Every day is Saturday in Hawaii

We left for Hawaii on February 16th for a week. We were concerned most about the six hour flight but to our surprise everyone did fabulous. Actually, the flight proved to be a dream day for Jackson and Boomer. Jackson got to do crafts for 6 hours and Boomer got to watch his DVD player all day. We were worried that Sadie would be running all over the plane but she cooperated and took two naps (after Jon got a sleeper hold on her.)

Jon wasn't sure about taking the kids on this trip. This was a top preformers three night/four day "vacation" paid for by the Maids. Even though it wasn't relaxing, and we didn't get to take many excursions with the kids...it was a lot of fun and a great break from the rainy Oregon winter.

February is a great time to go to Maui. Humpback whales come from Alaska to have their calves. The new calves are born without a protective blubber layer so they need the warm water to survive. (My protective blubber layer hasn't seemed to do that trick for me.) The amazing thing was that we could see them from the whilst standing on the shore.

We spent hours in the pool and hot tub. It took about three days for Boomer to work up the nerve to go down the waterslide, but once he got started, he and Jackson couldn't get enough. The weather was wonderful and we kept forgetting that it was winter. Jon got to participate in his new sport of choice-- golfing, and he came to the conclusion that "everyday is Saturday in Hawaii" It was great to spend some time just playing with the kids.

These shoes are made for walking

This is old news but we wanted to show little miss Sadie and her walking. She still falls alot but is
getting better everyday and is very mobile. (Woops...I filmed this the wrong way)

Jackson's fifth birthday was a hoot!

Mr Jackson turned five (two weeks ago) He wanted an owl theme birthday party. I'm not sure if I'm getting lazier or less fun. (My brother told me I am getting boring. So we can probably guess less fun.)Anyway, I have been stalling a lot on party planning and not wanting to do parties. I finally got some initiative and put together a very impromptu, very small party for Jackson.

Lucky for me, he thought it was great. We decorated owl masks, and owl cupcakes, ate cake and ice cream, played a bit and went home. It was a hoot! I can't believe he is five....time flies. [hoo hoo..pardon the pun]

He will spend hours coloring. This last weekend he drew fish, and cut them out. Then, he made a fishing pole out of paper and a string. He attached tape to the end and he and Boomer played a fishing game. He did this all by himself without any suggestions or help.
Four was such an easy, fun age. We think five will be just as fun

Silly Boomer

We had Notto (brother in law's brother) over fixing our computer yesterday and Boomer wanted to be his friend. Boomer came upstairs several times sharing carrots with him and telling him stories. Afterwards Notto sent us this email: From Boomer: “boys have small nipples, girls have big nipples. My brother’s name is Jackson, and we have baby Sadie, and my Dad. I call him Daddy and I love him”
I'm not sure where the nipple thing came from except that we had a virus and porn sites kept popping up. Maybe Boomer saw some of that or maybe he just wanted to share some information he has learned by careful observation.

"The Best Christmas Ever"

December 24th is my Mom's Birthday so it is a tradition to go to her house for Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, she does all of the cooking. We offer but she usually refuses. Her birthday gets morphed into Christmas way too easily. Several years ago my Sister and Step-Dad threw a surprise birthday party for her. She said it was the first "real" birthday party she had ever had. This year she opened her presents and we ate birthday cake. (We ate half of it before we realized that we hadn't sung "Happy Birthday to You.") Grandma is always a good sport but we really need to make an effort to break away from the habit of rushing right into our Christmas festivities.
As usual, we rushed right into our Christmas festivities this year. We got dressed in our nativity costumes. Jackson and Sheldon both wanted to be the angel. Jackson pouted saying "If I don't get the be the angel, I don't want to do it." Sheldon was easily convinced to give up his wings and became Jospeh instead. Annelise played Mary. Dad, Grandpa and Drew were the Wise Men. Grandma, Aunt Marnie, Abrielle and Mom were shepards with Sadie as our lone Sheep. As tradition, Uncle Andy was the faithful narrator.


The highlight of the night was when Jackson and Boomer started kissing each other on the lips repetitively during the program. They have never done that before and we aren't sure what brought it on. Perhaps the Christmas song is true:"It's that time of year, When the world falls in love."

Following the Nativity, We opened presents from each other. Jackson was very excited when Boomer received a hot wheels car saying "Boomer, it's just what you wanted." Later Jackson told me that he was sad he didn't get what he wanted (spy goggles). He felt better when I explained that we would open more presents tomorrow and that Santa still hadn't come yet. Jackson told us the week before Christmas that he wanted spy goggles and Boomer (was easily convinced that he) wanted "hot cars with a roller coaster that goes around and around." (That's three year old for Hot Wheels with a cool track). Grandma and Grandpa are always very generous and we received some great gifts.

Before bed Jackson helped put out reindeer food for Santa's reindeer as well as hot chocolate and our last cookie for Santa.
Christmas morning, the boys opened their presents Jackson liked the cookies and candy in his stocking, he thought the pajamas were OK, he even liked the Tinkertoys alright. However, it wasn't until he opened up his spy goggles that we heard "This is the best Christmas Ever." Boomer was so excited to get his "hot cars" and is still telling me that "Santa's nice." He also has been wanting an apron like Jackson's so mom obliged. Jon got some movies, books and music. He bought himself a remote control helicopter so he would have something fun. (Note to self: Get Jon something fun for Christmas next year.)
But the Christmas present that was least expected and possibly most appreciated was Dad surprising Mom (that's me) with a Vitamix. (You may have seen the demonstrations for this high performance blender at Costco.) Anyway, It was my secret wish from Santa. I can agree with Jackson this was "the best Christmas ever".

Sadie Turns One

It was Sadie's first birthday yesterday. It was low key as all of our children's first birthdays have been. We invited Grandma and Grandpa Evans and the Colliers over. Sadie got some great gifts and enjoyed cake and ice cream. Here's the birthday girl: We're so glad she's part of our family.

Trimming the Tree

We got our christmas tree on Tuesday and decorated it on Wednesday. It's only 5 feet tall and seems a little whimpy. Not that there is anything wrong with being 5' tall. It's great for people height. (Although, I wouldn't mind adding a few more inches.) But for a tree it seemed small. I'm trying to figure out a way to increase it's height without making it a hazard for grabbing babies & ball throwing boys.

We are excited for the addition of lights this year. Dad put up lights on our townhouse today and he did a great job. He was proud of himself that he did it "without cursing once." Kind of a joke. I don't think I have heard him curse ever, but he certainly gets frustrated doing handy man work.

We've got the advent calendars going in full force. Jackson has three of them. He also wants to do Elf on the Shelf after my friend Kellena told us that they were doing it. I'm doing the 12 days of Christmas for my Visiting Teachees. No wonder the holidays get so busy. it makes for some wonderful memories (at least that's what we're aiming for).

Jackson made himself some antlers a roudolf mask and dressed in brown this week...He loves dressing up. He also loves crafts so the combination was a perfect demonstration of who he is. Jackson tells me often "Do you know who my favorite person in the whole world is?" After I guess a few names he tells me...No, It's you mom. It's sooo precious and I have to remind myself that Boomer will soon be to this phase in his life too.

Boomer is proving to still need his afternoon naps. MELTDOWNS have been happening far too often. Mom can only be patient during the meltdowns for about 10-20 minutes and then I get frustrated with him and whoever else seems to be crying at the same time. Tonight I was singing "I am a child of God and He has sent me here.....with parent's kind and dear." Who wrote that song? Apparently, they haven't been to my house during one of Boomer's meltdowns. Yes, I am constantly repenting and trying to do better. Just for the record when Boomer gets his naps he is the happiest, most energetic, sweet little guy. Quick to say sorry and I love you and to give praise: "Nice shot, Mom."

Little Miss Sadie is almost one. She hangs on my legs all the time wanting to be picked up. Often she will fall down and cry after being upset that I didn't pick her up quick enough. "Sorry Sadie, I need to finish making this almond butter sandwich. Wish I could do it while holding you but I'm waiting to grow my third arm." We think she might possibly be saying Daddy but she makes that sound a lot so were not sure. If I point to Dad and ask "who is that ?" She'll say "Da dee" But the evidence is inconclusive.

Things to do this week: Send out Christmas Cards, Finish putting up the lights outside, work on our photo book for 2009 (I'm 5 months behind), BE NICE, exercise and pray more.

Life is still GOOD

Michelle