Aunt Debbie and Almost-Uncle Lucas!

We were MOST privileged to receive a visit from the very popular Aunt D. and Almost-uncle Lucas (or OOcas, as Eden calls him in her nightly prayer).  We had so much fun!  Very exciting to add a member to the family, and a great one at that!


Breakfast at the El Salvadorean buffet!

Outside the JFK library on a blustery day

Always a ninja, never just a boy!

The traditional Irish Dancing show may have gotten a little long for some customers.  Visual evidence of just how fazed we are by toddler tantrums at this point in the journey. 

 The Duck tours weren't open for the season just yet, so the boys got to go in 'that red thing' at the Museum of Science.  I could not count how many times I've been peppered with requests to ride it.  They were mighty pleased!!

Walking back to the car in Cambridge...my New England boys have no desire whatsoever for a jacket if the temp. is over ~37.  It's been cold, and I'll admit, 40 feels pretty balmy lately.

Sick Daddy

Daddy is suffering from the flu (or something like it), but he's not too sick to read his babies a story.  Oh, that these days could last a little longer (the time with the kids, that is, not the flu)!

Asher--the symmetry phase

Before I get to the title topic, a note that Owen STILL has not lost that tooth yet!!  It is incredible.  I think he holds it in all day with his tongue.  I have noticed when I am brushing it that he pushes against it with his tongue to keep it in place.  Now that is stubborn.  Dentist visit on Wednesday that I a counting on to take care of it :)

Now, a spotlight on my sweet Asher.  Who can't love this face?

Remember the puzzle phase?  Unlike his big brother, Asher tends to get interested in something and dive fully in, completely immersing himself in his current obsession.  It's quite fascinating to see his brain working on understanding something and toying with it over and over until one day he's done, and moves onto the next thing (hasn't touched a puzzle in a good long while).  Lately, he has started playing more with drawing freehand rather than coloring in pictures, and he is fascinated with symmetry.  I think his drawings are fun and impressive!  Here are some of his symmetry studies in order of how he made them: 

Ok, so he didn't quite get things flipped perfectly here as he was aiming for, but he got the 1 flipped!

I think it's amazing how he figures out how to make mirrored marks on either side of an axis!  Maybe that's a normal skill.  (We mom's are an easily impressed set when it comes to our own kids, yes?)

This one was given to Daddy when he got home from work and Asher made him guess what it was.  After many wrong guesses Asher finally yelled gleefully, "NO Daddy.  It's a MICROROBOT!!!"  Of course!

"The Boys"

New Eden cute-ism this morning.  Came downstairs and sees brothers and says, "Hi boys!"  That's the first time she's used "boys" as a label and just struck us a sweet.

Owen, toothclops.  He will not touch the tooth nor allow anyone near his mouth.  Ate the first one.  

 Does everyone get turkeys in the swingset, or is that a New England thing?

Asher, all concentration following 'learn to draw' directions.

Edie-pie

This is one of those videos that you just shouldn't bother clicking on unless you're a grandparent, and a grandparent very interested in pretty boring footage.  Long movie of Eden pretend-napping (a new trend around here) and singing.  (Pardon mine.)

Speaking of pretend napping, she has taken barely a nap since she turned 2.  Every day she is in that crib for at least 1.25 usually 1.5hrs.  She is tired.  No nap.  She says, "I wake up!" and proceeds to play every day.  I guess she must not be *that* tired.  Ugh.  She is cute as she plays in the dark talking to herself and playing with her blanket.  I would feel bad if she weren't generally having a good time in there!

Click here for Eden footage

In other news, Reuel and the boys left at 6:30am to ski all day and had a blast, my sister found a wedding dress on her first day out, I baked 3 large double recipes of cookies for church fellowship time tomorrow, and put together a bookcase for Eden's room, and halfway through the bookcase came down with a stomach bug.  Which is why I'm still up...too queasy to sleep much.  Also chills and aches but no fever, never had that before.  So all 3 trays of food wasted for tomorrow!  Bummer!!  Drat you public school!!

Another O quote

Talking at bedtime, in the dark, sitting together:

I am so excited Aunt Debbie is getting married!!  It is going to be so much fun for you to get to go to a wedding.  And you're getting a new uncle!!

O:  I know.  Mom, I really hope Aunt Debbie gets a baby.

No pressure intended!  Just recordin' memories :)

O quote

Me:  Here Owen, want to shave? (hands over Dad's electric razor which he only uses when in a hurry)
Owen:  No way, that will hurt!
Me: Nope, doesn't hurt, here try it.
Owen:  Oh it just tickles.  I thought it hurt unless you put whipped cream on your face first.