Energy vs Apathy

Sometimes we have to dig deep into the well of "Parent Patience" to handle Oli's energy (you may have heard us refer to it in other words :)).

One problem we don't have with him is apathy...(look at second kid to the left).  This was the winning score of a game in overtime. 

Alston Salon

An outing I knew that Nana would like would be to join Julia for her haircut.  Julia hates getting her hair brushed but loves getting it cut.

After paying nearly $30 seeing that they cut it straight across, she will be going to Alston Salon next time.  That promises to be a blogging moment.

Yes, she is wearing her tutu.  She so often wears her tutu.

Speaking of Alston Salon.  After Julia helps me mop the floor, she gives herself and anyone else around a 'foot bath'.  She says Scout isn't allowed because he doesn't have thumbs.  He misses out because she gently rubs your feet after yanking off your socks and then pats them dry so very gently and applies lotion.  It is the closest thing I get to a pedicure these days.



Nana and Grandpa's Visit

Nana and Grandpa are here!  They are a pleasure to host and sometimes I wonder who is hosting who....they have made more dinners than I have, they have done ALL the dishes since they got here last week, they have washed windows, walked Scout, fixed little things here and there, not to mention take care of the kids.

Last Saturday we all went to Oli's basketball game.  He played his best game yet!

Oli's Basketball Season

Basketball is Oli's second sport he is playing right now (swimming being the other).  Last weekend's game was very exciting and even went into overtime.  Oli's team lost but the excitement was invigorating!

One more game to go in the season - go Wolverines!

Luc (Oli's little brother) and Julia enjoy the weekly side line lollipop. 





A typical sideline image...Luc and Julia playing; Tyler observing and the parent without the camera is "on duty". 

Happy Birthday to Me!

Last week I celebrated my birthday...35?  How did that happen!

Brett and the kids made a cake...I LOVED watching it even more than eating it.  However, eating it for breakfast on my birthday mornign was a treat for us all.  That is what you do when you have different family members heading in different directions, you improvise! 

I received princess bubble bath, a list of the reasons why Oli loves me and best of all an IOU from Brett of the support and time I need to complete a LIFE goal.  A Half Ironman.  Yes, that is right and you heard me commit to it right here and right now (gasp!). 

Another birthday highlight was lunch with my girlfriends yesterday...a casual time to connect and giggle with no kids.  I know how difficult it is to get away to have a little fun so the time with them was very cherished!

Yes, Oli is wearing a cardboard box on his head.  Who says that he is the leader?  This time he was a follower'er. 



Suncadia

Do you have a place you visit that never fails to make you happy?  Suncadia fits the bill for us.  We're so lucky to have our dear friends the McDonald's invite us to their lovely home in Suncadia and enjoy all that the resort has to offer.  A few days after xmas, we headed up there for some fun in the snow and great company. 

This snowman greeted us upon arrival (built by their granddaughters, Olivia and Sydney on Christmas Day)

Let's go Guys!

The McDonald's beautiful home.  Check out those icicles!

Happiness!

"Oli, wait for me!"

You can tell how the fatherly hand is guiding/pushing her....love it.

He doesn't need any pushing these days.

Julia started this and Oli followed her.  He is a good big brother and seems to have fun and patience for his energetic sister that ADORES him.



28

 

Julia'ism #27:

Me (after Julia did something that SO reminded me of myself": Julia, you are my daughter.

Julia, emphatically: "NO!  I am your Julia!"

Julia'ism #3 (maybe this is a repeat)

Setting: when her nose is running.

Julia: "My nose is falling out!"

Julia'ism #28:

Setting: Julia was spinning around in circles and hit her nose on the wall.

Julia: (after the tears stopped and in the sweetest tiniest voice); "Daddy, can you please build soft walls?"

The Jolly Old Guy

How is it that I am totally playing catch up again on the blog front?  Many reasons for this but most of all is because our kids are full on and such a joy to be with that it is all I can do to pull myself away to get some banking done, let alone blogging. 

In early December, the Nimmerguts hosted their annual Santa party providing a very easy way to see Santa.  Julia wasn't nearly as scared as last year but still a bit tentative.  Tyler was mesmerized by the beard.