Annual Pizza a Party

So today, we celebrated Christmas with Tim, Angie and Cameron. The little guy adores Cameron and was super excited they came. 

It started with a quick walk to the church, which became a full sprint when it started to downpour. Four smartphones...no one checked the weather. 

We then opened gifts. Z got some cool puzzles and more Legos. Cam got his first wind stopper jacket, welcome to the land of Gore

Next, a group headed bowling (daddy, Tim, Cam and Z) while the rest visited Aunt Leta, who seems to be doing better. Her eyes lit up seeing the baby. 

Finally we headed to our chow down with pizza. Always cool to see everyone. We miss them all. And when they come out in the pouring rain, you know it's special. 

We will not talk about the Eagles...but we laughed at the football follies at half time. 

Merry Christmas

Yet another Christmas in the books. A fun time filled with family and good food. Someone made out quiet well from Santa.  

We cherish these memories. 

Christmas Eve

Hard to imagine but Christmas Eve came and went. The little guy was in his element. Started our evening with church service and then headed to Aunt Margie and Uncle Dale's where we got our chow down. 

And someone made out with some super cool gifts. He's one lucky little boy

And on the way home guess who we saw...Rudolph. 

Retirement Party

So we celebrated my mom's retirement party on Wed. Aunt Margie did an amazing job of organizing it. 

Pretty cool to see my mom's reaction...even cooler to see Aunt Margie's reaction. The love between sisters knows no bounds

It was a fun night for all. A funny roast from an ex classmate.  A friend's candy poster. And plenty of running around for the little guy and a cousin. 

All in all...a huge success. 

My mom worked hard her whole life so it was nice to recognize her efforts. Most importantly, she was an amazing role model to her kids. She perfectly balanced work and family....and as any parent will tell you those aren't always easy days. So she has all of our admiration. She never missed a game or recital...all the while putting in full work days.  And for that I'm thankful. 

Holiday Concer

Yesterday we headed over to the school to watch the Holiday Concert. Now I was warned go very early to get good seat because it fills up quickly. So we headed out extra early and prepared to wait in rain. The lady looked at our tickets and said hour early, you'll have to wait. But a nice police officer said go ahead and stand in back, which we did and listened to the 1st grade concert

And just when I thought my crazy mom alert went off...we saw a mommy from the little guy's pre school. She did the same thing. And we laughed about it

But we scored awesome seats in the front for our concert.  And the little guy danced and song like a pro. 

B Family Christmas

Life is good for the little guy. Last weekend we celebrated with the local grandparents. And can you say jackpot!  Someone was very lucky with his gifts...and has been playing non stop with them, including an attempt to use Great Grandmom's paint set.

As for his partners in crime: Pop Pop and JJ...he enjoyed every moment of play time with both of them. Thanks Pop Pop for opening those darn child proof toys.

We tell the little guy how lucky he is to have two loving sets of grandparents. They are his nucleous and mean the world to him. But an extra special bonus is that he has an amazing Great Grandmom. And this year, she delivered the special gift of art into his life. I hope he takes after her and has that artistic, creative edge.

We also had one special Christmas ornament for Mom Mom....and one that is still making his way to Pop Pop.  A hint about the gifts:  There She Blows...and the messy aftermath.  Or better known as the Maine Boatride of the Century....100 foot waves I tell you.

Today, we head to the little guy's Holiday Concert.  Limited seating so we need to arrive very early...and stand in the pouring rain.  The things we do for kids.

Week in Rewind: Dec 18

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.  Hard to believe that it's a week away. And I have to say this momma is in pretty good shape. Thank you Amazon.

Last Sunday at church we adopted two kids for Christmas. The mother put down shoes for their gifts...but a kid needs so much more. So, we surprised them with some shoes and some pretty cool toys...hope to make their day special.  Honestly, if you have the ability, get a gift for a kid in need. It will rock their world and make your holiday special. There's not a better feeling in this world.

And someone met Santa for breakfast at the school. Ladies, this is no longer a shy little boy that quivers upon sighting. No, no, no ladies, this year the boy walked up like a man on a mission. He had something very important to say....and wait for it, it had to do with toys. You will note that dear Santa asked him to stand and not sit on his lap. It seems the little guy has gotten a little heavy for Santa's bad knees.

And then later that night...just as momma decided to sit down (after hours on her feet)...who should appear....Santa on his firetruck sleigh.  We could hear him for miles, as the firemen honked and honked and honked. And let me tell you, by the time it got to the house...someone was not happy and covered his ears. And what type of Santa sleigh waits until it's right in front of you to lay on a massive honk.  Now if this momma was not in her PJs....

Finally, this week the little guy spared for the first time in karate. I admit I was a little nervous..but he charged right up and attacked like a madman (I kid).  He won his match...but towered over the poor kid by inches. Ladies, it seems that hand to hand combat is his speciality. I know because he gave daddy a whooping later that night...I kid...but am I?

Happy Holidays.

Week in Rewind: Dec 11

Oh the weather outside is frightful---not so fast.  It has been amazing weather here and we've been out and about.

Yesterday, the little guy and I visited the dentist...and someone had lots of questions. Maybe a future dentist?  Mommy was more happy that neither of us had cavities, holler!  Ladies, these pearly whites were made for smiling.

Last weekend, the little guy had his first big boy belt ceremony. I'm not going to lie...it was intense and I was a little worried the little guy might not pass....but he did. So now he is official a yellow belt.

We also swam with the swim coach. Hard to believe, but the coach has him up on the boards attempting to dive. No fear I tell you. He jumped right up and gave it ago. He's really getting much better with the swim.

And someone is super excited about the arrival of Christmas. He can't wait for Santa.

Week in Rewind: Dec 4

Last weekend, we went over to the school to do the Turkey Trot. Daddy ran while the little guy and mommy were supposed to do a 1 mile walk. But with the start of the walk, someone took off in a mad dash in an apparent effort to be the first one around the circle....but he totally failed to understand that it was two circles and not one...which made the second circle, I'll say it, agonizing.  The first circle was fast and furious...the second one not so much.  The more mommy encouraged him to move forward, the more he insisted it was "too cold to finish".  And then when all hope seemed to be lost, he took of in a sprint up the hill toward the finish, which both impressed and surprised this mommy...the boy has some wheels and is deceptively fast....we've come along way since the Phobe run.  But I'm pretty sure long distance running is not in his future.  He did, however, seem to enjoy the post run/walk refreshments.

This week also saw the return of his Korean babysitter. She started med school in the fall and comes down when available. We've missed her the last few weeks as she went through midterms. But this week she returned and the little guy was so very happy.  It's pretty cool to listen to their conversations  and see how much joy she brings him.

This weekend, the little guy goes for his first big boy karate belt. Here's to another step in the journey.

Finally, an amusing little story. The little guy and mommy were driving in the car when he began to sing "I have a little dreidel.  I made it out of clay. And when it is ready. I'll take it out to play". Come again, he's singing a Jewish song.  Why yes he is...for the holiday concert...one of several songs...and we've heard them all. And mommy got to hear a little guy original song...complete with all states everyone lives in, Rudolph, snow, the dogs and much, much, much more.  In fact, several times, I was about to say nice song...when it continued...so long pauses doesn't mean he's finished...just reconviguring lyrics.