4.02 Nana's Visit

December 29, 2014
By Cyndi

Nana arrived half way through Hanukkah just in time for more gifts!  These kids think that even days after Hanukkah has ended they should still be opening presents each night!

They scored some awesome robes, lots of books & many other things from other family & friends!  Nana taught them a new game or two and they spent many hours playing around the house. She also watched them for dinner & bedtime one night so Matt and I could enjoy some wine and dinner in peace.  Of course, for her, they were angels and none of the whining and the "I can't do xyz" games that normally frequent the bedtime routine.

After Nana left, we got a warm day and were able to try out our new pogo sticks and then got some scooter time on a 50 degree December day!  I have been off work since Christmas Eve, extending through January 5th, and have been spending the time organizing, cleaning & decorating the house!  It has been fun, but not very relaxing.

Starting tomorrow, the Acks' arrive and the Carmeans the day after, along with the Isaacs' also.  Let's just say our food bill this week looks more like a normal month, but its all for good friends!

4.01 Hanukkah

December 24, 2014
By Cyndi

Once Saba left, we rolled right into Hanukkah.  T&Z were all about the presents, in fact asking each night.  They also wanted to help with lighting the menorah.  The two nights Matt worked, we skyped so he could "participate" but between holding the phone and trying not to burn the house down, I just lit the menorah and we moved ahead.  The other nights, we had to discuss who was going to light which candles and even then, we still had meltdowns!

On the first night, we headed into DC to see the National Menorah Lighting.  It had been raining most of the day but stopped about 2pm, just in time for them to set the event site, but not enough time for the mud to go away.  It was NASTY ....... but we survived and fun was had by all!

4.00 Hello Four!

By Cyndi
December 15, 2014

We made it!  All of us have survived these crazy four years!!
Since this year they were home for their birthday, I tried to plan fun things for them all day long.
Matt arrived home late Friday and had to work the entire weekend.

Saturday morning started at 630a with Zach singing "Happy Birthday to me" quietly in bed.  We went out to breakfast at a diner near Matt's work so he could come for a bit on a break.

We played and napped and when Matt arrived home, we went for an adventure.  I wanted the suspense so I wouldn't have a zillion questions, but we drove 30 min to a mall and went to Build-A-Bear.  We arrived outside and they refused to go in.  Saba went inside and showed them the bear options through the glass and after a few minutes, they warmed up to the idea and went in.

Tyler chose Donatello and Zach chose Rafael.  We stuffed them and then it was time for some accessories.  Nope, they didn't want the typical items, they wanted Superman and Batman clothes! They were happy and that was all that mattered!

We grabbed pizza on the way home, enjoyed cupcakes and a little singing and of course, gift opening!

Sunday was Saba's last night so we tried to get some pictures.  Top left picture below was the first twenty tries and finally after 15 minutes of trying to convince Tyler, he cooperated for the top right!

It has been rough many days where one refuses to get dressed, wash their hands, use their listening ears.  Many times it is like talking to a wall, but I try to remind myself it's moments like their birthday that all of us will remember forever.

3.51 Almost there ...

By Cyndi
December 8, 2014

My editor is on vacation (err ... I mean business travel) so I will leave you with two pictures.

First is a bowling birthday party which was very fun!!

And second, while Daddy was away, I tried to solicit help in the kitchen, but all I got was a picture!

3.50 A warm afternoon and December prep

By Cyndi
December 1, 2014

Everyone left Saturday morning, and we quickly cleaned and spent a quiet afternoon at home.  On Sunday, we had a blast of warm weather, so we took the boys to ride bikes to the local part.  It was welcomed fresh air for everyone, though I wish we had that weather when we had 6 kids corralled inside!

I'm working on meal planning for the entire month.  Yes, the entire month as my dad will be here for all of next week while Matt is in NOLA for work.  Nana will be here a week after that, followed by the Acks' from Texas for New Year's.  That's more hosting than most months, so I'm trying to find meals that feed enough and not repeating the same things.  The kids, on the other hand, are still eating close to nothing at home and now reject some foods they used to eat, such as grilled cheese.

When I asked what breakfast food they wanted for their birthday, they requested french toast. Good choice! When I asked what they wanted for dinner, they said pizza wasn't special and instead want cereal.  Mind you, on Thanksgiving with a house full of amazing foods, they had cheerios and milk. One day kids, one day you will enjoy more yummy foods!

3.49 Thanksgiving

By Cyndi
November 27, 2014

Pardon the delayed post, but its been busy with Thanksgiving.  Besides a little wet snow which prevented us from being outside at all, we survived and had a great time together.  Matt decided to brine the turkey this year (for 48 hours), which we both agreed helped it be so moist!  With all the normal sides, the adults barely ate any dessert as we ate too much other food.

We also hosted everyone on Friday night for a big sleepover.  The kids did fairly well, even though we had to break out a new toy or two meant for their birthday to keep them all entertained.  The menu was a nacho bar on our grill plates, so each couple made their own.  I was happy with how it all turned out!

Another successful Turkey day and can't wait for next year!!

3.48 Potty talk

By Cyndi
November 19, 2014


This week has been crazy, yet again for me.  All you get from me this week is ....

"Zachary, stop playing penis games!"

Ugh, where is the user guide for two boys, one of which does a little extra playing each time he goes potty!

3.47 A little daylight for some bikes!

By Cyndi
November 10, 2014

We had a fairly quiet week & weekend.  We mostly stayed around the house and began the purging and cleanup effort in preparation of visitors over Thanksgiving and two (maybe three) times in December.  We needed to go through the extra rooms and spend time organizing and cleaning up the basement. All of the extra room is great, until you realize how much crap you find in each corner.  Cleaning it all out just in time to donate before the end of 2014!


The weather was nice enough on Sunday afternoon to spend a little time after nap outside on bikes before it started to get dark around 430pm.  Gosh, leaving for work in the dark and arriving home in the dark sucks!

That's it from here.  Any additional comments would only be about the awful listening that has continued at home.  I have had to sit in their room to ensure they go to sleep for nap and bedtime is just as bad.  Ugh ...... that is all I have to say about that.

3.46 Halloween and mug shots

By Cyndi
November 3, 2014

We survived another weekend.  Halloween was so fun once they were out RUNNING from house to house!

We've learned these kids are creatures of habit and due to our crazy work schedules and how we run this shop, change doesn't happen too often.  We switched them from their "summer" shoes to their heartier "winter" shoes when the weather turned colder last week. Between dinner and putting on costumes, Tyler lost it when we requested him to put shoes on for trick or treating.... the same shoes he wore all day at school without issue and had been wearing for a few days.  Zach and Matt went out and Matt even swung back in to try to get Tyler out but he wouldn't' budge and wanted me to carry him which at 38lbs is not an option.

Finally after 20+ min of meltdown, he finally agreed to put shoes and and went running out the door crying for Matt & Zach.  I wish I had a video of a ninja turtle with superman identity crisis running and crying down the street.

In the end, they had a great time and enjoyed some candy and went to bed.

Saturday morning I felt completely defeated.  Tyler refused to get dressed and I wasn't going to budge and give in to his demands, which were all in screaming or crying tones.  He stayed upstairs for 1 hour 45 minutes before he gave in and came down, at almost 10am.  We ended up not going to a playdate with friends whom I hadn't seen in months, which besides the parenting fail, I was sad about not seeing friends.

On a positive note, mug shots have been taken so the official countdown to vacation in March can begin!!!

3.45 Are you listening to me?

October 28, 2014
By Cyndi

What a week!!  The fellas are exerting their independence and while the parent teacher conferences had nothing but great things to say about them, their behavior at home is less than stellar.  Actually, its downright appalling.

They are biting each other when they are mad.  They are hitting with toys and their own hands and even hitting us.  They aren't listening at all and it is a struggle to try to get them to the table to eat, dressed or really anything.  We offer choices, allow them time to think and then they just stand there whining and crying with zero decision.  So incredibly frustrating.

Doesn't help that I'm still working 55 hr weeks and trying (unsuccessfully) to get a few small house projects done.

I'll leave you with a few pictures from their last soccer practice from the season and a Halloween festival.

3.44 Fall Weekend in PA

By Cyndi
October 20, 2014


We owed the Carmeans a full visit since they have been to visit us multiple times and our last visit was cut short when Meigs was injured at the kennel.   We had soccer Saturday morning and then drove up after that.  The fellas napped in the car so we had lots of play time once we got there.

Rose's birthday was last week so we offered to cook dinner that evening and once all the kids were sleeping, we enjoyed some beverages!  We reminisced about the fun beach trip and started thinking about 2015's trip!

On Sunday we went to a local arboretum and let the kids enjoy some of the fall activities and burn off some energy.  In the afternoon, we hung out at their place and just enjoyed their company.  Its been awesome to have them less than 3 hour drive away instead of back in Chicago :)

3.43 Big Boy Fun!

By Cyndi
October 14, 2014

We've made some changes around here ....

The gate in front of the fireplace and entertainment system is gone.

The boys are in toddler beds.  We said goodbye to cribs and sleepsacks, which was a very sad day for me.  I substituted my love for sleepsacks and kids that aren't free with wine :)

T&Z are riding bikes with training wheels.

They are practicing letters and writing often at work school [Editor caught this error, evidence author is working way too much. Time to feed her a beer].  Tyler's art is distinguishable from Zach's as he stays in the lines very well and keeps things in rows/columns.

They are correcting us for talking with food in our mouth, yelling, driving too fast or too slow, and everything else you can think of.

And last, but certainly not least, I'm fairly sure my favorite photo from this fall's pictures wasn't even one she posted in the sneak peak!!!

and my favorite ...

3.42 Fall Photos

By Cyndi
October 7, 2014

While I had hoped life would calm down, it never seems to get any slower.  I've been battling a nasty headache all day, so I'll keep this short with pictures.

We had our fall photos yesterday with a photographer some of our friends have used.  We picked the boys up from school, drove an hour in traffic, changed the fellas in my trunk and went for it.  The clouds started to roll in which meant we were short on time for light, but she did an amazing job.  I was nervous & sick to my stomach most of the day that choosing a week night was a bad idea.

Ms Jo (the photog at Clover Creek http://www.clovercreekphotography.com) was outstanding!  She was worth every penny and lots more!

3.41 Soccer (yes again)

September 29, 2014
By Cyndi


I am happy (very, very happy) to report both kids played soccer this past Saturday!!!  I was actually able to talk briefly with the other parents, snap a few pictures and enjoy the morning!  Hopefully we are able to transition to other activities come winter and next spring faster.

The remainder of the weekend was fairly low key.  We started their monthly class at our new temple for kids ages 3-5.  They did really well and I'm glad they are almost 4 since it is geared toward the older kids. We had dinner with the Isaacs and otherwise just stayed close to home.  I'm such a homebody sometimes (or all the time), but it is good for all of us to get out.  The last picture below is my start of holiday gifts for friends :)  It's cryptic, I know, but I want to make sure it turns out before I post all about it.

3.40 Fall is here!

By Cyndi
September 22, 2014

Well, this weekend was better than the last!  Work is still and will remain extremely busy for the rest of year most likely.  We spent much of the week talking about soccer, what to expect and what we saw the other kids do last week to prepare them for this week.

They seemed excited when they woke up Saturday morning and after a mild meltdown from Tyler on how the jersey fit, we arrived and made it 30 ft from the field before Tyler acted timid.  Zach went right out and started listening to the coaches and playing.  Tyler remained by my side, even when Matt arrived on his break from work.

A little after practice and a snack, Tyler perked right up for team pictures :)  During this upcoming week, we will keep talking with Tyler so hopefully he feels more comfortable and will play next week.

On Sunday, we had a birthday party for a friend from school.  It was at a local fall festival and we had a blast, including Matt (as pictured below!)  We pedaled four-wheelers, rode the hayride and enjoyed lunch & cupcakes.

Watching them have fun reminded me that I best get moving on planning T&Z's birthday party!!

3.39 Soccer mom .....

By Cyndi
September 15, 2014

Soccer mom status is delayed until next weekend.

It was not a good day Saturday morning for the fellas or myself.  For weeks, we have talked about soccer and what to expect during practice.  They were super excited when they woke up and were easy to get dressed.  They happily got out of the car and by the time the short walk to the field ended, everything changed.  They refused to to leave my side and were scared to participate at all.  I helped them to walk out onto the field, stood with all the other kids and nothing would get them to put their ball down and listen to the coach.

Nothing worked and it tore me up.  Matt left work & came to practice and tried to help and still no luck.  After 25 minutes of trying (of a 45 minute practice), I left in tears and brought them home while Matt went back to work.  We'll try again next week and I really hope they aren't so scared and participate this time.

The rest of the weekend was calm and it took me quite a while to recover from the morning and the next few weeks are pretty jammed packed with plans.

Here's the weekend review from my phone:

2nd Dentist appointment where they did great!

Happy kids before soccer ...

 Don't look too hard in the field, they were right at my side ...

 Dinner al fresca ....

3.38 Perfect way to end the summer ... Bethany Beach

By Cyndi
September 8, 2014

Well, summer has officially ended for the Alderson Family!  After a short work week, we headed to the Delaware shore with our friends the Carmeans for a long weekend at Bethany Beach.  We've been talking to the fellas about this trip for months and how we would play in the sand, enjoy the water and do lots of special things.

Matt and I packed the car, which resembled a game of tetris as we had SO MUCH stuff!  Once we arrived, we unpacked into the condo and got everyone changed and walked out to the beach.  We picked a first floor condo, where we could walk to the ocean within 2 minutes.  It was perfect!

We spent an hour or two playing and then headed back for dinner and bed.  I started feeling worse as the cold that started the day before was worsening. 

The next morning everyone was up early (ugh!) and we were setting up camp at the beach by 830a!!  We were also joined by a DC friend and her twins.  Tyler and Zach mostly played in the sand and the little pool we had near our chairs.  Zach did go down to the water's edge with Matt which was great!

Don't you love my wine glass??!!  Ahhhh..... add a few frozen grapes in it and I was enjoying life.  Not pictured:  The box of kleenex I went through along with the Afrin nose spray -- I was almost over dosing to be able to breathe!


We had lunch and then nap time.  After nap, we drove 20 minutes north to Rehoboth for dinner and playtime for the kids. They had a FABULOUS time at Funland.  The rides and games were the perfect size.  The only downfall was it was 90+ degrees outside and hotter near all the rides and we were all dripping in sweat by the end.

We stopped in a candy store for a late night snack where they each picked out a bag of chocolate covered pretzels with sprinkles.  On the ride home, we offered them a few and Tyler only ate one and Zach only took one little bite and said he was done.  I think they were just exhausted!

On Saturday, once again, we were up early and at the beach before 9am.  We lasted until close to 1130, again in 90+ degree heat!  They had a blast between the sand and the swing set. 

After nap, we headed up to the Bethany boardwalk, took a quick family picture and enjoyed ice cream.  The Carmeans finally witnessed T&Z's craziness with food when they refused to eat their ice cream (which was melting quickly) because they didn't get a cone.  So finally we got them a cone, of which they each took one small bite and then said they didn't want it!!

We headed back to the condo for dinner & the adults enjoyed the quiet time after the kids went to bed.

For our first real family vacation, I think it was a WIN!!  Raising kids is tough, twins are very tough as they feed off each other all.the.time.  To see them enjoy all of the new things was a parenting win!  My favorite memory of the trip was asking them what their top two favorite things were:

Tyler
1.  Riding the trucks at Funland
2.  Riding the boats at Funland

Zachary
1.  Standing in the water and the waves
2.  Riding the boats at Funland

Until next time ...... hopefully we will continue to be on the uphill from age 3.5 (half ages are the worst) and ride the vacation train of happiness a little longer!