Sledding

A few weeks ago we took the boys to Mt. Lemmon for their first sledding experience.

It was a blast. After some circling around to find the perfect spot (aka a spot with enough snow to sled that doesn't send you into the path of traffic) we found our spot. 

Gavin wanted nothing to do with the sled and was content to hang out and throw snow balls at Mimi. Ayden on the other hand took to sledding quite bravely. After a few smaller runs he moved right on to the big hill complete with jump. Despite my earlier comment that we found a place that did not throw you into the road, when you move to the huge hill (which wasn't anticipated), that becomes a bit more of an issue.

So, I only captured a video of Ayden on the small slope as it took everyone's efforts to either ride with him or catch him at the bottom.

Though he got freaked out every time he hit the jump and every time he narrowly escaped catastrophe thanks to Daddy's timely tackling, he turned right around and marched back up the hill to do it again. 

I was very proud =)

He has been begging to go again every since.

A Reading by Ayden William Riley

Ayden has been writing his own superhero books.  He sits with daddy and works through a few pages at a time. Ayden dictates, Daddy writes, Daddy illustrates and Ayden colors. He currently has two finished products. 

Besides his doting parents, Ayden's biggest fan is Gavin. Often at night when asked what books he would like to read before bed, Gavin requests one of Aydens.

A few nights ago Ayden decided he would read the book to Gavin himself.

This is Ayden's first Superhero Story....

Stay tuned for his next masterpiece....*spoiler alert* - it is about superheros...but has a dedication page that will melt your heart.

Just a Little Face Painting...

As a little stocking stuffer, I gave a few of the kids this little face painting kit. I had thought it went virtually unnoticed until I came home one day to find they had broken them out and were enjoying quite the face painting party (as Ayden phrased it).

Of course, the best thing to do was join in =)

Art work 90% Gavin 10% Ayden

[Thank goodness for make-up remover wipes!]

James and the Giant Peach

I am so proud of Ayden. 

Tonight, we finished his very first chapter book, James and the Giant Peach. In fact, before we sat down to read, he pulled out the BFG, looked at the binding on the book and said, "I want to read the one about the Giant next". I inquired as to how he knew it was about a giant. He said that he saw the large person on the side of the book. [Duh!]

And so, we sat down, finished off James and the Giant Peach and started the BFG. I am thoroughly enjoying this time together. I am also amazed that Ayden will sit and listen to these stories (with very few pictures) and go night to night waiting to hear what happens next. When asked about the story, he is able to remember what happened and asks thoughtful questions. I know this is only the beginning of the adventure with Ayden. I am tingling with anticipation of all the thrilling and wonderful stories out there to be read and re-read.

Oh how I love new phases!

Christmas Chaos!

This was a our second christmas in our amazing home and the second christmas in a row that Mike, Dash, Zane, Thea and their extra large pups came to stay with us for almost two weeks. Further, Corinne and Joe were also in town for over a week. Needless to say, there were people all over the place!

Oh, what a blessed life we live.

The 4 kids ran around day in and and day out together with almost no issue. The adults found time to sleep-in, go for long runs, cook and play plenty of board games. The laughter was plenty and the love overflowing.

Sadly, throughout the entire visit the household was stricken with a bizarre stomach bug. It went from person to person, slowly and methodically, so only one person was down at a time and each affected to differing degrees. But, a testament to our holiday cheer, the show went on =)

And on it went in grand style if I do say so myself. This year we had a 12 foot beautiful tree decorated by the boys in handmade ornaments and Jeremy took the outdoor lights up a few notches. The huge front fireplace was fully lined with nine beautiful stockings, two advent calendars counted down the days until Santa and the boys each had christmas decorations adorning their rooms (as well as every other room in the house).

The gift opening, while more smooth than last year, was essentially a cluster (which goes against every bone in my body). We received (too) many wonderful, thoughtful and loving gifts.

We hosted dinner christmas eve for friends, christmas day for family and new years eve for friends. The house was always bustling. By the end of the two weeks, I think every inch of our house had seen ample use.

It was another successful Christmas/New Years holiday!

I hope your holiday was as filled with love as ours.

Below are some pictures and videos of the kids playing on Santa's gift to Gavin xmas morning =) 

It was a hit (good thinking MiMi!).

Madison "Madi" Camille

I spoke in my last blog about the female linage of which I am a part and of which my daughter will be the newest addition. The name we chose for our little one honors this lineage. Camille is my and my mom's middle name and my great grandmother's first name.

Though she is not in my direct lineage, there is another woman who has greatly impacted and influenced me though out my life; my aunt Tata (aka Madeleine or Mad).

Tata and I have always had a special relationship. I think at first because she was not only my doting aunt, but the mother of my nearest and dearest cousin and friend Scottie. I have spoken about Scott before and how he has been my best friend since he was born; how we have been through ups and downs together and how through it all including marriage and family life he does and will always hold this place in my heart and sole that no one else could fill.

As I grew from child to adult, Tata was always a presence in my life, whether I lived near or far. I feel most prominently her role as confidant and support during my parents' divorce forever changed me. Now that we live in the same city again (down the street from each other in fact) having her involved in not only my day-to-day life but my children's, is a blessing.

Tata is a smart, strong sensitive woman. She is empathetic and giving to a fault. I have watched her tackle many obstacles and admire how she grows, adapts and constantly looks for self improvement. I find often that I relate closely with her and have so many of the same tendencies, emotions, and views its scary!

So, in honor of Tata, we chose the name of Madison aka "Madi" for our daughter.

The Reveal

OH where to start. My blogging has been less than stellar. I can assure you it is not due to lack of material, but to too much material I simply cannot processes what to attack first and get so behind it seems hopeless!!

Lets start with some "brief" wrapping up.

The big reveal.

Yes, the day we found out what our little bundle #3 was going to be. With two boys under our belt the hopes were high for a little girl. Going in to the reveal I knew this was going to be my last pregnancy. It has been tough on me both mentally and physically...but honestly it is the mental part that has me closed down to the idea of 4 children. This topic however is for another post that I will (someday) write.

However, that said, I had spent many many many many hours thinking about what I would feel or want if it was a boy versus a girl. My conclusion was simple for girl. If it was a girl, it would be the perfect conclusion to the Riley family of 5. But, if it was a boy, I had spent some time thinking about and discussing with J the idea of adopting a little girl in a few years. Adopting is something we have been open to since before having children, so it was more a discussion of can we manage four children. 

Don't get me wrong, boys are AWESOME.....down right awesome, and we have been blessed with two very special and sweet boys at that. It's funny though because going into getting pregnant I was somewhat ambivalent to having a girl. I actually felt a little worried that it would throw off what is a great routine and balance we have with our boys now. But, as typically happens with me...once pregnant and hormones flying my feelings strongly change. Not to mention the endless number of people - often complete strangers - telling me I simply had to have a girl. And spending so much time with my mom these days realizing that I wouldn't have that relationship with a boy...

With all this, my mind was set that I needed a girl. Further, I truly felt for many reasons that I was in fact having a girl.

And thus we did our reveal, having the boys open large garbage bags full of colored balloons in front of tons of loving friends and family, both near and far. As you probably already know (since this post is two months old!) out came PINK balloons.

The reaction of my Grandmere is something I will never forget. Dressed in head-to-toe pink she was in tears when pink balloons emerged. Her long tearful embrace told me exactly why this little girl was the perfect addition to our family; she will continue a lineage of strong smart women whom I am so proud to be a part of and hope she too will feel as positively impacted by her mother and grandmother when she begins her family as I did.

So with the reveal of pink and the overwhelming feeling of peace and contentedness I felt, my family is now complete.