Hi Bobbinforapples!
Thanks for visiting the Apple Support Communities. If I understand your post, you are being prompted on both your iPhone and your iPad to approve the devices from another device. I'm happy to provide you with some information!
From what you've described, it sounds like your iPhone and iPad both are requesting approval to use iCloud Keychain. The information outlined in the Apple Support article If you enter your iCloud Security Code incorrectly too many times - Apple Support will give you some additional information on what that entails and what to do. The "If you can't access a device that uses your iCloud Keychain" section will walk you through what to do if you can't approve the devices.
Have a great weekend.