Our Dentist

After the dentist visited Daniel's first grade class, he came home with all the supplies necessary for giving his brothers a check up. He got a little mirror, rubber gloves, the mask, toothbrush, floss and even an hour glass timer so he brushes long enough.

Cabin in the Snow

 Since Gavin was a newborn, we've been staying in this cabin once a year. Each year, we take a photo of the boys on this classy 80's couch. These yearly shots really pull at my heart when I see how fast these guys are growing. 

Gavin hardly knew what to do with himself since Dominic wasn't there this year. But there was snow everywhere and we sled down the street for a long time before finding the most awesome sledding hill ever a few blocks away. It was perfectly sunny and freezing cold and the snow was so powdery you couldn't even make a snowball. We all had a great time relaxing and enjoying our vacation.

The Concrete Slide

 The kids had Monday off school and I went crazy reorganizing all toys in the house, enlisting the help of our toy players. We got a lot cleaned out, but after awhile, Daniel said: "This is supposed to be our fun day off and we're just cleaning." So we went to find a new park with a concrete slide and it was lots of fun.

 Vincent kept "snowboarding" down the slide. There was cardboard left there from previous sliders which help you to go faster.

Daniel rode down face first and then setting on a big piece with the front curled up like he was on a magic carpet.

 

Gavin slid down holding on to a tiny piece of cardboard out in front of him like a steering wheel and pretended he was a race car driver. 

It was fun to see how differently each kid kept sliding down and how it reflected their personalities.

Daniel's Day

Daniel and I spent the day at Marine World together, thanks to some tickets Auntie Robyn hooked us up with. It was freezing and pouring rain by the end. But we had a great time together. I love this guy.

 

Peanut Butter and other things

This is one of the pieces of jewelry I was commissioned to create for my friend this Christmas. I did a couple different ones with the metal stamping set. They turned out cute, but I forgot to photograph them. One of these days I intend to set up shop online and take orders. 

Every once in awhile I relent to the boys asking to make their own PB&J's. I mean, it's great that they want to make their own meals. It's just a lot of clean up. They other day, they were making their own sandwiches, peanut butter all over them, all over the table, the chairs, their clothes. Not the best idea when your friend, whose kid is severely allergic to peanuts is coming to visit in 5 minutes. I totally forgot. Hopefully she forgives me and comes back to play.

Gavin had his four year old check up. He worked very hard to pass the hearing test. All that wax in his ear makes it challenging. He's 39 3/4" tall and 34.5 lbs. 

Daniel very cooperatively cleaned up the shoe area in the boys room. He's got a great sense of humor. I think he even brought some rain boots in from the garage to create this work of art.

New Year's Eve

We spent New Year's Eve camping at Point Reyes. It was cold and beautiful. The boys spent hours playing in the sand, jumping off dunes and building tunnels and castles. I love being at the ocean. It's a great place to reflect on the year that is coming to a close and to prepare for the new year ahead.

The heater went out on our motor home, so we spent the second night cuddled up in Paul and Tracy's plush ride.

Train of Lights

Gavin's Christmas Show

 

Gavin's preschool put on an amazing Holiday Extravaganza. He got to stand right next to his buddy Ethan, whose name he pronounces Eefin. They really got into posing for the pictures after their performance.

Gavin sang and did the hand motions so well. He seems to love the spotlight. He also loves his class and teachers. Every day as he walks out the door, he gets a huge hug from his teacher. Gavin is so full of fun and enthusiasm. He's a joy to be around.

After the show, the boys all got to visit Santa. Vincent and Gavin were too scared to sit on Santa's lap, so they stood to the side. Daniel took the opportunity to ask for yet another Christmas present. Apparently they wrote letters to Santa at school wherein he requested a cell phone. One of Santa's elves, "Lue" wrote back and said there were only so many elves and they were really busy but he would see what he could do. I told him it wasn't going to work. I think he only started believing in Santa this year, what with all the hype he hears at school. Every time he's asked, he gives a different answer to what he wants. He spreads it around so he won't get double gifts. Smart kid.
 Vincent strikes the Ninjago pose for any and all pictures these days. We can't get the mouth to close or the hands to come down. He's a ninja. What are you gonna do?