Kiddos can be so cute, even when they're "nasty"

We've creating a "crying room" in our house, where the kids have to hang out if they want to whine or cry. A few minutes ago Noah demanded that I help him with something and I responded calmly by saying, "Noah, that sounds really nasty." Noah looked at me with sadness & resolve and said, "Where is the nasty room?"

A Trip to the Doctor for a Soulful Discussion

Noah, Griffin and I went to the pediatrician today so that Griffin could get a few immunizations. Noah and I had a couple of cute conversations.

Brooke: Noah, please be careful of Griffin in that chair. If he falls, his head might break.
Noah: You mean all of his hair would fall off? Then he would look like a baby!...or like Pop!

*****

Brooke: Noah, please be careful and don't jump (he was holding chopsticks...don't ask), I don't want you to poke your eye out. If that happened we would have to rush you to see one of the doctors here.
Noah: And then I would say, "ow! I can't see!" Then God would send me away.
Brooke: Where would God send you?
Noah: Jail.
Brooke: Jail? Huh. I thought Got sent people to Heaven.
Noah: If God sent me to heaven, I would have to die first.
Brooke: Oh, right. What else do you have to do to go to heaven?
Noah: Love God. And have Jesus come into your heart.
Brooke: Does Jesus live in your heart?
Noah: Yes.

I almost cried. Noah flashed me a huge smile as he said Jesus' name. It was the sweetest little discussion we've ever had.

The Stockpiler

While I was cleaning up from dinner tonight, Griffin climbed into an empty chair and grabbed a couple of pieces of chicken off of Noah's plate. I smiled, assuming that Griffin was about to finish Noah's dinner. When I turned back around, this is what I saw:


When I removed the grate to clean up, I was shocked to find: 2 forks, the remote control to a car, a large train and two decent-sized stuffed animals. Clearly, Griffin has been stockpiling. Does he have a tip on an upcoming storm, is he resistant to share or is he just that mischievous? Time will tell....

A Visit from Grandma Peggy!

Peggy's good friend Pame had a swim meet in Charlotte over the weekend, so they both came to stay with us. The boys loved having Grandma here....Mike and I got out for a date night with some friends on Saturday night....and Pame gave Mike and I and an amazing swim lesson (in preparation for our upcoming sprint triathlon). An all-around awesome visit!

Mother/Son Getaway (Sensational Saturday)

Here is part 2 of my weekend getaway with Miles. We joined my neighbor, Shawne, and her kids (Evan & Sydney) and her mom, Claire, and her husband, Don.

The kids started the day with some fun in the "hot pool" -- shaking things up with cannon balls!





Next, the kids explored the grounds around the cabin.



And of we go a-sledding! We got a tip on a free local sledding spot with man-made snow. It rocked! Miles wanted to tote his own sled and loved every run (that is, until we skidded through a puddle and water shot into his coat...he'll be armed with a scarf next time!)



Then, we set off to Beech Mtn for another skating session --- but instead the kids decided to wrestle in a jumpy castle. This weekend had everything!


We had a great time Shawne, Claire, & Don!

Mother/Son Getaway (Friday Fun)

Miles and I had a GREAT get-away in the NC mountains this weekend. We joined our good friends & neighbors Shawne, Evan & Sydney as well as Shawne's mom Claire & her husband, Don.

Checking out the scene....heading to check out the mountain....



The kids LOVED skating. Fortunately the rink was equipped with with ab-roller-looking helpers for the kids. After a decade or so off the ice, I'm surprised I didn't need one!

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Miles enjoyed his snack, while he watched in awe of the skiers on the mountain.


The kids and Shawne relaxed in the "hot pool" after a tough day on the ice.


The perfect Friday ended with a Scooby-Doo movie...what could be better?!

Loving Legos

SNOW!

If we're lucky, we get snow once a year. Today was the day (meaning is snowed and melted during this one day). We had less than an inch -- but schools were closed and we had the entire day to play. It was perfectly timed with the Inauguration as we were able to share such a special moment in history as a family.






The three amigos were excited to close out the day in their matching pjs. Love these cuties!

A Boy & His Trains

The classic I'm-a-boy-so-I-love-trains has begun with Griffin. Its been so long since we've had trains set-up on the train table; but Griffin will walk to the closet say "tra" or "choo" until we get them out & set 'em up. Our baby #3 is growing up!

Party Time

On Saturday morning we celebrated Ryan Hull's 4th birthday. We've been friends with Ryan's parents, Tom & Carolyn, since our single days and all of our boys are good buddies. Happy Birthday, Ryan!



A portion of the party was in a huge game room. Miles, Noah, and Jack spent the entire time playing a bug-shooting game. Check out Miles & Noah - in awe, and Jack & Jonathan - smiling with delight! :)




Who doesn't love cake time?! Griffin seemed the most excited (his first party sitting at the big kid table!). When Carolyn yelled "smile" to the table, he flashed a big one and threw his hands in the air. Love it!


I took this picture of Jonathan & Mike from across the room. When I zoomed in at home, I noticed Jack literally diving into his cake. Straight to the source! Ha!

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Here are a couple of pictures from our belated Christmas celebration with the Williams. Love, love, love these cute kiddos!

Happy Birthday, Pop!

Drum Roll Please......


Happy Birthday to Pop!


Happy Birthday to You!


You make us so happy!


And....(Hold it! Someone is squishing me!)


And WE LOVE YOU!

Brrrr!

Today's weather was c-h-i-l-l-y! Noah and I were more than content to stay inside today, but Griffin broke us down. That little guy has serious determination (displayed at very loud levels!). Biking, trucks, and a quick nature walk distracted us from the cold air and made the adventure much fun. With that said, I'm still ready for warmer weather!