Saturday, February 28, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
VIDEO: Toy Cops
A new collaboration from Travis and Aidan featuring some new actors from the Deur home.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Self Portrait
Aidan took this lovely self portrait of himself today.
I remember being quite aggravated with my brother when we were kids. He was messing with my high tech camera to snap a shot of his Sunday shoes. Not only did I find one of the photos on my role of film wasted, he killed 25% of my flash cube!
Aren't digital cameras wonderful? You don't have to worry about wasting film and can shoot five pictures of the same thing to make sure you've got one good one.
I remember being quite aggravated with my brother when we were kids. He was messing with my high tech camera to snap a shot of his Sunday shoes. Not only did I find one of the photos on my role of film wasted, he killed 25% of my flash cube!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Five Year Checkup
Aidan woke up trepidatious with the thought of visiting the doctor this morning. Not distracted by the thought of the colorful fish tank he was thinking only about the possibility of shots. He certainly was not anxious to ready himself and leave the house.
Things got off to an entertaining start before departure. The pediatrician required a urine sample for the first time and Rachel entered the home lavatory with Aidan and a baby food jar to take care of that piece of business. I do remember thinking that perhaps a larger receptacle would be necessary knowing he was not trained to interrupt the process. I lost that thought as I was busily getting Kellen ready to go until I overheard a yelp and Rachel commenting, "I'll get you a dry shirt." I'm sorry to have missed that one.
We drove two vehicles so Rachel could scoot to work after the visit and I was able to successfully get Aidan's mind off where we were going by pretending we were Mario Karting. How Rachel made it to the doctor's office in one piece is beyond me. I launched an enormous barrage of turtle shells and banana peels on her and she pulled through unscathed.
Post appointment Aidan was not as weepy as I expected. In addition to four shots he had his finger pricked for a blood sample but he threw me off and surprised me by re-entering the waiting room wearing a smile and a pirate eye patch. I thought perhaps his pupils were damaged during the eye test. Turns out it was just a fun way to keep him at ease during the "eye game". He went on to tell me about the "hearing game" and several other happenings. His bag full of goodies and the treat Rachel brought him for the post appointment ride home had him excited and not traumatized by the event.
Things got off to an entertaining start before departure. The pediatrician required a urine sample for the first time and Rachel entered the home lavatory with Aidan and a baby food jar to take care of that piece of business. I do remember thinking that perhaps a larger receptacle would be necessary knowing he was not trained to interrupt the process. I lost that thought as I was busily getting Kellen ready to go until I overheard a yelp and Rachel commenting, "I'll get you a dry shirt." I'm sorry to have missed that one.
We drove two vehicles so Rachel could scoot to work after the visit and I was able to successfully get Aidan's mind off where we were going by pretending we were Mario Karting. How Rachel made it to the doctor's office in one piece is beyond me. I launched an enormous barrage of turtle shells and banana peels on her and she pulled through unscathed.
Post appointment Aidan was not as weepy as I expected. In addition to four shots he had his finger pricked for a blood sample but he threw me off and surprised me by re-entering the waiting room wearing a smile and a pirate eye patch. I thought perhaps his pupils were damaged during the eye test. Turns out it was just a fun way to keep him at ease during the "eye game". He went on to tell me about the "hearing game" and several other happenings. His bag full of goodies and the treat Rachel brought him for the post appointment ride home had him excited and not traumatized by the event.
Silence Interrupted
You may recall my account of the not-so-quiet cow showing up during the church service. This time around it was not quite as loud but with the congregation silently listening to the pastor's prayer Kellen initiatied a conversation of his own between two toys from the diaper bag.
While the back end of the sanctuary sat listening, their relative silence was broken by...
"Hello dinosaur!"
"Hello Spider-man!"
While the back end of the sanctuary sat listening, their relative silence was broken by...
"Hello dinosaur!"
"Hello Spider-man!"
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
My Two Sons
Kellen has been celebrating many things recently. It’s always fun to see him raise his arms in triumph and enthusiastically proclaim “Yes, we did it!”. Using this phrase as punctuation to meal time prayers has been deemed completely acceptable as we appreciate his affection for it. He’s getting pretty good at reciting the standard kid’s pre-meal “and we thank Him for this food” prayer. Everything is just so exciting to him and I get a lot of “First place! High Five!” responses to most anything we do that is even slightly competitive. He loves playing down in the basement (the bounty of toys might have something to do with that) and a question of, “Do you want to go downstairs, Kellen?” is swiftly met with a big smile, an “AWESOME!” and a quick turn to run to and descend the stairs.
My soon to be two year old is also growing very affectionate. He likely takes the cue from his big brother wanting to get in on any hug. He’s a good hugger, very European with his check and check kisses and likes to slip in the “I wuv you dada”. I willingly accept all three displays of affection.
He’s gotten into the Veggie Tales which is something Aidan was not exposed to extensively. I’m finding the talking vegetables to be quite entertaining myself. They definitely slip in plenty of humor for the adults watching along. He loves the theme song and likes to finish it with a loud, “Everybody Veg-e-tales!” which he transfers to just about everything in his daily life like “Everybody Tub-e-time!” He also likes the Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah song which I sing to him while changing his diaper (I have no idea why). He responds to my “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” with a “Zip-A-Dee-Ay” and takes the “day” and “way” at the end of the chorus lines.
We are excitedly preparing Aidan for kindergarten. He has his five year check up tomorrow and his pre-K screening/testing next week. Today he was officially invited to attend Heritage Christian Academy in one of the neighboring suburbs. Rachel and I went in for a parent interview which felt simply like one last time for both sides to confirm that the fit was right following their open house and our application. I think we had always felt and assumed that our kids would attend a private Christian school as we had and the fact that the principal sat with us and prayed for our child (whom she’d never met) before we talked together this morning reinforced all the reasons we are making this choice.
Aidan is ready for warmer days and itching to get out to the park. He knows school comes after the summer and is likely to take full advantage of the summer season. It will be nice for all of us to spend more time outdoors. Both boys received fishing poles for Christmas and Aidan has been reminding me that we need to fish when it warms up. I never had the patience for it when I was younger but am hoping for a successful first outing and hoping Kellen doesn’t injure me in the process.
The boys will be serving as co-ring bearers at my sister’s wedding this summer. I’m sure they will march gentlemanly down the aisle…or win me scads of money on America’s Funniest Home Videos. Either way, we are looking forward to the trip east and the much anticipated event.
My soon to be two year old is also growing very affectionate. He likely takes the cue from his big brother wanting to get in on any hug. He’s a good hugger, very European with his check and check kisses and likes to slip in the “I wuv you dada”. I willingly accept all three displays of affection.
He’s gotten into the Veggie Tales which is something Aidan was not exposed to extensively. I’m finding the talking vegetables to be quite entertaining myself. They definitely slip in plenty of humor for the adults watching along. He loves the theme song and likes to finish it with a loud, “Everybody Veg-e-tales!” which he transfers to just about everything in his daily life like “Everybody Tub-e-time!” He also likes the Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah song which I sing to him while changing his diaper (I have no idea why). He responds to my “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” with a “Zip-A-Dee-Ay” and takes the “day” and “way” at the end of the chorus lines.
We are excitedly preparing Aidan for kindergarten. He has his five year check up tomorrow and his pre-K screening/testing next week. Today he was officially invited to attend Heritage Christian Academy in one of the neighboring suburbs. Rachel and I went in for a parent interview which felt simply like one last time for both sides to confirm that the fit was right following their open house and our application. I think we had always felt and assumed that our kids would attend a private Christian school as we had and the fact that the principal sat with us and prayed for our child (whom she’d never met) before we talked together this morning reinforced all the reasons we are making this choice.
Aidan is ready for warmer days and itching to get out to the park. He knows school comes after the summer and is likely to take full advantage of the summer season. It will be nice for all of us to spend more time outdoors. Both boys received fishing poles for Christmas and Aidan has been reminding me that we need to fish when it warms up. I never had the patience for it when I was younger but am hoping for a successful first outing and hoping Kellen doesn’t injure me in the process.
The boys will be serving as co-ring bearers at my sister’s wedding this summer. I’m sure they will march gentlemanly down the aisle…or win me scads of money on America’s Funniest Home Videos. Either way, we are looking forward to the trip east and the much anticipated event.
They Do What?
The boys and I made a stop at the store to pick up a few random items this afternoon.
While wheeling through the aisles to pick up some toiletries Aidan spotted something and proclaimed, “Look dad, those help you sleep better!”
I turned around to see a package of items that featured a moon and some stars but it wasn’t exactly a sleeping aid. I’ll let you decide what “overnight” items would make this story most amusing to you.
“Are you sure about that?” I asked. His quick replay was, “I’ve seen it on a commercial.”
I gave a quick, “I’m sure they do” and we swiftly moved on to sections with less thought provoking items.
While wheeling through the aisles to pick up some toiletries Aidan spotted something and proclaimed, “Look dad, those help you sleep better!”
I turned around to see a package of items that featured a moon and some stars but it wasn’t exactly a sleeping aid. I’ll let you decide what “overnight” items would make this story most amusing to you.
“Are you sure about that?” I asked. His quick replay was, “I’ve seen it on a commercial.”
I gave a quick, “I’m sure they do” and we swiftly moved on to sections with less thought provoking items.
PHOTOS: Bubbles
Kellen loves bath time but Aidan is not always as enthusiastic as he once was. How do you up the entertainment value? How about three times the bubbles?
Monday, February 16, 2009
Morning Artistry
Abstract 2-16-2009
Rainbow (with clouds, polka dots and stripes)
Our Family (with house and truck)
Dinosaur (with surprise reverse signature)Saturday, February 14, 2009
A Romantic Valentine’s Day
Morning: Lucky Charms + Mario Kart + mama sleeping in (not the whole morning…well, maybe the sleeping thing…but those were the highlights).
Lunch and Early Afternoon: Peanut Butter and Jelly + Homework + Veggie Tales with Kellen while Rachel and Aidan ran some errands.
Mid Afternoon: Haircuts + Sitting in the car with the boys while Rachel did a little clothes shopping.
They were finishing their good behavior suckers from Great Clips and I wanted to give my dad a call to wish him a happy birthday. The boys sat in their seats looking at each other while repeatedly shouting “toot, toot” and giggling. It made the conversation interesting and kept them entertained. Tossing verbal train noises at each other will do that.
I must say the most humorous moment was Kellen singing, “FREE Credit Report dot…booger” (final word preceded by a sudden pause, an odd contortion of his face and a finger headed for his nose).
Evening: Culver’s for dinner and ice cream (after a long debate between the boys over Burger King or Culver’s) + Tubby Time
Life and love with two kids right there in the middle.
Lunch and Early Afternoon: Peanut Butter and Jelly + Homework + Veggie Tales with Kellen while Rachel and Aidan ran some errands.
Mid Afternoon: Haircuts + Sitting in the car with the boys while Rachel did a little clothes shopping.
They were finishing their good behavior suckers from Great Clips and I wanted to give my dad a call to wish him a happy birthday. The boys sat in their seats looking at each other while repeatedly shouting “toot, toot” and giggling. It made the conversation interesting and kept them entertained. Tossing verbal train noises at each other will do that.
I must say the most humorous moment was Kellen singing, “FREE Credit Report dot…booger” (final word preceded by a sudden pause, an odd contortion of his face and a finger headed for his nose).
Evening: Culver’s for dinner and ice cream (after a long debate between the boys over Burger King or Culver’s) + Tubby Time
Life and love with two kids right there in the middle.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Good Question
We've got a guy on the local news that investigates the answers to viewer's questions on a nightly basis. Some of them are really interesting and others just make you shake your head and wonder what people think and worry about all day.
Today Aidan hit me with a very random question. I'm guessing it stems from something he saw on a kids show. He asked, "Dad, have you ever been to a beach ball factory?" Of course I have not but I'm wondering where I would find such a place. Sounds like fun. Maybe for his sixth birthday we can locate one and take a tour.
Man of Leisure
Sometimes even fuzzy, footy PJs are just not comfortable enough. Kellen decided he needed to let it all breathe this morning.
Father of a Five Year Old
As of 12:51 am I have been celebrating five years of fatherhood. I sat down with Aidan this morning for a hard hitting interview on what it's like to be five.
Aidan is a wonderful little boy with an ever expanding mind. I'm excited for the fall when he is sure to come home from his first year of school full of epic stories and new found wisdom. He's very affectionate and full of love for his "little family" (Rachel, Kellen and me) and his "big family" (grandparents, aunts and uncles).
With big love for my little boy I wish Aidan a very happy birthday!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Super Deur Brothers
On Aidan's birthday eve we've turned him into his hero...
...and given his brother the Ba-Boom treatment.
...and given his brother the Ba-Boom treatment.
Bad to the Bone
This past weekend I travelled back to the Iowa State campus to spend time with my fraternity brothers. As you can see from the photo below, I was completely out of control on Saturday night. That napkin clearly says "Do Not Open" and I have blatantly disregarded its authority.
Truth be told, I'm very lucky to be alive or at the least holed up in a Story County prison! I could have started a riot with my reckless behavior or things could have escalated into breaking through a mattress store door to cut off all of those "Do Not Remove Under Penalty of Law" tags.
Mom...dad...I'm sorry you had to see this.
Truth be told, I'm very lucky to be alive or at the least holed up in a Story County prison! I could have started a riot with my reckless behavior or things could have escalated into breaking through a mattress store door to cut off all of those "Do Not Remove Under Penalty of Law" tags.
Mom...dad...I'm sorry you had to see this.
This is the most deviant behavior I've displayed since a trip to Atlanta in 2001 where I clearly defied the authority of this sign on the wall.
Shopping Assistant
Aidan likes to assist with the shopping by marking items off our list. As you can see, he is a very thorough crosser-outer. With that much ink on the paper we're fortunate to have avoided buying a new package of pens while in the store.
Can you tell which ones Aidan crossed out?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
VIDEO: Lil' Guitar Heroes
Aidan loves watching Stevie Ray Vaughan concert DVDs and plays along with him. He's pretty good at emulating his moves and his facial expressions. His new guitar is an upgrade over the hockey stick we used to use while jamming.
Kellen takes a more featured role in this one but we still can't help but use him for comic relief. I'll be sure to apologize to him for this when he gets older.
Strap on Your...Cups?
I found the boys in the kitchen sneaking in a light aerobic boxing workout this morning. They know not to hit each other but after their imaginary sparring session we might need to wash out the cups before re-hydrating.
New Default Number
It seems now that whenever something needs quantifying Kellen has a new go-to number.
What's that number on the cereal box at breakfast? Forty-seven.
Looking at a pile of something and wondering how many? Forty-seven.
How long is the movie? Forty-seven.
He's still quite fond of the "couple weeks" when measuring time between now and our next round of visitors. Ask him how many people are coming during that visit though and he'll likely tell you forty-seven. That'll be a big party.
What's that number on the cereal box at breakfast? Forty-seven.
Looking at a pile of something and wondering how many? Forty-seven.
How long is the movie? Forty-seven.
He's still quite fond of the "couple weeks" when measuring time between now and our next round of visitors. Ask him how many people are coming during that visit though and he'll likely tell you forty-seven. That'll be a big party.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Ready to Party
Tonight we hit a few party stores in search of decorations for the boys' birthday bash weekend (coming at the end of the month). Aidan will be five a week from today and Kellen turns two about a month after.
Aidan was quite excited to see this giant gumball machine looking contraption during our second stop.
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