We've been busy

I am back. I sort of fell off the face of the earth for a number of weeks, but I am finally getting around to posting again. I guess it is just the time of year, everything seems more hectic, we have less free time, and in general, we're just always doing something. Over the past few weeks we've certainly kept ourselves on the go. I was a bit sick with a head cold over Thanksgiving, Connor too. Guy had a touch of it, but nothing like the little man and I. It knocked me out and I was pretty bummed out because I absolutely love that holiday. I love watching the parade, eating lots of good food and seeing some relatives. Anyhow, I spent a bit of the day in bed. Boo hoo.

Guy and I headed down to NYC 2 weekends ago. We had tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and our day trip was quite fun. We crammed a lot into a day. The show was great and we did a lot of window shopping around the city. We walked to Rockefeller Center, up and down 5th Avenue, and over to Times Square. We had lunch at the ESPN Restaurant (Guy's idea, but good) and dinner at a small Tapas Restaurant right on the outskirts of Times Square. It was quite cold, but we picked up these funny little hats along the way.....we were easy to spot thereafter. What a great trip.

I've been teaching a bit more lately on the weekends, and I love spending my free time on the ice. I feel so lucky that I have a job that I love doing. I had Christian on the ice with me on Saturday afternoon. Grampy brought him down to the rink to meet up with me. He did so good. He loves being at one particular rink, and loves watching the Zamboni. Unfortunately for him, the rink manager that we know wasn't there, so he didn't get to go sit on the zamboni, but perhaps next weekend. That manager gave Christian a book (really for adults) last year, all about the history of Zamboni's. It is probably 150 pages, filled with really neat photographs of Zamboni's thru the years, from conception thru today. It's pretty fascinating and he just loves it, looking at all the pictures. He can even tell you lots of facts about certain models/pictures, etc. Add to his future resume: Grampy Cook Conductor Chef Painter Window Washer (like Curious George) and Zamboni Driver. If you ask him what he wants to be when he gets older, that is what he'll tell you. I love that he starts with Grampy....he so badly wants to be like his Grampy.

Yesterday we took the boys down to Edaville Railroad for their Christmas lights festival. We had so much fun, I actually can't wait to do it again next year. Connor was captivated and loved every second of the train ride & wanted so badly to do it again. Christian is getting so brave and he went on many rides after the train ride was finished. We did the ferris wheel, carousel, rockets, tilta whirl (I can't believe that I brought my 5 year old son on that one!) and many other little kid rides. They also loved playing on the stationary trains. I foresee another trip down there this summer for Day Out With Thomas.

Daddy and Christian on the Caterpillar Ride

Connor on a Mini Train

Christian being the driver of the Mini Train

All Aboard!

Daddy and Connor on the Mini Train

Mama and Christian on a play train. Both boys were in their glory!

Guy and I inside Radio City Music Hall

Look at the chandelier above us

Me and a random NYC Christmas decoration

Christian in front of our Christmas Tree

First snowfall of the season. The boys couldn't wait to go out and play. Christian desperately wants to go sledding on the golf course. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough.

Connor continued his nap one day after being carried in from the car.

It's November!

We had a truly delightful day yesterday. We're back to having some nice weather again, so Guy and I took the boys to a nearby playground in the morning. They had a blast, Christian started out by climbing along all the tires, up and down, up and down. After a while, I joined him. He took a look at how I was able to walk them, jumping from each one to the other and within a few minutes, he had the hang of it too. He's a fast learner. Connor meanwhile was enjoying all of his Daddy's attention on the swings and the slides.

We let Daddy have some alone time to watch the Patriots play in the afternoon. I took the boys back out to another nearby park where we spent a few hours. It was just gorgeous and there were so many people out and about walking & playing. We brought Christian's race car with us, which he thought was great! He had such a good time riding it fast. Connor had his bike, but grew tired of it quickly. He doesn't pedal yet, so his feet have to go very fast to go......so I can see why he got tired. Next time I'll bring his stroller and perhaps a smaller bike that can fit underneath.

We're off to pick up Christian at school!

Treasures:
*Playing outdoors for hours yesterday.
*Quality family time.
*Having a break of my own this morning while both boys were in school. It's a rare occurrence.

Playing is tough work. Christian taking a break.

Christian thoroughly enjoyed playing on the tires.

Daddy giving Connor a helping hand.

Connor and Christian playing on a train in the afternoon.

The Conductor!

The trees in our back yard are almost bare now.

The grass is covered in them and we are able to see the golf course again.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

The kids had an interesting evening, they were very excited about trick - or - treating. We waited for Daddy to get home from work and very soon after, they were ready. Christian was Thomas the Train, Connor was a Cow. Connor was randomly saying "Happy Halloween!" all day long, it was cute. He's starting to get it.

While Daddy was still getting ready, the boys and I brought the pumpkins to the end of the driveway. Those of you who know our house, know what a long driveway we have. Add to it no street lights in our development and makes the walk to our house even harder. So, we put our pumpkins at the end of the drive near the street and place a bowl of candy out with them. Christian rode his race car and pulled the pumpkins in the wagon, to the end of the drive. Very important job. Soon enough they were lit and we were off.

There were actually a ton of trick or treaters out in our neighborhood. Half of the houses have very long driveways, but we all made the trek to those with lights on. Many houses were really decked out too. Those who know Christian know that he's not really a big fan of candy. He only likes a few things, but even then it's still not his favorite. I find that amazing because I love sugar candy and Guy loves chocolate. Connor, on the other hand is the exact opposite and loves all types of candy, sugar and chocolate. He just loves food.

So this leads me to my favorite event of the night. After about 4 houses, Christian was already feeling done with this whole trick or treat thing. We literally had to make Christian get out of the wagon to trick or treat at this one house. He rings the doorbell, a man answers and Christian says 'trick or treat.' Connor is just standing there, eagerly awaiting his new treat. So, the man offers his bowl to them and Christian looks at him like he has 5 heads, and says "I don't want any candy." I think the man was a bit confused and surprised. After all, who doesn't want any candy on Halloween? Meanwhile, Connor is helping himself. The man offers Christian an apple instead, to which Christian is like "No" (A.K.A. that's pretty much poison to him.) So Connor ended up with 2 apples and a ton of candy from this man and Christian just retreated back to his wagon. It was nice of the man, but at the same time, it weighed Connor's pumpkin down a ton, but there was no way Connor would part with them either. In Connor's mind, this indeed has to be the best night of his life so far. He has learned a new and easy way to get candy! He was in heaven upon getting home and dumping out his loot...actually seeing what he got!

By the way, Christian and Guy went home slightly earlier and Connor and I continued along the street. Every house we'd pass Connor would say "How about that one" as not to skip any potential treat. Christian pretty much rode around in the wagon all night and Connor walked most of the driveways and up and down the street. I was amazed that he could keep going. He ought to sleep well tonight.

Treasures:
*Lots and lots of Halloween Candy, mostly for Guy and I to eat.
*Great Trick or Treat weather.

Getting ready to go out.

Connor hitting up our own stash before leaving.

Walking down a driveway.

The boys getting ready to bring the pumpkins down to the end of the driveway.

Christian has the wagon hitched up to his car.

Our four glowing jack o'lanterns.

Yesterday at Gymnastics they wore their costumes for a few minutes in the beginning and had a little parade and class picture. He takes the class with his friends, Rachel and Sarah in the pink and red Spanish Dancer dresses. Between dressing up at gymnastics, at school today for a party and tonight, I think Christian is all done with this holiday for another year.

Here's a sweater that I just finished for Joann's new baby Zachary.

The buttons all have puppy dogs and bones on them.

They love dogs so I thought it was fitting. It ought to keep him nice and warm.

Today Connor Was A Cow

Connor had his drop off class this morning and we were told to send them in their Halloween costumes. He was very excited to put on his cow costume this morning. I had also bought him a pirate costume, to which he looked at last night and told me "No Mama." He wouldn't even try it on. The pirate costume was cute, but I suppose in all fairness that he really doesn't know what a pirate is. He does however know what a cow is, and he consistently "Moo'd" his way thru the day. He kept saying, "I'm a boy, I'm a cow." I'm not sure he knew what he really was, but he stayed in costume for most of the day. I couldn't get it off him.

He had a great day at his school. I think that he's settling into it now that it's part of his routine. He really loves Kelly. Today he walked right in, saw her, got excited and hurried right over to her and plopped down next to her on the floor. I left with no problems at all & no crying. Yea. Separation is getting easier.

Heidi and I and the boys walked to the park this afternoon. The weather was glorious. We spent much of the afternoon outside and all the boys got out tons of energy. James and Cooper were super cute. When Connor finally made it down the twirly slide himself, they were at the bottom cheering him on. They did it all by themselves, like they knew that he needed the extra encouragement. It was an interesting moment for me to take in, where all three of them, the 2 & 3 year olds, seemed much older than their age.

Christian, Connor, James & Cooper

Connor taking a bit of a break at the playground earlier today.

Check out the size of the leaf Heidi is holding. Where on earth did that come from?
Keegan is on her back, taking everything in. He's such a sweet baby.

Have I mentioned how much Christian likes to cook? He spent several hours over the weekend practicing. He's content for hours just mixing his own ingredients, sugar, flour, salt, an egg or two, and whatever extra spices I feel like giving him from the cabinet. He does cooking at school and I think that is what is triggering his interest.....it certainly doesn't come from me! Maybe he gets it from his daddy. Daddy took time this weekend to make a few pretzels with Christian, which he loved making & then he devoured them.

Treasures:

*Perfect weather, enough said.

*Connor is settling in at school.

*Shopping time alone today for just a little bit....long enough to make a difference.

It's A Boy!!!

Zachary has made his entrance into the world! We have a new baby boy cousin. Joann & Pat had him today @ 12:59, so he's almost 12 hours old now. Mom and I drove into the Brigham to visit them tonight and he really was adorable. He slept most of the time, but every so often he'd open his eyes and peek out at the world. We're so glad that everyone is doing well and that he is finally here!!!

Every so often I am reminded of how big our boys are getting. Sometime I feel like they are still little, one in preschool and one not even there yet. Then there are moments like tonight, holding Zachary in the hospital where I am reminded of how small & precious babies really are. Looking at his tiny toes and fingers just reminds me of how much of a miracle babies are and how far we've come with our own two. While it's been a while, it also feels like it was just yesterday that each of our own kids were both newborns. I miss it, but at the same time I love the ages that we are at now.

Treasures:

*New babies, so exciting to finally see one that we've been waiting for :-)
*Listening to Connor tell Dad "No, Don't Do That!" He's finally using his words, even though he's bossy.

Autumn Festival

We had so much fun today. Guy finished putting a railing on some steps he built in the garage this morning. Soon there after we headed down to Newton to an Autumn Festival in the Centre. We'd been there before when Christian was about 2, so it's been a while since we went back. The boys loved it. There were all sorts kiddie rides and games set up. Upon arriving, Christian announced that it was 'just like Story Land' since there was a bounce house/slide set up shaped like a golden yellow shoe - just like in NH. That was the first thing that he went on. Connor gravitates towards motion rides while Christian likes to be in control, choosing slides, and fun houses. They both liked riding on a small train which went around in an oval - but after one lap Christian was looking at me telling me he wanted to get off (as he'd go by), while Connor was in heaven, again. Oh the fun. These guys live, eat, breathe and sleep Choo Choo's.

We could have a new addition to our family tonight as Joann is in labor in the hospital.....though she was there yesterday too. Might be a while still, but we can't wait to find out and meet the baby.

Treasures:
*Feeling better everyday, slowly but surely.
*Thank goodness my parents are here to help out - they've made a world of difference and the boys adore them.
*A taste of winter in the air today -I quite enjoyed the crisp air.
*The festival.....quite enjoyable.

Trains, Trains, Trains

We love trains. Well, at least the boys do, so we spent our day revolving our activities around them. The boys woke up rather early, but kept themselves amused for a bit before we had to drag our heads from our pillows. Have I ever mentioned how much I love sleeping? If you know me well, you know that :-)

We drove to Brookline and took the green line into Gov. Center. As if one trolly ride isn't enough, we switched to the blue line and took that to the airport. Let me mention, the airport stop on the blue line is only a stop. From there you have to take a bus over to the airport. The boys were in their heaven! Once at the airport, we walked around, went on a parking garage rooftop to look at the planes and eventually got back on a bus to ride the blue line again back to downtown. We stopped at the aquarium to look at the seals outside, walked down to the harbor and overall just had a completely enjoyable time. Did I mention how wonderful the weather was? It felt like a perfect fall day.

At one point we stopped and enjoyed a few moments at the new green space between Faneuil Hall and the Harbor. They have a new fountain that is fun to watch. Water spouts out of about 50 different holes, dances around for timed intervals. In between, various crowd thrill seekers attempt to run thru the fountain and try to avoid getting wet. The rest of the crowd watches, claps and 'ooh's and awe's.' We watched for about 15 minutes. It's quite relaxing. Connor, being Connor, suddenly decided to be like much of the crowd around him, and when his opportunity arose, he ran full speed ahead into the fountain - even though Guy was right with him. I happened to catch a good photo of Guy sprinting after him and catching him. I was just glad it wasn't me doing the chase :-)

Christian and I skated again yesterday and he's really getting it. I love that the boys are old enough now that we can go to the rink together whenever and just have family time doing something we all like.

Friday night was especially wonderful. One of my cousins got married this past August in B.C. Her Mom had a post-nuptial party for her and her husband in Worcester and reunited many family members on my fathers side that I haven't seen in so long. So long that I cannot actually be sure when the last time was. Anyhow, it ended up being loads of fun and it was great to see everyone and I think that most of my cousins felt the same way. Now, the harder part will to try and do it again or at least try and keep better contact.

Treasures:

*Seeing the world thru the boys eyes on the trains today. Pure amazement.

*The wonderful fall weather we've been having.

*Watching the playful harbor seals & seeing the how amused the boys were.

*It's a long weekend.....yea.

Christian and Daddy Observing A Train On The Blue Line

Connor and Daddy Watching The Fountain

Connor's Escape: Pretty Fast, But Daddy Is Faster

Taking A Stroll On The Faneuil Hall Cobblestones

The Boys and I @ The Harbor

The Skyline From Terminal B's Roof

The Boys & The Harbor Seals

Christian Taking Connor For A Ride

A Few Random Pictures From The Party Friday Night: