Woo-Hoo....We went to Colorado!

The day after Christmas BJ, Joshua, Josiah, and I flew to Colorado for my cousin, Big Justin's wedding.  This was an exciting and crazy time!  Mostly crazy trying to deal with the to-do's of Christmas and getting packed and ready for a trip. Even though I can multi-task, I usually have to focus on one event and then work on the next.  Thankfully we didn't fly out until the afternoon.  :)

Once we landed and got our rental car we met my dad for dinner. The last time we saw him was the summer of 2010 so this was his first time to meet the twins.  We had a nice time visiting before making the long drive to Wray.  (A place I love....pretty sure I've mentioned that a time or two!)

It was so good to see family again.  I really wish we could have stayed longer and brought all the boys with us.  Our big boys were so sad to miss out.  On a drive to let the twins nap we stopped by my mom and Aunt's old school.  It was hard to relive the many memories of my mother.  This was where she grew up and where she took us for our vacations every year.  

BJ and I are always fascinated with the plains....you can see for miles.  Definitely a change of scenery from our part of Oregon.

Some of my family at the rehearsal.

Justin was so sweet to let a bunch of us crash at his house.  A little crazy sharing one bathroom with everyone, but great to hang out and visit with my Dodsworth cousins. We played a movie to help calm the twins down before bed.  They were enjoying being free from cribs on this trip.  :)

The big day!  I actually missed the whole ceremony because I watched the bins in the nursery.  However, I had such a great time visiting with my cousin-in-law, Priscilla. And, everyone told me BJ did a great job marrying them. :)

~Justin and Fawn~

Here I am with my cousins, Duaine and Doyle.  I have many memories with these two.  It still weirds me out to be a "grown-up" now with them.  :)

The trip was a lot of fun.  BJ and I had a great time together and it was neat to focus on our youngest two.  Congratulations, Justin and Fawn. We are so glad we could share your special day with you!

sickness

It was so sad to see our little guys feeling bad the day after their party.  They didn't fully recover for a week!  One blessing of sickness is lots of snuggle time....and it was definitely easier to keep track of them that week.  

Our binnies are 2!!!

Our sweet babies toddlers turned two on July 6th.  It has been a whirlwind of a year or two, but we wouldn't trade it for anything.  Joshua and Josiah have brought so much joy into our lives....as well as their brothers'!  

Right now you might catch these two....

 -singing "Jesus Loves Me" without making out any real words

-shooting with a play gun, complete with sound effects

-yelling "bye-bye!"

-constantly getting into the boys' toothbrushes and my hairspray

-helping themselves to plums from our tree

-motioning for us to put their shoes on them

-climbing any playground structure around

-wanting whatever item the other one has :)

We were in the midst of a busy week when we decided to host a BBQ for the twins' birthday, so when Justin wanted to take on the decorating, I was more than willing to let him!  Wish you could have seen his streamers.  :)

 The party was actually held on the 7th.....little Eddie's birthday.  :)

 Here are a few of our sweet babysitters from church.  These ladies have allowed us to enjoy a few date nights.  Such a blessing!

 Joshua and Josiah loved opening their presents.  After each one they screamed "yeah!!!" and everyone cheered.  I think they loved the response.  :)

 The binnies new toys are often enjoyed by all....including the biggest brother! Ha!  

Joshua Courage

Josiah Christian

 Happy Birthday....We love you!!!

2 two year olds + 1 Judson = no dull moments!

(Josiah)

first haircuts

As you can see from his expression, Josiah was thrilled with his first little trim around the ears.  :)

Joshua was a much better sport.

 

Loving these handsome little boys! 

our binnies

BJ put up a temporary fence in the backyard so our twins have a contained place to play outside.  It seems when they get loose, they always head for the Quonset hut or the mud puddles.  They love to be outdoors.  

Laundry helpers

Early start....

We really don't watch a lot of movies around here, but sometimes it is nice for mommy to have a small break. :)  It took forever for Judson to sit and actually watch tv....not these guys.  When the tv is on they head for the chair and get settled in.  With two little ones running around it is especially nice. :)

This picture of moving into our new home seems like forever ago now, but really we have only lived here 1 month today! The bins had a lot of fun playing in their cribs while daddy put them together.  :)

playing together

It's so cute to see these three ride like the wind....in the comforts of their own room.  :) Right now Judson is a source of entertainment and joy along with sometimes fear and anxiety to our twins.  They usually try and run the other way if they see him coming.  Jud's bear hugs and tackles are a little overwhelming. I know, however, that in another year or so they will all be the best of friends.  :)

Happy New Year!

I survived!  My twins are 18 months old, a new year is here, and I am still alive!  Praise God for his grace and mercy.  There were times when I felt so overwhelmed this past year.  My days were full with no room for any "extras."  Most mothers of multiples said it would be this way for the first 3 years, but a couple of months ago I realized how much easier and more manageable things had become.  I was even fitting in a few extras and venturing out with all seven in tow.  If I were giving advice to a mother expecting twins I would tell her to plan on being home and doing only the necessary tasks for the first year.  By 18 months she will be surprised at how much easier her load is and what a good workout her walking twins will give her. I would also say that the first year will go by faster than she could have ever imagined, but she will have two wonderful little blessings so worth the work and sacrifice. :)

Happy New Year from the Kuykendalls....wishing you God's love in 2013!

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

Joshua and Josiah

(Joshua is wearing the blue bib.)

Love these babies!