Growth Spurts

I don't notice the small changes taking place every day as the boys grow, but once in a while I look at them and think, "Holy cow! When did they get so big!"  This evening was such a time, so we got out the yardstick.

Jay grew 2.5 inches this past year (from his thumb to his index finger)! He is now 4 ft 3/4 in and very happy to be tall enough to go down the big slide at the water park. I think his crazy smile is due to his shorts being too small. I hadn't realized he never buttons his pants because they are all too tight. I thought he just didn't take the time.

Cole grew 1.5 inches and is now 4 ft 3 in. Although he still has a couple inches on Jay, they wear the same size. I'd like to put a dresser in the hall and throw all their clothes in it so I can stop trying to sort.

One of Rob's favorite activities is to guess how old the boys will be when they pass me in height. I feel fortunate to be fairly tall. It will be a strange day when I have to look up at them. 

Lego Robbery, directed and produced by Cole and Jay

Cole and Jay went to a fantastic camp last week where they learned to create stop-motion movies.

Grab some popcorn and prepare to be entertained!

Jay Promotes to Red Belt!

Cole's Possible Careers

Written on the back of a Brixx menu when we went out to eat:

1. Judge

2. Author

3. Planetary geologist

4. Police department

5. Detective

6. Lawyer

7. Jury

8. Scientist

9. Artist

10. Explorer

11. Inventor

12. Astronomer

Disney!

We had a great time at Disney World this year. We spent a day at Magic Kingdom, then another at Hollywood Studios. Our hotel was in the All Star Movies Resort and the boys were relieved to stay at the Toy Story complex and not a princess one.

We can't stop for a picture now!

Trapped by the evil emperor Zurg!

Log Ride. Love that Jay is smiling!

The new Star Wars ride was a favorite at Hollywood Studios.

Finally, a family photo at Hollywood Studios!

Jay was selected to be the torch holder at the Pirates of the Caribbean show. He took the role very seriously. 

Jay's Loose Tooth

Sooooooo loose, but not falling out!

Finally!

Thanksgiving 2012

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with Yingy and Grandpa Pat. They were able to stay the entire week that the boys had off from school. We had a delicious feast with lots of wine in delicate new Riedel glasses since the set Dad bought his last visit had all been broken. We had a few close calls with the new glasses when ninja warriors, jedi masters, and karate fighters fought fierce battles in the family room. One night we got a babysitter and went into Charleston for a wonderful dinner at Husk, my new favorite restaurant. The best part of the meal was the gluten-free corn bread! We also went to the Hunley Museum. The Hunley is a Civil War submarine that was the first sub to successfully sink a battleship. None of the men on board survived and the sub had been lost at sea until it was discovered in 1995. The history and conservation methods are fascinating. Overall, there was much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!

The Master Chef

Jay (and multiple glasses of wine)

I may never get a decent picture of Cole again!

Climbing into the full-scale model of the Hunley

Inside the Hunley