Dear Sunshine,

Please stay out a little longer!

Sincerely,

Mommy of two active little boys

First park day of the year!

This little boy asks to go to the park every day!

Snow, Snow, Go Away!

In December, right before Winter Break, we had five consecutive snow/ice days, which is extremely unusual for Eugene. We are in the middle of another unusual winter storm. School was cancelled Thursday and Friday because of snow/ice and I am starting to wonder if school will be open on Monday. We still have about 1/2 foot of snow/ice on our deck, limbs/trees are coming down all around town, and many people are without power.

I prefer to stay curled up on the couch in weather like this, but I braved the cold today for about ten minutes to capture some icicle photos:

Macro

Frozen Spring Buds

For some reason, I am drawn to b&w icicles.

Frozen Leaves

BBQ Icicles

Basketball Days

Three weeks ago, Caden began basketball camp. In just three weeks, his dribbling skills have improved so much! He seems to enjoy basketball and we like it because it slows him down a little. During basketball practice, he answers all of the questions and hams it up a bit for the audience, which made me wonder about his classroom behavior.

I was relieved this week when he brought home an award for his "excelente actitud y participacion en clase" (excellent attitude and participation in class). We are so proud of him; he is working so hard to learn Spanish. It is good to know that he is doing what he is supposed to be doing in class and hopefully only making others laugh at appropriate times.

Dribbling with his "arm bar" up.

Look at that follow through!

Welcome 2014!

2013 came and went. We ended 2013 with five snow days, Christmas with our families, and the flu. After having the flu, I'm positive I've never had the flu before. We all spent one week of Winter Break on the couch. Thankfully, we are all well now and are looking forward to Spring Break!

During Winter Break, the boys were able to spend some time with their cousin, Brody. It is so much fun to watch the cousins bond. I told the boys that if they took one nice photo for Nan, I would give them a few M&M's. Brody said in the cutest voice, "I sure do like M&M's!"

So, here it is, the only photo we have of all three boys looking at the camera and smiling...

Caden (5), Brody (2), and Carter (2)

Our Christmas Card Photo

A Small Gift from Above

Lately, during my planning period, light has been seeping into my classroom just perfectly. When this happens, stress lifts and I am able to breathe more deeply. Every time this happens, I can't help but think that it is a small gift from above.

Fall Photos

Since having kids, fall has become one of my favorite seasons--it passes by way too quickly. Here are a few photos from Dorris Ranch, the pumpkin patch, and Halloween. This was the first Halloween that Carter had an opinion about who he wanted to be. I was disappointed that the boys would not be matching, until I realized they were both going to be "Mike"--Michaelangelo and Mike Wazowski.

Both boys enjoyed trick-or-treating. It was especially fun to watch Carter choose his candy--he examined it carefully before deciding which piece to take.

Playing in the fall leaves at Dorris Ranch.

Carter loved the hay ride.

It is impossible to get a photo of these two together. When I ask them to stand next to each other, it turns into a wrestling match.

Daddy said they had to pick out a pumpkin they could carry themselves.

Examining the pumpkins.

Found one he could carry.

With one hand even!

Michaelangelo!

Excited that he actually got to play with the nunchucks that Uncka bought him (I can't wait until he has kids!).

Mike Wazowski!

He always tells us, "Be back!"

I was trying to take a photo of his "Mike belly," but he just kept showing me his belly.

Kindergarten Days

Dear Little Man,

We are so proud of you. So so proud of you! You just began kindergarten and are in an extremely challenging kindergarten program. It breaks my mommy heart that every day has not been easy for you, but deep down I know you are going to be better prepared for life because you have been willing to take on something so challenging. 

You played in your first real soccer game on Saturday and you almost scored a goal. You were so close! Next time, buddy! (At your request, I will keep cheering!)

Daddy and I are enjoying watching you try new things, but we feel you are growing up way too fast. I told you that I was going to keep you "5," but you said, "I am going to turn 6!" I'm glad you will be "5" for just a little bit longer.

We love you Caden Baden!

Love, Mommy & Daddy

P.S. These photos are actually from your last day of preschool (pajama day). We will take some new kindergarten photos soon!