Christmas Eve 2014

This year was our first planned Christmas at home (Gavin's early entrance squeaking out of the NICU in time didn't quite count). We hung lights, had our first real tree, and went to mass. Here are the Christmas Eve highlights!

The boys on the alter for the children's mass.

Ethan was quite the devout Catholic, often closing his eyes in prayer. Gavin on the other hand was piiiiisssed we woke him from his nap to wear a button down and sweater vest. We made it halfway before we had to leave.

 

 

 

 

Ethan penned Santa's note for his cookies and milk.

They blew out candles on the pink heart birthday cake for Jesus they chose and baked.

And the modern twist, they watched personalized video messages from Santa. In Gavin's case, over, and over, and over.

They prepped the reindeer's carrots and Santa's key.

The lights were lit, inflatables blown, and village glowing.

I wish Santa came every night because those boys RAN to bed!

 

Luckily just in time! He came, he ate, he gave!

 

 

The presents are from their parents and family. The stockings and the item they each asked Santa are for from the man in red.

 

Unlike the boys, I couldn't get any sleep! Suddenly 6am couldn't come fast enough!!!

 

Gavin's First Day of (Pre)School!

Today our baby boy started his first day of school! He goes two days a week and gets to ride the big yellow school bus!

He chose his clothes, determined to start his academic career as a jock apparently! He called the look, "football boy."

We were able to convince him to leave the helmet at home.

 

When the bus came, he eagerly ran to it, "We're going to miss it!!"

Is it terrible I'm a little sad he wasn't?

His teacher sent me a text with this picture telling me no tears, all smiles at his first day of school!

 

Here's some pictures of his tour we took last week.

 

 

He participated in circle time without pause!

 

Here's the legendary dragon "Bella" he talks about nonstop.

 

 

Great Day at Gravelly Point

Today we visited Gravelly Point Park for the first time, and can only say, what took us this long!?

The boys sat and watched the planes fly over us.

Between flights, Gavin gripped his soccer ball tight.

And my 5 going on 15 year old listened to (children's) music.

Ethan would announce if a flight was headed our way.

Gavin would pout "Oh maaaaaan" if it didn't head our way.

But boy he lit up saying "It's coming!!!"

Then they moved on to climbing trees

and playing ball.

(I looooove that picture)

Then they had the best of both worlds and watched the planes from the trees!

Days like this make me a little sad school is starting in a couple of weeks.

 

View videos, photos, and more on our family blog:www.livingingear.blogspot.com

 

The Tale of Super Red

I opened Pandora's box. I bought one set of early reader Justice League books at Costco and Ethan's world is forever changed. Superheroes have entered our home, and I have a feeling they'll never leave.

I found this drawing he left out on his new desk (for kindergarten next MONTH!).

It looked random until I looked closer.

That was an illustration of Superman spelled phonetically.

It's the only kind of book he wants to read.

Which Daddy doesn't mind.

Every task we want done, we just need to invoke a hero. Shoes on fast like Flash! Carry in groceries with the strength of Superman!

His fellow superhero admirer, Mr. Kevin, documented his daughter Lucy's epic battle against Ethan's strength.

(Note Ethan's wardrobe choice. Knowing the science museum had the Tug of War machine, he insisted he had to wear his "muscle shirt" for optimal strength. As Chris later taught me, apparently real men follow the "sun's out, gun's out" rule!)

With victory under his belt, he could resume disrupting tornados with his superhero breath.

 

Parents with more experience, how long does this last?