Thankful 2009

Every time I see a turkey or hear the word from this year forward I will forever be reminded of Aidan's "five little turkey song" . He'll sing for anyone who will listen.


Aidan ended up with a bigger half. Ethan got mad and started jabbing Aidan with the short end. I love little boys....

When grandpa and grandma let the boys pick out their own Christmas gift last year, Aidan jumped for joy to have a Leapster.

Oversize shoes are so much fun for Ethan!

These boots are made for walkin'.

While Ethan helped Uncle Health on his property Aidan who was recovering from the flu stayed home and learned to play Uno with Grandma.

Uncle Heath and Aidan.

Grilling together.

The boys love their grandpa because he's fun and fair.

Both boys received equal turns riding around the yard.

Brotherly love.

Aidan was a big helper this year by bringing supper to the table.

Ethan got to set the table how ever he wished.

While we waited for supper to start,

Aidan and I created a veggie turkey that was

too cute to eat.

Aidan coloring with Kyle's crayons.

Ethan kept the conversation going while we all ate. He was always the first to start and the last to finish. He ate mostly with his hands and talked with his mouth full but that's a two year old for yah.

From the kitchen window I thought this bush was a hedge. Come to find out the hedge was actually a row of canna, one of my favorite flowers. Some of the bulbs date back to Kyle's grandma Becker's yard. SPECIAL!

I have no idea what these are, (...some master gardener) but they sure are pretty.

I heart elephant ear.

But I heart Kyle more. This year I am most grateful for Kyle.

The past few years I've been most grateful for Aidan and Ethan. But let's just get right down to the source. Their father is such a gift to our lives.

Hop Scotch Dinosaur Trivia German Twister

T O D A Y:

I've had a tried and true day with Mr. Ethan. My ears, oh my ears ring of his whines. Every sound that comes out of him is with desperation and an urgency that makes me run to the rescue. You would think after two weeks enduring the injustice I have had enough. Except, I'm a sucker for his big hugs and sweet kisses and whimpers of "dank coo MoM" over emphasising both M's.

Then this evening I walk in the door after taking the kids on an impromptu play date to find that Kyle has been in bed for at least a half an hour because he does not feel well. Not a good sign, I go into overtime mode no problem. I know I wasn't dreaming when I lightly suggested at 3am last night for him take the day off before he gets us all sick in time for our Thanksgiving travel. A day off is never an option for my work horse husband. He loves what he does and that is that!

So the evening proceeds as normal but with Kyle in bed and the kids trying to be quiet but not succeeding at all. They seem fine playing so I ignore them a little to concentrate on whipping up a home made chicken soup. Kyle only eats my chicken soup when he is sick. It's not his favorite but the family knows it cures. A dash of thyme, salt, fresh ground pepper, chop, chop, chop, pull the chicken out and let it cool before I strip off the meat..."oh yeah the boys". I turn around ---"WOW" what a mess, they sure are having fun though. Three puzzles and four board games littered between two rooms. Every piece out of the box to be played together as one new game with made up instructions directed by Aidan. They were hop scotching to dinosaur trivia German twister. FANTASTIC!

In the garden today

Some things I never grow out of, like playing in dirt. Surprise! Look what I found in the garden today?

New growth on a sedum plant planted in September.

Reminds me of tropical succulents.

Crayola Factory

The Crayola Factory

We were there for two hours. If it hadn't been for hungry tummy's we could have easily stayed there for two more. Every few steps there was an art hands on exhibit to engage Aidan and Ethan. Hope you enjoy these pictures of them exploring different forms of art.

One exhibit was made to look like the kids were doing side walk chalk outside, except we were inside. Aidan asked, " can do this at home?" Ummm, let me think about that - NO!

Very interesting was this show where we all learned how crayons and colored markers are made. Aidan was brave to raise his hand for three of the questions.

And here's how markers are made...

Three tokens were given at the door to each kid. The tokens allowed them to get a pack of crayons, one washable marker and a ball of magic molding clay.

Oh and everyone received a cool sticker that said they went to the Crayola Factory. That was my favorite souvenir.

Crayola is smart to develop whit markers that only wrote on these papers. I remember achieving this look in grade school the old fashion with crayons.

They had finger painting and water color and much, much more...

Aidan dancing.

Upstairs on the third floor is a mini train and canal museum.

The boys are at just the right age to participate in all the activities the Crayola Factory had to offer. I remember learning about how crayons are made from Mr. Rogers as a kid and longed to visit the factory one day. What a special to share this experience with my boys. (wish you were there Aunt Nellie)

Aidan and Ethan's 1st Volunteer Project

This play ground is Aidan and Ethan's first volunteer project. Sun Products and Company is relocating their new office in Trumbull. They wanted to give this project to the community. The Trumbull Nature and Arts Center is so lucky to have such a nice playground made of mostly recycled materials. As a Master Gardener I have decided to align all my volunteer hours with the center. You are looking at a $20,000 masterpiece. Last week Aidan and Ethan were invited to participate in the demonstration and dedication ceremony were they had the opportunity to imprint their hands on a wall along with the city mayor and other major political figures of Trumbull. Aidan was the first to go down the big slide while Ethan thought about how is would tackle the monkey bars.

We wanted to share our new favorite hang out with Kyle.

At last...

Rock climbing is in Aidan's future.

Our butterfly garden at home was inspired by the fenced in garden in the back ground.

Deer tracks.

The center is on an old Christmas tree farm. It has a Pacific Northwest feel that I love.

A silhouette of dried golden rod. To some people it is a weed. To me it's a flower.