Post-grind Update

After Graham's birthday, I came across some photos on my mom's phone that were too great NOT to share. So, here are some photos out of order but enjoyable nonetheless.

The green drumsticks have gotten a lot of mileage since his birthday!

When we were at the company Christmas party, my parents took all 5 boys overnight. Talk about ambitious! I'm pretty sure if I took 5 boys age 6 and under on my own for the night, the house would burn down or something.

Gavin had so much fun with his cousins!

Obligatory matching PJs photo in front of the tree

How is it so hard to sit and smile?

This keyboard was Graham's birthday gift from us, and while the noise of it is annoying, I'm okay with having anything around that keeps these boys entertained.

Laundry day.

And apparently a day for testing boundaries.

Time for a Christmas haircut! How long will we be able to wedge him into that tiny car?

When nature calls and you're in the middle of the desert but still 15 minutes from home.

Singing in the rain.

I did my Costco run on Monday because I knew Costco and TJs would give me anxiety this week. I sent Dylan back in to brave the crowds while I was at work yesterday, and he sent me this photo just to show me what I missed. Love the photobomber on the right.

We wrapped up our short weekly grind yesterday afternoon and convened at Red Robin for a quick, kid-friendly dinner. Then, it was off to Winter Wonderland- the Christmas light show at a house by my old high school that is not to be missed. And though my brain is fried and I'm not the most enjoyable version of myself post-work, I was able to keep it together and put a smile on my face. The boys did the same. It's hit or miss with those guys on Tuesday/Thursday afternoons. A lot of times they're a giant mess, and at least one kid is usually in bed by 6pm because they're so exhausted. We hit the jackpot yesterday... both boys were pleasant for the entirety of this outing. We decided to skip our other favorite Christmas light stop in Grayhawk, but Dylan promised he would take us out on Christmas night for a final hurrah. We took a light tour earlier in the week, too, and found the best neighborhood of all time somewhere off 56th street...I think. We missed a lot of events that we usually do this time of year...the tree lighting on Market Street, stories with Mrs. Claus in Kierland, Christmas at the Princess...but the Christmas light tours are my favorite, and I'm so glad we carved out time for this if nothing else.

My dad was the official baby transporter all night.

Lately, when I wake up at 5am, I've been getting up instead of laying there and hoping to fall back asleep. I never fall back asleep anyway. I've found that it's the only peaceful moment I get in the day on most days, and I think I'll make a habit of it. I can write on my blog or watch a show, and everything is so QUIET and nobody needs anything, and I love it. Plus, I wake up at 5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays anyway, so I may as well stick to a schedule. I hear a little person stirring...a full 20 minutes before his clock turns green...so I'd better go lay down the law and get my mind right for the circus that will befall me shortly.