Hello 2010!

The beginning of the New Year is always hectic. The boys and I flew home to be with Brian for New Year's Eve and then two days later it was time to celebrate. We celebrated Brian's birthday and he even got dressed up for the occasion.

As always the boys had so much fun making the cupcakes and couldn't wait to dive in.

There are certain moments you look back and realize how special you feel for having such great kids. Other than making Daddy a birthday cake, the boys had one other priority - to buy Daddy a birthday present. So, they requested that we bring them to the toy store. After walking around the toy store for about an hour, they picked out some Star Wars action figures. I think Daddy had a great low key birthday because what is better than the love of your children.

Chi-Town

Two days after Christmas, we went on an adventure of our own - Chicago here we come!! Isobel was about three weeks old and it was definitely time for her to meet her cousins. Thank goodness Isobel doesn't seem to mind the noise because Hurricane Falahee has entered the building. Isn't she adorable?
It took Garrett a long time to make himself feel at home - a little less than five minutes.

The boys love Isobel - they were so gentle and loving.

As you can see, Isobel brought smiles to all of our faces.

Uncle Scott and Aunt Laura were prepared for the boys. It was like a second Christmas with so many presents under the tree just for them. Well, don't get me wrong - there were tons of presents for all of us. They were so excited to receive their remote control cars - we brought them downstairs so we didn't torture Graham. Not only did we open presents but we also had Christmas dinner which was delicious.

The Winter Festival on the Navy Pier was in full swing so we decided to give Scott and Laura a break/some peace and quiet. When we arrived, we couldn't imagine the enormous event we were walking into. First of all, the Navy Pier is an event in itself - the stain glass is absolutely beautiful.

The Winter Festival was a gigantic indoor winter experience - ice skating, bouncy houses, Ferris wheels, slides, trains and rides. We couldn't believe they fit all of this indoors, plus the decorations were phenomenal.

Garrett took a liking to a particular slide. The only issue was that I took him to the top and he went right down by himself. However, there was a maze which brought you to the slide and it was the only way to get back down. Since there was no one at the bottom of the slide and I didn't think my plan out, I went running through the maze to get back to Garrett. I basically ran over little kids and parents and when I was almost to the end - here comes Garrett walking up the ramp with a huge smile on his face. I was so thankful he was so smart and couldn't believe how dumb I had been - lesson learned. As you can see, he loved the slide!

Connor was fascinated by all the different rides and decided he had to go on the train. Daddy waited in line with him and he went on the ride all by himself. He loved the train as it went through tunnels and past Christmas trees and bears.

As you can see there was even a full size skating rink indoors and the kids loved watching everyone skate around.

The carousel and the ball pit was some of their favorites. Here are my boys after they got off the carousel and they wanted to pose for Grandma.

Another day Uncle Scott brought us to the Goodman Theatre to show Connor a run through of the sets, lights and music of the Christmas Carol. It was also Isobel's first trip to her daddy's work. The kids loved the theater and took everything in - of course, there were lots of questions to follow.

Of course, it snowed while we were there and Uncle Scott got to see first hand my big helpers. They were out there clearing Uncle Scott's sidewalks and even the alley - the only thing that stopped them was the bitter cold and their mother telling them they were turning into icicles.

I am sure I have forgotten something along the way. It was a really fun visit and it was really hard to leave because I wasn't sure when we would see Isobel next.

Two Things I learned in Chicago:
1- If I lived there, I would weigh 300 pounds. The stuffed pizza is phenomenal.

2- A baby didn't slow down Scott and Laura at all. They are amazingly efficient.

Thank you for having us....you were such good hosts all I can say is "we'll be back."

Christmas at Home

For the past 31 years, Brian and I have always been in our parents homes for Christmas. Obviously things have to change, this year we started new traditions and celebrated Christmas in our home. What do you do on Christmas eve? Well, we went to a Japanese steakhouse for dinner - the boys favorite. I know a little unusual but it was fun. Then, we toured some of the neighborhood to check out all the Christmas lights. After singing some Christmas carols and seeing lots of lights, we headed home to prepare for Santa's arrival.

The boys came down in the morning to presents under the tree, a beautiful fire and a new train table in the middle of the family room.

They headed straight for the train table and immediately started playing.
When they turned around, they finally noticed all the presents under the tree. It didn't take them long to start tearing all the wrapping paper off their presents.

There was no stopping their progress and as we all know watching their faces light up and listening to them speak with excitement was enough for us.

A new train for the new tracks. Garrett really was excited about everything.

Before going to bed, Connor set out some snacks for Santa and his reindeer. In case they had some spare time, he set up a small game of memory for them to play. As you can see, Santa even found some matches before he went back to work.

The boys played for hours in the family room and it was so much fun to watch them enjoying all their new toys. While they were playing, I was trying to navigate how to make Christmas dinner. Well, that is a bit of an exaggeration. We purchased an already made Christmas dinner but I had a lot of heating up to do including the turkey. I am happy to report I didn't burn anything and it actually came out quite good. It was our first Christmas at home and we definitely had a blast. Thank you boys for always being the life of the party and to Daddy who did all the leg work.

A Whale Rockin' Good Time

The holiday season brings us many fun activities and we are so thankful that Brian's work Christmas party included the children. The party took place in a very posh club on Beacon St. in Boston. Needless to say, we wouldn't be allowed in the door of this club at any other time. :) So we went for lunch and to the kids surprise look who showed up. Santa came to visit and brought them some toys.

All the kids were so attentive and were so excited.

Garrett's name was called first. Santa knew all about him going to Gymboree and Garrett just stared up at him speechless.
When Connor was called, Santa told him that Zachey (our Christmas elf) told him that he had been such a good boy. Connor couldn't believe that Santa knew about Zachey. If you are thinking I have gone mad, please refer to the book Elf on the Shelf.

Since there was so much going on, it was difficult getting the boys to stand together for a picture but I tried very hard because how often do kids get dressed up. They looked so cute and were such little men throughout the party and during the Boston Symphony performance which we attended after the party. They are growing up so fast. It is moments like this where you wish you could freeze time for a little while.

Connor's Christmas Performace

We have some catching up to do...I know I say this every time I take a break but time sure does fly. So for now, we are going back to all our December festivities.

Connor and his class put on a Christmas show at school. For weeks he would come home singing different Christmas songs and believe it or not we didn't know some of them. He has an unbelievable memory so he really did teach us new songs for the the holidays. The show they put on was actually in a little auditorium and they were on stage.

All the 3 year old children lined up to make their entrance.
Here they are on stage to perform.

I thought this posting wouldn't be complete without a quick video showing them perform. Of course, I took video of the whole thing but here is one particular one which I think is so cute. They sang a total of five songs which is impressive considering they are only 3. Great Job!!! It definitely started off the holidays the perfect way.

3 year old Basketball

With the start of December, we began a new rotation of sports for Connor. Believe it or not - they have 3 year old basketball. We were definitely not sure how this was going to go. Honestly, we weren't sure what to expect. Well, I was pleasantly surprised and the smile on Connor's face says is all.
They did their warm ups, ran around and learned to bounce pass to each other. Then of course, they shot baskets and even slam dunked.

Then the kids played their first basketball game. They ran up and down the court - bounce passing and then running for the basket. It was the best game I have ever watched and I am so proud of Connor for trying something he wasn't so sure about...he really did enjoy it!

The New Arrival

Our FIRST cousin/niece has arrived. On Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 1:37am Isobel Ann joined our happy family. Everyone is doing well and we are all so excited for our growing extended family.

We can't wait for our visit at the end of December!