Holidays – Page 3 – Our Family Adventure

Memorial Day 2013

I’m sitting on the couch watching a silly TV show, updating my blog and enjoying a moment of quiet. Somehow good fortune is with us and both kids are taking naps simultaneously… I have no idea how that worked out. We have had a very busy holiday weekend and I’m tired. lol.

On Saturday we were all up early and headed to Brooklyn for a farm clean up day. My grandma Flo is up from Florida, most likely for good, and was so happy to see the kiddos. Ajax walked in and gave her the biggest hug. When we got there, my folks were finished up breakfast, so of course we sat down for second breakfast. Noomi devoured an egg, toast, and a large piece of bacon for her second breakfast. She has turned into quite the awesome eater. We then all headed outside to get some work done. Ajax took his jobs seriously – he did tractor work, he swept out the little red barn, and he helped take down some trees. This was his favorite job – he kept saying, wow we’re really working hard here, eh? And every time there was a small branch, he’d yell – that one’s mine! It’s just my size! He actually kept pace with us and worked outside as long as the adults were out. We were quite impressed. My mom fed us well and Noomi ended up eating a good portion of my burger at dinner. We bathed the kids there and then loaded them into the car for the drive home. We transferred them into bed and neither of them made a peep.

On Sunday both kids were up nice and early, so Dave and I took that opportunity to clean the house top to bottom! By 10 am the house was sparkling, so we had an early breakfast and went to the zoo. Potter Park Zoo is within walking distance from our home and very reasonably priced (only $4 for adults!!). It’s a small zoo, compared to the Detroit zoo, but they still had lions, tigers, rinos, and penguins. More than enough to impress us! It was also nice with small kids, and just enough walking not to make everyone exhausted. Dave did have to put Ajax on his shoulders on the walk back to the car, but overall he did wonderful. Ajax’s favorite exhibit was the reptile house and he loved the turtles and fish. The weather was also beautiful and Noomi watched everything and everyone with fascination. We went home and had ice cream and then the kids fell asleep for 2.5 hours! We got take out for dinner and let Ajax eat his in front of the TV watching cartoons (what the heck its a holiday).

Today everyone is quite exhausted, so we’re taking it very easy. Plus it’s raining and cold (hovering in the mid/high 60s). We brought Ajax’s John Deere Gator outside and he and I “worked” outside for over an hour. We dug and filled in holes, moved rocks, and did multiple laps around the house checking out the various flowers. Noomi also was determined enough and made it up the stairs to the second floor by herself (with Dave behind her the whole time). I have a feeling we’re going to be doing a very easy dinner as well.

Mother’s Day 2013

Mother’s day started off well as Dave let me sleep in till 9 am. I honestly don’t remember the last time I slept that long. It was wonderful! We had a wonderful breakfast and then I offered to take the kids shopping with me so that Dave could get a few hours of work in. I guess were practical if nothing else. Ajax was such a help with Noomi and so well behaved. He insisted on pushing the stroller, which had some pros and cons as he still can’t see over it very well. Noomi was overtired and annoyed with everything, so we only really were gone long enough to buy her a pair of sandals. I attempted to try on a dress, but that was a lost cause, lol. The only time she was happy was when we were in the food court having lunch and then she realized that if she yelled it would echo. At first the other patrons were quite entertained, because it was pretty cute hearing her yell and scream/talk – hi hi hi! But after 20 minutes it begins to wear on even the kindest strangers. She was hands down the loudest person in the food court. lol. On our way home it was a mix of snow and rain, and downright cold. We therefore spent the afternoon indoors. Ajax watched a cartoon and I destroyed dinner. It was supposed to be ham and bean soup. A meal I’ve made a dozen times, but for some reason it turned out awful. Dave saved the day and ordered us pizza.

Ajax made me a mother’s day card at school, kind of a Mad Lib. He said that I enjoyed going to work, that I was 25, that my favorite color was or actually blue, that I was good at paperwork, and that my name was mommy. He also gave me some homemade bath scrub for the shower and a loofah (though he kept calling it a rufala). Noomi gave me a painted picture frame with her picture that I think will look lovely in my office.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle birthday party!

Ajax: I want a Ninja Turtle birthday party.

Me: What? NO. You said you wanted a dragon party.

Ajax: Well, I want a Turtle party now.

Me: Absolutely not.

10 minutes later…

Me: Fine! Fine! But this is it buddy, no more changing your mind!

* * * * *

This year I decided I wanted to go all out for Ajax’s fourth birthday. By all out, I mean as all out as a noncrafty, working full time, gotta snag ideas from pinterest, type of party I could muster. And as we are now in a larger house, it meant we could invite more people and not be sitting in each others laps. Which of course added to the overall pressure of party planning.

I took Friday off to prep for the party and bake cupcakes. I made way to many and now my coworkers are going to be very excited on Monday for TMNT cupcakes I’m sure. I kept decorations pretty simple, again taking ideas from pinterest and more crafty persons. Dave and my mother in law were on slime detail Friday night (which we gave out as favors, I used the Borax recipe, but to do over I would have used the non-Borax recipe for little ones). We did a lot of the setting up on Friday night, which was wonderful, as Ajax had his first soccer practice Saturday morning (the party was at 2 pm).

This was the night before. This was also the most organized I’ve been for a family function. Normally I’m still in the kitchen when guests arrive and this time I did not want to be chained to a stove. That’s why we embraced the KISS principle and kept it very simple- chips, dip, apples slices, carrots, pizza (open a bag and go).

Instead of buying helium balloons, this was my modification for table decorations. Ajax thought they were pretty cool.

How awesome are these cupcakes? Yes, a little amateur, but they are the first I have ever attempted and was quite proud. The frosting, however, kept running and the white frosting bag busted, so everyone got blacks eyes.

For an activity, I set up the table with crayons, TMNT print offs, stickers (random, cheap stickers from the dollar store that the kids LOVED), and little paper bag books. Plus, twizzlers in Mason jars, which the adults kept eating before the party, lol.

Green slime with instructions for people to take home.

Ajax did very well this time around when everyone sang happy birthday. He was so cute.

He did a double take when Dave brought out the bike and has been riding it around the house.

Skyping Papa after the party as he unfortunately couldn’t make it down for the party. Ajax loved showing him all his presents.

Overall, Ajax had a great birthday party. He had a ton of fun with his friends and cousins, he ran and played and was an excellent host. He thanked everyone that came and gave big hugs when people left.

Easter (part 2)

The egg hunt on Saturday was also a combination birthday party for Ajax (3) and Tyler (6). Ajax still got embarrassed when everyone sang happy birthday and kept looking down at his lap, it was so cute, and then blew out all his candles. The kids did well opening their presents and Ajax received some wonderful and thoughtful gifts. Thank you so much family and friends! All the kids seemed to get a kick out of the birthday twist as well and had fun crowding around the two birthday boys. After presents there was more food to eat and the kids went back outside into the awesome weather and continued playing outside. On a side note, I hope Ajax doesn’t think that having three parties is the norm. We had a party at home, a party at the babysitters house, and a party up north.

On Sunday, we had an early family dinner for Easter, but no one made it to Church. Ajax did laps around the kitchen and chased the dogs on his new scooter that he received and even took one spill trying to do a quick turn. The helmet the aunts bought him (though age appropriate) does not fit his large head and we need to exchange it for a larger one, lol. Ajax even got in some tractor time and exploring with his Papa and great uncle. Apparently they all discovered “dinosaur” bones in the woods, which Ajax is still talking about.

Sunday night, Dave’s sisters came down and stayed the night and then watched Ajax on Monday. Ajax had so much fun with his aunts. They took Piper (Lisa’s dog) on a walk and went to the park and had an overall good time. Thank you! As a matter of fact on Monday morning when Dave and I were getting ready for work, Ajax asked that we leave so that he could hang out with his buddies.

DSCN9780 — Aunt Theresa putting his scooter together.

Easter (part 1)

This year Easter was spent up north. Dave and I both had Good Friday off, so we headed up Friday afternoon. Traffic was a bit heavy, but otherwise ok. Ajax did excellent on the way up and spoke about tractors constantly (this child has a one track mind focused entirely on tractors). As soon as we got up north Ajax was on the John Deere with his Papa and soon after Dave’s uncle got there with two of his granddaughters (who are a little older than Ajax). Those three kids played nonstop until the sun went down- they went for rids and dug holes. Ajax is all about digging holes right now.

On Saturday, Dave’s extended family came over with their kids and we had an Easter egg hunt. The adults hid close to 800 eggs for about 10 kids. The kids were practically tripping over eggs. It was hilarious. Ajax had a blast and filled up his basket. About half way through he discovered that there was candy in the eggs and that was about it for him, he just wanted to sit down and eat candy. After that they had a piñata. It was Ajax’s first piñata and he got in several excellent hits. Ajax loves playing with his cousins and they all get along so well. It was so cute.

DSCN9691 — Watching tractors with Aunt Lisa.

DSCN9697 — Digging holes with Ali and Bella.

DSCN9701 — What child doesn't love a big mountain of dirt to play on?

DSCN9704 — Waiting to be released to start the egg hunt.

DSCN9743 — Getting some instruction from papa.

Birthday party – 3!

We had Ajax’s birthday party yesterday. Celebrating three years! I cannot believe it, I really can’t. Three! We’re trying to get him accustomed to saying that he is three now, but so far he has steadfastly refused and declared that he is still two. Technically he is correct as his birthday isn’t till Tuesday. lol.

The weather was cold and wet, so we were stuck inside the house, which was a shame as we were just enjoying above average temperatures… oh well, everyone had a great time and we enjoyed some good food, and of course Ajax had a blast, which was of course the whole point!

Ajax had fun showing everyone his toys and tractors. He got a little embarrassed when everyone sang him happy birthday, but smiled and giggled throughout. I made him his favorite cake – angel food cake with fresh strawberries- and he loved it. We also made homemade lemon bars, which Ajax had fun making.

Thank you family for coming out and celebrating with us!

Hello 2012!

I wish I could say that our week off has been relaxing and easy-going, but that would not be entirely accurate. Of course, I have truly enjoyed the time with my family and being at home, but I wonder, as a parent, how my child can both amaze and humor me while at the same time push every button in my anger index. My emotional highs/lows are mostly attributed to the fact that I’m slowly making my way through the first trimester (due date July 22) and am sick about 24 hours a day. My anti-nausea medicine only seems to take the edge off, but at least I’m not throwing up constantly.

Yesterday Dave and I took Ajax into the doctors office where he of course – of course – has fluid in his right ear. This was not his ear specialist as it was Saturday and New Year’s Eve, so it looks like I’ll be calling the specialist on Monday to see what’s going on. The fluid in his ear has been bothering him terribly and he has not been sleeping well, nor has he been the best mood. My poor little guy. Of course it’s the holiday season and he has an ear problem. He is also developing a cough, so it seems a small cold is now following.

Our New Year’s was spent at home with Ajax in bed by 7 pm with some children’s advil. He slept for a solid 12 hours. He so needed it. Dave and I ended up watching a movie and falling asleep by 10 pm, lol, we were both exhausted and we so needed the sleep.

Potty training is somewhere between a rock and a hard place and I’m not too sure where that leaves us. Ajax has been doing much better this time around than last. He is still having accidents, but now he seems to realize he’s peeing and can usually stop himself to go sit on the potty. Dave and I are still asking him constantly if he has to pee, which I’m sure is annoying him. Because we realized how sick and tired he was Dave and I decided to prematurely end potty training yesterday and put him in a diaper (during a small meltdown), but this morning Ajax told me he had to use the potty (even though he had a diaper on) and in a parent-panic moment I thought – OH NO, we’re confusing him! I put him on the potty and Ajax specifically said he didn’t want to wear diapers, or pull-ups and wanted his underwear… sigh. We made one trip to Target (in underwear) where he actually used the restroom and he made it through a nap with no accidents. All said and done, I have no idea where that leaves us, but we are home tomorrow and we’ll see how it goes.

DSCN9434 — Ajax at 7 am playing with his tractors.

Video of Christmas morning

Here’s a cute video of Christmas morning at our house. Again, Ajax’s excitement was just the funniest thing to watch.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPbCD8vx4Sg&w=420&h=315]

Christmas 2011

This year Ajax really grasped onto the idea of Christmas. Of course, what little kid wouldn’t latch onto such a concept, lol.

Christmas Eve my parents, Grandma Flo, Aunt Lynda, Aunt Liz, and cousins, Mike and Ryan, all came over to our home for dinner. We had a ton of excellent food and it was wonderful having everyone over and being with family. Ajax was of course in heaven having so many people over and pulled each one into his room to show off his toys and such.

Christmas morning in our house began at 6:15 am when Ajax declared that we should all get up. He was so excited coming into the living room and seeing the presents under the tree. He was just as excited to tear into each and every gift as well. He also helped Dave and I open our gifts, which was fine. Dave made us our traditional huge breakfast while we watched Cars 1, Cars 2, and then Toy Story.

Around 4 pm we loaded up and headed over to my cousin Tina’s house for Christmas dinner (which is my dad’s side of the family). There Ajax had three other little cousins to play with all around his age (ages 4 – 2). To say he had a fun time would be an understatement. That child did not sit still for more than two minutes. And I had to bribe him with a candy cane during those two minutes while I tried to shove a few bites of pasta into him for dinner. We didn’t leave till almost 10 pm, the latest I think Ajax has been up in a long long time. He talked all the way home and then requested the Beach Boys.

Christmas Eve - getting ready to open a few presents.

DSCN9379 — Opening gifts with his cousin mike.

DSCN9408 — The disaster that was our living room, lol.

DSCN9411 — Christmas dinner - the only time the kids sat still was to watch the Grinch.

Santa and trains

This morning we headed to the mall to visit Santa. Ajax was so excited to see Santa this year. In line we discussed Santa’s job, what he would say to Santa, and that he would get his picture taken. Ajax was all over this and could hardly wait for his turn. As soon as it was his turn, however, all bets were off and he dropped his chin to his chest and stared at the ground, lol. We herded him toward Santa and he shuffled his feet. He sat on Santa’s lap but refused to talk. Santa was really cheerful and Ajax finally opened up (once the topic of tractors came up) and even said, thank you, when we left.

Before seeing Santa we went on a train ride around the mall. The box cars this year were bigger, which was nice for the adults and Ajax got a kick out of it. At one point the train slowed down and someone passed out smoothie samples. I’m not sure who thought this was a great idea but within a matter of seconds Ajax had spilled it on my pants and gotten it all over his hands, lol.

He actually bit his shirt for most of the meeting with Santa. We also had the place take photos and those turned out nice, but I don’t have them on the computer, these are the ones Dave took.

We also put up our christmas tree today and it looks quite nice. Ajax helped put on the ornaments and they are all clustered on about five branches, lol.