5 Years: A Snapshot

It's hard to believe that it has been 5 years since I had two newborn babies in my arms. I had to reminisce a bit and look through some old photos. And while I was at it, I thought I'd share a few:

One month old, and already full of personality.

The morning of their first birthday party, with their buddy Elmo.

Two years old, on a nature hike with Daddy.

Three years old, and wanting to do everything Daddy (and Mommy) does. Helping Daddy move some dirt here:

Four years old, and they each caught a fish (and got their first serious sunburn) on their very first fishing trip with Daddy.

Today, at barely five years old, at their church preschool graduation. Onward and upward!

It went so fast. Everyone tells you to enjoy the moments when your children are small. Everyone says the time flies by. And on some level you can understand that in your head when people say it. But to experience it as your children go from 0-5 in the blink of an eye makes you truly understand. And you become part of that group of "everyone," who wistfully tells someone else to enjoy their baby, because it really goes by fast. Even though they will know soon enough.

Boys on Bikes

It is seriously shameful how long I go in between posts these days. And what's worse is how much stuff I could be sharing. I have many pictures and stories that have just gone undocumented. The shame of it all. So I will start with yesterday and perhaps one day I will do my series of retro posts to include things like birthday parties and milestone events. Perhaps.

Since George and Josh turned 5 years old on Monday (ack!), they finally got bicycles as gifts (from their amazing grandparents!). It rained most of the day on their actual birthday, of course, and so we had to take them to the park yesterday (since our property is hilly and all gravel or grass - not the best terrain to start out on) to try them out. And they did great. Observe:

Here is the unveiling. They were itching to ride and got on immediately. We allowed them to pedal about in circles on the deck during the 5 minutes of sunshine we got that evening. They were thrilled.

Now for the real riding the next day. Helmets and all. This was a rare side-by-side moment. Most of the time they were passing each other, racing, or doing completely different things.

Josh, happy as a clam on his new best friend.

Giddy George with his favorite toy.

And not to be left out, Blake received a hand-me-down tricycle (thank goodness!) at the same time. He is also in love with it (though he needs a bit more practice). Here he was saying "I used the brakes."

Josh and Blake after an intentional collision.

Passing each other on the way to somewhere else.

Then we went on their first "trail" ride.

And there they go!

The trio in all of their pedaling glory.

They had a blast and did NOT want to go home. And asked if they could ride bicycles the next day. And when we left for the doctor this morning, they asked if they could ride them today. I have a feeling we'll be going to the park a lot this summer.