'Tis the Season

2011 is drawing to an end, and we are packing every last day with fun and holiday cheer. We kicked off our Thanksgiving a week early by celebrating with our close friends at the Annual "Slootsgiving." I am always saying this, but we are so thankful for the amazing friendships we have made here. Friends who are like family.

Cohen and Ellie sharing a quiet dinner for two. Ha! I think Cohen really thought he was on a date. He wouldn't let anyone sit between him and Ellie.

On Thursday, we started our morning by watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Cohen loved all of the floats. Good thing we taped it - He watched it all weekend long.

Around 10, we headed Uptown for Charlotte's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The boys had a blast watching the floats, eating cotton candy and dancing with the marching bands. And Cohen has now perfected his wave. He loved seeing the beauty queens on the floats, and his imitation of their wave is hilarious.

We missed our family, but they were with us in spirit. Laura and Mike ate dinner with us, and we had a wonderful day filled with fun, laughter and thankfulness.

Yesterday, we decided to hit the mall first thing in the morning to meet Santa. The line wasn't that long, but it took a good hour until it was our turn to sit on Santa's lap. Cohen was so excited to meet the big guy. He saw the other parents taking pictures of their children by the huge Christmas tree, and he walked over and asked me to take his. So sweet. But he wouldn't look at the camera. He just stared off saying, "Cheese!"

Henry was restless and an absolute mess. He spilled a smoothie all over his shirt and was covered in candy cane by picture time.

I knew Henry was going to lose his mind the second it was our turn. Cohen was apprehensive too.

One hour, four candy canes and $25 later, we rushed out of there as quickly as possible. After we scooped Henry off Santa's lap, I told Cohen to quickly tell him what he wanted for Christmas. He looked at me and said, "I wanna get down." I don't blame them either. Santa was pretty grumpy.

Tidbits

This time of year always seems to slip by so quickly. There's a chill in the air, and it's definitely starting to feel like the holidays.

Here are some photos snapped over the past month on my phone. We have been too busy to break out the good camera! Enjoy...

Now that Henry's schedule is more flexible, he is loving going on adventures! Discovery Place, ImaginOn and the Nature Museum are just a few of his favorite places. I can't pull him away from the water table at DP. And the apron does nothing for this one. Henry is soaked head to toe by the time we have to leave.

Cohen got a "Big Boy Bike" last month - it was an early birthday present! All the children on our street meet outside in the evening to ride bikes. Cohen has gotten really good at riding his Strider (a no-pedal bike). He can balance and coast like a big boy! We will be upgrading him to an even bigger boy bike in no time (with no training wheels). Here's a picture of him passed out with his helmet on and snack. He wore himself out.

Cohen loves Curious George! His teachers at school have let him take home the class' Curious George every week. He also has his own now. I found him snuggling with both one morning.

Henry on the truck at ImaginOn - He squeals with excitement everywhere we go.


There are so many tidbits that I could write about. These boys crack me up all day long!

• Henry walks everywhere! He loves chasing us around the house. Every night, David leads a marching parade around the house - the boys love following him. Cohen rotates playing his harmonica and drums, and Henry claps and squeals chasing behind.



• I love having conversations with Cohen. You never know what is going to come out of his mouth. I asked him the other night what he wanted to do in the morning. He responded, "Go to CVS." He loves the truck selection there.



• Every night before heading to bed, Cohen gives us his "big eyes" and says, "I wanna go Cwrazy!" It is hilarious watching him dance all over the place.



• I know it probably feels like they're on a rollercoaster at times while riding in the car with me. Cohen screams, "Weeee!" while holding his arms in the air as we go down hills. Henry gets the biggest kick out of it too, squealing and clapping his hands.



• Henry points to his nose and head when we ask him where they are. I've worked on this for a while, but he wouldn't do it for me - it took Big Brother Cohen to help Henry out with this one. He also has a ball doing peek-a-boo, playing patty cake and singing "If You're Happy and You Know It." Henry is pure joy, always wearing a huge grin.

To Infinity and Beyond!

We bought the boys' Halloween costumes a little early this year - Cohen has been dressing up as Buzz Lightyear at least a few times a weeks since August. Cohen was so excited when the big day finally arrived. That morning, I told him that it was Halloween and he said, "It's here! I wuv you, Mom!" In the morning, Cohen went to school and had a crazy Halloween party with "M&Ms, popcorn and cookies." We trick-or-treated with all of our neighborhood friends in the evening. Henry was happy to be amongst the excitement. Cohen had the best time running to each neighbor's house and collecting candy.

Our little Alien & Buzz...

"To infinity and beyond!"

Today is November 4th...Happy 14-month birthday sweet Hendog!