April Activities

   As a April comes to an end we thought we would share a few tidbits about all the activities the boys have been up to. Last weekend we took advantage of a small break in the weather to get out and do some Earth Day cleaning. The boys really took their job of picking up litter around our house, street and alley seriously. They also like watching a few Earth Day videos online. Owen also played teacher to Gavin telling him all the things he learned about Earth Day at school. After they finished their handwork we got in a few minutes of bike riding. Gavin has really improved his pedaling skills and has pretty much got the hang of riding his trike. See the video below!
   Owen participated in basketball this last month and wrapped up the last game today. He really did enjoy basketball and says he would like to play again sometime. He would like to everyone to be clear that soccer is still his favorite sport! We did get some shots of him during practice and the game. It was fun to see how his skills improved. He can actually somewhat dribble down the court now and his shots can typically reach the net so he is getting closer to making baskets on the 7ft hoops. Just need to build up some more strength in those little arms!
   Both boys started swimming lessons last Friday and LOVE it! Gavin in particular can barely contain himself on the drive over because he is so anxious to get there. This session has turned out to be really hassle free for mom & dad! Mostly because Gavin is now able to be a class that does not require parent participation, but also because both boys are in lessons at the same time and in small groups right next to each other. Hooray!! The boys have also been going to the Y with Daddy to practice in between lessons. Joel reports that they continue to be fearless in the water. In fact last weekend Gavin was jumping from the side to Joel but would go all the way to the bottom and then climb Joel's legs "like a ladder" to reach the surface. Once he caught his breath he would yell, "again!".
    We also visited the dentist this month and both boys have healthy teeth! Once again they got to enter the "no cavities" raffle drawing. They both cooperated nicely for the staff and Dr JoAnn. Owen even got through his second set of x-rays without any trouble. We were reminded once again to start saving for orthodontic bills. :( They both have an overbite and some significant crowding. Good thing they're good about flossing!
   We are hoping that May brings us better health and more sleep. It's been a tough few months with one of us having a some kind of virus every couple weeks. Wish us luck!

PS-Owen has been reading single words and small phrases since the beginning of last summer. We haven't pushed him too hard with this because he typically would get frustrated and lose interest. Throughout the fall and winter he became more interested and started reading short books and some level 1 readers. In the last few weeks he has gained the confidence to take on a few pretty long books. He has now read Green Eggs and Ham and several level 2 readers. Go Owen!!

Enjoy the photos, video and check out the latest quotes!

Gavin riding his trike

Easter Fun!

It was another fun filled Easter weekend for the Caruth's. The boys enjoyed many Easter themed activities at Grandpa Mike and Grandma Jeanie's.  They also enjoyed eating a few Easter treats and playing with their Easter toys including coloring books, peeping chicks, bubbles and dig and glow dinosaurs.

Here are some funny stories/quotes from the weekend-
Gavin was looking at a Grandma Jeanie's chick decoration and asked "Where is the mommy?" Jeanie suggested that maybe she went for a walk. Gavin replied, "Noooo. She went to yoga!"

Owen had Lovey sitting with him on the car ride down. He pointed out interesting landmarks as we drove along, "See Lovey this is Minneapolis"and "This is the country side Lovey". He also played "I spy" with her. We were not along to play along, only Lovey.

Owen also told everyone all weekend about how he wants to be a "scientist who learns about space". Last night we dug out the dig and glow dinosaurs and read a new dinosaur book. Today he told everyone at Target he wants to be a "scientist who discovers about dinosaurs".  

Enjoy the photos!

Drive-in movie night!

What do you do on a chilly spring night when you are feeling a little bored? Make cars out of boxes and have a "drive-in" movie night of course! This idea was happily borrowed from Pinterest and the boys LOVED it! We started out by turning the kitchen into our design studio and began decorating the cars. Owen really got into the details. He drew on door handles, added tail lights and suggested they each have license plates. Gavin enjoyed snipping paper to tape to his car. The movie of the evening was Curious George and it was a hit! The cars were also a hit. First thing this morning they began using them to drive their stuffed friends around the house and down the stairs. This became a bit of a science experiment figuring out how many friends (how much weight) needed to ride in the car so that it wouldn't flip over. We also worked on seat belts to keep the friends from falling out during the wild ride!

Enjoy the photos!