January

Oh dear.  This seems like a loonggg time ago.

Current project on the agenda: The main floor bathroom

It's been half-demoed for the two years we've been living here, so it felt good to see some "progress".  The bathroom tub and tile were the last significant sources of lead in our home, so it was time for them to go!

 "George's Work"
Proud Grandpa showcases George's fine craftsmanship.

The old doorway is closed up, and the kids have a fun new canvas.

No wonder they're confused when I tell them, "No coloring on the walls!"

100 Day at School.  

Not his neatest work, but Henry wrote about what he envisions for himself at 100 years old.  It takes a mom to interpret his writing, so here is the translation:

I will look weird.  I will be dead by then.  I will be old.  I will be in Heaven.

Not sure why I find this cute, but it makes me chuckle.

And Claire came home with this letter she wrote to our representative.  She said a lot of kids were just writing "silly" letters, but she took it seriously and asked for something she feels strongly about - sensible speed limits.

Also in January, we took advantage of a beautiful winter day to introduce the kids to skiing.  I should clarify; Joe introduced the kids to skiing.  My role was more encourager/photographer/kisser of boo boos.

First try!

And there goes Henry.

Ski Patrol

Too much excitement for one day.

Overall, for their first time out, the kids did well.  They stuck pretty close to the "Baby Hill", as we called it.  They did try the Bunny Hill once, but boy oh boy, that was pretty traumatic for everyone involved.  So it was back to the "Baby Hill".

Another fun outing, we surprised the kids with tickets to Disney on Ice.  After enjoying the Olympics, they were excited to see the figure skaters in person.

My Happy Place

Mike and Joe took the kids to a Griffin's Game.  
I think they enjoyed each other's company more than they enjoyed the game.

Evidence of a Three Year old

So how do you know you are living with a 3-year-old?

Unexplained Messes.

Expect at least one mess for each room in your home.  But if your child is an overachiever like our George, you can expect more messes than rooms. 

DIY Projects.

Your home becomes a Do It Yourself haven for an eager 3 year old.

Excessive Outfit Changes.

I've been counting; George has changed his outfit thirteen 

times today.  And it's only 11:00 AM.

Costly Electric Bills.

Note that every light is turned on, but he's nowhere to be found.

One final piece of evidence that you're living with a three year old:

Lots of Love and Laughter!

January 2

Remembering a due date, come and gone.

Thankful for God's grace through it all.

Claire looks at pictures of Joshua.

December, Part 2

We got a chuckle out of the kids' matching uniforms one morning.  You would think with such limited options, this would happen more often, but it doesn't.

Our naked son climbing across the window ledge.  

Just another day in the Puplis home.

The last three years, Claire has been an angel in our church Christmas pageant, so this year, she put in a special request to try something new.  She did a wonderful job in her new role as the prophet Isaiah.

And Henry was a natural in his role as a Shepherd, which wasn't always easy with a sheep like George in his flock.  But they sure were entertaining.

We bundled up and took the kids ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle.  Claire and George were thrilled, but Henry insisted he would not even put on the skates, let along venture out on the ice.

Starting out, George chastised me for trying to help him.  He was determined to do it on his own.  Henry was latched to the hand rail as he inched along.  And Claire was naively optimistic, expecting to take off quickly.  That pretty much sums up their three personalities.

But one lap into it, George was dismayed by his few falls.  Claire was downright frustrated by gravity.  And Henry was the only one with a true smile on his face.

Henry's anxiety subsided as he quickly gained confidence.

And with perseverance (and a few pep talks), Claire did really well too. 

George, on the other hand, sidelined himself, not wanting to risk another fall.

Making Christmas cookies

Christmas morning

After opening stockings, and "decorating" our Christmas tree cinnamon rolls, we burrowed out of our driveway and headed to church. 

Building a volcano.

Claire was so proud that she completed her dominoes math puzzle.  I was too!

And Henry was proud of the sword he made.  I was too!

That wraps up another year.  Looking forward to 2018 and hopeful that a fresh start will do our family good.  The last half of 2017 was tough, to say the least.  But there were plenty of sweet moments too.  So, of course, we keep moving forward.  Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. 

Christmas with Family

Christmas parties kicked off at our home with the extended Nash family.

Several rounds of Blink

New Magnet Tiles

The grand kids with "Santa"

Our next round of Christmas parties continued with the Puplis family.

Catching up with Marie and Sharon

A father-son chess game

Cuddles with Grandpa

Later in the week, we celebrated with my family.

A pint-sized sewing machine

Waiting for the good stuff

A rowdy game of Pit

Craft time

A mattress maze.  

Good luck getting to the bathroom.