"Snips and snails and puppy dog tails, that's what little boys are made of!"
Surrounded by my sweet boys (hubby Eric, sons Connor and Ramsey, and our dog, Jango), I thought this a rather befitting name for my crew's blog. To our cherished friends and family, happy viewing! We love you!
These days, Ramsey doesn't have as many "firsts" as he used to. On Wednesday, Ramsey had his tush in the dental chair for the first time. He'd been to the dental office before, but only either with his class on a field trip or with me, patiently waiting in the lobby (playing Legos).
I had noticed a cavity on his left incisor, right at the gum line. I knew it wasn't going to be good if I could actually SEE it. Ugh. And, it confirmed that he inherited Eric's and my teeth. Poor kid.
The outcome was even more unexpected and awful than I'd once thought; instead of one cavity, doc saw FIVE, without even doing X-rays. 😓
Short-term plan: MORE brushing (after every stinkin' meal).... with toothpaste that has fluoride... and flossing. And, less sweets.
The plan: set up small appointments to get Ramsey acclimated to the dental office. If he'll sit with his mouth open and not freak out, we'll start on the fillings. If not... we have to figure out a Plan B. I'm thinking a Kindle with a movie or headphones playing Enya for relaxation.
On Saturday, we left the circus, came home to grab Riggs, and then head North to see the family. Ramsey is a good rider, but he was so excited, he kept asking, "When are we going to BE there?!?!?"
The minute he saw his cousins, he went nutty and wanted to play. Sadie and Isaac are so sweet (and young enough where they have enough energy to wear Ramsey out!). They played freeze tag in the yard. Riggs was in heaven also, might I add.
After they'd played a while, they asked if they could take Ramsey down the street to the neighborhood park. Ramsey was thrilled!
The rest of the evening was spent playing Chicken Foot, visiting, and pigging out on yummy food.
After everyone had arrived on Sunday, it was time for the Easter Egg hunt in the back yard!
There were dozens of eggs, hidden everywhere, by the sneaky Easter Bunny.
Riggs was happy to play with his bucket and also chase the kids.
Isaac helped Ramsey look for eggs.
...pretty sure Isaac let Ramsey get a lot of eggs that he could have taken for himself!
Uncle Troy stepped in and had to help with some of the nearly unreachable eggs (that sneaky Easter Bunny!).
Of course we had to take group pictures!
Isaac had an inkling to give his good ol' Dad some smooches!
Then, time to come inside and count the eggs (and snarf some candy).
Then, we played Monopoly and hung out. Isaac is a very competitive Monopoly player!
But, he let his little cousin help and play with the little pieces.
Ramsey got Bumpa to play a little light saber battle too. And, the kids took Ramsey to the park AGAIN. What sweet cousins!
Ah yes, the Yelduz Shrine Circus.... a yearly event that we partake in every April, now that Ramsey is "of age". Ramsey was excited! But, we weren't sure if he was more excited for the circus itself or because we would be going to Nana and Bumpa's house afterwards to see everyone. *eyebrow raise*
Ramsey was anxious to ride an elephant, like he did last year. The large magnificent animals are simply beautiful. This one in particular was compelling with her large kind eyes and old soul.
Ramsey hopped on. For a moment, I thought he was lucky, as he got the first spot (best view in the house)!
As they went around a few times, I soon realized maybe it wasn't the best spot; a few older girls in the back were pushing. Ramsey's face showed much expression - happiness, yet like he might vomit from being squished!
Eric deduced that he was probably just being a showman, as usual, and exaggerating a bit.
Before the circus began, Ramsey jumped on the bouncy castles, watched the miniature pony rides, and caught a glimpse of the trained pig.
Then, up to the balcony we went.
Ramsey got a new "diamond Minecraft sword" and a noisy little laser blaster to play with. Dad loaded up on cotton candy, popcorn, and a snow cone! (still a kid at heart)
Then, on with the show. Mommy's favorite: the elephants.
Then, on to BMX bikers who did upside-down flips, spins, etc, plus tigers, jugglers (Ramsey's favorites was the gal who could juggle knives and FIRE!), and trapeze artists.
Sometime just before intermission, Ramsey told Daddy he "had to go potty". I continued to watch the show, but then got a phone call. Apparently the "potty" thing was an excuse to leave the circus. He later admitted that he just wanted to leave so we could hurry up and go see Sadie, Isaac, and the fam!!!
After Ramsey came home from Pre-K on Wednesday (no school til the following Tuesday for Easter Break), he gave us this picture of him in an egg costume, plus some art work he had made. "HAPPY EASTER!" he said.
While at school, they'd learned more about Jesus rising from the tomb.
And, they had a special guest baker.
She showed them how to make "Empty Tombs".
Essentially, they are marshmallows, wrapped in a crescent roll, then rolled in butter and cinnamon sugar. When they're baked, it's a surprise!
Ramsey raved about these incessantly when he got home!
The Sunday school classes have all been practicing for the last month or so, to sing at Palm Sunday service. Ramsey had been sick the entire weekend, but was feeling better that morning.
He got dolled up in his new Spring outfit. The last time Ramsey wore a bowtie (Connor's prom), I told him he looked so handsome. He told me, "I know, all the ladies fall in love with me!" Ha!! So, he likes his bowties... quite possibly for the positive female attention alone! ;-)
At service, the pastors led a processional, with the children following behind with their palm branches. Then, it was time to sing. Ramsey was located behind the [right] microphone stand.
They sang a song called "Hosanna", praising Jesus during the beginning of Holy Week.
After church, we had to make a trip to Wally World. We ran into a famous rabbit!
I guess the Easter bunny likes his bowties too. ;-)
On Wednesday morning, it started to snow (after the boys had left for school/work). I noticed it at 8:00 AM. At that time, I couldn't see across the lake and trying to make out the big tree by the lake (our "weather tree" which we gauge the wind and other such inclement happenings from) was nearly impossible. Needless to say, the boys were back home by 10:00 AM.
For Eric, continuous snow days this winter have eaten into his vacation hours. I wonder how that will play out this summer when it's time for our [typically] week-long vacay!?!?! Yikes.
After Ramsey was home, he decided to hang out in my office for a bit. I had cardboard packaging from a chair mat that arrived the day before - perfect for drawing on. He went to town, trying out every marker we have, writing letters, notes, and doodling on.
I cringed every time I saw an open marker on the cream comforter. 😆
So, Wednesday and Thursday, we just watched it snow... and snow... and snow. And holy schnikies, how that wind blew! (So much for a cheap April heating bill.)
Ramsey mostly played his Kindle and did more doodling on the cardboard. There were two pieces, so he could use both front and back on each one.
He got on a kick where he drew stick people and told us stories who they were. He had Mom, Dad, Connor, and Riggs. Riggs had his tongue sticking out. Another picture showed Nana, Bumpa, Sadie and Isaac, but they were clear on the other side of the board - they were "far away". He said he wanted to go see them. (Good timing, since we're going there next weekend!)
Thursday night from the balcony:
Friday morning from my office:
It HAD quit, but now it's snowing again. Good grief... when will it STOP!?!? The current snowfall numbers have varied, depending on which website you look on and which area. Some places showed our town anywhere from 13.5 to 18". Another showed a small town just South with 24.5"!!
UPDATE: After this last blizzard, the NWS posted that our area got 81.5" of snowfall this season. The average annual snowfall here is 38". I'd say we got quite a dumping this year.
READY FOR SPRING!!!!
