A Little Early Christmas...

The boys brought a few Christmas presents back with them from Minnesota and we convinced them to wait until Saturday night to open them (after we all had a giant family nap!)  They loved everything from the Hughsons and Great Grandma and Great Grandpa!  These two are definitely excited for Christmas to get here, officially!

 

Holidays in Minnesota!

We traveled to Minnesota to celebrate Thanksgiving and an early Christmas with Nick's family on Friday.  The boys enjoyed being at Great Aunt Jen's house and we also fit in some swimming at the hotel swimming pool.  On Friday night, Ben fell asleep in the middle of the floor and Conner joined him after some Ipad time!  We had to skip the Saturday festivities with the family because Conner got sick on Friday night at the hotel and Nick and I soon followed his lead.  The drive home was not fun!  But, it was still great to see everybody and enjoy part of the celebration!

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

My family gathered at our house this year for a little Thanksgiving celebration.  It was kind of a last minute thing, so we decided to have the food cooked for us, so it would be an easy meal.  We all had fun hanging out together for the day!  The kids made ornaments for Great Grandma and Ben and Conner attacked Uncle Josh before dinner...

 

 



After everyone left and Nana and Gramps were taking Great Grandma back home, Ben and Conner had their first wishbone experience.  They both pulled and Ben won!  (He said he wished for a helicopter!)  Conner was a little disappointed...

 

When Nana and Gramps got back to our house, it was game time.  Mario Kart is a favorite in our household right now, so the boys enjoyed a few games!

 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Baking Helpers...

A little Thanksgiving baking happening today!  Ben loved these Thanksgiving cookies and Conner helped me make some chocolate bars!  They definitely want to be involved in everything! 

 

Funnies...

On Friday evening, while we were waiting for Daddy to bring a pizza home, I heard Ben, "Hey Con, you wanna take our shirts off?" Conner responded with a very enthusiastic, "Yeah, let's do it!"  So, here they are...

 

Our boys are definitely getting to the point where their attitudes are standing out and, wow, they are taking every opportunity lately to show us how grown up they are and they have something to say about everything!  It has got me thinking about a few funny moments lately so I thought I would share some of my favorites in the last couple of days... or at least those that I can remember...

• We were sitting at the kitchen table and we were asking the boys what they might want for Christmas.  Ben quickly responded with, "I don't need presents, I just want my family!"  My heart melted a little...
• Conner and Ben were having one of their little spats and finally I heard Ben say, "Con, you have a bad attitude!"  Conner responded back with, "Ignore me!"  I had a good giggle...
• We almost never go to WalMart, but we caved and went to look at potential Christmas ideas.  Nick, Ben, and I were a couple aisles away from Conner.  We were asking him to follow us, but he had apparently found something more interesting.  By the time he realized that we had moved on (don't worry, not too far!) he came running out of the aisle he was in, yelling, "You lost me, you lost me!"  He proceeded to have a little fit...
• We were at Culvers one night and Ben was talking to Nick about something.  Nick got up to go get something and Ben yelled after him, "Okay, so we'll talk later then?"  It was pretty funny...
• Lastly, I was in the basement cleaning the other day and I tripped on a toy so I must have yelled "ow!"  Ben heard me upstairs and he yells down to me, "Hold on Mom, I'm coming!" Then he says, "Con, Mom is in danger, we have to help her.  Let's go!" A minute later they both came thundering down the stairs, squirt guns in hand.  I can always count on them to protect me!

Wing Men...

The best part of going to Buffalo Wild Wings...

 

Birthday Girl!

We traveled to Ankeny this weekend to celebrate our niece, Marley, turning 4 years old!  Great times had by all!

 

Our attempt to get a picture of 3 of the kids.  Piper was already napping and, obviously, the other 3 were not in a cooperative mood...  still cute though!  Thanks for a great party Aunt Cari and Uncle Curt!  And Happy Birthday to Marley!!!

Better...

Saturday mornings are getting a little better... a little more sleep, a little more cooperation, and a lot more appreciation of free time!

 

Stars...

Ben was "star of the week" this week and Conner was "star of the week" last week, so here they are with their crowns! 

















We had a good week at school.  I love seeing them at school, but it is hard sometimes.  Conner, especially, has a hard time just walking by me and waving.  He thinks he needs a hug every time and while I would love to indulge him, it's just not possible!  I am usually pretty busy with the student I am working with!  It has been an interesting week... I have definitely enjoyed being out of the house and meeting some new people.  I appreciate the weekend more now!  The position I have is just temporary so it might just be another week or two, but I am glad to be doing it and we will see what comes along next! 

Big...

We had a great surprise visit from Nick's sister's family on Thursday and while we waited for them to get here, Conner wanted to play some Ipad.  But, he wanted to play it on the big stool at the big counter... so here he is...  Big...

 

 

Back to Work?

Today was a very different experience for all of us... I went "back to work!"  Last week, I was offered a temporary position at the elementary school where the boys go, to work with a student who needs a little more attention.  It was an opportunity that I couldn't pass up. I get to take the kids to school and bring them home with me, which is something that I'm not willing to give up yet!  So, for the next few weeks, the 3 of us will all be at school!  I'm not sure how long this position will last, but it is a great first step to getting back in the school system where I worked before the kids were born.  Here we are, almost ready to go...

 

Saturday Night...

This is the scene on Saturday night, about 7:15ish...  Ben and Nick passed out...

 

Conner is the "star of the week" at school this coming week, so he and I got some pictures ready to share with his class while the other boys were napping!  Conner is so excited, especially because he gets to wear a crown for a day at school!

Pretty sure Nick will be waking up for this, the new Captain...

Early, but Peaceful...

Another Saturday morning.  Early, but peaceful.  I love this picture... right after breakfast, working together, smiling, not fighting, not yelling... just building a waterpark out of blocks.  Ben's idea.

 

Conner decided he needed to file down some toe nails, while I painted mine...

 















Toe nails are done.  They both wanted all of their nails painted, but I talked them into just one big toe...  Dad will love this...