Author: eaumaison (Page 70 of 210)

Today was our last lesson with the 8-year-olds we teach in church Primary class.  We almost never bring treats so today’s cupcakes were extra special.  I brought in a sample Rudolph that they could copy . . . “or whatever.”  They went with “whatever.”  🙂

Jason’s post about a faux German Christmas town gave me the craving too.  I researched but only found Denver’s Christkindl market.  It’s a little sad.  But it’s all we have, so I convinced the family to come.  To make it more exciting, we took the light rail into town and rode the 16th St shuttle to get to the market.  Denver has been expanding their light rail service over the last couple years but we had yet to try it out.

The train was definitely the highlight of the trip for the kids. 

The market was pretty and had the right kind of products for sale (beeswax ornaments, roasted nuts, giant pretzels, cuckoo clocks).  Jack was quickly fed up with the place when we refused to buy him an over-priced book “For Sam for Christmas.” 

We tucked into the covered pavilion to hear the brass band play, but Jack’s whining drove us out before we heard much. 

They had more fun playing out on the steps and listening to the violinist play, which eating giant pretzel. 

After a surprisingly calm lunch at the Corner Bakery across the street we reversed the train ride home.  We all had fun and we learned that Denver has changed a lot more than we thought it had.  We didn’t even recognize Union Station when we reached the end of the line.  I look forward to the Arvada Gold line opening so we can do this kind of trip more often from a closer station.

Friday was the last day of school before Christmas.  Can you believe it?  Jack’s preschool had a party and pajama day to celebrate.  So. Much. Fun.

So much sugar, so much goofing around.

Sam’s babbling is starting to take form.  I keep meaning to report on his talking, but then I delay and he adds more and more skills!

As you know, he’s been saying “Mom” since I can remember him making any noise.  Over the summer he clearly said Mamama and Dadadada for each of us. 

Next, early this fall, he started using consistent sounds like Da for dog and Ba for sheep (baa baa they say) and ball, mum for nursing, that sort of thing.

This December he started saying “Day-doo” whenever it would be appropriate to say thank you.  So cute!  This week I asked if he was all done and did the usual sign.  He signed back along with “Al-da!”  That same day he signed his “please” and said “eez.” 

What a champ! 

Sam discovered there are packages under the tree.  He breached one before I could distract him. We’re going to have to move them somewhere else! 

I got the boys a simple wooden block nativity set they can play with. Today we were trying to round up all the pieces and we couldn’t find Joseph. Jack said “Well, I guess instead of a party for Jesus we will have a funeral for Joseph.”  Uhh.  I told him that wasn’t a very jolly solution and we should keep looking.

Sam’s favorite game, Christmas style.

This is day three of Jack’s flu.  It seems it will be another day of Jaleel White (Urkel) spouting catchphrases as Sonic, Jack comatose on the couch, and Sam toddling around like a bored orangutan.  

Just a quick jaunt over the mountains and back for the holiday this year.  Sadly, there were lots of sniffling noses and later some more serious viral illnesses.  But we made the most of it anyway. 

Got stuck on Vail pass for about 10 minutes.

But we made it!  (I drove Sam and Ben drove Jack.  The boys were very good on both trips over and back.)

We snuck out for a fancy dinner Wednesday sans kids.  I love doing that! 

Jack snuggled up in elf jammies and a new dinosaur.  Sam discovered the fluffiest, most patient cat in the world.

Thursday morning, getting dinner done!

While the gentleman wage war.

Carving the bird

and rooting for scraps.

Jack graduated this year to rolls and jelly and a touch of turkey.  A big improvement over last year’s pizza Thanksgiving dinner.  Do you see those deviled eggs?  I ate about a third of them over the week.  Mmmm.

A trip to the “movie few-ter” with all the accoutrements to see Big Hero 6.

Then a demonstration of his ninja moves in the parking lot.

https://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf

Mustaches with Grandpa

Again, the world’s most patient cat.

I was surprised how much Jack watched and enjoyed the Pirates of Penzance.  Here is he standing on a footstool, fighting along with his sword.

So tired. 

Time to drive home, with the obligatory stop in Vail at Mickel Donnulls.