Somewhere just before Thanksgiving up until a week or so ago the busy, crazy hectic-ness of the holidays took over. I hate scimming over all the great memories of these past two months--there have been a lot! Thanksgiving in NC with Grandma and Pop Pop and Aunt Gretta, discovering the "briar patch" behind Grandma and Pop Pop's house, enjoying time with cousin Andrew and Cousin Hunter and Cousin Sarah Grace, Christmas parties with friends and with the boys' classes, the excitement surrounding Advent, decorating, baking, jingle bells and Christmas carols, Christmas trees, lights, secret presents, loving talking to the boys about the First Christmas and delighting in Connor's understanding of that this year, Aidan's first time to be able to verbalize his excitement for Christmas to us, continuing to watch them grow their friendships with their friends, a special birthday party for Richard, and the wonderful feeling of getting back to normal after all the craziness and just being able to enjoy each other.
This has been the warmest winter so far, barring a few cold snaps. These two were taken while Richard was out of town to a conference. Connor devised a plan to become a delivery boy and took on a willing partner. And, one night we had a make-your-own-pizza dinner--the cheese was a big hit...and a big mess!
These next few are from our fun time at Christmas on 5th street--a fun Baylor tradition. Notice, again, the short sleeves on Connor celebrating another warmer evening.
Our only visit to Santa was that night too. Wishing now that I'd dressed them in cuter clothes for the occasion. Connor was VERY into the whole present thing this Christmas. And, between us, Grandma and Pop Pop, Aunt Marjorie and Uncle Herb, Aunt Gretta, Granddaddy, and Santa, they got showered (ridiculously) by the end of it. We tried to downplay all the 'gimmies' by sharing them in the gift-giving with neighbors, lots of Bible stories about the nativity, carols, and frankly by praying that the Holy Spirit would shape their hearts through all this excitement with joy for the reason we celebrate with gifts in the first place. Truly, we enjoyed watching their fun and we did humor their curiosity and imagination about St. Nick--the childish wonder will only last so long...and, what great memories for them!
My last post really harped on how much fighting had increased lately. And, that's still true, but we are also so glad to see them (as Aidan gets older) leaning on the other one for friendship too. Giggles and plotting rule the day. Connor still wants to be first at everything and is acutely aware when he's not; and Aidan, wants nothing more than for Connor to include him in anything...but, he's not shy from knowingly pushing Connor's buttons.
I LOVE having boys!
Connor now really desires to be a helper. Here he wanted to help me make dinner--he cracked the eggs and mixed them for me.
Dinnertime in our house now is C to the R to the A to the Z to the Y!!!
