What is going on here? No fair!!

I know, I know it's going to happen.  He's going to grow.  But really, does it have to be so quickly?  And why does it seem like he's going to be taller than I am before he's 10.  NO FAIR.  

Notice -- He's slouching!

It seems that over the past few months Jeff has just grown and grown.  Not only physically, but in so many other ways as well.  But yes, he's that tall.

He lost his first tooth! He lost it at school, but was able to tell his teacher was able to have him put it in a bag to bring home.  The tooth fairy brought him some fairy dust with a $5 bill and a nickel.  

Mom!  I Lost My Tooth!!

He's also made huge strides in his swimming lessons.  He can now swim the length of the gym pool in 3 different strokes (freestyle, back and breast).

Working on Dives

Catch his little dance before his dive.  Everything has to be J.U.S.T right.

He's reading to me now and his thirst for reading is infectious.  He loves to sound out new words and looks for ones he recognizes in all sorts of places.

Like I said -- No Fair.  Poor sister has given up on being the "big" sister any more.  She realizes that idea is long past.  BUT it doesn't keep her from taking care of him, because that's what a "big" sister is going to do anyway.

But  . . . I can still carry my baby boy around.  He's still my snuggle-bunny.  No matter how tall he gets.  How many stories he reads to me.  How many laps he swims.  How many teeth he loses.  Mr. Jeffrey (and Miss Erin) will always be my baby.

2nd Grade Concert

The 2nd grade at the kids' school has been working on a special concert for several months.  It was originally scheduled for December, then moved to January and finally they held it last night.  It was very clear that all the kids had worked really hard on the concert.  They did a great job.

Erin was one of 3 students asked to do a reading at the concert.  She had to introduce the final selection of songs and invite the crowd to sing along at the end.  It was adorably cute.  Of course, speaking in front of the group of parents was no big deal for Erin.  She only got mad at herself because she stumbled over the word "introduction".  I tried to tell her that no one noticed.  It was also very cute that she said "Renaissance Festival" instead of Renaissance song.  The cute song got upgraded to an entire festival.  Wonder why Renaissance Festival came to the fore-front?

Several of the songs had hand movements, and one was actual ASL.  That was her favorite song, and the managed the ASL very well.

We had great seats, and ended up right in front of Erin, who smiled at us through most of the concert.  Just a super fun night.  So proud of all the kids!!  Here's one final clip of the "Donkey Song" (not sure what the real title is, but in our house it's the Donkey Song).

Our Special Valentine

Here is our special Valentine, especially for our family.  Mommy's horrible about sending out cards, and making that random phone call, but we wanted everyone to know . . .

We Love You

The Freedom of Childhood

OK, let me set the stage for some amazingly adorable (yet slightly disturbing) events here at the household this evening.  Due to some unexpected snow and ice last night, school was closed today.  We had a total of 1/4" but since we're at the base of the mountains, and part of the county runs into the mountains -- better safe than sorry I guess.  Mr. Jeffrey had been a major grumpus all day.  By afternoon, things had cleared and we were able to get out to his swimming lesson.

When we got home, Tom was cooking and listening to some bluesy-rock.  We all chatted for a few minutes, kids went to their rooms to play, I went to the basement to check something on the computer.

Jeff comes down the stairs to the basement.  He's moving and grooving.  First off, this boy HATES to dance, unless it's on his own terms.  But apparently he was feeling the blues.  I look up from computer.

M - "Jeff, why aren't you wearing any pants?"
J - "Because I'm dancing.  And my pants are dancing with me."  He proceeded to dance his way back upstairs.

I follow him in a few minutes.  I find him in the middle of the living room, gyrating his hips -- wearing only his underwear.  Clearly he was really feeling it.  I sneak into the kitchen and point it out to Tom who simply shakes his head.  I watch for a few seconds and then do what all mom's would do.

I whip out the iPhone and start videoing the most adorable Buzz Lightyear-clad tooshie in the universe.  Jeff continues to dance and swing his hips around.  He's really putting on a show now.  It's taking me a lot NOT to post this adorable video, but for the sake of all our sanity I think I'll keep it secured here for blackmail use later.  If you ever visit, I can certainly show you though ;)

I turn my back to show Tom the video and hear Jeff shout -- "Look I'm naked!!"

And he was.  I simply fell onto the floor laughing.  He's swaying his hips and his little nakedness is just flowing in the wind.  There were literally tears in my eyes.  Butt naked.  Dancing to the blues. Happy as can be.  Happiest he's been all day (except maybe the hour he was in the pool).

Sure my reaction egged him on.  And we'll definitely have to talk before school tomorrow to ensure that all clothing remains on his body.  Still the pure joy of his being naked and dancing will be a moment I'll savor forever.

Sporting A New "Look"

At least at school.  And for homework.  And for her DS.

Erin's following along mommy and daddy's path and has her first pair of glasses.  We've been taking her annually to the eye doctor for a few years because there's a history of vision issues on both sides of the family.  Also, we're trying to track the headaches still.  Her issues are not actually distance vision, but up close.  Her brain is working extra hard when reading and doing school work.  So -- school glasses it is.

She was so amazingly excited to pick out her frames.  And so sad when I had to explain that she wasn't going to get to take her new glasses home for another week.  They're adorable red/pink metal frames with little hearts on the sides.  If you look closely you'll also notice that then end of the ear-piece is a princess shoe -- yep Disney marketing at it's best.  BUT they don't look too young, so I don't think she'll grow out of them mentally before she does physically.

She's been very good about wearing them.  I ask her if it's easier to read/write and she says yes.  Hopefully it will help her from getting more tired at the end of the school days.  Her friends at school were also very excited to see her sporting her new glasses.

So, in the week we've had them she's not complained about any headaches.  Might we have found an answer?  Here's hoping.

Back In The Pool

So Excited To Be Back In The Pool

Back in January, we had the chance to get Jeffrey back in the pool for some more swimming lessons.  He still LOVES swimming.  It has been quite a while since Jeff's had lessons so I wasn't quite sure what to expect.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that he seems really ready to focus during his lessons.  He's got his favorite instructor again which is a big help since that means Jeff doesn't have to learn someone else's method of "Ice Cream Scoops" or "Pizza Pulls".  At 5, he's also able to pay a bit more attention and understand more of what his instructor is asking.  

We'll keep swimming through this month, and maybe next month.  He really does love it so much.  

Working With Flippers

Having So Much Fun

Thanks Mom!

My Ice Queen

It's no secret.  I love figure skating.  Have since about 1984 when I clearly remember watching Scotty Hamilton skate in the Olympics.  By 1988 I was obsessed with figure skating and in 1992 it was bordering on out of control.  I recorded almost every competition I could find on VHS (AND I still have them).  My locker was not covered with NKOTB but Paul Wylie, Brian Boitano and even the random Nancy Kerrigan.

In college I coerced Tom into attending Stars on Ice with me, not once, but TWICE.

But as I grew up and older, I lost some of the passion.  I've gotten out of the habit of watching Nationals and Worlds religiously.  Until last year, at the Olympics when I decided it was time to introduce Erin to figure skating.  She was immediately hooked.  Enjoyed the pairs and dance more than singles because "There are 2 people mommy."  Interesting thought.

So last night, after returning from (in her words) "The Best Birthday Party Ever" we tuned in to the Ladies' National finals.  And Erin proceeded to skate across the basement along with every skater.  She'd jump and spin and hold her leg out just right.  Might have been the cutest thing ever.  She laughed at Scott Hamilton's commentary "Beeeeeeautiful" she'd giggle.  And she watched the last batch of skaters, just like mommy does.  With her hands half covering her eyes as each girl approached a jump.  I let her stay up much later than I usually would.  But it was entirely worth it.  She's hooked.  Can't wait to watch "the boys" this afternoon. 

Ice Day? No Way! Let's Dance!!!

So there's ice on the roads today.  No school.  Kids stuck at home.  At least if it was a snow day we could go outside and play.  What to do.  What to do?

DANCE PARTY

Yep turned up the music.  Let Erin be the DJ and danced our hearts out.  Sure there was more Miley Cyrus that I would have chosen but seriously it was a blast.  And let me tell you got the heart pumping.  There was laughing and sillies.  Even the boy who says he HATES dance parties got involved.

And know what?  I feel like I could take on the world.  Erin, who spent the night coughing and morning complaining that she was sick . . .not a word.  No more coughing or sniffling.   The usual sibling bickering is at a minimum.  I'm loving this!!

Maybe it won't last all day, but it's sure been worth it.  So what are you waiting for?  Crank up the tunes and dance it out!!

Rochester Days

From DC we headed on to Rochester to see the other side of the family.  Even though we were all together at Thanksgiving we made the trek to NY because our youngest niece was being baptized and her big bother's birthday is New Years Day.

All the rest of the family (cousin, Aunt & Uncle, Grandma & Grandpa) were also in NY, but we got to spend most of our time with Aunt Katie, Uncle Bill, Will and Witney.  The kids got to have a sleep-over -- Will's first.  Picture 3 adorable kids sacked out on a bedroom floor with their pillow pets.  Completely adorable.  Even though the first evening was difficult because Will just wanted to play and Erin was exhausted by the last night there it was pretty close to smooth sailing.  Cousins Rylie and Avery even joined the party for New Years Eve!

Sleepover

Erin and Jeff got to test out their new sled from Santa while we were there.  There's a nice hill at a nearby school.  Of course the first run down, Erin and Rylie crashed into a sapling. But both were brave and got right back up.  We had to cut our outing short when staff from the school system drove up and explained that we weren't allowed to sled at the schools because of insurance issues.  We'd gotten close to an hour of snow time in by then, so it was a good excuse to leave.

Cousins Waiting Their Turn For A Sled

Later that afternoon Erin and Jeff got to meet some of Cousin Will's friends at his birthday party.  Aunt Katie held it at this really cool place called Kango, a big play center with a huge climbing structure, bounce slide, and small roller skating rink.  The kids played nonstop with their cousins for almost 3 hours.  Needless to say we were all exhausted by the end.

Jeff spent most of his time playing in the climbing structure.  There was a small zip line that he could just reach.  He'd jump up at one end, pull his knees and swing around -- just like Indiana Jones.  So funny.  Erin really liked roller skating and took to it rather quickly.  After only a few minutes she was pushing away from the bars and walls and rolling into the middle of the floor.

Look Ma -- No Hands!

We woke up on New Years Eve day to 50 degree weather in NY.  We hung out at the house for the morning and the kids just loved playing with their cousins.  In the afternoon we used Aunt Katie's zoo membership to visit the local zoo.  The kids LOVED it.  We got to see lots of animals out and moving around and got to take in some fresh air.  The elephants were out, we got a glimpse at the polar bear, the seals were squawking and even the tiger was prowling around. 

2 Boys and Their Star Wars Guys -- Heaven

Checking Out The Elephants

After that we headed to the ice rink for some ice skating.  This was something Erin's been asking to do for a while and the rest of the family thought it sounded like fun.  Everyone took a chance to get some skates on and push around the ice.  Jeff is still a little afraid to leave the edge of the rink, but went from terrified to relaxed holding hands by the end of the trip.  Our little daredevil, Erin, was pushing around the middle of the rink at the end of the day.  She just LOVES skating.  It was so much fun to see everyone laugh and smile and enjoy themselves.

Uncle Jon and Uncle Jeff, Aunt Robyn, Rylie & Avery joined us all for New Years Eve. We feasted on Chinese food, enjoyed some drinks, let the kids play wild, set up the Wii and watched the ball drop (with kids fast asleep).  Uncle Bill got a party pack with fun hats, noisemakers etc...what else does a party need?

Missing His Uncle Jon

Wii Battles Are Serious Business

Saturday morning was Will's birthday and everyone got together again to celebrate and open presents.  For a 3-year old, he was amazingly patient with all his other cousins wanting to help.  We spent a quiet afternoon at Grandma's house while Will rested for his birthday dinner at a local hibachi restaurant.  Of course Jeff again ate his weight in shrimp :)

After dinner we all took in a hockey game.  The kids just had the best time.  We were sitting right on the glass and could feel the bodies hit the wall.  There was awesome balloon hats and animals, enough snacks to feed an army, ice skaters, a Moose and Eagle.  Given that there were 5 adorable kids sitting right on the ice, we all made the jumbo-tron several times.  They'd shriek and shout whenever they saw themselves.  I never would have thought to go to a hockey game with a bunch of kids, but it was such a fun time.

Sunday morning we had to get packed up and ready to leave after church.  Witney's baptism was beautiful.  She's a very lucky girl to be so clearly loved.  We went back to Aunt Katie's for lunch and one more "cousins" photo shoot.  I assume as they get older this will be easier, but when the oldest is 7 and the youngest 3 months, you take what you can get.

They're Absolutely Smitten

It was an amazingly fun, and packed, few days.  It was great to get some special time with Aunt Katie, Uncle Bill, Will and Witney.  Toss in Rylie and Avery, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Robyn as well as Grandma and Gradnpa and it was just right.  Can't wait until we get to see them all again.

DC at Christmas

Since we were visiting Noni, Grandpa and Oma, we decided to take in some of the DC holiday sights.  We headed down into the city twice.  On the recommendation of some friends we drove down on the 26th.  For the first time ever, we found parking right in front of where we were headed (the National Building Museum).  Not sure if it was the date (the 26th) or the fact that it was snowing and that 3 inches were called for -- frightening most of metropolitan DC into staying home.

We headed to the National Building Museum to see the Leggo exhibit.  There were these awesome architectural reproductions built out of Leggos.  Jeff was in heaven.  Then we got to the section of 1000 Leggos.  The visitors were encouraged to construct their own Leggo buildings and add them to a Leggo City.  We all made our own buildings.  Jeff worked on a few with Tom and I, and Erin worked on one with her Noni.  There were also some other interesting exhibits in the Museum -- and awe inspiring building itself with huge columns and arches in the main hall. 

On the way home we stopped at a restaurant/bar that advertised 30 beers on tap.  It was just around the corner from the Building museum and we'd passed it on the way in.  The kids were happy just to get some lunch with everyone.  Grandpa and Oma entertained them while Noni, Tom and I tasted several fantastic beers each.  Yes folks,  I've been corrupted ;)  But let me tell you -- good food, good company, good beer!  Works for me.


Later in the week we decided to head back into the city to take in the model train display at Union Station.  I've never been down to the city at Christmas and really wanted to see the station all done up.  It certainly was beautiful.  The model train was very cool.  Jeff took a bunch of photos from his perspective.  And just watched it for quite a long time.

Then we decided to walk to a pizza place I've been wanting to try out.  It's owned by one of the Top Chef contestants and just looked cool.  So we bundled up a bit and walked out towards the Capitol.  It was simply a beautiful day. A little windy, but gorgeous sky.  It's been years since I explored Capitol Hill and I'd forgotten how lovely it is back there.  We pointed out the Supreme Court building, the Library of Congress and several other federal buildings.  We couldn't visit any of them because Tom had his pocket knife with him -- whoops.

After some great pizza and fun sodas (If you're ever at We The Pizza try the pineapple soda) we decided to take in some of the Museums.  Back onto the Metro we headed and went to the Natural History Museum.  It was quite crowded but Jeff and Tom got a chance to see the dinos, and Erin showed me her favorite gems and then the bug exhibit.  After meeting back together Erin wanted to go to the Botanical Gardens and Jeff wanted to see airplanes.  We split again.  (BTW Tom was only able to get into these places because he found a place to secretly hide his knife outside).

By mid afternoon we were ready to hop back onto the Metro.  We walked past the other side of the Capitol and saw the Capitol Christmas Tree.  On the way back to Union Station Tom spied the Capitol Ale House so we headed in for a pint (and some soft pretzels for the kids). 

The whole day was a 5-year old boy's delight -- a ride on a "train", a train exhibit, pizza for lunch, dinosaurs and then airplanes.  Turns out we all enjoyed our super special day.