School Vacation Week

With the ice storm, snow storms, and a birth, school vacation was more than a week for Evan and Liam. Since December 12th, the Brothers YZ have spent very little time at their respective "schools," and I have spent very little time at work. We are still without cable, internet, and phone at the Pioneer House so I am using my break at work to post this blog. Here are some videos and pictures of some of my favorite times over the past few weeks:

1. Evan dances up a storm during our Boxing Day celebration. We started a new tradition of wearing our PJs all day on the day after Christmas and trying to use any many new gifts as possible. In fact, Evan is dancing to his new Cars soundtrack in his new PJs. Please ignore the breakfast mess in the background.

2. Liam enjoys Elmo Live.

3. Evan takes Bullwrinkle for a ride on his sled during the New Year's Eve snowstorm.

4. Evan and Liam took Nana for her first trip to the Ecotarium. Liam was fascinated by the electric train and could have chased it for hours. Evan and Liam have seen the Zulu Weather Patrol exhibit several times, but they still love it. Unfortunately, the train tracks weren't cleared in time for a train ride, but Kenda the Polar Bear made up for that disappointment with a very active performance. Nana was very impressed.

5. I hit an all-time creative high when I used the box from a Christmas present to create a castle front for Evan and Liam. Evan insisted that they both get into their full Halloween costumes minus shoes. He added the blue blanket moat in front of the castle, and both brothers enjoyed the option to slide out of the castle. Of course, it was a challenge to keep the castle upright with Finbar's tail wagging in excitement. Evan wishes that he had the dog armor from the Higgins armory so that Finbar could be a more involved participant in this knight fantasy. After this creation, Evan paid me a high compliment saying, "Mommy, you're as good as Childworks [his preschool]!"

The Brothers YZ also had an fun-filled adventure to the Eric Carle museum in Amherst with Daddy in his new car, but I forgot to send along the camera. Evan did such a good job with the art project that it was selected for display.

Now it's back to reality of long hours at work and crazed preparation for day care and preschool so that I can enjoy my three-day weekends with the boys. It's well worth it.