Happy New Year

The day was spent playing with all the new toys. We got out Liam's new race tracks and came up with this amazing track. There was lots of cheering as the cars raced through the loops.

Rob and I got to have a rare evening out while the boys played at our friend's home (many thanks). Ben took along his new Wall-e in the red bag.

Ben and Liam were in bed around 9:30pm with visions of 2011 dancing in their little heads. Goodnight, my sweet boys. And, may all your days be blessed.

Let's go bowling

And, so we did this morning. We tried to go last night but the lanes were full. Who knew it would be packed. That's when we headed for ice cream. So, this morning we tried again and basically had the place to ourselves. We had a very good time. And, then "we" were done. And, when you are done bowling, it's time to go.

Ben

I love these two grainy photos of Ben. The first shows exactly what his mind is up to these days. He is constantly analyzing, questioning and building. He got a Leg0 Ben Ten figure for Christmas from Paw Paw and he has it close by all the time. He is studying the other Leg0 figures to see how they fit together. Smart boy.

And, this photo was taken tonight when we went out for dessert. Ben stuck his face in his ice cream cone. I love that he is serious and smart and silly and so so sweet.

Not the norm

Rob went to get Ben for lunch and he was asleep in his bed.

He went back to check on Liam and he was actually eating his lunch.

Guess what Mommy got for Christmas

Happy Birthday, Liam!

Big Three! Liam has grown up so much is year. All the baby is gone and we are left with the most precious little boy whom we love beyond measure. He is sweet and smart, funny and wild. Each day with Liam is a joy and exhausting as he goes 90 miles an hour and never stops. He gave up naps three months ago. Liam knows his ABC's, can count to ten but is not interested in any numbers beyond that, and can sing an excellent version of Row Row Row Your Boat. He potty trained in a few days with very few accidents. He eats about every third day. He hates getting his hair cut (we had to use a shaver to cut his hair this month because he refused to sit for it to be cut.) Liam loves monster trucks, transformers, power rangers, and trains. He is especially taken with race tracks right now. He is most happy when we head out of the house first thing in the morning and come back close to bed time (this never happens). He wants to be on the go all the time. Happy Birthday, Liam. You are our special boy. We love your hugs and kisses, your naked dance parties and how you need two bah bahs (blankets), two little horses, a deer and a big horse to go to bed at night. Your smile and bright eyes light up the room. We love you forever!

"My new Big Boy Bike!"

The most adorable THREE year old on a new bike!

He couldn't get his coat and shoes on fast enough. There were some starts and stops but he was on the go - it's going to be a fast paced summer.

We had Liam's party this evening. Grammy, Poppy, Na-Na and Paw Paw were here plus our sweet neighbors for the celebration. There were lots more presents (because truly we needed more toys), pizza and cake. Liam blew out all the candles and was so proud.

Merry Christmas

Happy Birthday, Jesus! At our house, we figure since this is the most special Birthday of all, everyone gets presents! Santa came in the night and left so many goodies for each of us. We were so happy to have Grammy and Poppy joined us this morning for the merriment. Ben and Liam were in giddy with excitement.

Turns out Santa heard Ben's request for a Wall-e and threw in a few extras for good behavior.

And, Liam doesn't have to wait another day for that new race track.

We ate breakfast and opened presents with Grammy and Poppy and then they went home to rest from the very early morning activities. Paw Paw and Na-Na arrived a few minutes later in a sleigh full of more presents! And, we hadn't even gotten to the stockings yet. It was full day of toys and celebrating. Oh, Happy Day!

Christmas Eve preparation

Ben and Liam can hardly contain the excitement! We had several things to do tonight before bed time and there were strict instructions to get to sleep on time so Santa would come.

Grammy and Poppy joined us for Christmas Eve dinner and our first attempt at gingerbread houses. We started with pre-made houses and then added our icing and candy. Liam was pumped about the candy.

Some of it even got on the house.

Grammy put the icing on Ben's house while Ben put on the candy.

Good looking house - Ben and Grammy. Well done.

Liam thought it was finger licking good.

After the boys were bathed and in pjs, we made reindeer food for Rudolph and the gang. We started with chex and added powdered sugar,

and sprinkles. Nice combo, I think.

We put lids on the bowls and shook it up. There was lots of squealing.

Next the boys poured it on the lawn so the reindeer can find their way to our house and get a snack. And, hopefully bring Santa with them!

Then we went inside to get our milk and homemade cookies ready for Santa. The boys also got out some carrots (also for reindeer) and elf food for Santa to take back to the North Pole. There was the usual talk about how Santa is going to get down our (never used) chimney. We opened the doors on the (never used) fire place.

And, off to bed with smiling faces.

Leaves

We've had some mild weather this week. It's good to get out of the house and run around with the neighbors. Daddy raked huge piles for the boys to jump in. Just a few more days until Christmas!

Wrapping it up

Ben and Liam did some wrapping today while I was at work. I can't wait to see what's in those packages!

After they finished, they used the wrapping paper tubes as swords.

Ho Ho Ho

The four of us spent the day in Jonesboro with Na-Na and Paw Paw. Oh, what fun! The boys got presents. They were thrilled. Then we went to the mall to see Santa. Ben is sticking with his request for Wall-e. He told us early on this was what he wanted and that was all he was asking Santa for. He figures if he doesn't beg for lots of stuff, maybe Santa will throw in something extra for good behavior. Nice plan. Liam wants a "new race track". That's it. For months he has been asking for a new race track.

We had a quick bite to eat, looked at the turtle fountain (had photo taken) and then Na-Na and Paw Paw had a big surprise for the boys.

Bui!d-a-Bear! The boys each got to choose an animal. There was a Rudolph display right inside the door and Ben was sold instantly. Liam picked a horse - no surprise there either. First they got to help stuff their new pets by pressing on the foot peddle that blew the stuffing into their pet.

They each selected a heart for their pet.


Then came the best part. Our Bui!d-a-Bear "helper" was amazing. She has probably assisted in the bui!ding of hundreds (thousands) of pets but it as if she had never done it before and she was just as excited as the boys. She told them to rub their pet's heart on their forehead to make it really smart.

Then they were to rub their pet's heart on their ear to help it listen really well.

Then they rubbed their hearts on their belly so their pet would never be hungry.

Lastly, they kissed their pet's heart so it would always know it was loved.

After placing their hearts in the pet's body, she sewed them up and the boys headed over to "wash and dry" their pet. Ben took this job very seriously.

Thanks, Na-Na and Paw Paw for our new Pets! Those are some happy boys.

Cookies for neighbors

Today we made cookies for our neighbors. A fun activity for Ben and Liam to participate in giving this season. They had a great time decorating and delivering the cookies.

I think their favorite part - was eating the left overs.