Gavin at 6

September 19th was Gavin's 6th Birthday. It fell on a Sunday, so we decided to have a friend party on the Friday before. He invited friends from church and his cousins who live in town to his "skeleton" party. We had pizza and root beer, had a treasure hunt and ate Icecream cake. Then Gavin opened his presents. He was so excited and each friend was so thoughtful with their gifts. Gavin was ecstatic. On Sunday evening we had cake and icecream with family. Gavin was so excited that he got to have two birthday parties. He got so many presents and pretty much got everything on his wish list. He has been really gracious, sharing his presents with Tyrone, who insists that they are now his toys as well. These past 6 years have dragged on at times, but I also find myself wondering when did Gavin grow up so fast. He is turning into such a sweet, mature young man. He is a great helper to me and he loves learning and doing grown up things, like using a can opener. He is a blessing to have in our family and we love him dearly.

Back to School

Gavin started 1st grade this year. He is really enjoying it so far. Even though he has been going to school for a few years already, the separation this year was the hardest for me. I think the fact that he's gone from 9am-3pm every day is the main reason, but I guess I realize that this is where you start letting go as a mother. The school doesn't let you walk your child to their line on the playground. The day that I had to say goodbye and let him walk through the school gate alone was really hard for me. When I hugged him goodbye, I could feel his little heart beating a million miles a minute. I know he was scared. Each day as I part with him at the gate and he walks away, I have a flashback to when I started each new grade, or when we moved to America and started a brand new school in a completely different country. I know Gavin is going to make friends and he will be fine at school, it's just the letting go that I'm getting used to. He's doing much better with his homework already. I mentioned in a post at the end of the school year that I was considering putting him on medication for ADHD. The doctor prescribed some, but I just kept feeling an overwhelming prompting not to fill the prescription. I think Gavin just needs a little extra help and I think eventually he will catch up. That's what I'm praying for anyway.
Tyrone started preschool. He goes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I'm part of a Joy School group. It's me and 5 other moms. We take turns teaching the curriculum each week in each of our homes. Most of the ladies did it last year, so we are working on year 2. Tyrone absolutely loves it already. He talks non stop all day long anyway, but now the talking is intermingled with songs and he tells me about what he has learned and who said this and that. It's really good for him and I know he is going to be so ready for Kindergarten by the end of Joy School. It really is a fantastic program.
Niamh is almost 2 and thinks she is that already. She is obsessed with the Tim Burton version of Alice in Wonderland. She watches it from start to finish and multiple times a day. She even sings the theme music as we're driving along in the car. She talks so well and is growing up way too fast. The other day, my mother-in-law compared her to Shirley Temple. She has the silliest expressions and is always running around or dancing. We took pictures recently and when it was her turn, she posed all by herself and was even rolling around on the ground and looking at the camera. It is so fun having a little girl, I'm loving it.
~Life is really busy right now. I'm trying to get back into some sort of routine since slacking all summer long. The kids and Lucas cannot wait for Halloween, Lucas already bought Candy Corn and decorations. Football season starts tonight, so I guess I won't be seeing Lucas until January when the season ends. I'm still learning what the whole game is about. I mainly just enjoy watching the players run around in their tight pants :)

A beach day

We wanted to go to California to the beach before school started back. We headed down on a Monday, spent most of the day at the beach, went to downtown Disney and stayed overnight. We left the next morning and headed back to Vegas. It was a really quick beach trip but so worth it.

Living Life

I haven't had much to post about this month. Our lives are pretty uneventful for the most part. Last week, Lucas' brother and his wife went out of town with their kids. They invited us to house sit for them for 4 days. It was so nice of them to open their home to us. They have a beautiful home and an awesome pool. The kids were in heaven and we spent most of our days swimming. It was a nice little break from our normal routine. My sister and her family usually go to Florida for the month of August to visit her in-laws. She also asked us to house sit and use her pool. Needless to say, we are very spoiled and are really enjoying this summer. We went to the lake with Lucas' brother Jon and his family a few weeks ago. It was so fun to spend that time with the cousins and get out on the lake. When we docked, Lucas and I jumped out with Tyrone and Niamh. We left Gavin on the boat with my sister-in-law Rachelle and her kids while we went to get our car. Tyrone was very concerned and kept asking where Gavin was. Lucas thought it was funny to tell Tyrone that we had thrown Gavin in the lake and that he was gone. Tyrone burst into tears and was unconsolable until he actually saw Gavin. It was so sweet and heart breaking at the same time. Gavin & Tyrone have been fighting like dogs for the past few weeks. I am really looking forward to when school starts back, but it warmed my heart to see how much Tyrone loves his brother. He looks up to Gavin so much and it brings me such joy to see how close they are.

30 years alive

My 30th Birthday was on July 9. I was really looking forward to turning 30, I don't know why. A lot of people dread arriving at this year of their life but for me I was so ready. Maybe because I am so mature and all :) This year was really special because Lucas and I arranged a staycation here in town. We dropped the kids at my mam's in Alamo and we stayed at the Mirage for 3 days. It was seriously the most amazing birthday I have ever had. We got a killer deal on a Mercedes to drive around (Lucas' brother works for Mercedes, so we got a fantastic hook-up.) That was really the icing on the cake. We also got to see the Cirque du Soleil show LOVE. It was out of this world and I found myself once again falling in love with The Beatles. We ate at all our favorite yummy places, Lucilles, The Yardhouse & The Cheesecake Factory to name a few. Our room was spectacular, we had a strip view and our room was upgraded by a sweet friend. Lucas even tried his hand at some Roulette and we walked away twice with $100, only starting with $10. We really missed our kids, but that time together was priceles to us. We're already planning our Anniversary this December.

Independance Day

We celebrated the 4th of July in Alamo with my family this year. I really look forward to going to Alamo to enjoy the parade and the kids really enjoy the games and booths there. This year was really perfect. It wasn't as hot as it usually is on July 4th and it was just a really laid back day. We made different pizzas for lunch. My sister Trudi made the best BBQ chicken pizza EVER. My family surprised me with a birthday cake and presents for my birthday which was the next week. The kids had a blast swimming and lighting sparklers. In the evening we went down to the church ballfield where everyone congregates with blankets and chairs to enjoy the fireworks. They always do an amazing job with the fireworks and the patriotic music they play along with the fireworks always brings a tear to the eye. It was one of my best 4th of July's by far. I'm so happy to be able to adopt this holiday and I'm so grateful for all the men and women who fought for this country to be a free land. God Bless America.

Niamh Liberty

Gavin & Tyrone after the money spray

Gavin with his "Harry Potter" sparkler

Beverley, Trudi, Mam & Me

Lewis, Bev, Niamh & Mam

Lucas & Me

The boys with their lightsabers

Gavin & Tyrone learn to swim

For the past 2 summers, Lucas and I have talked about signing the boys up for swimming lessons. We always procrastinate and before we know it, the summer is long gone. We spent a week in June taking care of Lucas' brothers 4 children. We were able to use their awesome pool everyday, all day long. One day both Gavin & Tyrone wanted to take their life jackets off and try to swim. And they did. It was awesome, a miracle :) They were so happy and confident and I am still amazed how they taught themselves to swim. Gavin has always been a little fish and he is very confident and can swim under water and come up to breathe every now and then. Tyrone loves to follow his older brother. He doesn't trust himself quite as much but he is getting better and better each time we go swimming. I am so proud of my little men!