Chritmas Performance

I normally do not struggle with Bah Humbug mentality this time of year.

But, stick me in an overheated jam-packed auditorium FULL of parents & grandparents of elementary school goers, all of whom are trying to work the perfect photo-op and this side of me emerges that I am a little ashamed of.

I was lucky to find seats for Drew & myself, only to then discover that Ike's class was staged on the OPPOSITE side of the room.  (??????)

This is Ike with our neighbor and his bestie, Jacob. 

Doesn't Jake look preppy & nice? 

I tried to convince Ike that he could and should wear his church shirt, but I finally gave up the fight provided he consented to at least don jeans and not athletic pants.

Trust me when I say: this was a BIG win for mom!

TJ's performance was first and for whatever reason--the crowd was double in size for the kinders relative to the older grades.

I didn't really get any chance for a close-up photo until I trailed this little deer back to his classroom. 

Don't you LOVE the Rudolph headgear?  Half the kinders wore menorah headgear and half were dialing in Santa's sled-pulling heavy lifters. 

Granted, Rudolph's nose is slightly off-center in this shot and his antlers are not too perky, but how fitting that he matches his Christmas shirt!  Totally unplanned, that was. 

It was a fun surprise to have his shirt match his headdress (especially since he was a little underdressed relative to most of his class). 

I mean--NO ONE else had a shirts that coordinated so perfectly well with the headgear.  We've got that going for us, even if we never make it to prom.

Here is TJ up on stage.  He was insistent about me being at this performance.  I even rescheduled Drew's ophthalmology f-up appointment to a most inconvenient day and time so that I could attend and so he could pick me out among the sea of humanity that descended on the auditorium.

Yep, I think I will get myself a treat for that kind of mothering.

Drew is photo bombing TJ's besties shot here.  Gordon is sporting the tie (& trying to figure out his headgear), Nick is in the red sweater & then there are my two (slumming it in their t-shirts).  TJ LOVES his school buds & Drewbie CANNOT wait to descend on campus. 

Bless my soul! (And my soles)

In the last few weeks, I have had two pair of shoes that have bit the dust. 

These are both pairs that I store in the garage for most of the year, since "winter" footwear season here is, well, short.  I simply cannot afford to take up valuable square footage in the master bedroom closet.

I'm starting to get the sense that triple digit garage conditions are not conducive to a long and healthy shoe life.  But then again, I don't think Arizona weather in general is kind to anything... 

I mean, there is a reason this is the skin cancer capitol of the United States.

I don't wear my black "heels" that often.  But man, this is bad timing.  I need them for Christmas Sunday wear.  And, there is NO time to go shop these days....

Speaking of lack of shopping: I confess that Drew has worn black crocs with his holiday Sunday outfit for the last 2 weeks.  He does not have black Sunday shoes (only brown ones).  It is really quite tacky, but it seems to suit him.  And, I'd hate to invest in a really nice pair only to see them meet an untimely death, like my 2 pairs featured here.  Maybe he'll start a trend.  Like, maybe I'll get myself some black crocs and forget the heels....?  Hmmmm...
 

Church Christmas Party

It took awhile to coax Ike into sitting on Santa's lap.  He thinks he is already too old and mature to pull this off (????)  Do you not just LOVE his shirt that features a minion wearing a santa hat?  Ike was happy to sport the holiday shirt and reindeer antlers without any coaxing.  Not too mature for that.  Go figure.

Drew on the other hand took no coaxing. 

In fact, he simply did not get it that there was a whole line of other kiddos who wanted a turn. 

He would have sat with the jolly red suit all night had that been an option.  

I kind of love this shot--the stare down with the man with the beard.

I mean, have we met??

Santa, you have me on the right list, don't you?

Oh, and by the way...I want to be you when I grow up.
And TJ.  He is sporting a santa hat that has a UofA letter "A" on it.  And, it kind of makes him look bald, eh?  Please note the jeans.  This is TJ's first time in jeans all winter.  I had to threaten them with staying home from the Christmas party if they couldn't step up their attire.  Not that jeans is exactly "stepping it up" for most people.  But again, it beats athletic pants. 

Our ward (i.e. church congregation) farmed out assignments to multiple families to bring a centerpiece for a table.  It was fun to have quite the variety.  We got to the church building early enough to have our pick of the centerpieces.  This was definitely the most "kid friendly"!! 

Awesome, eh?  A lego Christmas tree, lego Santa & a lego Rudolph.  In hindsight, I kind of wish I would have framed up this shot a little nicer (i.e. moved the plastic pitcher and the basket of rolls).  Oh well. 

One of the other adults had these awesome Christmas shoes.  I think I know what I am going to get Todd for Christmas 2015! 

He probably wouldn't ever wear them in public, but maybe he'd wear them to put lights & décor up at home?  Oh wait.  That task falls to me....Maybe I'll get myself some festive elf shoes!

Do I look guilty?

Yes, this was after bath #2 for the night.  And yes, the cause was ANOTHER episode of emesis.  Drats, Drew....can you not dial in such atrocities when your papa is around to do clean-up?

Admittedly, I lost it a little bit.  I lost it mainly because the little man had begged and begged me for some more milk and before I delivered a top off, I made him promise he would NOT throw up if he had a smidge extra. 

I ought to know better by now.  Really.  Curse the Johnson family gag reflex gene (again).... 

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Oh yeah. Record day!  I was able to coax Ike into some jeans this season for the FIRST TIME.  All the boys ever want to don is "soft pants" or athletic gear.  We do have respectable clothing options, but they turn up their noses at "preppy" attire.

Uncle Walt & dad took the Ikester to the UofA basketball game tonight, and Ike's UofA "soft pants" were in the laundry still from Saturday.  So, we were between a rock and a hard place. 

Oh, he looked so cute and grown up in his jeans.  I wish you could appreciate what a remarkable feat I pulled off in convincing him to sport jeans.   

Incidentally, I took this little Wildcat fan down to meet his papa at work and there is a foosball table at dad's office.  So, hence the unwillingness to look at the camera.  He is in a cutthroat match against TJ and mom can be quite the nuisance, don't you know...

But trust me: the moment HAD to be documented.  It may not happen again for awhile, after all....

Too much excitement!

TJ lost his first tooth today and he is SO PROUD of himself!  It has been loose for a few days and every day he insists on showing everyone he sees his "wiggly tooth".  Today at school, it finally worked free. 

Unbeknownst to me, if a kid loses a tooth at school, they get sent to the school nurse who puts their tooth in a little plastic treasure box so that the little piece of enamel gets home safely.

So, yeah---tooth fairy tonight....Santa on deck...birthday right after the new year.  That is what we call quite the jackpot line-up! 

 

I'll huff and I'll puff....

I don't know if you can make out the planet of the apes cast behind the gingerbread house.  But trust me---they look hungry!

Every season, my sister Cherece bakes gingerbread houses from scratch for all her neighbors & then she takes pity on me, though I do not reside in her cul-de-sac!  I'm kind of embarrassed that we have had ours since last Sunday but just this morning decorated it up. 

It is a fun and festive addition to the place.  The downside?  The boys are all sugared up now for church.  I think they definitely consumed more candy than they decorated with.  Watch out ward (that is what we call our  congregation)...HA!

All Aboard!!

It has become an annual tradition to attend my coworker's outdoor movie showing of Polar Express each Christmas season.  I took only Ike & TJ & they enjoyed themselves tremendously.  "Wear pajamas & bring your sleeping bag" was on the invite (in case you were wondering). 

Everyone got to pick a candy cane reindeer wearing a jingle bell around his neck off the palm tree at the end of the show.  BELIEVE.  (And not just in Santa, you hear?)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

 

Make sure to say "Happy Birthday" in Frosty-the-snowman's voice!  Today is my grandpa's birthday.  He is one of the greatest men this world has ever known.  And, this ornament is priceless to me.  I had many a good fishing outings with him over a period of decades, and he taught me many lessons outside of how to bait a hook.  And, he continues to teach me great things.  I hope you hit the triple digit mark and then some, grandpa great!!!!  You are an inspiration!

The drama and trauma of taking lyrics literally (Drewbie was on the verge of being emotionally scarred for life!)

I came home today from work with a snowsuit that is Drewbie sized.  It was a hand-me-down gift from Karin (whose son Alex has outgrown it).  I was telling Drew that if Grammie had snow when we went to visit her for Christmas, that he could put this snowsuit on and go play in the snow & it would help to keep him warm.

Drew looked at me with a VERY confused and sad expression, then proceeded to say: "But mommy, Grammie got ran over by a reindeer!?!"
Apparently he thought there was some validity to the Christmas tune his brothers have been belting...  Poor kid. 

He was certainly full of good cheer when we set him straight: it wasn't OUR Grammie that got ran over!  Phew, is all I have to say!

Thanksgiving!

Note to self: do not interrupt the troops playing if you want them to be good sports with a photoshoot.  My 3 were not particularly cooperative...but love this cousin shot nonetheless.  I used to have 8 turkey headbands.  But, one is AWOL, so Kiersten got stiffed.

We even tore daddy away from football for a few minutes.  Thankful for my family today!  Thankful for Bob & Val (in-laws) who hosted, as it was nice not to be in charge this year. 

The boys went to a Turkey Bowl this AM & I dressed them in long sleeves as it is cool in the mornings now.  But it sure heats up by afternoon.  It would have been more humane to let them switch to short sleeves for the mealtime festivities.  But alas... we're doing good to get them to pause & put clothes on once in a 24 hour period...

Rufus

One of our favorite statues.  Kind of ironic that the boys are all wearing gray to match our wildcat, Rufus.  They are a rather wild bunch, so its fitting that they blend right in!

The infamous....

"Pee-pee fountain".  TJ has a kind of convincing pose.  Drewbie?  Not so much there, pal.  It looks like he thinks it is a drinking fountain, right?  Ike?  Well, I guess he has gotten a little too mature for the line up.  Hard to blame him.  Todd wasn't down for it either.   

Graduating class of....

After the turkey incident, we met up with dad, who ditched work a couple of hours early so we could mill around campus. 

It was fun for all!

Drew and his own little personal ZonaZoo was a big hit.  He wanted his own boa, though.

TJ was the first to hug the giant stuffed Wilbur.  I kindly told Drew to wait his turn, but as you likely have deduced by now, the kid doesn't really listen.

So, Wilbur is getting extra loves from the Johnsons en mass.  Ike was invited in on the fun, but respectfully declined. 

TJ wanted to take Wilbur home.  Drew just wanted the balloons.  Would you believe that we were able to exit empty-handed from the bookstore, though?  Not without some considerable disappointment, granted...but, no one went broke!

Happy Turkey Day!

Every time I commute to work, I pass this decorated up Saguaro, and he has become my all time favorite piece of Thanksgiving décor around town.

For weeks I have been intending to take the boys for a photoshoot. 

Against my better judgment, I went today right after school, sans the papa to help me reign in the troops. 

Picture a pedestrian sidewalk just in front of Ike and then adjacent to the sidewalk a totally busy busy 6 lane divided thoroughfare through town. 

Let me just sum up what a bad idea it was by saying: today I broke the "no lifting" ban for the first time since my sonogram.  I couldn't help it.  Between a rock and a hard place, I was.  I did not want Drew to become roadkill. 

I think forevermore when I see this bird I will be reminded that I am the biggest turkey of them all!

Kindergarten fun

All of the kindergarten classes participated in a presentation to their parents & family members this afternoon.

I rushed from work to get there, and arrived in the nick of time to standing room only space in the multipurpose room.

I had tried to get TJ to dress up and wear something respectable (the boys only ever want "soft pants"...i.e. athletic attire).  I lost the battle on dress, so I was thankful he was in the second row and not prime-time front row material. 

Each class recited their own "Thanksgiving Poem" and then they all joined in some songs together.  We went back to TJ's classroom for pie & goodies.  Wish you could have joined us!

Live footage

Here is the video.  He was supposed to play 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' twice through, but he was saved by the crowd clapping.  And for the record, he can play them flawlessly.  But, why be a perfectionist?  That is a lot of pressure to put on yourself, don't ya know... 

Mozart in the making

OK, who am I kidding?  He isn't exactly a natural.  But, our expectations are realistic.

We just want him to be capable and confident to play 50+ hymns.  It is a handy skill.

His FIRST piano recital is behind him!  I'll have to post the video.  'Mary Had a Little Lamb' and 'Yankee Doodle'---not exactly flawless, but he did at least participate!   

Ike has been taking lessons since the fall, around the time that school started.  Grammie--you'd be proud!

It's fun to play at the Y-M-C-A

It was our last game today for the season.  Since TJ woke me up before the crack of dawn, I consented to make cupcakes as a last hurrah for the team (at least while I still can).  Granted, not the healthiest way to recharge at 9:15 after running hard up and down the court.  But, the peeps were pleased.  Love me some happy hoopsters! 

Monkey bars are for monkeys!

Today was a day for doctor visits all around.  Megan broke her arm last Friday (by falling off the monkey bars).  The swelling was down sufficiently by today to cast it.

Dr. Nielsen told Cherece that the location of Megan's break was odd.  It is a partial break on the medial aspect of her humerus (the larger bone that spans the shoulder to the elbow).

I guess normally he sees cracks along the lateral aspect of this bone or a through and through break.  But, Megan is one to make her own way in the world.  So, naturally...she broke her bone in a spot that stumps the expert.  As long as she heals uneventfully, it's all good.  Drew wore green today especially because Megs was planning to be casted in St. Patty's Day shades.  We met up with her at Sam's Club just for a photo op after the orthopod visit.  Yeah, I know...we needed these peeps to be looking at the camera.  But, Drew is too busy sticking his tongue out and taunting his poor cousin: "If you were built more like a Mack Truck like me, you wouldn't have snapped that bone in your fall!" 

All week our crew has been empathizing with Megan by wearing mom's old arm brace from her sledding incident and wrapping up our arms with ACE wraps, etc.  You know... you hate to have Megan getting ALL the attention...

Bittersweet

Today we went to the OB for my 20 week ultrasound. 
And when I say we, I mean WE: The Johnsons took the OB office by storm: Todd, myself, Ike, TJ & Drew. 

We thought it was the perfect opportunity for the older boys to be introduced to their new baby bro.

We kind of spaced the fact that our boys really do not have an attention span that allows much time for introductions.  ha!

We already knew from my materniT21 test that this little man was chromosomally OK.  But, it was great to get some visualization of the rest of his anatomical parts.  No neural tube defects!  His heart looks great.  All breathed a collective sigh of relief, trust me.  "Phew!"

Until....one little unforeseen problem presented itself. 

My placenta is placed directly over my cervix.  This is called placenta previa.  And, it is a problem because: A. I could have a massive bleed & lose this little man to a miscarriage in the next few weeks  B. Once he is viable (over 24 weeks gestation), we will be on pins and needles about how to keep him en utero long enough to be "fully cooked"  C. I will need a C-section.  Period.

So, I have some restrictions.  No lifting of anything with substantial weight.  The biggest problem with this is that Drew is not "insubstantial" if you know what I mean.  Also, he isn't exactly processing why his mama won't just haul him out of any pickle he lands in (& trust me, he is chronically in need of 'redirection').

Also, I might have to go on bedrest.  I fear the house will not remain standing if bedrest truly is in my little man's best interest.  Also, I might go certifiably insane if I am confined to bed (granted...some would argue I am already there....)

The other thing: no cervical "stimulation".  Now, maybe you had to be there to really find the humor in this: but picture my OB, Dr. Brainard, trying to tactfully tell us that "sex" is off the table for the foreseeable future.  She isn't blunt because among her audience are 3 little boys who really have no idea about the birds and the bees, etc. 

I kept looking at Todd to see if he was processing things and I could see this look on his face that said, "Is she saying what I think she is saying?" 

I really do wish I had the whole encounter on video for posterity.

And speaking of sex: there is no denying this little guy is ALL BOY.  Sorry if the 3D ultrasound images creep you out.  I think they are awesome!  And, look at his profile shot!  His little turned up nose makes me think of his Aunt Cherece & Aunt Kammi.  He is in good company, to be sure.  Please pray for our little man (& the rest of us).  I'd like to kiss that fully cooked nose someday.       

"The veil is thin"

For those of you that are not a part of LDS culture, "the veil is thin" is Mormon speak for the notion that those spirits who either have no yet been born or those who are no longer on the earth in flesh & bone are never too far from us.  Also, that we are personally known by God our Father and our elder brother Jesus Christ. 

I had the most remarkable experience at the Phoenix Temple Dedication Ceremony today.  There were 3 dedicatory sessions, and Todd & I were able to attend the 2nd session (thanks again, Hancocks, for babysitting!) 

It has been awhile since I sat through any spiritually enriching meeting without 3 boys distracting me right and left.  Perhaps that is the start of why it was such a remarkable day for me.  I felt the spirit so very strongly. 

By far the most memorable part of the afternoon was that my little guy who is still en utero...I have felt him move before, to be sure.  But, his movements have not been steady and most of the time it is very subtle as he is only ~13oz in body weight at this point.  However, today, from ~1-3pm during the dedicatory session, this little man was cutting a rug!  He was so active--it was as if he was doing summersaults en utero for 2 solid hours.  I joked with Todd that perhaps he felt the need to distract me on behalf of his 3 older brothers who were not present.  But, I really do believe that he was moving around so much as a special witness to me that temples are indeed the House of the Lord.  Somebody quoted George Q. Cannon (of the first presidency back in 1877, who spoke at the dedication of the Logan Utah temple) "every Temple completed...lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the power of God and Godliness."  At the utterance of this statement, it seemed to me that I could feels hosts of spirits, not just my own son, who were rejoicing.  It was a great reminder to me that people who enter the temple can be transported to a higher realm.  We can be endowed with spiritual power and knowledge.  We can feel the presence of spirits that have gone on before us and those who are yet to be born into mortality.  We can be buoyed up by understanding more fully our purpose in being here on this planet.  We can know plainly that we left our Father in Heaven with an overwhelming desire to return back to His presence, to gain exaltation.  And we can renew our desire to seek after the things of God.   

This whole experience made me feel that God knows me personally and he is aware of me and my family.  I felt such power and peace that it is difficult to put it all into words.  I was literally bawling throughout the Hosanna shout and the hymn we sang following that, which was "The Spirit of God."  I felt that there was a special little spirit who was singing along with me, though I could not audibly hear him.  Also, I felt the presence of my grandma.  This is going to sound weird, but I felt like she was hugging me and telling me to keep plodding along and doing my best...that it is all worth it...that with my Heavenly Father's assistance through our Savior, Jesus Christ, I am not hopelessly flawed.  I can be perfected through Christ. 

We were not actually physically in the temple in Phoenix, as this dedication was broadcast to our stake center.  Still, I do not believe I have ever felt the spirit of the temple more poignantly than I did today.  It was a sacred day for me, and an experience I will treasure forever.  Admittedly, it makes me worry about just what is in store for me.  You know....like perhaps I will face some challenges in the near future that will cause me to need a sure witness of the purpose of my life.  This thought scares me little bit, I am not going to lie... 

But, "come what may and love it".   

Topping off my night with a....

Yep.  Vomiting episode 414.  I wish I WAS kidding.

One slice of pizza & one cupcake too many...and Drewbie's gag reflex kicks into action. 

The only thing worse than cleaning up emesis?  Cleaning up emesis when you are pregnant.  It is a wonder I didn't lose my own gastric goodies. 

Sorry to post this, but I believe in documenting the best of times AND the worst of times. 

We will probably all laugh about this in 20 years (like when Drew has a Drew Jr that puts him through the same kind of rite-of-passage parenting 'pleasures'... HA! :)

Why? Why? Why?

Since it has been several years since I have visited Chuck E. Cheese or Peter Piper Pizza, I broke down & consented to take TJ to one of his classmate's bday parties at PPP tonight.

As you can clearly see, I had Drew in tow as well as TJ (Todd was "working" overtime cheering on the UofA Wildcats in bball...duty calls...) 

It was officially a disastrous experience.  I left there with both boys in meltdown because they didn't earn enough tickets to get the prize they thought they deserved AND we missed bedtime, which doesn't bode well for the weekend.

I think it will be a few more years before I venture out again.  It does make me wonder if my own parents loathed Showbiz Pizza in my own hometown.  I LOVED going there when I was little, but I'm guessing it was probably a very similar (i.e. less than relaxing) experience for my mom & dad.   

Toothless 2

In the spirit of Drew's birthday haul, Ike decided to shed another tooth tonight.  Such great timing, eh?  Now he can sing "All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth" very convincingly this season.  I'll try to dial in some video footage of that ASAP!

LOVE THE SENSE OF ANTICIPATION!

Granted, everything paled in comparison to cake AND ice cream.  But, Drew sure enjoyed unveiling his haul.  And, he is nothing if not endearing.

Perhaps his favorite gift of the day was the dollar store helium balloon (thanks, grandma).

But, he took to this new nightie night snuggle bug right away.

And, the older bros selected the dragon theme for him, so needless to say, the big bros were happy, too. 

Yep...  a plush Toothless that roars when you press him in the chest. 

If the roaring feature wakes our little tyke up at night, do not worry...I have a plan.  It involves either a confiscation of the battery along its spine OR an excursion to the thrift store for something delightful (& silent) to exchange it with....

Drew & Toothless are both cuddled up & snoozing peacefully at the moment.  Hope you all get good rest with your bestie tonight, too....with no roaring, snoring or other distractions.

Thanks to everyone who remembered my little man on his special day!!  THREE.  Can it be?   

Turning THREE!!!!

Drew may or may not have needed help blowing out his candles.  Regardless, we'll let him take all the credit.  And, can't fault his big bros for their enthusiasm!

Drew got a little disconcerted when we took the candles off the cake & told him we were (at long last) going to eat it.  (He was ready to have a go at breakfast, after all...)

But, when the time finally arrived...he is clearly full of serious concern. I mean, those are some of his favorite toys there atop that cake. 

He honestly thought I intended for this to be their end.

But rest assured, no harm befell the hotwheels in the making of or consumption of this cake.  In fact, I think all around, it was a win-win.  They got a "carwash" before and after AND a moment in the spotlight. 

King me!

Ike & TJ are learning to play checkers.  Then they will work up to playing chess. 

Board games can cause some meltdowns...as someone inevitably wins, you know. 

So, along with learning the rules to checkers, we are learning how to be a humble winner and a gracious loser.  Granted, we have not quite reached any of these stated milestones, but we're getting better.  It helps that this is generally a Sabbath Day endeavor. 

I keep reminding them: Christ is the ultimate King.  No matter how favorable your checkers board looks at the moment, you better not forget get too puffed-up.  You really should be more invested in this long-term game of Life we're living, kids.  If only these hooligans can live in such a way that they feel entitled one day to say, "King Me!" in a different and more important context, in a spiritual realm where it REALLY matters... 

Thankful

This is my new thankful board.  We traced and cut out two hands per boy AND daddy got one hand in.  Then everyone got to pick what they were correspondingly grateful for.  I doubt you can make it out, but the big hand says "Jesus" (I cannot confirm nor deny whether he was influenced by a certain someone to select this...I mean, how could we have a list of things we're grateful for and have Him omitted???).  Ike's hands say "family and new baby" and "monkies" (which I misspelled, not him, so do NOT give him grief...).  TJ's hands say "grasshoppers" and "basketball".  Drew's hands say "Kiersten" and "Jenna".  Kiersten is one of the cousins and Jenna is our new nanny.  Yes, I see where I rank.... ha ha 

We hope you are feeling comfort and joy as you reflect on your blessings this time of year!  We are thankful for you, whether or not you made "the list".   

Hey hey we're the Monkeys

TJ could NOT be talked into dressing in primate pickings.  So, he went as Nemo. 

"My hair is orange, so I need to be orange."

Ah...the logic of a kindergartner. 

(My apologies that the clown fish is not featured here...he was too busy prowling the ocean to pose)

Arizona heat gets to all of us...

Ahhhh....despite waiting until the week of Halloween to do pumpkin carving AND leaving the end result indoors in the AC until the 31st....

We ended up with quite the scary addition to our doorstep on Halloween night.  At least frightening is the theme for this season!  So....it's fitting new look, don't you think?

Crashing FHE

Todd was in Dallas for work, so we invited ourselves down for pumpkin carving FHE festivities with the Hancocks.  Good times!  Ike even sweet talked Kiersten into gifting him her own pumpkin so he could take some of the spooky spirit of the season back home to our pad.  And, Cherece got sweet-talked into sharing some homemade pumpkin seeds with her sis.  Oh, yeah, baby!  Living large!!!

Exactly what I was not prepared to come home to....

Todd was out of town to a conference in D.C. all week, then Mark flew in for the weekend, and mama sneaked out to derm conference on Saturday.  What can I say?  I need CME hours.

Uncle Mark IS storing not one but TWO motorcycles in our garage.  I didn't think to hide the keys....

I mean, who would expect that two grown men would take my babies for helmet-less thrill rides?

Thankfully, they stayed on our residential street.  But still....   Honestly....   ??????

I might have to think twice about agreeing to host this hooligan in the future.  If my boys go south, I will blame the Canadian crazy man.

I guess I ought to be grateful they didn't all rush out and get tattoos to go with the theme of the day (i.e. break ALL the rules!)

Check Up...or is that Ketchup?

This is what you get when you let your 2 year old squirt his own ketchup.  I won't confirm that he cleaned off his glasses with his tongue.  Drew is unbelievably endearing when he asks for ketchup.  He pronounces it "check up".    No matter how many times we correct him, it's just "check up" to him.  Suffice it to see it is by far his favorite condiment!