sweet boys

Yup - I think Drew just needs a little more love an attention than the other boys, is it because he is 3, because he is the 3rd? or just because he is Drew.  He wants us to constantly recognize his growing talents and be praised for them.  

I am guessing photography is top on his list

I am so thankful to have a husband who patiently honors who Drew is along side of me - cause it aint easy - but we love him.

And his photo taking skills

O.k. - its time to take the camera away.

love Drew

Skiing with Shane

On Friday Chris came up with the great idea of taking Nick skiing after school.  We do live 8 minutes from Ski Sundown - not the biggest mountain by any means - but perfect for our little learners.  We can go all day or a few hours.  Nick and Chris LOVED it.  They came home around 9 cold and exhausted - but fired up.  Nick's first words were how he ran into a tree and a guy named Steve helped him out (and he was really nice!) amen for good people!  

So based on that review - Shane wanted to go too.  It was Saturday afternoon and I wanted to try cross country skiing in our neighborhood - Shane offered to come with me (not realizing I WASN'T referring to the downhill variety that Nick was gushing over...)  So I opted to change my plans.

We spent some time on the magic carpet and than hit the chairlift.  Scariest Chairlift in my memory.  Goofy Shane leaning over the side, asking about the bar, the height, the snow - with all our bundles it was harder to hear his chatter - but still as cute.  

Here he is ready to ski!

He was great - fell several times, but got back up every time and didn't want to leave.  But it was 9 degrees out!!  It was time to go home after 3 hours.

Meanwhile this is what the boys were doing at home.

A little of this too - cute buns.

more skiing to come - how can we not?!?!

3 Boys - one night

Lately before bed I have been reading  - chicken soup for the parents soul.  The book has been by my bedside for a while and I pick it up from time to time.  They are simple short stories that are heartwarming or tear jerking tales of real parenthood.  So many of them are about kids growing up (which is often feel like mine never will....)  99% of the time I go to bed with tears in my eyes.

So last night as we were staying warm for bed, my boys asked me to lay with them for just a few minutes.  I laid with Shane first (as he falls asleep almost instantly).  Sure enough within 5 minutes he was in REM sleep.  Nick was next - he usually stays up late reading, but tonight he was asleep shortly - Drew was my last and toughest customer so I really enjoyed his cuddles, hugs, and million times he told me he loved me.  Normally I view this 'lay with me time' as a stall technique.  But last night, I reminded myself its fleeting.

Just when you think he isn't listening...... Drew reads and sings

Just when you think he isn't listening.......He was BEGGING to read Go Dog Go and everyone else protested.  So in his obstinate way - he read it himself!

http://youtu.be/WdvbHh2AWaQ

And I want to remember how he likes to sing along to his lullaby - especially the Banjo part!

http://youtu.be/h0SqViHs8OE

These are the sweet sounds of his voice I want to treasure

love this

Is winter break over yet?  We have had SUCH a lax timeline - really no timeline at all.  Sure its wonderful, yup, I love sleeping in, but its time to get up early, get the lunches packed and get them outta the house!!

 O.k. one more lazy afternoon.  This is what happened when I made them stop and read a book with me.  Guess it didn't have enough pictures in it....

Post New years day snow storm...

So it was almost 60 for Christmas Eve and Christmas- - but after New years - here comes the snow.  We took my folks to the airport literally JUST in TIME.  Because here is comes.  Snow - and so pretty!!

So lets go sledding!!  This is a hill just on the corner of our neighborhood street.  Its great really, the perfect slope - BUT - if you go too fast you end up crossing the street and if you can't stear, you may run into a tree....

so maybe its not perfect.....

The last run what happens, Drew plows right into a tree.  Chris had JUST gone in to start dinner.  I literally heard his head hit the tree.  Nick went to him first.  When I got there blood was dripping from his head.  He was crying (of course) so I guess it was time to walk home.  Now what.  Its after 5 on Saturday.  Clinics are closed, doctors are on call, roads are crappy and the closest hospital is an hour away.

So after talking to the Dr on call and the receptionist at the hospital (as well as my best momma friends) Drew feel asleep and we opted to stay home.  Since its in his hairline and stopped bleeding we weren''t planning to stitch it - if he did have a concussion they would tell him to rest and take Advil.  So lets stay home.....  Ah Drew - you are one tough nugget.

An Ikea kind of New Years.

With New Years comes the desire to be organized.  Stop dealing with the old dressers that don't work.  We live here now, no more moving - lets get some good stuff.  So, we ask our folks to snag the kids for the day (since the IKEA kids club will take them for 30 minutes - NOT ENOUGH TIME!)  we drove over an hour and arrived at the greatest store ever.

Plus we were there before 11AM so that means a .99cent breakfast - SO GLAD we didn't stop on the way down for a McY Ds.!  This was WAY better and a great start....

3 dressers, 2 vanities and several other things later - we were now about to log COUNTLESS hours assembling it all.  Yes, Ikea has a value - but your work hours should count!

Meanwhile - Nick and Goomba were having a tough game of Monopoly!  Love to see them playing this!

My father DID not give up.  As the end was near, Goomba had $3000 and some property - Nick had $15000 and LOTS of property....  Nick ran Goomba out of $$!

Thanks Oma Sue and Goomba for spending one of your last days in CT (for a month) with our munchkins!!