Sledding

We have had our fill of sledding over the last few days. The farm has the perfect hill and it was so pretty with the snow. I think the boys had fun, there were several tantrums and lots of arguing, but these pictures captured a few happy moments. The boys tried sledding on the toboggan, snowboards, rubber carpets, saucers, feeding troughs and even a cardboard box.








































One morning, Grandpa pulled the boys around the yard with the pug. They were all sitting in a feeding trough and had the best time tipping over around the corners...boys.


On Sunday, we headed to the slopes with the cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandma. It was a great hill but man, it was bitter cold. The kids didn't mind one bit.

Starting them young

Why wait till they turn 16?





We've played this game on our way to the farm since Dylan was little. When we turn on the road that leads to the farm, the boys unbuckle their seat belts, roll down the windows and yell at the cows and one lucky boy (we try to take turns) jumps up on Matt's lap and steers the rest of the way to the house. It's fun and I'm happy to report- no crashes yet. Dylan is too big now for the lapso I guess the next step for him is to let him actually drive up the road....nooooooooooo!

We also play one other driving game. On the road right before we turn onto the farm road, we play 'roller coaster'. The road is straight and has hills. Matt heads up the first hill and then takes his foot off the accelerator and coasts. The goal is to coast all the way to our turn off. We usually make it :-)

It's something they look forward too (and we do too ).

2012

2012 was a year of big changes for the boys.



Grant started kindergarten, played on his first real t-ball team, played on an all-star team, lost his first tooth, attended and graduated from safety town, turned six, rode in a helicopter, learned to read, sang numerous Michael Jackson songs over and over again, rode his first roller coaster (reluctantly), and saw a horse being born. He continues to be a giggly, loud, dramatic, athletic, energetic boy who still loves his blanky, thumb, and snuggling with mom.


Dylan has changed the most this year as he entered the teenage years in August when he turned 13. He started his seventh grade year, was chosen to play on a traveling tournament baseball team, moved up to pony league, attended his second year of boyscout camp with great success, learned how to hunt, shot his first pheasant, entered the world of 'young love' with a girlfriend, got contact lenses, went to his first dance, and went white water rafting. He is a strong, loving, growing boy who is enjoying some new freedoms that come with growing up including staying up later and playing some teen video games. I'd love to say that he enjoys spending time with his family but, alas, we are not at the top of his list these days (at least that what he says).


Jack turned nine this year with a survivor party, presented a report on Amelia Earhart, attended boyscout camp, fished, came in runner up in a costume contest, played two seasons of flag football, won a spring flag football championship, religiously wore his umbrella hat under rainy conditions, wowed crowds with his card tricks, started a dancing-off-diving board craze at the pool, completed a high ropes course, and continues to be a generous, caring, healthy, strong boy who loves to try new things and loves spending time with his family and friends.

Full house-full heart

We had a house full of friends over tonight for a game night. They all brought a game and a dessert, yum!


We played UNO attack, Headbandz, Blockus, Checkers, Beyblades, Ticket to ride, Chess, Dance Party 4, held a puzzle race for a 'major award', and sang 12 days of Christmas with piano and guitar accompaniment.


Somehow 32 people crammed into our little home on a cold snowy night and had plenty of space for fun. It was a great way to spend a night and I am again reminded of the blessings of friendship.

Lily

Snowflakes

The boys and I made snowflakes for Sandy Hook. When the students return to school, they will be in a new building and the PTSA wants it to look like a winter wonderland.





Here's the information in case you are interested.

Winter Wonderland for Sandy Hook Elementary
Posted: 18 Dec 2012 10:24 AM PST


From the Connecticut PTSA:

When school resumes for Sandy Hook, it will be in a new building. Parent-volunteers are working to ensure that the students are welcomed back by a winter wonderland with the entire school decorated with as many unique snowflakes as possible. We encourage senders to be as creative as possible, remembering that no two snowflakes are alike. Pl

ease make and send snowflakes by January 12, 2013 to the Connecticut PTSA at:

Connecticut PTSA
60 Connolly Parkway
Building 12, Suite 103
Hamden, CT 06514

Polar Express

A few weeks ago, we boarded the Polar Express and headed to the North Pole. Jack couldn't go because he was sick so only the three littlest grand kids went on the train. They had a great time (so did I except for the greenhouse like temperatures on the train).

























Santa Claus is coming to town :-)

Merry Christmas

We have two Christmas gatherings to go and so far so good. The anticipation just about killed us all, but the day before and day of were just perfect (or as close as we can get to perfect with three sons ).




Christmas Eve we spent at my sisters with my mom's family and Santa.











I love this next picture of Grant listening to Santa. He couldn't have been sitting any straighter ;-)


We had great food and a fun time including a present 'exchange' where I walked away with new darling kitchen towels after some strategic stealing, hee-hee.

Also, Grant lost his first tooth!


Some of my family went to watch my sister sing at her church and watch a sweet children's Christmas program.


We came home and watched a christmas show before bed and read a book and then....Santa came while three boys slept.








Matt and I woke before the boys and couldn't wait for them to wake up. He put a bell around Lily's neck and sent her up to wake up the boys and we acted like we were sound asleep while we waited to hear the footsteps.....They came down and found the presents and notes from Santa and then we opened presents. The boys were all pleased with their gifts. I loved all mine too including the CLR and Oxyclean from Grant (his very own idea), the work out clothes and glass jar from jack and the necklace and blanket from Dylan. Matt got me a year's membership at my dance place ( I love that guy!) I had just cancelled my membership on Friday because they were raising the prices and he made a secret call ;-)

My parents, Matt's parents and my sisters family came over for lunch.

















Another really nice day.

And today.....












SNOW.