Jacob and Ian

I found this quiet lake with several trails here in Camas a couple of weeks ago and finally brought the boys back to take their pictures. It's called Fallen Leaf Lake and it is incredibly BEAUTIFUL this time of year with all the colorful trees and leafs surrounding the lake. Jacob loved that he could be the "leader" on all the small trails and tell us where to go with his little "map" (a small gum wrapper he found in the car). We have really enjoyed finding fun hikes like this all over close to where we live.
Jacob is about 4 1/2 and Ian is about 2 1/2. The boys love hiking and throwing rocks and other things into any kind of water.

Jacob loves anything to do with numbers and collecting. He really has a mathematical brain and is definitely an older sibling! He's a great help with Ian and loves to keep Ian in line. Jacob loves games and puzzles and we're starting to read more chapter books together, which he is really enjoying! If there is a container, Jacob loves to collect things in containers, it doesn't even matter what it is... if it's small, and fits... he's collected it.

Ian's favorite show is Team Umizoomi and he will eat anything I give him... It is the best feeling when I can sit down and at least three of us will eat what I cook! Jacob on the other hand is still pretty picky, but much better than he used to be. Ian is such a goofy kid. He loves to make everyone laugh, help me bake or cook, he loves music and dancing, and can do an amazing somersault. He takes a big running start and about flips over. He's really adventurous and loves cuddling.

I feel so blessed to be a part of their lives and share these adventures with these boys and Jon. They have really taught me to appreciate the small things and to be grateful for the small things as well.

I love how close these two have become. Jacob loves bossing Ian around and Ian loves doing everything Jacob does and says.

Jacob took this picture of me and Ian! I was so surprised at how great Jacob did. I see a photography interest in his future!

This is one of my favorite pictures. Jacob found this gum wrapper in the car before we got out and carried it with him the entire hike... he kept telling me where we were going. When I took this picture he was telling me, "Mom, my map tells me that we are in the forest!" It was incredibly adorable and I never wanted to forget that perfect moment. He loved that he could be the leader throughout the small trails that we were walking along.



Ian is in LOVE with sticks, rocks, dirt... everything that screams "I'm messy! Come pick me up or jump in me!" He found this stick and laughed so hard. It was the sweetest thing I'd heard in so long.