Flowers for Mommy, from Devin

Devin picked out these flowers for me while he was with my mother on Saturday. He said he "knew they were my favorite colors" and they were "just because he loves me." Aren't they beautiful?

*Mom, Thank you for teaching my son kindness and appreciation. You are the best. I love you.*

Time to Catch Up Tuesday

I thought I would take this opportunity and do a random catch-up post since I am home with a sick kid today.

* This particular sick kid is only on sick day #3 of the whole school year (and one day was an asthma monitoring day). This happens to be (dare I say this out loud) his personal best year EVER health-wise! WOOT!

*As some of you know, my mom had a LARGE tumor mass removed from her ankle on December 27. She is still on her long recovery road. She can't put any weight on her foot and has to sit with it elevated most of the day. The good news is that she hasn't heard any bad news on the lab results of the tumor! She isn't much of a TV watcher and has been reading a lot. (I had to make a Barnes and Noble stock up trip for her last Saturday!) Dad also went out and got them a laptop to help pass the time.

*Devin has really been enjoying his Leapfrog Tag and Explorer that he got for Christmas. This is a relief, since he didn't ask for either one! I especially like this large World Map that we got him to go with the Tag. I've already got put away a spelling game to go with the Tag and a new Explorer Toy Story 3 game (for a total $22!!) for Valentine's Day. Whattadeal!
*Devin loves to play games. He got a few new ones for Christmas like (a version of) Trouble, Hi Ho Cherry'O, Hot Potato, and more. When we went for a play date at Kim, Emma, and Lexie's over Christmas vacation he got to try Don't Break the Ice! What fun!
*Miss Lolly continues to crack us up! Here she is having a blast in the packaging for water. Silly girl!! I think this kept her busy for at least a half an hour!
She definitely thinks she is the princess of the house. 5 pound kitty sitting in the most comfortable chair in the house!
*I'm looking forward to a snow day tomorrow. We are expecting 8 to 14 inches of snow starting around day break tomorrow and lasting throughout the day. This will mean I don't have to use a sick day if Devin is still sick! Once he is feeling better, Devin will enjoy playing in a foot of cold, white fluffy stuff. He's crazy! He loves the snow!!

Halloween 2010

Race Car Driver Devin

Despite a nasty virus that has (temporarily) taken over Devin's asthma, we managed to get out for Trick or Treating today. Dressed up in warm layers we braved the cold temps to check out the costumes, decorated houses, and of course collect some candy!

Here he is with Grandma and Papa!
Being a little silly!
Checking out the flashlight.
Family Photo at Miss Kristen's :)

Beachin' It Again

We went back to the beach again today, but this time not to lay and play. We went out for a delicious seafood dinner with my parents and then drove over to the busier area and walked around. We also let Devin play on the playground to let out some energy he had from sitting so much today! Here are a few pictures from this afternoon's outing.

Having fun swinging (before he fell off- knocked the wind out of him, but he was okay!)
My Parents :)
On the Merry Go Round~ faster Daddy!!
Looking for some babes...
Erick deep in thought...hehehe.

White Mountains Getaway

During our vacation week we went up to the White Mountains. We left on Wednesday around 1:30pm and got home Friday at 6:45pm. Not a long trip, but we were able to pack in some fun nonetheless!

We picked up my Mom on our way, since she needed/deserved a little getaway!


Then we headed to our hotel where swimming and a soak in the hot tub were on the agenda for the evening. Thursday, since it was raining and blah, we headed to North Conway for some shopping. We also went to an ice cream shoppe with a nice playground to let Devin burn off some steam since it wasn't raining there (he was pretty good about being in the car and shopping so long considering he hates shopping!).

Friday we went to Santa's Village. We had a lot of fun there. Every one's favorite ride was the Peppermint Twist (kind of like the Pirate Ship if you are familiar with that). Devin also really enjoyed the bumper cars and Bah Hum Bug ride (shoot bugs with your lasers as your car rides through a dark building).

Devin got to visit with Santa too! They had quite a little chat about Devin's interests. ;)

There were even real reindeer! We got to feed them. So cute!

Here are a couple of my other favorite pics.
We had a great time!

Pre-School Celebration

Devin's class (minus 2 kids) singing "I'm bringing home a baby bumble bee...."

A rose for all the Mommies!

4 Generations!! My grandmother, My Mother, Me, and Devin!

Devin and his Godmother, Erin (aka Aiyah)

Devin and the beloved Miss Emily! We will definitely miss being in Miss Emily's class. We have had a great year with her and think she's awesome!

And off to the 4/5 year old class he goes!
*

Train Outing

Yesterday Devin and I went out for the afternoon with my parents. We went up to the Lakes region of New Hampshire to catch an hour long train ride around (part of) Lake Winnipesauke. After the train ride we hung out in the arcade for a bit before heading out for a yummy seafood dinner. Everyone, except Grandma (a Land Lover only!) enjoyed delicious seafood at the Makris Lobster House- even Devin had fresh haddock sticks!

Here we are enjoying the train ride.
My mom and I :)
The arcades! I didn't know the impulse to play in these places would start so early...
Here is my Dad trying to win Devin some tickets.
Some really nice older biker guys gave Devin their tickets. So with those, in addition to the ones my dad got him Devin was able to get a water ball, a parachute guy, and his favorite prize was a small magnifying glass. He has been making everything BIGGER since! Hey, it keeps him busy!

Here is a quick video (if you can listen through all of the background noise...) to show just how much Devin enjoyed the train ride. He is singing "I love the train!"

Grandma and Papa Day

On Saturday Devin and I got in some good Grandma and Papa time!

It was my mother's birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!) so Devin and I picked out some cards and balloons and headed over for the day. It was a fun, relaxing day. Devin played outside with my brother for a while enjoying the beautiful day. We ordered pizza (yes a pizza party for Grandma! hehe!) and we just hung out. I think my Mom had a nice day.

The cutest thing I saw this week-end, though, had to be my father reading to Devin. It was adorable! They play together a lot~ ball, walks, trucks, etc. but reading really holds a soft spot in my heart!

Grandma

Devin and I were both in the kitchen, he was painting and I was preparing meatballs for tonight's dinner. We were talking and got on the topic of Grandma (oh I believe we were talking about the dinosaur she got him, which is almost born~ more to come on that) when I mentioned that Grandma spoils him. Devin agreed with a giggle.

I said, "Hmm I am going to have to talk to her about that."

He replied with a big strong willed (yet, not mean) "No!"

As in "No, don't talk to Grandma about spoiling me because then who is going to give me weekly presents, ice cream every time I go over, make muffins for me or buy me munchkins when come over on Saturdays, and basically give me whatever I want because I am her pride and joy?!?!?!? Come on Mom, You will ruin ALL my fun in life!!!!!"

Things Accomplished on Vacation (so far...)

*Played outside ALL day Saturday....watching Devin run from toy to toy. Loving it!

*1st Motorcycle ride of the season with my Dad!

*1st BBQ of the season at my parents house

*Went out with friends for a Going Away party. Our friend German is going to do his 3rd tour in Iraq/possibly Afghanistan (please say a quick prayer right now if you would). This was awesome! We had a fantastic time and got home SUPER late!!! We are not used to staying out late. It was worth it!

*Slept late on Sunday!

*Shopping trip/out to dinner as a family(4 hours long might I add) and for the most part Devin behaved! For not being used to shopping that long, I was impressed!

More to come on our vacation......
~park trips
~Aquarium visit
~birthday
~birthday party

Beautiful Weather

We are in the midst of some beautiful weather. FINALLY!!!! It was in the 70's yesterday so we went to play at my friend Heather's house after school. Devin and her son Pierce had so much fun running around in her backyard playing ball, looking for bugs, and so on. Heather and I enjoyed sitting and chatting and soaking up the sunshine.

Today and tomorrow it is going to be in the 80's. Devin and I are headed to my parent's house to play in the backyard with all of Devin's toys. (Erick is working today and then he will be on vacation like us!) Then Devin will be sleeping over with Grandma so Erick and I can go out with some friends.

Tomorrow I hope to do something fun outdoors. Maybe a ride to the beach? Play at the park?

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mother's 55th birthday. Happy Birthday Mom!!

Devin and I spent the afternoon with my mother. We went to lunch/dinner, shopping, and hung out in the backyard at my parent's house. All through the day Devin would belt out to his Gama (Grandma) "Happy Biiiirday Gama" and "Happy Biiirrrday tooo Yooouuu!" It was so sweet. He was also VERY proud of the card he bought for her and his added touches. Devin decorated the envelope with his scribbles and stickers and signed his "name" inside. You could tell just how excited Devin was about celebrating his Grandma's special day.

Mom, I wish you many more years of good health and happiness! I love you!