Aiden's Tenth Birthday

Ten years old! Hard to believe Aiden has hit double digits. His birthday was full of the things he loves: a slumber party with his best buds, skiing and a scavenger hunt that included dancing on the magic carpet, hugging trees, and riding every chair, lots of Lego creations, and brunch with his vaccinated grandparents - none of which were possible last year at this time! Aiden is the most empathetic kid I know and he always keeps us laughing with his quick wit. We are so proud to be his parents. 

 

Covid Santa Pictures

Santa pictures look a little different this year!

It's Apple Season

 We had a fun trip to Greenbluff today. We went to Hidden Acres Orchard where we picked apples, played on the playground, and saw the farm animals. Perfection. 

Last Day of School

I can't believe it, but we made it! Three months of teaching and learning from home is FINALLY over! To say this was challenging would be an understatement. The kids didn't want mom as their teacher and listening was a struggle. They were quickly over their class Zoom calls, and so was I. I am heartbroken that Ava's year of kindergarten magic was cut short. I hate that the kids were ripped away from their friends and social time at school. We still have no idea what school will look like in the fall, but for now, we are glad to have a break!

Today we went through Brentwood's drive thru goodbye. We waved goodbye from the car to some incredible teachers.

Day on the Lake

Today we got to spend the day on the lake with the Thompsons. The highlight was when Uncle Roger took both of the kids wake surfing! What a blast. We love spending time with these guys!

Property Hike with Owen

The boys had a great time today hiking the property and walking on the frozen pond. 

 

Ski Buddies

Aiden and Owen got to ski together for the first time today. This was also our first time skiing at Mt. Spokane this year. Although it was pretty icy, we still had a blast!

Santa

Our annual trip to Santa was a success. Ava wasn't quite sure about sitting on his lap until he gave her a sucker. Then he was her new best friend!

"Open, please?"

Dinobot Buddies

MDying over the conversation these two had over FaceTime tonight. Aiden called Owen to thank him for his new Dinobot and it quickly turned into the two of them having dinosaur fights, showing each other every toy they own, and reading books to each other. Owen even invited Aiden over to "snug until his clock turns green." So stinkin' cute!

Santa Pictures

As is tradition, we took our Santa pictures with the Thompsons and enjoyed some delicious hot chocolate afterward (and two toddlers on a major sugar high).

Cheers to a job well done!

Since Ava is in stranger-danger mode right now, I was hoping I would get the crying Santa picture I've always hoped for and she did not disappoint!

Always Wear Your Helmet

You can never be too cautious when blowing bubbles!

Hero Up!

The last few times Owen has been here, Aiden has been pretty adamant about sharing his love for super heros! I think Owen is warming up to the whole thing!

"C'mon, O! Let's hero up!"

"Tickle me!"

Owen: "Attack me?"

Aiden: "Don't worry, I'll protect you!"

Family of Choice

Such a fun night with the Thompson's and Uncle Keve!

Play Dates with O

We love spending time with Owen and Auntie Jessi! An added bonus is that Aiden is always willing to eat some veggies after Owen takes the lead. Lately his response to vegetables has been, "yuck! I don't like that!" But for some reason, once Owen takes a big bite, Aiden is quick to follow suit! After one of our play dates, I gave Aiden some broccoli and hummus, which he had happily devoured the last time Owen was here. He looked at it and said, "broccoli? No thanks. I only eat that when Owen's here!" Hmmm...Owen might need to move in with us!

Santa!

Today we went to see Santa. I wasn't quite sure how Aiden would respond to him this year. Although he is typically very out-going, sometimes he surprises me and is shy. The second he saw the big guy, though, he was ready to hop on his lap and let him know that he wanted a monster truck for Christmas!

Waiting in line. That's one BIG Christmas tree!

Aiden looks so old in this picture I can hardly stand it! Love my little muffins!

Owen met up with us for our annual boys' picture!

Cheers to a job well done!

After our pictures, Auntie Jessi treated us all to some hot chocolate! What a fun afternoon. I love sharing this tradition with the Thompsons!

Playing with Owen

Post written by Auntie Jessi

These two have been spending time together their whole lives and it is so fun to see them growing, changing, learning, and even playing together instead of just playing next to each other! They give each other hugs and are definitely excited to spend time together.  Sharing and taking turns don't always go smoothly, but it's getting better and better the older they get. 

Today when we went on our walk, the boys took turns helping me pump up the tire on the stroller and Owen brought Aiden a pretend ice cream cone (made of playdough).  Aiden thought it was an awesome present and away we went...

On the walk, the Mamas talked about how parenting a little boy can be challenging at times.  One of the struggles we've both been having lately is how to let the boys be "boys" and at the same time keep them from being too wild and crazy. Different situations don't always make the "lines" very clear.   This boy-world is uncharted territory for both of us, so it's so great to have people to share the conversation with.  Meanwhile, the boys chomped away on fruit leather and granola bars pointing out the sights and sounds of the neighborhood.

When we got back to the house, the boys played outside for a solid half hour, climbing, running, and playing in the dirt together.  

The sun was out and the cool, crisp air made it a perfect fall day for a romp outside.  We are so grateful to get to spend time with our special friends!