Ephraim and Mommy

Puddle Jumpers

Sunday was a beautiful day after so much rain. Ephraim woke up with a yucky cough, so we had to stay home from church. But he was in good spirits (as always) so we explored our backyard. All the rolly-pollies were out! Ephraim was so incredibly happy. 

I encouraged him to jump in the puddles and he loved seeing how far he could make the water splash. He didn't like the getting wet part (we went through three sets of clothes and a bath afterwards to warm up), but he was smiling the whole time.

 

 

Gabriel joined us in the afternoon. We discovered the tarp that covered our sandbox was filled with water. I couldn't manage to get all the water off the tarp before all the water drained into the sandbox. But the kids didn't seem to mind in the least! Water and sand--two perfect kid "toys" for endless fun!

 Little brother watching big brother draw requests in his sketchbook.

We went and saw "The Lego Movie" in the theater today (with everyone ELSE who had the day off work and school). I thought it was okay but the kids loved it. We stopped by Target on the way home for some cereal and a new boardgame to play at my parents' house this week while they are off school. I think Gabriel was tired (fighting E's cold?) and hungry. I had brought a little snack with us to the theater but it obviously wasn't enough for this growing boy. He has Feed Me written all over his face in this video. I felt so bad for him and guilty that I didn't take better care of him. But man, it was good to record a tantrum.
(Side note: Gabriel had hit Ephraim in the face, so that's why Ephraim is crying... that and big brother gets awfully loud and scary. The video cuts out because G reaches for E's tissue and I wasn't sure that's all he was reaching over to do. Thankfully, we all made it home in one piece. Can I put this on G's wedding video or show him when he has kids of his own?! heehee)

Boys Will Be Boys

Every kid needs a swing in the backyard. My dad surprised us the other weekend and tied a thick rope with a wooden circle seat on it to the big tree in our backyard. The kids loved it! 

 

 

 

Adorable brothers making faces for mom!

 

Three-Day Weekend

The boys and I enjoyed a three-day weekend together. It was wonderful to spend so much time together. Saturday we were busy around the house. I did laundry, mopped the floors, shopped for food at two places, got toys on clearance at Target, and started a bantha project (Star Wars wooly mammoth creature). The boys played so well together. Lots of Lego creations were made. The boys wanted hot dogs for dinner, so we did. (One of these days it would be nice if they requested mom's enchiladas or something yummy, but that's okay for now.) Sunday was nice and relaxing at home.

Today, Monday, we visited friends in Half Moon Bay and went to the beach together. Yay sand and water!! Both Gabriel and Ephraim were soooooo happy. We might need to do this more often.

Ephraim ran away screaming from the waves like the other kids and then enjoyed just digging on his own.

Gabriel enjoyed running and getting as wet and sandy as he could! 

 

Our kids are together in one place for a nanosecond before they split up and enjoy the day in their own ways.

 Little brother follows big brother.

Gabriel and Ephraim dry off in the sand and sun.

Swimming and Singing

 Ephraim sits on the "sand" by the water.

 Ephraim swims down the waterfall holding his breath.

 Gabriel's awesome classic pose.

Oh yeah, there are pictures on my camera too (not just my phone).

Ephraim waits for Gabriel's school Christmas performance to start.

 Gabriel singing to the pre-show music, "Jingle Bell Rock."

My darling singing Frosty the Snowman.

Dec-Jan Catching Up

In mid-December we went to a birthday party at the Build-a-Bear store. Ephraim built Rudolph with a red blinking nose. Gabriel built a bunny and added a Darth Vader outfit. We had so much fun seeing our friends in San Jose.

 

We ate pizza and cupcakes outside the mall for the party... and made faces for the camera because we can't just smile.

No school and no work for vacation has been terrific! One day we bundled up and played in the backyard. The boys brought the Army Men outside with us and played with them in the sandbox for a long time. Then we brought them all into the bathtub while we washed all the sand off.

Christmas was wonderful! We opened the package from Grandma and Grandpa Gunn (and Tony and Michelle). Ephraim loves the bug kit and put some of the stickers on his new favorite shirt which has bug buttons on it. He would wear this shirt every day if I let him.

Both kids worked together to draw on the giant puzzle pieces and then had fun taking it apart and piecing it back together.

Gabriel's science kit is a huge hit. We started growing the crystals right away. Gabriel has been chipping away at the rock to find his dinosaur bones. The mess is completely worth it! He is so happy and it's nice to have a project he can go to throughout the day.

Christmas Eve at the McMillans' was fun and relaxing. So many fun new toys. The new bed sheet sets are washed and put on their beds already. Gabriel enjoys his new chainsaw (thanks, Uncle Mike!).

 Ephraim figures out the power screwdriver with Grandpa.

One day while in the backyard, Gabriel sat on top of the climbing mountain and told Ephraim a long detailed story.

Ephraim listened intently.

Best friends going off on a road trip in mom's van!

One day we went to the park and played soccer together. While we were there, Gabriel met a girl who was a year or two older than him. Natalie and Gabriel hit it off right away (so perfect for each other, I couldn't believe it). They played chase and soccer, and took breaks often to talk about video games and their karate classes. They got along so well. Soon we had to go. Gabriel asked for her phone number so we could meet again (which he has done for boys in his school class). Being around older girls, Natalie blushed and ran away screaming. Poor Gabriel didn't get it. He was so innocent. He went back over to her and made a date to see her again the next day at 1:30pm. I had to go to work, but my mom took them and amazingly Natalie was there again. I wish there had been a parent with her because we would have exchanged info. When we got home the first time, Gabriel immediately drew a picture of himself and Natalie holding hands (he asked me how to spell her name). Then he made a sign for the game shelf that said "No video games." When I asked him why he put that, he said it was because he wanted to spend his time thinking of Natalie instead. Such a sweetheart! And only 6 1/2 years old!

My darling boy! Ephraim continues to be my little comedian! There was a bowl of grapes and an apple that Gabriel had started on the table. In full Ephraim style, he pointed to the apple and said in a slightly lowered voice, "Boy, look at that big grape!"

Last night we went over our friends John and Megahn's house and visited with cousin Everett. The three boys played so well together, it was nice to see. They had a balancing game called Suspend. 

 Snuggling boys watching videos on Gabriel's ipod.

I am sad to see them go back to school tomorrow because they have been so good to each other. It is nice to see them relaxed and enjoying play time around the house. But I am grateful to my parents for taking care of them after school so I can work. I am thankful for a good-paying job to support my family. I am so happy to have generous and supportive friends and family. I appreciate all the presents and enjoyable time we've spent together. Happy New Year! 2014 is going to be a wonderful year, I can feel it.

Pre-Christmas Updates

So we've been busy...
We saw Santa at the mall back in November (where we had the Christmas card pictures taken). There was a snowglobe theme center where Santa sat. It was fun.

We decorated our Christmas tree on Thanksgiving.
Ephraim really likes the nutcrackers.

Gabriel makes the nutcracker face.

Snuggles with mom before she has to leave for work.

"Don't go to work, mom!" (He could barely keep a straight face after a few photos and giggles from mom.)

 Funny faces!

I made two batches of rolls for my department potluck holiday party. First batch is cooling while the second batch rises. Yes, all this on a Wednesday night--I am amazing. :)

There's only one roll left and mommy split it in half so each boy got some.
"But I wanted a whole one!"

I did some Christmas shopping two weekends ago and got this new hat. I hadn't had mommy time in about a month, so it was a pleasant splurge!

Gabriel's concert last Sunday evening:

And now the whirlwind Christmas is upon us! I hope to post again soon. Merry Christmas!!