Happy 4th Birthday, Robin!

Our Christmas Tree

Our neighborhood had cookie decorating with Santa.
Robin stole Santa's seat when he left.
And then there was his first birthday party at school. Well, not really a party, but snack time was birthday cupcakes.
Here he is waiting patiently for his birthday party at the bounce house. Like the weight bench he got for his birthday? He likes to "train" while Dad is at work so he can get one up on him. One day I'm sure.

Abuela & Big Papa snuck in a few baskets at the party.
This yawn was well before pizza and cake. Needless to say, the day ended in total tears and meltdown. But it was fun while it lasted.
Ben 10 Cake. I did not make it and was happy about that decision.
Robin & Kyle
Me, Elisa, and my godchild Adrian. So cute!
And then guess who should arrive? Grammy. She flew in birthday evening and was there when Robin woke up. More presents and tons of fun ensued. Man, those two can crack each other up. One time Grammy was laughing so hard (& if you know her, you know what that sounds like) that Robin said, "I need to get away from this laughing trouble." and walked into the other room.
Christmas cookies of course.
Our first snowman of the season. I hope it snows a few more times here. Unlike New England when you have to drive in it and shovel it for 6 months, here it melts in a few days.

Holiday preparation

After three years of living in Hampton Roads, we finally made it to the Polar Express at Norfolk's Botanical gardens. First, they start with a hot chocolate and cookies while making a bead and jingle bell necklace. Then there is a reading of the story.
Followed by a tram ride through the garden of lights.
Joe's eyeball cracks me up here. I guess we are all in this photo.

Craft/Recycle tip? Getting lots of boxes in the mail with extra packing material? We decided to make our own wrapping paper. Just tape paper to the wall.
Paint some Christmas/Holiday stamps with favorite colors and stamp them to the paper.
Let dry.
Still hiding in boxes at almost 4 years old.
Not the greatest picture, but also wanted documentation that we went to Williamsburg's "Grand Illumination" last night and saw fireworks. Another one of those things I wanted to do in case we move next summer.
Stay tuned. We have a birthday party next weekend and out-of-town visitors.

Happy Thanksgiving...can I decorate for Christmas now?

Just kidding...mostly. I am very thankful this year for such a wonderful life. Such amazing friends and family. It was a Thanksgiving spent with great friends, but I still missed everyone else!

A section of Robinson's wall of art.

Wow, I look at these photos and see that R is getting so big. Where does the time go?
Here we are posing, reading to head over to the Dubnansky's for Thanksgiving.
Oh, and there we all are...proof that we all sat at once (at least for a short while) to eat together. We had a great time as usual with our friends that are like family. How sad if we aren't stationed next to each other next year.
I had been wanting to get a Christmas tree all weekend. Today was the day and getting the tree was fine. Bringing it home went off without a hitch...thank you Saab roof rails.
Robin & I hung out in the car while Joe put the tree on the roof. You don't have to watch this whole video, but I know my mom will get a kick out of it. A couple of my favorite parts are at 45 seconds in and 1:44. Let's hear it for Wham's "Last Christmas"!
Robin is very into cutting lately and getting quite good at it.
Putting the tree up, though, did not go as smooth. As I steadied the tree, Joe had the fun job of tightening the screws...4 times! Yes, the tree fell 4 times, and we concluded the tree was too big for the stand. So, I skipped to yoga, Joe & Robin went to get another tree stand, and now we must wait for tomorrow to set it up. Will post again when tree is finally up & decorated!

Hodge Podge and Halloween

I thought it had been a long time since my last post, but end of September really wasn't THAT far away. Okay, it's been a busy 2 months and I figured I'd get another update in before the holidays.
1st on the docket: Great Wolf Lodge
It was still pretty warm out for an indoor water park, but that's when the good deals are! The Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg is only 10 minutes away. We stayed only one night, but managed to have a lot of fun. Yes, I took all the pictures, but I did manage to squeeze in a facial at the spa there. We spent most of the time in the water, but there is an arcade, a craft/play room, a mini golf course and more.


Ew...I really should have edited out that lady's butt.




Joe's friend Scott from Miami days was in town and stopped by.
"Blackouts" are big deals in our house, mostly due to that Curious George episode where the sun can cook a lasagne. Hmmm. Can you find Robin in this picture?
Here, let me help with the flash.
Along with the start of preschool, we also signed Robin up for a trial at a karate studio. Alas, this was no YMCA or Community Center Karate...it was the real deal. Seriously, they told us to have him wait a few months and then come back when he has more self-control. Ha ha ha ha ha. The sad part is he tells everyone he meets, "Hi. My name is Robin and I'm 3 and a half, and I go to school and karate." That's okay, we're back at gymnastics and I think Coach Brandy was happy to see him. He loves her.
Big Papa had business in the area so the grandparents came to visit for a while. Here they are whittling wood.
We brought Abuela to "Pumpkinville" and wasn't as scared this year. Had to ditch out on the corn maze when you could hear the creepy music though.
Tractor hay ride and silly faces.

Hanging out at "The Mill" at Kingsmill Resort. Beautiful day for it!
And then walking down to the marina to skip rocks and play in the sand.
Do you believe it was still in the 80's in October? We went to the beach.
And chased a cardboard box until it hit shore to see if there was anything in it. Nope.
Dziadziu stopped in for a quick visit.
This year's Halloween theme in the Meuse house was Star Wars. Robin is Jango Fett or Boba Fett depending on his mood.
All ready to walk in to school in costume.
The boys getting ready for the Halloween parade.
Robin's class.
Ready for Busch Gardens in Skeleton garb that Grammy sent.

Abby Cadabby

Gram also sent a cupcake kit. Fun & Yum.
Joe's work had a Halloween party.
Robin & Griffin ready for trick-or-treating.
This year there was no messing around. He was the first kid to the door and the first kid done and ready for the next house, complete with "trick-or-treat" and "Thank you".
Joe & Michelle.
Princess Leia and the bounty hunter.

Best costume yet!