Snow and Sickness: Winter's Wonderful Presents

This week was our first week back to school after winter break; except it snowed and then we got sick. So we kind of limped through maybe two full days of school because of those two events.  The kids didn't seem to mind. Snow (FUN!) Sick (not so fun in and of itself... but laying down watching lots of TV= FUN!). I am hopeful that the sickness has left our house and the sun will continue to melt away the snow. 

Nathaniel enjoyed his first basketball game and so did Matt and I.  Watching six year olds play basketball is surprisingly very entertaining. Not only is it a very exciting and competitive game between 6 year old boys but it is also rather comical. 

Out of all of us, Nora seems to be adjusting to the long days of winter the best. She loves playing for long lengths of time in the snow, but not as much as she loves snuggling up for a nice warm nap. 

New Years 2015

It's a new year. Wow. I know it is very cliche, but the years are truly flying by. I feel every semblance of baby Caleb had quickly disappearing. He will be four this year. Our family is transitioning into life with three very independent little boys. Much different then those early days in the fall of 2011, when I felt as if we were merely treading (drowning?) to keep our heads above water in a sea of babyhood. Three small boys, 3, 18 months and newborn. It was crazy. I told Matt recently that I honestly can't remember much of 2011/2012. Don't get me wrong, what I do remember are fond memories and I was truly happy during that time, but most of it is really a fog. Pictures help remind me, and I am thankful for that. Because our "babies" are growing up at an alarming rate, and I feel as if before I know it 2011/2012 will be 20 years ago not just a few short years ago.

Anyways, enough with my cheesy nostalgia. We have an exciting year planned and a lot of unknowns that we are asking God for direction regarding.

Nathaniel has his first basketball game of the season tomorrow. He is super excited to be playing basketball again this year. He also starts a special soccer skills training this week as well. Nathaniel continues to be very athletic and interested in everything sports. As he approaches seven I can see glimpses of the young man he is becoming, assertive, caring, loving, helpful and stubborn. He is beginning to truly seek God out on his own, which as a parent is a wonderful and heart warming thing to see.

Noah had a huge month this December! Between starting a new preschool, needing to get his first stitch (ouch!), and turning 5! He was having all new exciting experiences. Noah is super excited that he will be playing t-ball for the first time this spring. He just can't wait! He continues to be loving, funny, goofy, happy, and friendly to everyone he meets. 

Caleb, or should I say Pablo, or even Libby is constantly keep us on our toes. A good 75% of Caleb's day is spent pretending like he is a puppy. He is madly in love with our actual puppy Nora. It is so sweet to see the bond the two of them have. Caleb is energetic, happy, funny, silly, loud, and head strong. He brings us so much joy and completely rounds out of family. 

So that pretty much sums up where we are at for 2015. Maybe three years later I will actually be more diligent about regularly writing. Here's to 2015!

Ferry Ride

Matt suggested one Saturday afternoon that we ride the White's Ferry across the Potomac River. I was excited and thought the boys would really enjoy it. Matt of course gave me full disclosure regarding that it was a cable driven ferry but I guess I didn't really understand what that meant. I spent the whole time getting the boys dressed and driving there imagining this big boat that would take us across a decent sized river. When we got there and this is what I saw...

 A small ferry that fits around 20 cars at a time and is pulled along a cable line that goes across the river 

 I was a teeny bit nervous and started "worst case scenario" planning in my head on how we would save three children out of their car seats and safely reach the other size in case this small old vessel for some reason didn't make it across. The whole time we watched the cars go across and then back I was nervous. Nathaniel however, 

was excited!

I think Noah shared some of my sentiments. 

Our turn coming up....

From the middle of the river. 

We safely made it across (and back!) and it was a lot of fun. 

Caleb's progress

Caleb absolutely loves playing with his brothers. The last few months have been very frustrating to him because he wanted to be able to play and follow his brothers around but figuring out the whole crawling thing was proving to be very difficult for him. He spent around two months on his hands and knees rocking before he got it all figured out. He was SO happy to be able to follow his brothers around and start exploring this world on his "own" terms.

 

 Are you ready? 

Get set....

 Rev your engine and....

 GO!

He has already started cruising around the house. Watch out Nathaniel and Noah he will be running around with you guys in no time!

Noah Turns TWO!

We had a very laid back birthday this year for Noah, but it was VERY fun. Matt and I created an airplane cake for Noah. 

He loved the cake, but loved the icing a bit more :)

Blowing out his candles

 I can't believe that Baby Noah is two. Our kids are growing up so fast!

Christmas 2011

We had a busy Christmas this year! 

Nathaniel had his Christmas program at his preschool where he was a mouse. 

Do you see our smiling little mouse?

Our big colorful Christmas tree. 

We celebrated Christmas with my parents the weekend before Christmas. It was a lot of fun and the boys really enjoyed spending time with them, my Papa, and visiting the hardware store in Blackstone, VA where they have a huge model train exhibit each year. 

I think the boys could literally spend days watching the trains go around the table. 

I'm getting so big!

Taking a nap with Grammy. 

I can't wait till Christmas!

Christmas Eve. Wriggles wants to know where his presents are!

Noah was much more methodical with opening his presents. Nathaniel preferred opening as much as possible as fast as possible. 

Caleb opening his favorite Christmas present, Sophie. 

Why do we even buy them presents?

The best thing about Christmas is.....BOXES!

First we colored our train and posed for a picture...

Then we wrestled a bit...

Then Nathaniel made sure we all got in line. 

A special thanks to Caleb for being an incredibly good sport.