm a daddy." When he is not tied up with child care duties, he enjoys singing (his number 1 all time favorite song is the ABCs), biking, wrestling Kai, swinging and making a good tangle.

Some days it feels like we're barely staying afloat with these guys, but more and more it feels like we're over the hump (if that's really possible). I guess a better way to say it is that some things have gotten a bit easier. For example, we can leave the room sometimes without a guaranteed assault, Bjorn is well on his way to being potty trained and Kai sleeps for longer periods at night. We celebrate these positive achievements even as we brace for the usual as well as the upcoming challenges.

Bjorn's First Crit (There was ice cream at the finish -- a real motivator.)

Bjorn practices safe scooping

A special tangle involving a tripod and a bit of climbing rope.

Who needs toys when we have Tupperware and wooden spoons!

Commute Options Parade -- Bjorn commuted by strider, which he decorated with sparkles and things, Kai commuted by mom-pulled radio flyer wagon also with sparkles.

The Dirty 1/2 -- Bjorn held the Go Dad Go sign and cheered while Kai maned the cow bell. It's still a mystery but somehow we managed to miss Dad's finish. As a consolation we were able to cheer on Stacey and Ann Marie.

Daddy B

nursing elephant while monkey, Furgeson and blue doll rest

packing babies in the red wrap

protecting babies from scantly dressed and curious onlooker

More Good Times

Strawberry Lake -- This was our first family backpacking trip. B hiked the entire mile into the lake carrying his backpack with sleeping bag, water and baby. Taylor and Stacey made the trip complete by bringing a fishing rod, organizing a bug hunt AND, bringing a camera! These photos are courtesy of Stacey. We remembered the wipes, the bottles, the hats, the long johns, the teething biscuits, everything but the camera. (Thanks Stacey!)