The Spirit of the Season

We're full of smiles and love around here, and I can't tell you the relief I feel to see happiness continue to emanate from Gavin. Graham? He's pretty chill no matter what. As you'll see when you scroll down, sitting on Santa's lap was NBD for him. He's gregarious, smiley, and laid-back, as long he's not tired or hungry...or contained. Dude loves to crawl around and get into EVERYTHING. Including over-turning the dog's water bowls multiple times a day. And eating their dog food. And the potting soil. In these last few weeks, we're coming to realize that he is going to be our feisty, happy little troublemaker. And I'm completely okay with that. Gavin has always been very reactive to his environment and a little intimidated to try new things. I'll go ahead and say that he's that way 100% because of my genetics...or at least NOT due to any genes expressed in Dylan's phenotype. (Genetics class was a long time ago- Did I use this verbiage correctly?) On the other hand, Dylan and Graham appreciate things LOUD and BUSY and they just spend their days happy to be in the company of other people. But back to Gavin...when he is feeling sweet, MAN is he sweet. And when he plays in the dirt and mud or playroom or whatever by himself for long stretches...well, that is golden. So, basically, I'm saying that my heart explodes for these two little boys in individual ways. They are both perfection to me, and our family...four people, no more, no less, is exactly what I want it to be. How's that for #blessed?

The last few months were kind of rough around here. Don't get me wrong, we had plenty of good times. But I was completely maxed-out a little over-loaded, kids were sick and cranky, and it was just hard. We're busier than ever, but we're at the pinnacle of happiness. For once, the boys seem healthy (hopefully I'm not jinxing anything)...but Dylan and I have caught the crud. I may be coughing like a smoker, but I can power through it. As long as the boys feel good and make good company, I don't mind if my throat hurts and I cough till the New Year. We have so much on the calendar, and so much more still that I want to do in the next few weeks. Don't tell Dylan, but I'm thinking of hitting Zoo Lights...and possibly Christmas at the Princess AFTER Christmas this year.

Anyway, I'm glad that I've had a good excuse to avoid the gym, because I'm really appreciating these last few mornings at home. They have made me supremely happy. The boys have been spotted playing together and making one another laugh, completely independently of Dylan and me, for the first time ever. I had to record a video of what your average layperson would think was everyday stuff. (I'll spare you the video. You wouldn't be impressed.) But to see Gavin giving Graham raspberries and both of them laughing hysterically was just the best. Anyway, as far as what we've been up to, well, here's the photographic evidence.

This picture kind of summarizes our time at home together recently.

Thursday night was Gavin's school Christmas Show. I was a little nervous because, like I said before, he doesn't love doing new things...and I was pretty sure he wouldn't feel great about being up in front of a ton of people. Also, his act didn't come on until close to 7, and he's usually been asleep for a half hour by that point. He was in the back row, and most of the time I could only see the top of his hair, but he actually did pretty good! Luckily my mom brought the big guns and got a few photos with an actual camera with a zoom lens. I came from work, and with all the other crap I pack to get everyone through their day, it didn't even occur to me to bring something besides my phone. #momfail

For the first 30 minutes of our drive home, Gavin repeated over and over, "I couldn't see you way back in that row. All those people were blocking my family." And then he told me how sad this made him first thing when he woke up the next morning. So, that was a little sad. But, we recovered, and I'm already excited for the Spring Musical.

Friday morning was the best ever because I escaped to the preserve and rode my bike for an hour. Dylan left by the afternoon for a meeting and then a Christmas party and another Christmas party. I stayed in with the boys, which ended up being okay because I finally finished those Christmas cards I've been complaining about forever and even wrapped some gifts after they went to bed. Also, I felt like crap, so partying would not have been the best thing for me. So I let Dylan enjoy the night as a party of one, and I'm pretty sure he was okay with that. The boys and I had the most fun ever at home, which is more than I can say about any given day from August thru November. We went on a walk, jumped on the trampoline, goofed around and drank hot chocolate. Gavin never got out of his pajamas and went right back to bed in them. He totally needed a bath and didn't take one...but that's okay. 

This chubby, squishy guy is just the best.

Helmet? Oh yeah. Next time...

The joy that a box can bring a couple of little boys...

On Saturday, we hit the town for a few different reasons, but mostly for fun. So, I'll focus on that. Dylan had collected a truckload of toys for Toys for Tots at the AZBAA Christmas party, so, we went to the fire station at the Scottsdale Airport to drop them off and crossed our fingers that they'd let Gavin see a fire engine. Well, we parked and got out of the truck, and immediately heard the emergency alarm. The garage opened, and a fire engine pulled out with all it's lights on, and the firefighters even made time to wave at Gavin. The single firefighter that remained at the station let us pull our truck into the garage, and we unloaded the toys, completely filling up both donation boxes. Then, Gavin got to go inside the special Foam Truck that is only at the airport. He got a little firefighter helmet, and then we made our way to the next stop.

Up the road we went to Nordstrom Rack for our free photo with Santa. There was no line, both boys got on Santa's lap and smiled and we were outta there in 30 seconds with our photo. The photo leaves a little bit to be desired. (Graham's beer belly? Haha.) But all in all, it was the most successful free Santa session ever. While we were there, the boys played in the grass, and I picked up some essentials at Old Navy before heading home for a couple hours.

By the late afternoon, it was time to head to Cave Creek for the Christmas festival and parade. The boys and I got separated from Dylan for a while...and Dylan had my phone, so that was interesting. We were able to reunite in time for Gavin to get one chance at sledding before finding our spots for the parade. At the last second, we left the busy area we were in and darted to the beginning of the parade, which ended up being the best split-second decision we've ever made. We got a supreme spot on the curb, the kids got lots of candy, and we were able to run to the car and get out of there afterward before everyone else. We even found some free hot chocolate! We'll be hitting the parade every year because it always makes for a successful night. Afterward, we drove through an elaborate Christmas light display on the Carefree Highway before heading home. Gavin was fast asleep and Graham didn't know the difference, but Dylan and I really enjoyed it!

This guy...just along for the ride but with no complaints. Dressed in his pajamas, which made for a seamless transfer to the crib later that night.

Little friends lining up for the parade.

Gavin was in awe. It was so fun!

Even G2 really enjoyed it!

As you can see, we are feeling the spirit of the season and enjoying our family time while cramming in as many activities as possible. After traveling the last two weeks in a row, I can really appreciate this system re-set, and I think I can go back to work with a refreshed attitude on Tuesday. But I'll leave you with that because I've already gone on for far too long. Don't expect the next few posts to be any shorter than this one!