Friday Playdate

Nick starts Kindergarten this fall. **sniff**   So I placed Abby in a MDO program once a week on Fridays so that Nick and I could spend some one on one time together. He calls it his special Friday. We usually go bowling, play miniature golf, etc...  We just hang out. He loves it and I love it. Abby kinda loves it, but that's another post.

If you've been around Nicholas for any amount of time, you know that Ava J. is his girlfriend. Of course, he calls all his little girl friends that. And he says he's got lots of girlfriends, but Ava's his best girlfriend. Well, we decided to invite Ava to bowl with us last Friday. Both kids had a good time, mostly. Nicholas got a bit sulky when Ava was leading during the second game. He had won the first one. It was funny, his shoulders were all hunched and he alternated between tearfulness and surliness.  So much for chivalry!  Ava could not have cared less, she was busy rolling around on the floor w/ the bowling ball and dancing. He ended up winning that game by 3 points, and you should have seen the sheepish look on his face.

All in all, a successful "date", though I'm not sure they'll allow us back. There were more than a few ball-over-the-head throws.  ~CRINGE~  I tried to explained that divots are for golf, not bowling.

Abby's 1st Haircut

It's been a while since I've posted a picture of Abby.  So you can only imagine just how long her "bangs" had gotten.  They were halfway down her nose, which wouldn't be so bad if she would let me put a clip in her hair.  Futile I say.  While we were in TX a few weeks back, I took her with Scott's mom to trim her hair at the beauty parlor (that's for you, Beth.)  As expected, she did not go down without a fight.  But she got over it quickly.  I texted a picture to my friend Heidi and asked, "what's up w/ my kids and haircuts?"  She wrote back, "apparently they don't like them."  Duh.

I think it suits her perfectly.

Grandad

It's been months since my last post.  I'm so far behind, I hope one day to get caught up.  But I've decided, at least for now, to just start blogging from this point forward.  I've still got lots of December pics and Christmas to post. But I think I'll wait and go back to those when I'm ready.

Normally, Scott and I would never discuss anything so private, but this blog is really a scrapbook for the kids.  I can't move forward without acknowledging the recent passing of Scott's dad.  He was such a significant person in the kids' lives, especially Nick's.

I am unable to adequately express how special he was to all of us, how much we loved him, and how much we will miss him.  I'm sad for Abby, she barely got a chance to know her Grandad.  I think they would have gotten along fabulously.  My heart aches for Nicholas, who will miss out on all the experiences and lessons that only his Grandad could have provided.  He was a good, kind, gentle man.  We all miss him so very much.

The day before we headed back home, we went to his farm to have a toast in his memory.  Nicholas surprised us all by giving an impromptu toast to his Grandad.  I think his words summed up perfectly how we all felt.

"Grandad, I'm so sad that you died.  But I really, really loved it that you were alive."

Photo Op - Day 125

It cracks me up how quickly her expression changes.  Still so stinkin cute, I wanna bite her.

Christmas Tree

Nicholas has his own tree that we put in his room.  This is the first year he has really taken an interest in decorating it.  We had to adjust his tree a couple of times to keep it from falling over.  In case you didn't notice, he favored one side of the tree more than the other.  Still a good looking tree and uniquely Nicholas for sure.  Can't wait to get Abby one next year!

Santa Train

This was our first year doing the Santa train. Mommy's dropped the ball the last 2 years and was always too late. But not this year. Told you we were on top of things.  Nicholas loves all things Christmas and this was no exception.  I love his enthusiasm.  He gamely lead the car to a song of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" without hesitation.  I've attached a video, although I wish you could he him singing on it.  Scott said you could really hear him where he was and that Nick was really into it.

Abby did not joining us this year, but she'll be ready next year.  I think she would have torn that train apart or worn us out at the very least.  Thanks to my family for watching our little squirt.

Ready to get rolling.

My cousin and his family joined us for ride.

Fayetteville Square

Lights of the Ozark.  Nicholas loved looking at the lights.  It's such a nice little tradition to have every year.


Not sure what to think about the reindeer.



Pictures with Santa!

We were on top of it this year. We got the kids' picture w/ Santa early so that we could use them as our Christmas card. We've cut it very close on our visits previous years, waiting until a few days before Christmas.  Abby wasn't too thrilled about the whole situation. If you look closely you can see the tears welling up in her eyes.

My "Surprise" Party

Nicholas threw me a "surprise" birthday party w/ the help of his Magi.  And it was still a good surprise despite the fact he talked to me about it nonstop.  She took him to Walmart and the Dollar Store where he picked out my cake, decorations and presents.  One of those insightful gifts was a huge bottle of bleach.  He told the cashier that his mom liked to clean.  Not sure where he got that one.  He actually did a really fantastic job.  I loved everything, including my bottle of bleach.  Much thanks to his Magi for indulging him.  You could tell he had a good time planning my party.

Helping clean up before the party

This had nothing to do w/ the party, but it was just too pitiful to leave out.

Magi making it all better.

He insisted that we all wear party hats.

Thanksgiving '10

Once again, we set forth on our annual trek to TX for Thanksgiving.  Scott and I were dreading the drive.  Abby really isn't the best traveler.  She goes on sleep and hunger strikes when she's away from home.  So we crossed our fingers, and the kiddos actually pulled through for us.  At one point, both kids were asleep in the car!  Bliss. 

As always, I missed my family and wished there was a way I could see them as well.  But it was a fantastic Thanksgiving, with lots of food, fun, laughter, and ...pictures.

Thanks for the head piece Aunt Jill

Not really sure what he's doing, but it made me laugh.

I think this says it all...



Emma was really good w/ Abby.  It was nice have a little babysitter for the day!



YaYa, Aunt Jill's parrot.  Nicholas was quite fascinated w/ him.

YaYa showing off some of his skills.  Nicholas really love playing w/ him.

I think this picture says it all as well!

Bird whisperer