In the Holiday Spirit

We did pretty well this weekend, readying the house for the Holidays, and that all-important visit from Santa. The tree is up, and that means decorating the outside of the home is next.


You know it's serious business when Doug pulls out the 20-foot ladder.


Our little elves were more than happy to help. Can you tell?



Each boy was so eager to hand Daddy things he needed to put up the outdoor Christmas lights. Wonder where they'll be when it's time to take them all down?

Under the Sea

We have a membership to our local aquarium. So, we've had the chance to stop by several times over the last few months, with Amah and Akong, and Grandma and Grandpa.
But, when we paid a visit yesterday, it was through new eyes, apparently.



The boys couldn't get enough of the underwater life on display. The fish mesmerized them.



Michael, with his impish grin, was desperate to touch a stingray.



Of course, it was Jason who was closer to reaching that goal. He boldly stuck his hand in the water so he could feel a passing ray. I don't think he's ever done that before without much coaxing.



You know it's a good time when Michael refuses to leave. And, after our visit to the aquarium, that's what Michael did. Thankfully, we're still a bit stronger than he is!

Holiday Parade

It feels like the holidays "start" earlier and earlier every year. This year, no exception. We got the chance to go to our local Christmas parade. It took place the week before Thanksgiving.

I'm really slacking on the photos. This is the only one I captured.



We came with friend Tommy, and his parents, Claire and Mike. For a while the kids watched the floats and moved to the beat of the marching bands. Then, well, it's tough for little boys to sit still. They started running around the people around us.

Until Santa showed up.

Then they wanted to know why HE wasn't first in line.

I guess because it would result in a very short parade.

Group Hug

They look pretty tough, don't they?

Backing the Bulldogs

Boy, it isn't easy being a Bulldog.

The Georgia Bulldogs are on a roll right now--not the same story for the Bulldogs of soccer however.



The soccer season is now over. Above is the stretching session before a game a couple of weeks ago against a team that has the next David Beckham. The team really needed the workout.



We are so proud of Jason, though.

He tries so hard.

Last week, he scored a goal. It was such a triumphant moment.

Fast forward to the game above, though, where the mood was a little different.

Halfway through, the kids were asking Coach Doug if the game was over yet.

Not quite. Beckham, wearing a hat with fuzzy balls on top, had to score 6 or 7 more goals.

So this is how soccer moms become soccer moms....

Hair Emergency--Squashed

It was inevitable. The boys desperately needed a haircut. Jason looked ok, but Michael was getting the shaggy pieces that stick up behind his ear. I called ahead to the shop where the boys have spent many an hour since they were born. I knew one day I would hear it, and there it was.

"Kim doesn't work here anymore," the lady on the phone said.

Talk about kicking you out of your comfort zone.

I did some chatting with friends, who highly recommended a BARBER SHOP, of all places, for my boys.

Ok. We can try it.



The people in the shop have about 150 years of experience in cutting hair, combined. Mmmm, I guess that's good enough. I think we have found our new home for hair.

What do you think?

The Best Halloween--Ever! (so far)

For Jason, Halloween evening got better and better. For Michael, well, let's just say, he is learning how much energy it takes to get chocolate!

Let me explain the costumes. I was all ready to get a Spiderman costume, Buzz Lightyear, whatever Jason wanted. But, for several weeks, he's been resolute. "I want the M&M costume," he said. He wore it two years ago, and it still fit. So, I pocketed the money and let him wear it. Michael's costume is new. However, I just realized (Thanks, Walter!) that it LOOKS very much like the costume he wore last year. THIS one is a monkey. So, Michael believed he was not only a monkey, he thought he was Curious George.



We started with dinner at TA's house. Her kids, Cecelia and Verona were there, of course. Emily joined us with Matthew and Eli. Thanks for the great meal, and wonderful company! The kids scarfed down home-made pizza and pumpkin cookies. Then, it was time to scare her neighbors into coughing up candy...



For a while (like two houses), the younger ones enjoyed the running.
From door to door, the waiting (for the door to open), the anticipation ("Trick or treat!"), and the payoff ("She gave me TWO chocolate bars, mom!").

The older kids couldn't be stopped.

They didn't even really stop long enough for me to snap a picture. That must be why it's blurry.



But, the two-year olds didn't quite enjoy the action. After about a half-hour, Michael wanted to go home. Uh-oh. What to do? Thank goodness, Cecelia's daddy was smart enough to bring along a stroller. With a small bribe of candy, the two agreed to sit and watch while their siblings raked in sweets.

Take a look.



But, even the energizer bunny gets tired. By the end of the evening, these three needed a rest before moving on.



We finished out the evening pretty tired, and with heavy arms (carrying all his loot).
And, a buffet of candy STILL awaits him at home!
What a great Halloween!!!

Parade of Tears

Michael, in general, is an extremely happy boy. Really.

But, I suppose, a beautiful (hot) Halloween day, plus a furry (hot) monkey costume that covered almost every square inch of his body, plus a parade outdoors in the (hot) October sunshine didn't sit well with our little boy.



Michael's teachers are really wonderful. They are nurturing and kind, and they tell me all the time how cute and well-behaved Michael is. So, automatically, they're keepers. But, even they noticed how tough a day Michael was having.

His friends in class tried to cheer him up. They wanted to snap a few pictures.




But sometimes it's just not enough to WANT to have a good time.




The kids' preschool is so ambitious. As if on cue, most of the children in Michael's 2-year old class freaked out at the possibility of heading outside for a parade. Michael included.




I only got a couple of shots of Jason. I was too busy convincing Michael that it was a good idea to keep on all his clothes as we walked down the street. Finally, I decided a half-naked boy was better than a crying monkey!

Gifts for Everyone!!!

Jason's toybox is definitely overflowing.
Thanks to friends and family who have made Jason's birthday something to remember. From his party to his presents, he's had no lack of things to do.

Of course, you have to wonder who is really having fun.


As a matter of fact, I heard Doug say to Jason the other day. "Of all the presents you got for your birthday, I like "Criss Cross Crash" the best."

We can all tell.

The adults don't leave it alone for long.

Young Chefs Academy

Jason's 5th birthday bash was a hit, I think. His closest friends came together for a party where THEY did all the work!!! Automatic plus for me.

Here they are after it was all done.


We actually make pizza at home all the time. But there is something about getting the chance to put on an apron and knead the dough and place the ingredients YOURSELF...

The little cooks sat quietly, listening to the head chef. They prepared their own pizzas, then ate them all!!





It is so hard to believe that this little guy is already 5 years old!!!


It seems like only yesterday we were beside ourselves trying to figure out how to quiet him before the neighbors called police.

No matter what your moods, we love you, Jason!! Happy Birthday!!!

Getting Gifts

Remember, boys, when loved ones come to visit to shower you with gifts...



shower them with hugs in return.



That's better.

Two-Wheeled Wonder

We're two days away from Jason's 5th birthday, but we can't resist. The weather is beautiful on this Saturday, and Jason's new bike is waiting to be used!


Can't believe he's old enough to be on his SECOND set of wheels.
He's still getting used to the bigger frame, but, he already told us he's going to use the new bike to race against his friends. Good thing, the old one was squishing his little legs!

Bulldogs Back in Action

Coach Doug may be worried about the Bulldogs' progress.


But, look.
#10 is on the field.
Jason is really making us proud with his soccer skills this season.
He is running with the pack, getting right up on the ball.


Twice during the game on Saturday, he was so close to scoring a goal. We're hoping that will happen before the end of the season. He certainly enjoys the running part. What's so cute is the other parents are cheering him on, too. They see him work so hard. He's so close!!!!

Ferry Fans

We've taken the ferry back from Atlantic City a few times, but this trip was the most enjoyable so far. For them. Maybe not for me. They ran along the deck, climbed stairs up and down and down and up. They wanted to get right up onto the edge of the boat. To take a look at the view.

Here, they are, together, while I prayed they would step away. It was a pretty long 90 minutes, but we made it off, and onto shore, safely.

Personality in Pictures

These pictures capture my boys to a tee.
One smiles a LOT. Laughs, too. Enjoys a good joke and a good song. But, watch out. When angry, he's a terror, and THIS picture is the only thing that will calm US down.


And, Jason.
Older brother, quieter, more pensive. Also loves a good joke and fun toys. But, a boy who is always deep in thought. We think right now he may be too smart for his own good.

What is he doing?

We know Michael is learning a lot at pre-school these days. Everywhere we go, he points out colors, shapes, and numbers. Here he is showing us what a triangle looks like. Then, we asked him to say, "Cheese!"

Birthday Bash

Tim and I celebrated our birthdays together for the first time in years!!!! We had the chance to catch up with Abi, Asha, Alaric, as well as Aunt Elisa and Uncle Jose. Thanks to all of them for a wonderful family birthday, with great presents!!! We hope to see you again soon.

Fall Fling

We're wrapping up an incredibly busy couple of weeks. Call it our yearly whirlwind tour to see see family and friends, and to celebrate our October birthdays!!!

It doesn't feel much like fall, yet. But, we paid our first-ever visit to Pennsylvania, and a suburb of Philadelphia to see Andrew, Jeannie, and Jonathan. That gave us the chance to get a breath of fresh autumn air.

Jason tried his hand at badminton.



Michael watched.

Then, all the men, including Doug and Tim, stepped up to the plate for some basketball.

and baseball.

All of that exercise in about half an hour! What a wonderful time. Thanks so much for a great visit!!!! The outdoor activity wiped us ALL out. Afterward, we all took a nap in the car (except for Doug), who was behind the wheel.