I forgot a few

Justin, here is the picture of E with your gift:

and Grandma Linda was having the boys lay down to 'magically' have a present appear under their feet. The day was all about magic, in several ways. Here are the boys awaiting another gift:

christmas day

the annual tree cutting

Here are a few pictures from yesterday, when we went to cut down our tree.




James and I went to see the Nutcracker last weekend. It was his first time, and he was enchanted. He starts ballet in a few weeks, but has been so excited he has worn his ballet shoes and re-enacted the performance regularly (with E cast as the Mouse King, naturally).


Our piano was also delivered, complete with a ribbon. It's been nice to play holiday songs for the family this year.

Halloween

Joe takes pictures

frick

and frack


owl pellet

Sukkot

We had a lovely meal in a friend's Sukkah tonight. James borrowed some glasses, and this awesomeness ensued. (Along with other shenanigans. A neighbor was putting up Halloween decorations, complete with an 8' inflatable Frankenstein's monster; away from which a gaggle of children in red coats fled, screaming in terror).

Dentist

The boys had their dental check up sometime in the recent past (I forget when). They each got to choose a prize for their cooperation, from the dental treasure chest (and here I thought a new toothbrush was exciting!). Here are the boys with their "treasures". James is indeed trying to intimidate you, if you felt afraid.





and a hilarious snapshot, because it makes me laugh (he is Peter Pan, if you were wondering):

Michaelmas

This past week was Michaelmas at the children's school. Michaelmas is the festival of courage, the purpose of which is to remind us to work on overcoming our personal 'dragons' in order to be the best humans we can be. After working together, there was a lovely little celebration including apple bobbing. This was the boys' first attempt. It wasn't altogether successful, but they had a great time trying. Here are a few pictures that Dayna took:





I'm sorry I haven't been sharing pictures recently, life seems to have become a bit overwhelming, and I am working on simplifying.

5 years young

James was so excited about his birthday today, that he did not get much sleep last night. I kind of wondered if he would be in a picture mood today, and it turns out he isn't. I was able to snap one as he ate the cupcake he chose (the one with the most icing flowers on top of course! and pink!). James has learned a lot this year, he has figured out basic arithmetic, and is very interested in how things grow (he has been a big help in the garden). When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, he replied, "I would like to be a Tyrannosaurus Rex, though I am not sure how I can do that. Either I will figure out the science to become one, or I will just be a Paleontologist and study them closely". He enjoys running, dancing, singing, and pirate play. He adores Captain Hook, so we have read the original Barrie twice this past year. For his birthday he received an abridged version that we can complete in one sitting (he is thrilled). His favorite color is pink, and his favorite band is a tie between They Might be Giants, the Starlight Mints and The Apples in Stereo. In the fall he will begin to take both piano and karate lessons, to see if either are something he is interested in pursuing. He is an extremely vivacious kid, with an easy smile, and a very big personality. We are so happy he is our child.


and one of E enjoying his cupcake for James' birthday:

last day as a 4 year old

I cannot believe this child is going to be 5 tomorrow. He is alternating between being super excited about his birthday (presents! cake!) and not wanting to grow up. He has always been a child of many moods, so this is not surprising. I thought I would put up a few pictures of him today, in case he does not want his picture taken tomorrow.

he fits in a bucket

The good news is that E is now officially on the growth chart. 5%, height and weight. I am very proud, as this is the first time in his life he has been ON the chart. He has grown an incredible amount this year, 5 lbs and 4 inches.

That said, he still fits completely inside a 5 gallon bucket. There are definitely advantages to being tiny.

E turns 3!

Is anyone else as appalled by this as I am? It is strange how big James seemed at 3, and in comparison, E still seems so small. Such is life as a younger sibling, I suppose. We are having a birthday party for both boys at the end of the month, so today we celebrated with cake pops. Here are a few of the birthday boy enjoying his:



This year Eliot has learned to use the potty (most of the time), climb almost any structure, and really annunciate his speech. He is very interested in dinosaurs and vikings, and his favorite book is "In the night kitchen". His favorite band is the Pogues. His favorite activities (according to him) are "sneaking" and "playing". He is eating a much wider array of foods recently, though he maintains his sweet tooth. He is full of this wonderful energy, and is so expressive with his face. We are so thankful he is part of our family.

everyone needs a little more

James in their lives.

the adventures of "rainbow boy" and his trusty unicorn

I love my days off so much. James tied on a dyed playsilk (remember this, Annette?) and dubbed himself 'Rainbow Boy'. Eliot promptly decided he was a unicorn. The last picture is out of focus, but they love each other so much (some of the time).

the bigger boy

James is officially transferring to kindergarten in the fall (where he will be for a few years, Kindergarten goes until age 7ish in Waldorf education). He seems to be so grown up all of a sudden. He has a lot of spirit, and great energy. I have really enjoyed having him in my life.

Joe took some pictures

Here are some pictures from the last few weekends taken with Joe's camera (all but the picture of Joe were also taken by Joe).

Dinosaur World (aka the boys' conceptualization of heaven)


digging for fossils:


Joe's cousin's college graduation:




Today at the waterpark:


wave pool:


(Though I don't think he wears the shirt ironically, it always cracks me up)


and passed out on our kitchen floor after the waterpark: