Des Moines, city of brotherly love

Jack was not known for his caring disposition when Griffin joined the family, but thankfully that has all changed. Jack likes to get his required reading minutes done while reading out loud to Duncan. So far, the newest Boesen hasn't complained too much about the material chosen (usually Sports Illustrated for Kids).

Paige knows best

Our friend, photographer Paige Peterson, always seems to capture the boys at their best. I'm not sure how she gets them all (ok, 2 out of 3) to smile in unison, but I suppose that's why she's the professional!

Photo taken by Paige Peterson.

Time flies...when you have three kids

It's hard to believe Duncan's already a month old! And yes, he looks like...a Boesen boy.

Boys will be boys

Duncan George Boesen joined our testosterone filled family on June 17, Father's Day, in keeping with the Phelps tradition that someone ALWAYS ends up at the hospital on holidays (even in a good way).  

Heir to the throne, Jack, gets first dibs at holding his new little brother.

Despite what this photo shows, Griffin is the most caring big brother of all. He frequently checks on Duncan while he's napping and usually has a blanket or stuffed animal to share to make sure he's cozy. Not surprising from the child who'd rather live his days out in pajamas.

After his first bath, Duncan spent his first night in the hospital all cozy.

Faces a mother could love

Jack and Griffin generally require a jersey, a shirt with a number or some sort of sporty ensemble each day. However, for Mother's Day this year, part of my gift was that I got to t dress them. Luckily, they both obliged and even let me take a photo.

Spring sports round-up

Wait! It's May, and that's the wrong kid playing hockey...or is it? Griffin laced up his skates this spring for a beginners "Learn to skate" class. 

He fared pretty well on the ice (center, Blackhawks jersey).

Pretty soon, he was off on his own, and even learned how to stand up without any help. Next up: the Stanley Cup!

Sundays were busy for Griffin this May. In addition to skating lessons, he also got to be in flag football for the first time.

He loved getting to run with the ball.

He ran to the side lines after every single play for a drink.

"I almost had that four-year-old's flags. Next time..." 

Jack also played spring flag football.

His favorite part was running with the ball. "Mom, that's called being the running back." 

At Jack's age group, they started learning passing plays. Here, Jack jumped up to catch an interception.

Jack also had fun learning how to block on defense.

Jack also played T-ball this spring with the Royals, or the Kansas City Aquas as Bryan and I referred to them based on their stunning shirt color. 

Spring update 2012

In February, Griffin turned three with help from Monkey Joe..

The cousins prepared for their ride in the heath...er...their egg gathering expedition.

Griffin helped cousin Cole Ferrell with his Easter bonnet at the egg hunt they attended.

Cole was a lucky hunter, finding two "special prize" eggs. Lucky for Griffin, Cole is also a good sharer and thankfully took the loud, obnoxious keyboard home to his own house so Griffin could have the quiet, sensible game board. 

Jack was psyched to see the Easter Bunny brought him his very own Star Wars Lego Minifigure T-Shirt. (Thank you, Von Maur!)

The sugar rush was just getting started for two of these boys. The third already determined that jelly beans make him feel sick.

Jack decided since he's six now, it was time to learn to ride a two-wheeler. OK, Daddy may have helped in that decision, but it only took an afternoon for him to get the hang of it. Credit goes to Griffin for sharing his smaller bike for easier practice.

Success!

A funny face, courtesy of Cole Ferrell. Happy spring!