Just hanging out . . .

These evenings have been mostly spent indoors because of the heat!  The boys are busy as ever.  Tuesday we had Zoey and Charlee over for dinner.  After dinner we played with PlayDoh!  So much fun and so much PlayDoh!  All four of the kids had fun making ice cream cones, monsters, snakes, etc. 

I have also enjoyed watching Colton do all the same things Austin can do.  He follows Austin everywhere and is always trying to keep up.  If Austin shouts or makes a noise, Colton does too.  If Austin jumps up and runs out of the room, Colton does too.  So cute and I love watching it!!

Last night was especially entertaining as the boys sat together on the couch.  This is cute to watch because Colton can't quite get on the couch himself, so Austin hops down and helps him up.  Then they get comfortable together and Colton always glances over at Austin and smiles.  His look appears to say, "I'm doing this with you, brother!"  It is truly fun to see!!  As you can see in the pictures they switch from couch to couch every 5-10 minutes . . . not sure why but it keeps Colton busy just trying to keep up with whatever Austin is going to do next!!  Best buddies!

 AND I LOVE Colton's curls!!!  It is starting to hang a little long in the front so there may be another haircut in his near future . . . but I'm holding out as long as possible!!

Adventureland!!

 We went to Adventureland on Saturday and had a great time.  Annie and Papa met us there in the morning and the fun began.  It did rain on us but the boys' excitement could not be contained.  They had a great time looking at everything and riding on all the rides.  Immediately they headed to the merry-go-round.  Austin thought daddy should get on a horse too but Brian just stood next to Austin to make sure his horse behaved. 

 We went on the big ferris wheel.  The boys loved being so high up!  Austin was very animated with his descriptions of what he was seeing.  His excitement was so much fun to be around!  We could see all the way over to the other side of the park when we were at the top of the ride.

 Colton enjoyed everything and loved pointing out different things to us.  He was always noticing things up in the air and asking what they were.  He pointed to lights, rides, trees, birds . . . everything was new and exciting for both of them.

 Colton loved the ladybugs!  They went on this ride back-to-back.  The steering wheels went all the way around and both boys had them spinning!  It was hard to catch a smile while the ride went by, so this is about as close as I got to both of them looking at the camera.

 Here is when the rain was setting in.  Colton and Austin didn't want to wear a raincoat.  When Colton wasn't on a ride, he was cuddling with someone.  When Austin wasn't on a ride, he was running in the rain and jumping in all the water puddles!  We did get Austin to carry an umbrella for a little while but that was short lived.  And yes, these very flattering yellow parka's are available for purchase at Adventureland!

 Colton wanted to ride on the motorcycle like his big brother.  Colton was stretched forward, as far as he could reach, to hold on to the handle bars.  He was pretty much laying forward on his tummy for the entire ride.  They loved this one too and we also rode it back-to-back.

 Back at the hotel we made ninja headbands out of a some birthday ribbon!  The boys jumped around showing off all of their ninja moves.  Austin is becoming quite good at Ninja kicks, Ninja punches and making the above Ninja face!  This is what I got when I asked for his most serious Ninja face!  He's so entertaining.

 Colton's love for the Ninja sash was short lived.  He jumped around with it on for a few minutes and then thought he was better off without it.  At the end of the day, after bubble baths and birthday cake, the boys laid down together.  They were both exhausted after such a fun filled day. 

On Sunday morning we went swimming at the hotel.  We also stood outside of the hotel and fed the ducks and geese that lived there.  After we checked out we went to a park in Ankeny before meeting Nick and Courtney for lunch.  We had more birthday cake with Nick and Courtney and then we helped move some stuff to their new house.  It was a very fun weekend and all four or us were very tired when we made it home last night.  Austin already wants to know when we can go back to Adventureland!!  I'm glad they enjoyed it but had to explain that we wouldn't be going back until next year . . . at the earliest.  :)

Colton's future is so bright!!

Here is Colton sporting, yet another pair of glasses.  These are some 3D shades that I found for him!  Just loves clowning around . . . he is so cute!

First Day of Preschool . . .

 Austin was running out the door yesterday morning when it was time to go to school.  He had his backpack ready to go and was excited to get out the door!  Colton also wanted to be a part of the excitement so he carried his little travel suitcase around too!  Colton wanted to be in the pictures too and of course Austin didn't mind.  They are two peas in a pod!!

 It was a great experience for him!  His teacher said he had a great first day . . . which didn't surprise me.  When we got there he practically ran to the door, hung his backpack in his cubbie and then went to play.  I was happy to see he wasn't sad to be left there, as a few of the kids were.  He got to play outside, they had a snack, they read a book, and had a lot of fun!  The first few days will be focused on having a good time and getting familar with eachother!! 

This is Austin waving goodbye, telling me he is going to preschool and he will see me later!  What a sweetie!

IOWA State Fair weekend!!!

 Last weekend the Kliegl's headed to the Iowa State Fair!  It was a great weekend!!  Friday night we met up at Aaron and Becca's house and then headed to dinner.  We went to a great bbq place called Jethro's in Altoona.  The food was delicious and the boys ate a great dinner!  Both of them enjoyed getting to see everyone!!  Austin was especially impressed with the automatic flushers in the bathroom so he went with half the people at the table to make sure everyone saw them. . .

 Here we are parking the cars and getting ready to walk to the fair.  Austin and Colton had it pretty good all day.  Uncles Aaron and Nate were ready to give shoulder rides whenever they were asked!! 

 As soon as we entered the fair the fun began.  Austin got to drive this police car!  Colton was too young to be an operator but since he has always been such a good passenger, they allowed him to ride along with his brother.  Both boys seemed to like everything about the fair.

 Then the real rides began!  Austin above was on a high jumping trampoline!

 Here Austin is riding a motorcycle ride.  This ride looked so old, I think it may be the exact one I used to ride with my brothers at Kids' Days in Remsen! 

 Bumper Boats were a hit too.  Colton could only go on a couple rides (because of height).  It was a bummer, so we kept him distracted with other things and then he fell asleep in the stroller for a little while.  Worked out great and I don't think he knew what he was all missing out on. 

This is Colton the "Sheep Herder Boy"!  The boys loved the sheep barn.  I don't think I've ever spent time in the sheep barn until this year.  The sheep were very active so Austin enjoyed watching them run around their little corrals.

 

We saw the "biggest pig in the world"  the "biggest cow in the world" the "biggest ram in the world" and then we got to sit on horses.  Austin wanted to see the "biggest horse in the world" but I'm not quite sure that was an actual exhibit this year. . .

It was a great weekend!  Everyone was exhausted by the time the day was over.  We went back to Aaron's and ordered pizza.  Sunday we got up and spent some time with Nick and Courtney at their new house . . . as you can see in these pictures . . . there is a lot of work to be done at their new home!  It was a quick visit but it was great to get to spend time with them as well.  The boys enjoyed being put to work, they swept the driveway until it rained and then they swept the porch.

The boys have been enjoying the Olympics off and on.  Some days they are more interested than other days.  The events that have Austin the most excited are foiling, horseback riding, and diving.  He otherwise, does not seem to care and would prefer to be watching Wild Kratts!  Below is a picture of the boys watching the horses while cuddled up on the couch together. 

This picture of Colton cracks me up every time I look at it!  He found these little glow in the dark glasses somewhere and loves wearing them to make us laugh!  He is definitely a boy who enjoys wearing accessories; hats, shoes, glasses, anything he can find!!  He is so adorable!!

Birthday fun!

 We headed to Ankeny last Friday night to "surprise" Courtney and celebrate some birthdays!  Papa's birthday was Aug 1 and Courtney's was Aug 2nd.  We had a great time touring their new beautiful home and then went to a winery for the party.  The boys enjoyed listening and dancing to the live band that was playing.  Austin played with Jayden (below) and spent a lot of time rolling down the big hill.  In this picture they are both covered with sweat a thin layer of dirt.  His face was brown except for where he had wiped the dirt off.  So fun for them!!

 Colton sat lounging in his chair with Uncle Nick for a little while.  Nick got a juice box for him from the cooler so he could keep hydrated!  Austin drank two juice boxes and a cup of milk all within 60 minutes!  These boys were worn out from all the running around.

 This picture is of Austin and "new Mason" as Austin was calling him.  Last time we were at this winery he ran around with Mason Griffin.  This little boys name was Mason too and Austin thought that was great!  "Now I know twoooo Mason's!"  If you can tell in the picture, Austins hair is soaking wet, from sweat!  These two boys danced the night away and ran circles around the dance floor!!

 Colton is checking out Hunk and Deuce.  They love giving him kisses so Nick opened the door so they could look at eachother a little closer. After the first round of kisses, Colton is usually laughing and smiling at them! 

 Sunday we had Zoey's birthday party to go to!  I did not get a good shot of the birthday girl but I did get a great picture of Charlee and Colton enjoying their cake and ice cream!  The party was at the pool and it was a little chilly but we all braved the water and had a great time!  Of course since there was birthday cake, how could we not have a good time?!?

 Colton and Brian enjoying the pool together.  They look like they even have matching swim trunks on.  The kids did some swimming, then some playing in the yard, then cake and presents, and then more swimming.  What a great day it was for a birthday party!  We just travelled all around this weekend wishing family and friends happy birthday.  It was such a fun filled weekend!

Austin the teacher!

Austin has now begun "teaching" Colton to talk.  This is quite entertaining!!  Austin will tell Colton words that he should say and then Colton says the words.  It's working quite well and is helping Colton get practice.  Austin generally sticks with words that he knows Colton can say; Mama, Dada, Austin, Papa, Annie, ball, etc. He will also occassionally tell Colton to say something like "chicken nugget".  Colton will stare at Austin and Austin will burst in to laughter!  Then Colton starts laughing and the little routine starts all over again. 

Last night we went to the pool for about an hour before heading home to eat dinner.  On our way home from the pool we talked about going to Nick and Courtney's this weekend to see their new house. 

Austin: "Colton.  Say Nick" 
Colton: "Nnnniii"
Austin:  "Say Courtney"
Colton:  "Cooornnn"
Austin:  "Say Uncle Nick"
Colton:  "Nnnniiii"
Austin:  "Mommy, is my Uncle Nick, Colton's Uncle Nick too?"
Mommy:  "Yes, Austin.  Uncle Nick is YOUR Uncle Nick AND Colton's Uncle Nick."
Austin:  "COLTON!  Did you hear that?"
Then both boys just laugh like I told some funny joke!

At dinner Austin went through the "teaching" routine and this time when Austin said, "say tator tot!"  Colton said, "Papa".  Which Austin thought was sooo funny.  Austin says, "Mommy, Colton thinks that Papa is the same as tator tot!  Colton, you are such a jokester"  Then Austin and Colton both laugh and laugh.  Colton loves the attention from his big brother and the two of them laughing is the most wonderful sound you have ever heard.

Austin's blessings last night at dinner . . . .

"My beautiful mommy, my big big daddy, and my littlest brother Colton!"