2012 has been another good, but fast!, year. I feel like I still have to remind myself to write '2012' instead of '2011', and now 2013 is upon us.
The boys keep us busy and frazzled and laughing and running about and buying milk and bread, more peanut butter, even more milk, and, oh yeah, also buying new shoes as their feet pop through the ends of the old pairs. In other words, the name of the game has become "eat and grow" around here. I talked with a mom of 3 teenage boys the other day and she suggested buying a cow, a field for grain, and chickens.
This has been a huge year for brotherly love in our house. Although there are many a day where my mantra "we are for each other, not against each other" needs to be repeated often, they are finally all at an age where they like to play together and use their imaginations for a common goal (and even if that goal = a colossal mess, the benefit outweighs my hours of cleaning. usually.). One of the best parts of having 3 boys is seeing each of their own strengths and talents shine through, and then seeing them recognizing those in each other, too. It is pretty awesome. And exhausting. And frustrating sometimes. But boy, is fun and chaos ever always just around the corner!
*********************************************************************************
Gavin
9 years old
Gavin is having another rich year of learning as a fourth grader. This is his last year in the lower school, as he will be moving on to middle school next year. He is fascinated with the Civil War, has enjoyed being part of a team who writes/produces/performs a radio show at the school, and reads voraciously.
Ever an athlete, he has maintained his 'at least one sport a season' pace of life. Starting last spring, he played on a travel lacrosse team called the Carolina Cannons. Through that experience, he grew as a lacrosse player as well as a teammate. Tournaments were in Richmond, Charlotte, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and most recently here at Duke, where his team was undefeated. It was awesome!
If you can't find Gavin, he is probably reading, throwing a ball around, building something, sketching, or at some extracurricular activity at school.
*********************************************************************************
5 years old
Merritt is a kindergartener!!! When he came home from school the first day this year, he was glowing, and his enthusiasm for learning has not dimmed. He is learning to sound out words and loves working with numbers. He has made sweet, wonderful friendships and his class is just dreamy.
His is currently obsessed with tornadoes.
Merritt swam like a fish all summer and played soccer in the fall.
His passion is art, and he and David have discovered a local art studio that they love to paint at. This winter he will be starting an art class and I cannot wait to see what I get to hang on my walls! I just might have to build some more walls for this little guy!
If you can't find Merritt, he is probably drawing, riding his scooter, looking for 'treasures', or just hiding from you.
*********************************************************************************
3 years old
Well, this picture probably says it all. Sweet, clever Ian. He has us all wrapped around his little finger. He may be the smallest but don't remind him of it. His one-liners have me laughing all day.
Ian is in his second year of preschool and is currently learning how to write his letters. He likes me to spell words for him so he can write them. His favorites are 'monster' and 'mom'. I tell myself there is no connection.
Ian always has a smile on his face and marker on his hands.
If you can't find Ian, he is probably drawing, building with legos, looking for a snack in the pantry, or standing directly behind you.
*********************************************************************************
It always amazes me how boring David and I end up sounding when I try to give updates about the two of us. But truth is, life is good. We enjoy being at home, we enjoy traveling when we get to, and we REALLY enjoy getting a babysitter and eating out at one of our favorite Durham restaurants. Any babysitting offers out there?
Every year I get a few people who grumble because David and I aren't on the Christmas card. It makes me laugh. Getting good pics of the kiddos is a job in itself. Just observe the pandemonium that unfolded the last time we tried to get all 5 of us in the picture...
Peace and love, y'all!
Cheers to a wonderful 2012!
No comments:
Post a Comment