Children's Museum

You would never have caught me at a children's museum in February the past few years.  Not that I wouldn't want to go, but because of the fact they are a germ factory.  After a couple years in pre-school, Ethan is stronger and doing well overall.  So, a Saturday trip to the Children's Museum was in order.  I honestly don't know who was more exhausted in the end--the children or the parents!  :)

 

The firetruck was a huge hit!

 

He could have stayed here the entire time.  He loves painting.  Everyone near me commented on how he could be so neat with paint but he doesn't like to get dirty.  

 

There is a park outside the museum.  

 

Little Miss also had fun time.  

The moment all three were buckled into the car, they fell asleep.  It was sensory overload for all--Ethan included.  Not only did they sleep all the way home but went on to sleep for two more hours once we got home!  (And, that was after only three hours there!)

First Soccer Game

Yesterday Ethan had his first soccer game.  It. was. freezing.  We were both surprised that the game was on considering the under 30 degree temperature, along with the snow and wind.  Seriously, it was awful outside.  In fact, Craig took Carter and Abigail back to the car after about 10 minutes of the game because it was way too cold to just stand there despite the winter layers.  However, Ethan had fun.  He has been looking forward to playing soccer and enjoyed picking out cleats and shin guards.  We practice kicking and trapping the ball daily.  His coach immediately commented on the fact that he kicks lefty.  (He is right handed.  However, since the right side of his body is so much stronger than his left, he has always planted with his right side for stability and thus, is a lefty kicker.)  Crazy enough, Carter also kicks lefty, but there is no particular reason for that. 

Last weekend, when it was a beautiful Colorado winter day, Ethan had a soccer clinic.

 

 

Carter had to wear his soccer cleats to the soccer clinic, just like big brother.  :)  Carter has his first soccer game in a few weeks.

 

The stark contrast to the previous weekend.  Cold. 

 

 

 

Again, wearing his cleats like Ethan. 

Ethan had a fun time.  Once the final whistle blew, he started shivering and was so tired he opted to ride in the stroller back to the car.  He never does this when he is around kids his own age but he still tires easily and clearly needed/wanted the break.   His other comment about the game was that the whistle was blown a lot and he didn't like the loud noise.  The good news is that he is looking forward to his next practice and game.  Better yet, it should be in the 60s!

Well loved

 

This is Carter's beloved Patches.  As you can see, Patches is well loved.  Very well loved.  A few months ago, I scoured the Internet looking for a replacement Patches should something happen to beloved Patches because there is no living without Patches...trust me.  (There was a couple of days where we couldn't find Patches, but we had his toe, and Carter slept with it until we located the rest of Patches.)

 

(There is very little stuffing left but that doesn't matter.)

 

I finally found the same bear, who we affectionately call Patches part deux.  As soon as I showed Carter Patches part deux, he looked away.  See, there is nothing like beloved Patches.  In fact, Patches part deux wasn't even allowed in Carter's bed at first.  After about a month, part deux was elevated to the foot of the bed.  Currently, he is still at the foot of the bed but at least now he is not thrown off the bed in utter disgust.   

The picture of the two Patches reminds me of how the heart of a child is so like the love of Christ.  The pristine, perfect bear isn't what he wants.  He loves, adores, and will not separate from the one that is torn, ratted, and imperfect.  Just how Christ will not separate from us and loves use despite our imperfection.   

Catching up on Christmas

Considering it is almost St. Patrick's Day, I figured I should catch up from  Christmas time!  We had a wonderful Christmas and much improved from last year's ear infection-stomach bug-influenza A-Christmas.  Seeing the boys filled with excitement is immensely enjoyable.

 

I thought for sure Abigail would cry hysterically since she does so whenever we try to get her picture taken in a studio.  But, nope, she was perfectly fine.  Both boys enjoyed seeing Santa as well.  

 

 

 

After our success with Santa, we thought we would try a nice Christmas picture at a studio.  The kids were dressed in Sunday best but apparently Abigail didn't remember the nice picture taking from the day prior and screamed so much so we couldn't get a picture with all three.  We came home and tried...

 

And tired

 

And tried.  If anything, it was memorable.

 

Both boys participated in their school Christmas program.  Carter was a lamb, among other characters.

 

Ethan was a king.  (He is in yellow behind Mary and Joseph.)  Ethan loved participating, while Carter stood there.  :)  I was impressed with the song choices--not the typical "Jingle Bells" but instead, "Mary's Boy Child," etc.  It was so clear the focus was Christ's birth.

 

Gingerbread house making

 

The result--with the only picture we got from the prior Christmas picture attempt--in the background.  Even though Abigail did not participate, it is one of my favorite pictures of the boys.

 

There is my sweet girl!

 

Tracking Santa's sleigh  on the computer

 

They sure filled the plate....

 

Christmas morning--he saw the gift Santa brought and was thrilled.

 

 

A Cars big wheel

 

This has been  FUN gift.  I did wonder who was going to get stitches first though. :)  There may have been quite a few head bumps, but all three kids had a blast.

 

Ethan is an expert at puzzles.  Seriously, this kid can't get enough of them. Every morning he will tackle three to four 50 piece puzzles before breakfast.  He likes almost any puzzle and will complete them in record time.

 

 

 

One of the various viruses so far this year.  Actually (knock on wood) the season hasn't been too bad yet.  I will probably regret saying that out loud.

 

Every week Ethan has occupational therapy at 7:30 am about an hour from our house.  So, I pack up the kids and we leave at 6:30 am.  I have really enjoyed this therapist and Ethan is making strides with fine motor skills.  Carter, Abigail and I watch in a connecting room, through a one-way mirror.  The bonus is that everyone is contained and there is free WiFi, so I can work during the entire appointment.

 

The day of the boys' Christmas program dress rehearsal was one where they were actually at school at the same time. This little lady and I had a working coffee date.