Will we ever get well?!?!?!?

Once we returned from Hilton Head everyone's health seemed to decline.  Well, everyone but Dave.  My grandfather had surgery and had a super rough recovery, but thankfully pulled through just fine.  Jett and Brody ended up with Bronchitis, that lasted weeks, and I found out I was hypothyroid, developed Pneumonia, Pleurisy and broke a rib from coughing, all while trying to navigate the difficulties of first trimester pregnancy.  Needless to say it was a bad 4-5 weeks and I am so grateful that we all are currently healthy and have overcome all of out sickness and baby # 3 seems to be doing great despite it all. 

Polar Express

This year we bought tickets for the Polar Express train ride with Brett and Andrea and the boys.  This event sells out quick so we bought them back in August and had looked forward to this night for a long time.  All 5 boys were over the top with excitement. 

Once we arrived the boys excitement grew uncontrollably and the adults expectations of the event went on a steady nose dive.  When we checked in we were told there were no bathrooms on the train.  WHAT?!?!?!?  No bathrooms on the 90 min train.  We just couldn't believe it.  What kid friendly even has no bathrooms.  So we scrambled and because we arrived so close to departure time we ran the kids outside and had them pee by the car.  Once we boarded were instructed that we all were to remain seated for the duration of the trip.  Dave, Brett, Andrea an I quickly looked at each other all thinking the same thing.....That's not happening.  Our kids were bouncing off the walls excited.  By the grace of God we were seated at the end of the train and had a few empty rows around us, so the boys could jump from seat to seat. 

The train left the station and we were off........but it was dark so you couldn't really tell we were moving.  There were very few lights outside so you really didn't know you were going anywhere.  They passed out hot chocolate (which since there were no bathrooms we didn't let the kids have) and cookies but that was it for the 45 min out.  Once the train stopped there was a pretty sad depiction of the North Pole.  To our surprise the boys totally bought it.  Brody even told us they couldn't get out because we might see the elves and all the presents.  At this point Santa and a big walking teddy bear boarded the train and walked threw to say hi to all the kids.  Then we headed back to the station.  That was it, and like I said before the kids loved it but we all thought it was a joke and could have been so much better with just a little effort. 

Brody Turns 4!!

This year has been the first year that Brody helped plan his birthday party.  He told us he wanted a party and Chuck E Cheese and he informed us on who we should invite.  It was fun to see him get excited about his party and count down the days.  He actually got three parties; which he often reminded you of. One party with Grandma and the Groh family because they were going to miss his Chuck E Cheese party, his Chuck E Cheese party with his friends and his party at school. 

Grandmas party was great!  Brody got to spend the night with the Groh kids and he was showered with gifts, attention and a homemade red cake.  He loved it and his smile in his pictures showed it.  His Chuck E Cheese party turned out to be kind of small.  Most people were traveling for the holidays so they were unable to make it.  The final attendants were Cole, Graham, Knox, Andrea, Brett, Nana, Clark, Holly, Aaron, Jamie and Sydney.  Luckily for us Chuck E Cheese was kind of dead and the kids were able to run all over and had the place to themselves. 

Brody at first was super excited about his school Party but the night before he panicked.  He was so frightened and begged me not to take him to school the next morning.  He said he didn't want to turn 4 and he just wanted to be three.  He cried so hard and was truly frightened.  It really broke our hearts.  Dave and I laid with him that night and tried to calm his fears but neither one of us really could pinpoint why he was so scared.  Luckily he finally fell asleep and slept well all night.  That morning I woke him up before I left so I could wish him Happy Birthday and console him one last time if he still was scared.  Boy that was a mistake.  He immediately started to cry and begged me not to go to work.  He even ran after me outside.  He has NEVER acted this way before, and I was broken hearted to leave him that day.  Once I left him and Sara continued to talk and she told him he was already 4.  Brody apparently ran to the bathroom and was touching and pinching his face.  He kept saying, "It already happened? I'm 4? But I am still Brody! I'm not a daddy yet!"  So I guess this was the source of his anxiety he thought he was going to change into a daddy overnight.  Poor guy!  Sara walked him into school that day to give his teacher Ms. Anne a heads up incase Brody had another meltdown.  Ms. Anne couldn't believe he was scared of turning 4.  Brody ended up having an great time at his school party and told all of his friends that they didn't need to be scared when they turn 4 because nothing happens.  I'm so glad his special day ended up going well for him! 

Hilton Head Island

This year I decided to finally take advantage of the education money I get from work and I attended a conference in Hilton Head.  Peggy was in between jobs so it was perfect timing for her and I and the boys to take a little vacation.  We rented a 2 bedroom condo near the hotel where the conference was being held and just had a blast. 

Outside of the time I was at lectures we spent our days playing at parks, playing on the beach and eating seafood.  It was the off season so we never had to wait to eat and there were no crowds.  The boys just loved the beach and playing in the sand.  We all also enjoyed spending some vacation time away with Grandma.  It was great to get away, have a break from home life, and enjoy a little sunshine before winter hits.