Christmas Ornaments

This year and those to follow, Eamon & Aine will receive an ornament. The ornament will reflect their interests, ideas or thoughts at the time.

Eamon - this year he received tractor. Eamon LOVES machines. He enjoys riding around in the car spotting farm equipment, construction vehicles and cranes. He has been able to identify various types for a long time. Whenever we go to Home Depot or the like, Eamon spends a long time riding the tractors. He really enjoys visiting his Uncle Jim and actually riding on a John Deere. The only thing better than tractors to Eamon is trains.


Aine - this year, she received a butterfly. Aine loves nature. When we went to the Butterfly Pavilion at the Desert Botanical Gardens, she was in awe. She would jump up and down and gigle in glee. She crouched down and studied the butterflys. One even climbed onto her shirt and then her shoe. We have visited the pavilion a few times to give her more opportunities to visit the butterflies. Now she will spot them on our walks as well as in our yard.

Singing

Overheard in the car. Eamon singing to the tune of "Frosty the Snowman."

"Thomas, the tank engine, was a jolly, happy engine....with soul"

Fireworks

Yesterday the kids and I were cleaning the bathroom. I sprayed cleaner on the mirror. Eamon piped up, "Hey, you made fireworks!"

Holiday lights in the Desert

While the kids & I were in TX, Dave strung the house lights. He waited to set up our reindeer until Eamon & Aine could help. Here are some photos of the endeavor.

Gilbert Concert and Tree Lighting

Last night we attended the Gilbert Holiday celebration. We missed the tree lighting, but we were able to ttend the concert. The kids loved it. Aine danced, twirled and ran around the grass. Eamon rolled down the hill, ran, and hugged Rudolph. It was a great evening.

Seed Mosaics

We made these near Halloween. I just forgot to post them.

Aine

Eamon

Heather

Cold Head; Warm Heart

Eamon's Other Book Nook

Chatty Cathy

Aine is talking up a storm. I think her chatty cousins inspired her. She is now talking in short sentences. While on our return trip, she wanted to walk Ava. I suggested that we both hold the leash. She replied, "Me do."

Headed back to AZ

Tomorrow morning we are headed back to Arizona. We have had a delightful time and are very happy that the G clan is coming with us.

Thank You

Eamon & Aine were petting Nick, Ashlyn & Rachel's cat. We were discussing how his fur felt. I remarked that I could hear Nick purring. Eamon looked at me, and he said, "That is his Thank-you."

Playsilk Madness

Eamon & Ashlyn love wearing playsilk capes. We often dine, read and sleep with caped heroes.

Arboretum Adventures

We spent several hours today at the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden. It was delightful. We had our faces painted. Eamon chose Thomas, Aine wanted a snowperson, and I received a snowflake. Eamon & Aine loved running around the gardens and playing in the treehouses. I highly recommend this place as a beautiful spot to stroll and play. We forgot the camera, so these are the best photos we have.

Plano Holiday Parade

Yesterday we attended the Plano Christmas Parade. The kids loved it. We enjoyed listening to the marching bands and shouting "Happy Holidays" to everyone. Eamon especially liked the fact that the parade participants handed out candy. It was incredibly cold, so we were all bundled up in our hats, mittens and blankets. Santa rounded out the parade to the delight of Ashlyn, Eamon, Aine & Rachel.

Living Together

Ashlyn told us that she and Eamon are going to live together when they grow up. She also told us that they do not plan to have kids...Eamon does not want any.

Eamon said that he does actually want kids. Ashlyn surmised that they are still deciding.

Two

After dinner the other night, Erin was giving cookies to the kids . Ashlyn kept asking for two. When it came to Aine, she quipped, "TWO!"

She thinks we call cookies "two".

Overheard

While riding the elevator at the zoo, I overheard a little boy tell his mom tht he saw a baby. He was referring to Aine.

He then asked, "Can I pet her?"