Hey Papa 4 Wheeler- We need one of these!!

Christmas Card Tries



I was having trouble trying to get a picture for our Christmas cards (that are still not out yet) because I don't know how to operate my camera but Kerry got it figured out for me. I think they are funny and fun to share. Garrett fell over... Whoops..

 

So In Love

I'm so in love with these three little boys and my husband....  I can't hardly take it.  We are having lots of fun creating memories.  I really enjoy getting to spend the holidays at home with these guys.  Tomorrow starts our Christmas break so it is going to be interesting what fun and trouble we can get into. 

Papa Old Tractor

My grandpa has watched our boys since Gavin was five months old with the help of my loving Grandma Ruth.  Right before my grandma passed away, we told her I was pregnant and she was convinced that the baby was going to be a girl.  When I discovered I was pregnant with another boy, my heart sang because my grandma had passed away at this point and I knew she would think it was awfully special I was having another boy.  When I finally told Grandpa, we were expecting another boy, he got this huge grin on his face and a little tear in his eye.  My grandpa still watches Griffin every Tuesday and he loves to hold Garrett.  He smiles ear to ear which isn't something that happens very often.  Papa Old Tractor just holds the baby and watches his every move.  It is a bitter sweet thing because I so dearly miss my Grandma EVERYDAY and I truly mean everyday but I know that she is up in Heaven looking down on us all.  And she is getting pure pleasure out of the fact that Grandpa is enjoying holding and watching the baby.     

 On a lighter note, you see this recliner he is sitting in, he is in need of a new one but he won't purchase a new one because my boys love to climb up on this recliner with him and rock.  He rocks Griffin every Tuesday in this chair and although Griffin weighs as much as he does, he still does it.  So sweet.  By I mean he needs a new recliner as in this one has several holes that you could lose body parts in.  :)

 My boys absolutely adore this Papa!!  Gavin loves to be held and comforted by him. 

The joy that is brought to all of their lives by having each other is amazing.  I love that they like and get to spend time with Papa Old Tractor.  They each have something truly special.

Garrett's first bath

Garrett has his first bath early last week and he loved it.  Well actually his very very first bath in the bathtub he hated and screamed the whole time so this is actually his second bath.  But he loved it!!!

Catching up...

So right now, I should be doing a million of other things but I just can't resist sharing any longer.  This post is a basic catch all and catch up so bare with me.  The day before Thanksgiving Gavin came home from school with these hats he made.  He couldn't wait to show me and share with Griffin what they meant and why he made them.  It was so fun to see his excitement about Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and with a new blessing, it was extra special this year.  I am so thankful for what God has blessed me with, I'm also so thankful for the family and friends He has surrounded us with.  It was good to share this with the boys. 

Many people wonder how the other two boys are doing with Garrett and I have to say in one word-amazing.  I thought Griffin might be a little jealous but he isn't.  They are both extremely good helpers and love to love on him.  Gavin and Griffin are constantly wanting to hold him and talk to him.  We have had a few attitude issues with both of them but it hasn't been bad at all.  They both are doing much better than I could have ever imagined.  

 Every night before they go to bed, they both want to give him a kiss good night.  They also love to give him a "good morning" kiss and "going to school" kiss.  They are very loving towards him.  I'm so glad. 

After Thanksgiving, we put up the tree.  This year the boys seem extremely excited about it.  Our tree is made of just white lights and ornaments from Kerry and I, ornaments that the boys have gotten from Great Grandparents, and family ornaments.  I love looking at the ornaments every year.  This year since the boys were so excited, I let them put all of the ornaments on the tree themselves.  Many of them are in the middle or at the bottom in the front but they took claim to the tree and took great pride in putting the ornaments on so I haven't moved any of them.  If the tree falls over due to too much weight in the front, it will make for a good laugh and great memories. 

 Yes I'm still having trouble rotating the pictures....  Ugh so frustrating.

 At the end of November, my work had a free bowling and pizza night so we decided to go.  Our family had so much fun.  My coworkers got to enjoy the baby and we enjoyed a couple of games of bowling.  The two older boys bowled on their own lane and Kerry and I bowled on our own lane.  I must say that I won 2 out of 3 games, just for the record.

 I don't think I have heard the boys laugh and have so much fun in a long while. 

Mama Sharon got Garrett this adorable Santa hat so I couldn't resist taking a couple of pictures of him in it the other morning. 

 He is so lovable.  I can't believe how much I had forgotten when the boys were this little but I'm enjoying EVERY single minute of this right now.

 On Saturday we went to the Fairbury Christmas parade. I left Garrett at home because I thought it might be too cold.  The boys enjoyed the parade except for the guns and we went to see Santa afterwards. Griffin had so excited to see Santa which surprised me. They both talked with Santa.  Griffin told him he wants all football stuff and Gavin wants an IPOD, wrestling thing, and Christmas socks.  Santa told them he needed them to set out carrots for the reindeer and milk and cookies for him so the boys have remembered that.  We have never done that before for Santa or the reindeer but we sure will this year.  I can't wait!!!

Well the post is all over the board so hopefully you can understand and follow it.  Time is going by way too quickly. 

Basketball

Gavin started basketball at the Boys and Girls Club several weeks ago.  He seems to enjoy it but like many other 5 year olds, he does get a little distracted a little at times.  He has made a couple of baskets but it is super cute to watch them all learn the game and play ball.  He is playing defense here, ready for a rebound. 

 Shooting!!!

 Someday I will figure out how to turn the pictures but until then... Look for him under the basket, he is rebounding.

 Will it go in?