Brothers say it best

Henry and Max were picking on each other at the breakfast table this morning:

Henry: I hate Max!
Mommy: No you don't.
Henry: Yes, I do!
Mommy: You love him. You snuggled with him for 9 months in my tummy!
Max: I thought it was 6 months.
Mommy: No Max, you're pregnant for 9 months. You guys snuggled for 9 months!

Alex: Yeah, NAKED!

That little boy delivers some of the best lines!

Not so close after all

5 months ago we thought that Henry would come in a close second with his wiggly tooth. Who would have thought that the little bugger would hang in almost another 5 months? Henry wasn't afraid to let Elizabeth and me try to get it out, but it just wouldn't budge. Finally this morning Elizabeth was able to pull it out! Henry was quite excited and is eager to tell his classmates this morning.

Back to School

Tomorrow will officially be the two-week anniversary of the first day of the 2010-11 school year, so it is high time for a Back to School post. The morning officially started when we all went downstairs and examined Alex's schultuete.

... to be continued.

Karaoke

We've re-discovered Karaoke Revolution Party on the Xbox at our house. We've been playing quite a few times and the boys really enjoy singing a few rounds before they go to bed, Henry especially! He's told Elizabeth that he wants to sing at school next year. Evidently one of his classmates, "Jack H" (they have more than one Jack in class) sang a solo in the program and Henry was deeply impressed.

I jokingly asked him if he wanted to take singing lessons and to my surprise he's all up for it! So we added it to the growing list of "when Daddy gets a job".

As you can see in the video below, Henry and Max really have their individual talents and who knows, we might even make another summer dance video!!

Men (Boys) of Steel

Somehow I don't remember having this much fun wearing new pajamas when I was little!

Four birthdays in December

December has turned a big celebration the last few years. Herb turned the big 4.0 this year and since he does not like to make a big deal out of his birthday, we decided to skip town. We went on a Carnival cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. We went to Nassau, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. We loved it, the water and scenery was beautiful. It is always a treat to go with Herb and not worry about a thing. There was no cooking or cleaning and no children. Thanks again, Aunt Maryann for taking a week to watch our kids for a second time.

We came home and Alex's birthday was the next day. He wanted a yellow cake because he loves Bumblebee, the transformer (a girl during Halloween painted an actual bee on his cheek!). He turned 3 and if you ask him, he insists that he is still 2. He is trying to stop time I guess, but definitely do not call him a baby. He will punch first, then tell you he is a "little boy".

We came home from a trip to Disney World on Henry and Max's birthday. We previously told them they were getting bikes and they would get to pick them out. We had not gone bike shopping, but the boys wanted presents. I went to the stash in our closet and picked out two puzzles (they were glow in the dark!). I could tell from Henry, Max and Herb's faces that that was not the best choice. Herb had disgust on his face and went to get them different presents. They were excited about their Optimus Prime (another transformer) and a Superman toy. We told them earlier that we would celebrate their birthday the next day because of the drive. The next morning, Henry runs into my room and says,"Mommy, I'm ready for my present". How does this happen? He was not happy when I explained he had to wait for his bike. This is after the fact that both boys have told me they do not want bikes. I, of course, think I know best and so they are getting bikes. I know they will love them!

I had the bright idea to let them decorate their own cakes this year. Anyone who knows my sons, will be able to tell who decorated which cake. The cakes are a testament to their personalities. Max said his was Santa Claus and Henry said his is a spy lab. He knew exactly were he wanted each jelly bean, marshmallow, sour gummy worm, M&M, and sugar sprinkle. I loved it so much, I'm thinking of making this a tradition.

Miscommunication

This conversation occurred a couple of weeks ago.

Max: "Mom, why is your hair all over the place?"

Me: "That is because I have curly hair, I can't make is straight"

Max: "You could brush it!"

I start with this because for a good part of my life I have had hair issues. Two years ago, I thought I would cover a few grays and went to my hair stylist. I wanted my regular hair color and she suggested to do that but with a hint of red. The sample she showed me looked fine, and I thought maybe Herb would like that. It was all well and good until about 2 months later when my hint of red turned to a bit more red then I bargained for. I went back to my stylist and said I wanted her to cover it with my natural color. She did this and two months later, more reddish orange.

What is the definition of insanity... doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result!!!

So, I went back and had her cover it again! Two months later, I now had an orange color. I have put up with this because I thought it will have to grow out. I'm not sure how many hair cuts I have had, but it was not working. After two years, last night I told her I wanted it out! I thought I was getting a cut I had in the past (pre-boys). I started to get really worried when the straight edge razor and clippers came out. Herb would say, "Why didn't you say something?" I say, "Once they take that first swipe, what can you do?" I came home and my boys were shocked, Herb laughed and I wanted to cry. I know, it is bad! My boys soon realized they needed to console me. Max said, "Mom, you're just perfect the way you are". Henry this morning, after a larger than normal smile and a quiet chuckle said, " Mom, it doesn't look so bad!"

I did shed a few more tears, but I always tell me boys after I cut their hair, it always grows back. Thank goodness I have almost two more months before our next cruise!

First Day of School

Yesterday was the first day of school for Henry and Max. They are in Pre-K, or as Max likes to say "Play-School". They woke up to discover a German tradition, the Schultüte. It is a decorated cone with school supplies, candy, chocolate, and some little gifts. They loved their new transformers!



While we were eating breakfast Alex woke up and realized he wasn't getting a gift.

Sophie is in the 4th grade this year and loves being the one to show the boys everything. She was the one to decorate the Schultuete for the boys, she loves a good surprise! She is the best at getting them excited about school because she loves it so much. The last two days, she has gotten them up and picked their clothes out as well as brushed their teeth.

We went to school on the golf cart, Alex walked into school like he owned it. He was used to the school from going there 3 times a week for Max's speech last year. Sophie led the way.

After we said our goodbyes, I had to go back to give the boys their mats that I picked up at the school office. While I was writing their names on them, I heard Max start to cry. I turned around and saw Alex with his hands in fists. I thought he hit Max, but then learned Alex bit him! What a way to start the first day of school!

Herb planned for a late lunch at home and we met them at the bus stop when they came home, they loved school. I am excited for them and all that they will be experiencing.


This morning at 7am, it was time to leave for the bus and Henry spilled milk on the table, floor and himself. It was so much that I had to change all of his clothes. Needless to say they missed the bus and Herb brought them to school.

I wonder what tomorrow will bring!!!

Rollercoaster of Love!

It all started with us watching an awesome Line Rider video on YouTube. The boys liked the song so much that they started dancing. Before long they asked me to tape them again and again while dancing to the song and here is the result:

They enjoyed themselves so much, I have a feeling we'll have to make another one before long!

PS: Lil' H.A.M.s stands for Lil' Henry, Alex and Max.

A dog named Spot!

It started yesterday with just a few spots on Henry's legs. Elizabeth gave him some Benadryl, which helped a little bit. This morning we woke up to this:

When Henry got mad at Maxi a little later and fake-bit him, Maxi was convinced that Henry was turning into a dog. We're not sure if part of him was concerned about his brother or more excited about the prospect of getting a dog named "Spot"...

Needless to say we were quite worried and Elizabeth took him this morning to see his pediatrician. Come to find out he is allergic to Penicillin! Sophie, Henry and Alex have all been on antibiotics for the past 10 days for their strep-throat. Now we'll have to give him Benadryl three times a day for the next 3-4 days and today he already napped for two drug-induced hours. That would make for a great break for Elizabeth if it weren't for three more silly kids running amok!

PS: Can you tell who's been giving his Daddy an attitude for the last two days?

Dill Pickles

Henry has discovered that he loves the new Screamin' Dill Pickles Pringles chips (so does Alex). He asked me one day if pickles taste like them, so I went to our outside fridge and got a big jar out. I sliced and served them in a little bowl. He ate one and had a look like, "Hmm, do I really like these?"

He told me he liked them when I asked and then said, "Hey mommy, you can even put these on your eyes." With my back turned, I told him that people usually put cucumbers on their eyes but pickles were made from cucumbers. When I turned around this is what I saw....

Then he decided he didn't want anymore and Alex gobbled up the rest.

Still trying solids after all these years!

This is in response to Jen's post about trying solids with little Noah, who is now 6 months old. Here is Henry eating his veggies last night. He acted so disgusted and whined so much, I just had to take some photos.
His response to me documenting his fight over veggies?

He stuck his foot in my face and told me to take a picture of his big toe instead!

On the other hand, Henry and Max both always do a great job at putting their dirty dishes in the sink after dinner and their leftover milk in the fridge!
So don't give up Jen. You might have lost a battle, but the war will last for many more years to come!

Green Sauce

That wonderful sauce that Henry loves sooo much. It comes in the familiar green labeled bottle, Hidden Valley Ranch (Lite), so he calls it his "Green Sauce". He loves dipping his pizza in it (thanks to Herb) and also enjoys on other occasions. This is also my boy who loves buttermilk (again thanks to Herb)!

Two days ago I came down stairs and into the kitchen to find him drinking from the bottle! Immediately I thought "How much did he drink? "

I think from my questioning he decided it was best to tell me it was just three small sips. I have me doubts, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.... this time!

It's snowing!!

We noticed a little after 3pm it was snowing.!The boys wanted to go outside and catch snowflakes on their tongues. The kids put on their slippers, jackets, and smiles and ran outside. Sophie had a friend over and they were excited about showing the boys the snow.

I was taking some video and I noticed Henry laying on the driveway. I thought, "Oh no, I hope he doesn't try to make a snow angel." Henry sat up and said,"Mommy, I'm not sliding!" I just had to get a picture, so Max decided to join him.

Max had gotten his magnifying glass out to see the snow and then decided to use some dark construction paper, he likes to analyse things.

Alex didn't care about the snow, we were outside and that meant he could play baseball. He usually grabs the T-ball stand, the bucket of balls and the bat, sets everything up and goes for it. He's so fun to watch.

Der Nikolaus war da! (Nikolaus was here!)

St Nikolaus stopped by last night and dropped off some goodies for the kids. It's an old German Tradition (roll over for a link on wikipedia explaining that Nikolaus is actually the base for our modern day Santa Claus! I didn't know that.) for children to put a boot outside their door. The next morning they will find candies, fruit and sometimes a small present. He pretty much looks just like Santa and Henry calls him "Santa's Little Brother". Unfortunately Sophie was already off to school when we took these photos. Max and Henry were quite happy with their presents and candy, but as you can see Alex not so much. Max got a Woody toy, Henry got a Buzz Lightyear and Alex got several small toy cars, but he really wanted a Buzz Lightyear toy, too! I tell you what, that little boy has gotten more of an attitude lately than the rest of them combined! Aunt Maryann christened him "King Alex" on our vacation and for a good reason. If he isn't happy, he will make sure EVERYBODY knows.

Max is happy.Henry is happy.Alex? Not so much. It looks like he's thinking:
"What the heck is this? I'm not a baby anymore!"So "King Alex" throws down his toy cars and walks away mad.

No toilet paper!!....Henry!

So I am in the bathroom and I realize too late that there is no toilet paper. I knew Henry was putting his pj's on so I called him.

I said, "Henry, can you get me some toilet paper out of the closet with all the towels and washrags? You know, the linen closet?" He said, "Oh, the one with the little door?" "Yes Henry, can you go get me some?"

I wait and wait, when I think he must have forgotten about me, I called him. He came running with an excited look, "Mommy, Santa doesn't need to bring us any Planet Heroes because we already have some!!!"

I quickly think of possible senarios and come up with only one. Henry proceeds to show me a secret place that I know all to well!

He had gone into my closet, moved some clothes on the rack and threw some down, yanked open a "little door" and saw all the Christmas presents. I had purchased them a month ago to make sure they would not be sold out. Henry then has to run down the stairs to tell Max, who wants to see the stash!

I nixed that and thought Max would not have done that because he doesn't like dark places. The next day Max asked me where the light was for the "little door"!

Now, Aunt Maryann said I needed to find a better hiding place, why would I need to do that when that was the "perfect" hiding place??!! Why did't I make sure there was toilet paper before I went into the bathroom, isn't that a rule or something?

Sunday Evening

Max built a Gyrocopter Airplane.Henry let of steam by running around like crazy.

Alex was getting sick.

Swimming

Probably our last time swimming this summer. Sophie truly enjoys getting into the water and it's hard to get her to get out. Max likes it, but doesn't relaly want to try swimming yet. Henry on the other hand is starting to follow his sisters footsteps. After a few minutes of being afraid, he did get into the water and was swimming (doggy paddle style) the whole time. Max eventually got into the water, while holding on to me.

Just chillin

Sometimes the boys can be pretty mean to each other, but most of the time they get along pretty well and like to play or hang out with each other. I sure hope it stays that way.

Airplanes

Saturday morning I took the boys out for some fun. First we went to the Commerotavie Airforce Hangar at the locl airport.

Henry and Max look at various model airplanes that have been donated to the Dixie Wing.

The boys sit in front of the "Bucket of Bolts". This airplane was used as a troop transport, as well as an executive airplanes for Generals during WWII. I flew in it once (not during WWII though, but a few years back during an airshow).