Farewell to the Man Cave and Denver Bronco Room

Remember the Denver Broncos bedroom with the butterfly ceiling fan?

The BEFORE...

And, the AFTER...

Yes, that's Charlie perched high on Henry's curtain rod. Charlie is our Elf on the Shelf.

Perhaps you recall Sam's floor-to-ceiling brown man cave?

The BEFORE...

The AFTER...

Other renovation photos to come...

When Daddy went to Texas

Can you believe that until December, I had never spent a night at home without Wade since we married almost five years ago?! I've spent nights away while traveling, but never had I been home and Wade gone. The boys and I decided to make camp in our bed the first night daddy was gone. We read books, watched Toy Story, listened to books on my iPhone and giggled until it hurt.

O Tannenbaum

This was my attempt to divert Sam's attention away from the glass ornaments on our living room tree.

I thought perhaps if the boys had their very own tree, they might want to "play" with it and quit pulling the ornaments off our big tree. Wrong. They did, however, enjoy their tree. So much so that they insisted on re-decorating it every day. Sometimes multiple times a day. I helped them select the tree, but the trimmings were up to them. Of course they HAD to go with the giant outdoor colored lights. I mean, what other choices are there, really? And who could resist the red tinsel, green "glittery" star, and tree skirt featuring Santa and friends?!

As a bonus, I let each of them select two ornaments for their special tree. Sam's choices - a bright colored train and space ship. Henry's choices - a pink and white stripped candy cane, and...a giant frog sitting on a swing. Yes, a frog on a swing.

Morning Shenanigans

As I believe I've shared in prior posts, big brother has made multiple attempts to reclaim his crib. This particular morning, I woke to giggles from Sam's bedroom. I lay listening for awhile until my curiosity got the best of me and I had to see what Henry was doing to make Sam squeal. This is what I found...

Not only had Henry invited himself in to Sam's crib, but he'd invited all of their animals too.

It was still early...and my flash was bright.

Henry had better not mess with Sam's blanket!

Everything is better with Mickey. Especially with a Mickey twice our size.

Breakfast with Mickey

Last year, or maybe it was two years ago, Aunt Carolina gave us Mickey Mouse dishes for Christmas. Henry was elated when he was surprised with a cereal bar and Flintstones vitamin on a Mickey dish. Too bad I don't get this same reaction from Wade when I serve him a cereal bar.

Henry is such a good brother. He is mindful to point out Mickey to Mickey's #1 fan (Sam) every time he sees him.

This makes Sam very happy

Yawn

Yes! Milk in a Mickey tea cup!

He wasn't sure whether he wanted to drink it, or play with it. This seems to be the case with Henry's food most of the time nowadays.

Punching holes in his cereal bar. I mean, why eat your food when it's this much fun to play with?!

And just for grins...Henry with a tummy full of turkey...apparently this is the only photo I managed to snap during our Thanksgiving trip to Pampa and Dumas, TX.

Sam's clone

We were unable to make the Riseling Christmas gathering in Blackwell, but I understand this picture surfaced during the family shenanigans. In the picture are my cousins Lesa, Jamie and Blake...and my double cousin (dad's sister married my mom's brother...it's okay, I promise), Craig. Does the 18 month-ish Craig remind you of anyone?

Sam at 18 months

And just look how handsome Sam will be...we love you Craig and Caitlyn!

We heart the CDL

Sam's teachers surprised us with a Christmas gift - a CD full of pictures from the fall. Clearly, Sam loves going to "school" and has a wonderful time with his teachers and new friends. We couldn't be more pleased with the wonderful care both Sam and Henry receive from 8 to 5. It makes going to work a lot easier for this momma.

It's no wonder our Sam is the music man. It seems he gets lots of musical stimuli. Yay!

Listening to the guitar and playing along with his bells. (Notice all the orange...Game Day was Saturday. Go Pokes!)

Another day and more guitar.

Stomping the drum.

Mommy isn't even sure what this instrument is, but it sure looks fun!

Sam with Ms. Rachel

Going for a stroll around Theta Pond

Making his homemade "shaker"...or at least that's what we've been calling it. Sam loves to shake it, along with his booty, to the Mickey Mouse theme song.

Silly Sam

Our little artist, a talent he must get from his Great Grandmother Shirley.

All of Sam's teachers (and even other parents!) have commented about Sam's appetite. Needless to say, it's a very, um, healthy appetite.

Working on shapes with Ms. Bailey

More and more play. Thank you CDL for being such a blessing to our family!

Me and Sam at the CDL Thanksgiving family dinner. Since daddy wasn't able to make it, I got to partake twice. I had lunch with Henry at 11:00 and dessert with Sam at 11:30. And I was rolling (literally) to the parking lot by noon.

Reading books with Ms. Sandy, who authored our purchase at Hastings last night - Halley the Sheepdog.

Ms. Sandy's book

Sam's first field trip!

And his very brave teachers.