I cannot believe the holidays are over. Though quite uneventful and quiet this year, they still managed to zoom past. Last year we had calamity after catastrophe, but this year was different. Slower. I said anticlimactic, but in hindsight, it was quite enjoyable.
I didn't get to see as many or as much of my family and friends as I would have liked, but hopefully more in the New Year. We did dinner with Rob's family both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. My Dad and Lauren came up last weekend to see the boys and do Christmas with them. New Years was just our foursome. Rob and I made a good dinner. The boys got to do some sparklers outside in their jammies and bang pots and pans at midnight (8 p.m.--it was midnight somewhere!).
The boys start back to their regular routine on Monday (sigh), so we wanted to get a few extra fun things in these past few days. We went swimming, played in the snow multiple times, visited the Science Center, went out to eat a few times, drove through the Christmas lights one last time, went bowling and have had plenty of time to play with new toys.
It's funny how it might just seem typical to most that we did these things, but it's a slow process building up the courage (or understanding there might be a significant let down) prior to venturing into unchartered territory. This week, there were little blessings in each new thing we did. Both boys were very willing to participate in swimming--kicking with a kickboard, blowing bubbles, etc.--more so than ever before. The first time we went to the Science Center a few months ago, Eric just wanted to stay in the train room the entire time and Evan was kinda all over the place. We were only there about an hour or so. When we visited the other day, we not only stayed for over two hours, but both of the boys wore their wristbands (you know the kind like at amusement parks that tell the workers you paid to be there). They have never worn wristbands for any reason. They both usually hate them. Though Eric probably would have been content with just the train room, he ventured out and up to the water play area where he managed to take his fingers out of his ears so that he could have fun splashing and playing with boats and balls. And Evan, my little princess who refuses to get his shoes wet (unless it is his snow boots, in which case he doesn’t care), literally jumped right in, water smock and all, and played. It was really nice to see the two of them enjoying themselves and putting their little hang-ups aside only to realize that they could have a great time! When we went bowling, Evan, who HATES new shoes, put on his bowling shoes happily. And even though it was dark with a black light and there were videos and music playing everywhere, and light displays on the walls (like opening the sensory floodgate) Eric was fine. He held his ears most of the time, but went in the building just fine and participated with the family in bowling. I know it seems small, but great, little things keep happening like this. I hope it continues through 2010.
Here are a bunch of photos from the last few weeks in no particular order.
I didn't get to see as many or as much of my family and friends as I would have liked, but hopefully more in the New Year. We did dinner with Rob's family both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. My Dad and Lauren came up last weekend to see the boys and do Christmas with them. New Years was just our foursome. Rob and I made a good dinner. The boys got to do some sparklers outside in their jammies and bang pots and pans at midnight (8 p.m.--it was midnight somewhere!).
The boys start back to their regular routine on Monday (sigh), so we wanted to get a few extra fun things in these past few days. We went swimming, played in the snow multiple times, visited the Science Center, went out to eat a few times, drove through the Christmas lights one last time, went bowling and have had plenty of time to play with new toys.
It's funny how it might just seem typical to most that we did these things, but it's a slow process building up the courage (or understanding there might be a significant let down) prior to venturing into unchartered territory. This week, there were little blessings in each new thing we did. Both boys were very willing to participate in swimming--kicking with a kickboard, blowing bubbles, etc.--more so than ever before. The first time we went to the Science Center a few months ago, Eric just wanted to stay in the train room the entire time and Evan was kinda all over the place. We were only there about an hour or so. When we visited the other day, we not only stayed for over two hours, but both of the boys wore their wristbands (you know the kind like at amusement parks that tell the workers you paid to be there). They have never worn wristbands for any reason. They both usually hate them. Though Eric probably would have been content with just the train room, he ventured out and up to the water play area where he managed to take his fingers out of his ears so that he could have fun splashing and playing with boats and balls. And Evan, my little princess who refuses to get his shoes wet (unless it is his snow boots, in which case he doesn’t care), literally jumped right in, water smock and all, and played. It was really nice to see the two of them enjoying themselves and putting their little hang-ups aside only to realize that they could have a great time! When we went bowling, Evan, who HATES new shoes, put on his bowling shoes happily. And even though it was dark with a black light and there were videos and music playing everywhere, and light displays on the walls (like opening the sensory floodgate) Eric was fine. He held his ears most of the time, but went in the building just fine and participated with the family in bowling. I know it seems small, but great, little things keep happening like this. I hope it continues through 2010.
"The great lesson...is that the sacred is in the ordinary, that it is to be found in one's daily life, in one's neighbors, friends, and family, in one's back yard." ~ Abraham Maslow
Playing in the snow. Look at my ridiculous dog!
Eric enjoying a glass of fine, Mott's apple juice.
Mom Mom and Pop Pop watching the boys open their presents.
Evan getting a Wii game--I don't think he has stopped playing it for any 
Eric opening presents. He puts his whole body into it!
Santa arrived.
Santa broke down in front of our house and had to call another truck to come and give him a jump.
Evan helping (or more likely hindering) Rob shoveling.
Evan at his Christmas program.Happy New Year! (I don't know what's funnier, the kids outside in their jammies with snow on the ground or Rob tilting the camera at the end just as I'm about to yell at the dog for trying to eat the sparklers!)
I hope everyone has an amazing 2010--health, happiness and time for the things that truly matter--family and friends.
2 comments:
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!
Every time I read your blog I am so thrilled with the progress the boys are making. You and Rob are just the best parents!!! I wish sooooo much that we lived closer so we could visit with you more! Please know that we think of you often & pray for you always!
Much Love,
Aunt Jackie
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