Baronfest 2011

A few months back, Andrew and I were talking about traditions. We made a list of all the different holidays and a few things we wanted to do to celebrate each one. After our list was finished we decided that August was looking a little bare.

And that's how Baronfest was born. Next, we had to come up with a few activities. Red Baron pizza, silly string fights, and glow stick dancing seemed like obvious choices. We also had good intentions of sharing a family history story, creating our own family flag, T-shirts, "Baron Tracks" ice cream and decorating cupcakes. Not enough time in the day for all of the fun. We also decided that Baronfest is an evolving holiday. We'll just add to the fun each year.

Ultimately, we just want to have a day that the kids will look forward to.

It was great to have a night to just have fun and play. We sure love our kiddos!

Paci Fairy

We took away Austin's Paci last month. Well, technically, he gave it up. He put his pacifiers in a basket and left them on the front porch for the "Paci Fairy" so she could give them to the babies that need them. In return she left him a big boy bike and a toy. Overall, he is doing really well and has only asked for them back a handful of times. He told me that " The babies do NOT need them, I need them!" and "Mom, The fairy needs to give them back to me!" Thank you Super Nanny for the idea.

I have been putting this off for months now for various reasons. I didn't want Austin to freak out because we let Tyler have a paci, I still love my "break" while the kids nap etc. Why take it now - you ask? Aside from the fact he's way too old to have it... I took a look at Austin's mouth and noticed he's starting to have an open bite. (In non dental terms that means his back teeth touch and his front teeth don't) After reading tons of mom forums I'm hoping that most of the problem will self correct over the next couple of months. As a hygienist I KNOW better!!! Yes, I'm kicking myself, but he does love the bike.

He goes "Speed Fast!!!"

Love this phase!

Tyler is at the most adorable stage. You know the one where you can put him down and he stays there and entertains himself? I'm loving every second of it... and enjoying it while it lasts!

Bribery

Sadly, we're not above bribing our children. Oh, Mom... are you holding puffs?

Oh... a puff trail! I like this!

I'll crawl for that!

Life in the Baron House

We've been busy lately. In-N-Out came to Texas a few months ago. The lines have been so insane that we withheld the goodness from ourselves. One night when Austin was being especially rambunctious I sent he and Andrew to get burgers. It was a win-win. I had some piece and quiet for a good half hour while they were gone- and we all had good burgers!

This little Ty Guy got his first haircut. He was a very wiggly guy and VERY interested in the comb.

Austin experienced his first glow stick bath. It was a HUGE hit! He still tries to take a bath with his glow sticks that have long since lost their glow.

Andrew and I have been slowly getting our house organized. Translation: starting our child labor early. :) Austin probably shredded about 200 papers for me and loved every minute of it.

Aaaaaaaaaaannd to finish off this post another outing for fast food. We hit chick-fil-a for their free meal day. The catch? You must dress up like a cow. We took our little herd over to get our food. I should give a huge thanks to Andrew who was completely humiliated through the entire experience. He still went- all decked out in his cow get up AND let me get this picture.

It's hard to see Austin's spots/ scribbles, but he decorated his own shirt. Can you see his one little hoof that is glued to his shoe?

Better picture?

Thanks Carly for taking such darling pictures of the kids today!

You be the judge...

Does this look like a disaster or not? You be the judge. I think our photographer had some great ideas in mind. I just don't love the photos of our family. (The fact that our eyes aren't open in 2 of the 4 photos she took of our family might have something to do with it...)It's a bird... It's a plane... It's superman in the corner!

This was her really cool idea... She was trying to line up the mountains in every one's shot. It was a very creative photo and pretty awesome. Hopefully we can keep our eyes open next time...