To Everything There is a Season...: January 2011

Friday, January 21, 2011

Their Wolf

Scouting is not taken lightly to these boys. They take it very serious and love every minute of it. Tuesday night at pack meeting they both received their WOLF badge and also a number of belt loops. Jackson was entertaining as usual. Every time he would get an award he would say something like, "Sweet!" or give his token shrug or his head tilt while shooting his thumbs up. Mostly you need to be there to get the full effect.

Leighton received his award in stride, much more composed but not quite as entertaining. He always has a ton of questions to ask the scout master though. He doesn't have a shy bone in his body. My parents were in town for the evening and they were able to come with us. As we were sitting there my mom asked me if they liked their scout leader. I quickly replied, "They love her. In fact, I don't think there's anybody they don't like." They are very likable, loving boys.

They did a role play where one boy was a complainer and this is Jackson playing the complainer. He keeps the room laughing. Their Scout Master does such a great job at educating the boys while making it fun. I am so grateful there are so many willing people to teach and be role models for our kids. As crazy as "Vegas" is known to be, it really is full of wonderful people!

Friday, January 14, 2011

Danish Christmas

Still waiting for the professional picture but here it a little taste of our holiday! You can tell what Boston is thinking. Wait till you see all the adults...

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Pig Hunting

Eric never ceases to amaze me with his versatility. He went to San Antonio, Texas, with a buddy, Jerry Reynolds, to hunt for wild pigs. He said it was FREEZING cold but a true experience. On one evening, they used a pack of dogs to chase the pigs down then only a knife to finish the job. Very barbaric.

He came across water buffalo and

this "thing." Looks like a deer but maybe not?

I hardly recognize this redneck side of him. On the day he was coming home he texted me with the most atrocious spelling and using odd words. I asked him if it was really him doing the texting and he said, "that's what 3 days of being a redneck will do to you." I think I prefer the more refined Eric (well, as refined as this household can be).

Monday, January 3, 2011

Music to my Ears?

Guitars were not on the twins Christmas list of wants but they always talk about wanting to play a guitar and appreciate a good guitarist. We took that as a sign they were ready to play an instrument. Their first choice: electric guitars. These may prove to be a little more than we bargained for. I told the twins they weren’t allowed to even touch the guitar with Dorito fingers or pick their noses while playing. Jackson’s response, “We’ll have a pick though.” Very clever.

If I appear to be hard of hearing in the future, you’ll know why.

Their teacher thinks he can handle them in the same session. We'll see...maybe they'll surprise us all and be the next garage band. Eric is very hopeful. He wants to be their drummer with Kennedy on the keyboard and Boston playing bass. That leaves me to be the singer. Eric says I sound like Angela Lansbury in Beauty and the Beast so I doubt I'll be hired.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Birthday Celebration!

Turning 12 is a big deal! Kennedy was hoping to celebrate in style so we surprised her with a trip to California.

A big advantage of living in Henderson is the proximity to California. Thursday morning we drove down to San Diego to say hello to Uncle Helmer and eat dinner at Kennedy's favorite place - The Fish Hut in Carlsbad. It was a bit chilly but we snuggled together and enjoyed the atmosphere. After dinner we drove to Anaheim where we stayed the night. We still hadn't told her what else we had planned.

In the morning we headed out to Knott's Berry Farm where her friend Grace was waiting. She was so thrilled to be able to not only spend the day with her family but her close friend too.

Ghostrider was the first ride and the last roller coaster for the boys. Eric waited in line with us for an hour only to realize he didn't fit. Such a bummer to have long legs in this instance. Kennedy, Grace and I braved a few other "scary" rides but the lines were long and food was important. We spent valuable time eating at Johnny Rockets because that's what we do. The twins just wanted to buy their souvenir and be done.

It was in the 50's and I was cold the whole day. Jackson, on the other hand, ditched his long-sleeved undershirt and sported this look. He's bringing sexy back!

Bumper cars are always fun. Everyone was able to ride in these.

Their guns - all they really cared about. Leighton commented as we were leaving the park, "This was so much fun. I thought we were just going to a farm with berries." It's best to have low expectations.

Kennedy was very thankful for the birthday surprise.

Kennedy and Grace won this stuffed animal for Boston in the ball toss. It was shedding all over everything. It will probably last a few days at our house.

We scoped out all the Italian fare in the area and settled on "Mama Cozza's" for New Year's Eve dinner. It was featured in Diner's, Drive-in's and Dive's. However, I hate to say it, it wasn't very good. Sorry Rylee. You might want to skip out on this one.

Kennedy disappeared at the end of the meal and came out of the bathroom sick. She had big plans of ringing in the new year by going to the fitness center at the hotel and soaking in the hot tub but all this was cut short. She went straight to bed. Her body cannot handle much greasy food and she over did it what with the apple fritter for breakfast, the French fries for lunch, the mozzarella sticks and pesto pasta for dinner. Poor thing. Every other year, she gets sick on her birthday.

Today, her actual birthday, we drove home and celebrated with dinner at Pei Wei. Grandpa and Grandma Bateman joined us. Luckily she was feeling much better and was able to enjoy her favorite Chinese food.

And her favorite dessert - cheesecake.

Tomorrow she will be an official "Young Woman" and she couldn't be more thrilled. We are thrilled with the daughter that she is and love her dearly.

Happy 12th Birthday Kennedy!