thirteen

Somehow Coby turned thirteen the other day.  I don't know how we got to this point so quickly but here we are.  We now have two full-fledged teenagers and a nine year old who acts like one.  Lord help us!!!  I kid...sort of.

We had a fun day celebrating Coby.  The morning started out with a door covered in streamers (which Darren and I quickly put up before Coby awoke) and donuts.  I covered Coby's door in streamers several years ago and now each year he makes sure I know that he'd like to have his door covered so he can break though it.  It makes me happy that he enjoys this silly little tradition so much that he makes sure to remind me.  I'm sure time is running out on this but I'll continue until he says no more!

first opening the door and getting a peek

I LOVED that he backed up before running out

So fun!

I had to smile as I walked into the kitchen to see Darren remembered to change our chalk board in a way that only Darren would

sleepy birthday boy after blowing out his morning candle

We went to an early dinner at Texas Roadhouse per Coby's request.  He told me he could taste the rolls and peanuts in the afternoon before we headed out to eat.  He really was happy in the photo below, but you know, teenager!!!

We had a birthday coupon for a free kids meal so we used it for Cale.  I guess when we gave it to the waitress triggered them to come over and do their birthday thing.  We had NO idea that they would do that.  Coby had to sit on  a saddle and wave a napkin like it was a rope.  He was so embarrassed but was a good sport.  I felt so bad for him because I know how awful it feels to be the center of attention when you don't want to be. 

After dinner we went to see the Star Wars movie.  I am not into Star Wars AT ALL.  But I took one for the team and went along.  It didn't make me sad when Cale got a bit nervous so I had to go to the lobby with him.  We had a lot of fun playing video games while waiting on the others.

It was late when we got home from the movie so we decided to save our cake and ice cream for the next day.  Of course Coby opened his gifts though.

He saw this trumpet at Hobby Lobby one day and seemed to really like it.  I went back and got it for him.  He was so surprised and kept saying he couldn't believe I went back to get it for him.  I think he liked it!

Of course the money made him REALLY happy 

Ellie seemed to enjoy the tissue paper.  Her ball got all tangled up in it and it was funny seeing her try to get it.

When it came to Coby's cake, he opted for me to make him a tie-dye cake.  It was delicious even if my cake decorating skills are awful.  Thankfully my boys don't judge me for it!  This year Coby wanted me to write HBD to him and then he wanted to decorate it with sprinkles we already had on hand.  He is almost too easy! 

For kicks, I had to look back at last year.  We celebrated a week late since we actually moved on his birthday last year.  But oh my goodness, what a difference a year makes!!!  He was just a baby and this was taken just a few months before he got glasses and was able to see well for the first time in years!  If these pics don't make me realize how important it is to make the days count, I don't know what would.

Happy birthday Coby!  We're so very proud of you and are so thankful to be your parents!

Christmas 2015

Wow, it's been two years but I think I'll give this a try again.  This is for you mom ;)

I guess I'll start with Christmas 2015...

We had a very uneventful Christmas break this year.  It was mostly spent close to home and included lots of relaxing (not to mention a few power outages due to weather).  We celebrated Christmas with the boys at home on the 23rd, then went to Darren's parents for Christmas Eve and to mom and dad's on Christmas Day.  Darren had to work most evenings during the kids break so we didn't get a lot of time with him but tried to make the most of the time we did have. On the rare occasion that he was home we spent our evenings driving around looking at Christmas lights.  It's our family's favorite tradition and one I hope to continue for years to come.  My mother-in-law mentioned that she couldn't believe Connor still likes to go with us, but I truly believe he enjoys it just as much as we do (in fact, he's the reason I took the boys by myself on the nights D had to work).  I hope he'll never get too cool for these special times!

I didn't get many good pictures but here's a peek into Christmas 2015....

Cale at his class Christmas party

Cale's finished craft from the party before he gobbled it up

getting out decorations 

a stop for ice cream while out looking at Christmas lights

his favorite gift was a $5 gun from the Dollar General (Who knew!?!)

this one is silly

opening his new wallet

making cookies for Santa  (they ate all but ONE!)

making them purdy 

Santa found us

Cale woke up a few hours before his brothers and he patiently waited to open gifts!  What a trooper.

Finally, the brothers are up!!

Ellie waited somewhat patiently as Coby helped open her gift

After opening gifts we sat down and had a breakfast casserole as a family before the kids spent the morning building Legos before heading to Nina and Poppy's house for a late lunch.

loved watching Connor spend the morning helping Cale build his Legos 

opening gifts at Nina and Poppy's (more Legos)

one gift for Connor (a much wanted bat)

Vans, KD's, discontinued Legos and cash for this guy

We had a wonderful Christmas with family, but I sure am glad to be settling back into a routine again.  I'm excited about 2016.  These years are going by WAY too fast and I don't want to look back with regret.  I plan to make the most of it!