Sunday, January 30, 2011

Cousin Time...

One of the best things about Christmas this year was all the cousin time that the kiddos got to have.  With my sister's family living all the way in Ottawa, there's never enough time together.  But Christmas break gave us great time for Max, Luke, Savannah, and Asher to spend together.

It's funny to watch as the relationships develop.  Max, as the oldest, loves his little cousins.  Savannah adores him, and he loves being adored, so it all works out.  They play well together, and he is much kinder and more patient with her than he ever is with Luke.  While he thinks Asher is cute, he really can't wait until he can play ball with him.  Babies don't get much attention form my biggest.

Luke, on the other hand, has completely different relationships with his cousins.  He and Savannah are only 5 months apart, and they don't always bring out the best in each other. They antagonize and push each others' buttons, and have little patience or understanding for each other.  But, we are starting to see signs of improvement.  They worked together on several kitchen ventures, and Uncle Alex hosted a delightful tea party that they both enjoyed. And there were even a few times when they chose to play together.  And Asher?  Luke ADORES him.  Wants to make him smile, giggle, laugh all the time.  He loves to lay on the floor next to him and find things for him to play with.





While we always wish for more time, we're so thankful for what time we get.  I'm glad the boys are building relationships with their cousins, and can't wait to see how they continue to grow together!

Friday, January 7, 2011

The drive home today...

On the drive home today, there were a few Max and Luke jems I never want to forget:

Max: Mom, when I'm sixteen, can I have a bow and arrow?
Me: Sure.  Why not?  What do you want them for?
Max: So I can hunt in the South American rainforest.  That's how the people who live there do it.  Sounds good to me!

Me: Luke, you can't just touch the buttons on the new phone - it will actually call someone.
Luke: But Mom, when I'm sixteen can I dial the phone?
Me: Sure, kiddo.  No problem.

Luke: Mom, when I go to college, I am going to go with Max.
Max: And you can come visit us.
Me: Really? You'll let me visit?
Max: Sure - you could go to college then, too. Then you could get a new job.
Me: What kind of new job could I get?
Max:You can do whatever makes you happy.

Man, I love these kids.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Christmas Update #1

Rather than blather on and on like I usually do, this time I'll let the pictures speak for themselves (or I'll never get caught up!)

Here was the first part of our Christmas at Mema and Papa's (my parents):

A very special visit from Santa (or Santa's helper, as Luke decided) was a magical part of our Christmas eve.

Gotta love new goggles!

Three of my favorite people

We were lucky to have Uncle Jerry and soon-to-be-Aunt Brenda join us

Luke and his beloved stoplight - Santa sure came through!

My beautiful sister - who never looks as gorgeous as when she's being a mama.

We tried to tell him not to eat the snow, but it was better than licking it off the window, which he did later...

Snow flingers that double as great noise makers


Amazing snowman demolition brought to you by my brother-in-law, Alex!

Asher and Dan enjoying their time together
SO many wonderful memories and laughter.  We felt very fortunate, indeed.