Monster Jam

Yesterday, the three boys left the house at 3:00pm and didn't return until 11:00pm.  It was a guilt-free alone day for me and I loved it.  So did they...

They came home tired, smiling and smelling of exhaust.  For these little boys it was an awesome day at Monster Jam.

They each got their own souvenir book for autographs.

They got to see all sorts of trucks, including this beast.

Grave Digger is a favorite.  Tyler sat down this afternoon and did a water color of grave digger... every mom's dream.

Yes, that is my four year old with a skull flag.  

I may be in trouble as a mom of boys... I don't understand this at all.

Really, what is the attraction??

 

  

   

 

 

I sure hope Monster Jam comes again soon.  Mommy enjoyed her shopping excursion, but there are some movies she'd like to enjoy as well :)

Winter Break

I'm almost caught up with all my posts... maybe someday I'll go back and post about Halloween.  Or not.

I've been off with my boys for 11 days.  It wasn't all wonderful, but a lot of it was.  We went sledding multiple times, they built forts in the house, we played board games, we watched movies, slept in the living room, went to the theater, we tickled, drank hot cocoa, and so much more.

And, Daddy built a snowman with his boys.

When is our next break??

Christmas

This was our year to travel "home" for Christmas.  The boys asked daily for two weeks if we were going that day.  Finally, the day arrived...

All six grandchildren in one house.  All dressed as Santa.  What fun!!  Don't believe Ryan's face... he had a great time. You can't help but smile looking at Owen.  He is at a great age.

Here we all are.

This isn't a great picture, but I had to include it just to show Ryan's face.  This is THE face!!  Can you hear the hissing??  Yes, we are in big trouble in a few years.  He is quite the strong willed boy.  

I think the tree looked pretty good with gifts for more than a dozen people.

Each boy got that one perfect gift this year.

Pure joy.

The aftermath.

My memory of Christmas 2012 will be this...

Grandpa playing the accordian with Ava.  Very cool.  Hopefully that will become a tradition.

Polar Express

Picture it... 6 adults and 6 children on a train... it was pure chaos!!

Owen stuck to himself and I don't blame him a bit.  I did catch him receiving his bell from Santa, but didn't seem much of him that night.  Smart kid!

These pictures aren't in any order.  Here's my Ryan and Nora with Santa.

What a ham!

My beautiful sister and her girls.

I think this is an awesome shot!

All the polar express characters were on the train from the elves, the conductor, the hobo and more!

Love this girl!

Love this one too... and their little sister.  For some reason I like this picture in black and white.  Must be the eyes.

Chocolate faced with his ticket... ready to get on the train.

TICKETS!!

Fun with cousins.

I think this picture is neat.  The kids are watching out the window of the train as a child receives the first gift of Christmas.  So, you are looking at their reflections.  I couldn't do that again if I tried.

The girls.

And, I bet you were expecting a picture of the boys.  But, you'd be wrong!!

We had a good time on the Polar Express.  It was a great beginning of our time together.