thanks for the memories

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Buzzlightyear and turning 50

 Well, yesterday I turned 50 and somehow I fail to see what the big deal is all about. I don't feel any different than when I was 49.  The fact that I cannot remember what 20 felt like is either a good thing or just another symptom of advancing age. Choose your pick.
Monday a friend that I have known since elementary school brought over this cake for my birthday.  Those who know me well know that I haven't done a whole lot of growing up since elementary school so the cake is totally appropriate.  Besides Buzz is one of my favorites.  This was an act of love pure and simple, thank you Renee.
My birthday itself started out as a terrible day, go figure.  Having a birthday in January and having been born on a day when there was a raging snow storm so bad that your dad couldn't be there for your birth should tell you something about any future birthdays. After taking MK to the neurologist, driving all over New Hartford shopping, dropping her and Layn at home only to have to go to Oneida to get scripts filled and HORRORS have to go to the DMV! I did get to spend a peaceful hour with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.  When I got home I was greeted with flowers from my son and soon to be daughter-in-law and my favorite kinds of liquor. MK made me a beautiful scarf and got me the Scrabble Dictionary and a musical card.
Best of all I got to share my cake with my best grandson. I would say that it was a super birthday for any age.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Harnessing the energy of a 21 month-old

Everytime we start to do housework Layn is right there wanting to "help" but very often his kind of help translates out to scattering the pile that was just swept up or dumping out the box of toys on the carpet that I want to vacuum.

He likes to push the swiffer around so Matthew decided to make his efforts productive by putting a sweeping pad on the head of the swiffer.  Bingo, he's actually helping!!!!! Okay, so the theory is somewhat flawed since someone has to go back and get all the places that he missed (translation, the whole floor) but at least he's not undoing what I am trying to get done.

Then there is the job of dusting. I don't know of a soul who actually enjoys that chore, except Layn.  Alright, he doesn't do that one very well either but you have to start somewhere. Oh, and don't tell me about child labor laws either.  He gets fed, diapers changed, and fresh laundry I think that's a good deal for doing a crummy job of helping with the housework.

A fun visit.

 The weekend of Caiti's visit we drove over to the Casino to see their gingerbread house display.  They have apparantly done this a couple of years now. (See how much I know and I am a native!) Anyway, I read about it in the paper and thought that my niece who is a terrific cook and baker would enjoy it.
This display was not only fun because of the sheer size and thought of the work that went into it and the cleverness of it all but Layn had a ball.
He and the two Nutcrackers that guarded the display became fast friends.  They had no hesitation about letting him in.

I am no photographer but there was actually "snow" in the form or soap bubbles falling while we were walking through courtesy of a gentleman who enjoyed Layn's reactions as much as we did.

These buildings were all edible except for the wooden frames that supported them. They were large enough so that a child of Layn's size could have played inside of them.

Each one sported a different snowman with a different style cap and scarf.  There were bridges and a huge waterwheel over the stream that ran alongside of the barn.  The silo was my favorite part. It was covered all in chocolate bars.

This church had "stained glass" windows that were lit from within.

I think that this will become an annual event for us.  I know that this kid enjoyed it as much as Layn did.

Scenes from MK's birthday

or, how to have a good time with family and friends.

Take one stinking cute kid,

add two rather goofy big ones (who don't mind acting like kids)

stir in a birthday girl and a rather large helping of cake!

Gently fold in the family treasure. (treat with care this one is fragile)

Top with baby smiles and lots of giggles.

and a family treasure who is game to learn anything (even how to bowl with the Wii)

Keep the smiles and giggles coming, they only make the day better.

And you have a birthday party that was enjoyed by all and one that will never be forgotten.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Making our own fun.

We don't have any problem with the kids going outside in all kinds of weather, after all we live in the North and that is the only way that we know to grow strong hearty kids.  But lets be reasonable here, the temps the past couple of days have been downright frigid and Layn is only 20 months old.

So his Auntie Cake thought she would give him the pleasure of playing in the snow without the sub-zero temps and the risk of illness.

No way a guy should miss his first real winter experience just because the thermometer isn't cooperating.

How many people do you know who can play in the snow while wearing their Tigger pajamas?

But unfortunately just as with anything else, all good things must come to an end and Layn's snow melted and the winter fun was all over.

Making acquaintances.

Ryan came home for Christmas leave and of course everyone greeted him with great excitement.  In spite of his large size and deceptively grown-up appearance he is just a large, cuddly teddy bear and all the kids seem to recognize that as soon as they come into contact with him. 
This trip home also gave him a chance to meet his new niece, Savannah and get reacquainted with Layn.
I think it was love at first sight.  He and Layn got along famously and Savannah loves her uncle as long as he has a bottle somewhere nearby.