Happy 2013!

Funny Theo. When asked to write and draw a picture about family traditions, he chose "staying up until midnight on New Year's Eve." Needless to say I was horrified. Me, who loves traditions and is very big on holidays and this is what he chooses. And he had stayed up until midnight once, yes while in kindergarten. 

So our neighbors across the street had their New Year's Eve party again and I told the kids it was more likely that they would be able to stay up until 10ish. The night moved on and before we knew it, it was 10. The kids were having fun so we decided why not. I took Gabriel home around 10 and popped back over for the countdown. We wished everyone a Happy New Year and Theo was happy to officially make it a tradition! 

Focused Player

Theo dominated the field this year. He was focused and involved during the games. While other boys were making mud pies, Theo was analyzing the game. He loved it! We'll look to do indoor soccer this winter to see if that helps his foot skills. Go Queens Park Rangers!

Birthday Mums

October means mums and what a nice day to get our porch mums than my birthday. I've decided I'm a yellow mum girl. I get quite upset when they don't last the month. Is it water, cold (I even bring them in at night!), or lack of sunlight? Anyhow... I had a beautiful birthday - a night out with friends, little surprises on the day, a lovely family celebration and a special day date with Nathan on my new bike. We felt sooo European biking to lunch. It feels great to turn 25!

GymBoy

Both boys wanted to take gymnastics. We tried a new gym and they are having a blast. Theo shimmied up the rope to the ceiling! I wish I had that strength.

Bridging Ceremony

Taraneh, Avery, Rachel, Louisa, Laura, Saylor, Maddie, Clara, Ashley, Reghan and Cara

No longer Brownies, the girls were just thrilled to bridge up to Junior Girl Scouts! We had a beautiful ceremony with special treats and even the celebration bridge to cross.

Camping Part Two

Knowing our camping days were numbered we decided to give it one more go before the weather changed. We were a day or two too late. It was chilly and rainy and, unfortunately, we had to set up our tent in the glow of the headlights because we had to wait to leave after soccer games. Impressively, we had decided at Maddie's game to go for it. We arrived home, showered, packed the car and made a grocery run, getting on the road within an hour. We were all very proud of our speediness!

Nathan did get the fire going so we were able to roast hotdogs. As we were huddled under the umbrella, I suggested we sing some songs. No one could think of one and then Gabriel chimes in with: 

Camping, camping, camping

Roasting marshmallows

Doing stuff

Getting chocolate out of the car

Maddie's new sleeping bag

We loved it and it became the family tune for the night. 

The next morning the rain really started to come down so we quickly packed up and decided to stop by a cyclocross race. Cyclocross is a mix of mountain biking, racing and lots of mud. It was pretty intense, also freezing and very, very dirty.

We were very ready to head home. We had invited a few families over to watch the Patriots game so we cleaned up and had a fun crazy evening at home. Talk about a busy weekend!

Calf Cramp

A sign your husband ices his knees too much. Your four year old pulls out the ice pack after a long day to ice up.