Birthday Boy Sam

TWO is such an exciting birthday!  Sam has been watching other people have birthdays for several months now, and he's starting to figure out how it works.  He knows that cake is involved, and he knows that at some point, you're supposed to blow.  It was so fun to watch him over the past few weeks when I explained to him that SAM was going to have a birthday.  He would reply with something like, "Sam? Birthday? YOU! birthday cake!" and then he would practice blowing.  Needless to say, he was pretty excited about having his own big day! After a bit of discussion, he decided he wanted a "Frosty the Snowman" birthday cake.

He went with me to buy the ingredients, and as soon as we got home from the store, he sat up at the table and patiently said, "Okay, birthday cake time!"  We started baking immediately.

Of course, Sam got a chance to lick the beaters (orange flavored cake, by the way).

He was pretty excited to see the cakes start looking like a snowman.  He kept saying "Snowman cake!" repeatedly, all day long, lest I forget the important task at hand.  

Miraculously, he didn't try to destroy the cake or even take a taste once I got it decorated.  He was just excited and proud of his cake, and he very patiently waited for the big moment.

He even had to wait several hours after decorating it before his friends came so he could blow out the candles and eat cake.  This video clip captures the excitement during that interim:

(It also demonstrates how Sam-o has the sweetest little voice in the whole wide world.)

At last, "Cake Time!"

We shared it with Sam's friends at our babysitting co-op, and we had a few other snowman-related games.  Very low-key.  Sam was happy about the cake and very proud when we sang Happy Birthday and it was really to him!

We saved the head for his actual birthday a few days later.  He was delighted to get to blow out the candles a second time.

Notice "Baracko Obama," one of his favorite presents from Ellis.

Two dollars from my grandparents! (and doesn't he just have the sweetest little chin?)

Three boys were excited about the "Baracko Obama" gift!

And they have all also enjoyed this "Officer Buckle" costume!  He didn't need anything for his birthday, but he was happy to get a few gifts.  We were so happy to celebrate the life of this delightful boy.

National Portrait Galllery

We love having family in Washington, D.C.!  The 9+ hour drive might scare us away from visiting, but knowing we have family (Ben's sisters, Katie and Kara) to stay with and play with always gets us back there!

We went for a week around New Year's and had a grand time with The Bairds and Ludlows, as well as Ben's parents, who flew out because they can't miss a good party.  And of course, I took almost zero pictures of the family doing normal family things -- even though that is the real reason we went to Virginia.  Our boys were in heaven getting to spend time with their cousins (and let's not forget to mention their cousins' Wii), and we loved our time with family as well.

Every time we visit, we like to do one or two things in D.C. -- we're checking them off our list gradually.  Ben and I visited the Library of Congress, which was stunning and inspiring.  And to please Ellis, we took a trip to . . . 

The National Portrait Gallery!  They had portraits of a lot of famous people that Ellis likes (Georgia O'Keefe, Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King . . .)

But the Hall of Presidents was his favorite (of course).

Can you tell that he's pleased as punch?

This is his classic proud-and-pleased-but-doesn't-want-to-show-it face.

Ellis quietly took in the thrill of the gallery, talking about presidents and wanting to see more and more.  We had to laugh because (aside from the Clinton portrait above), most of the portraits look identical to the flashcards we have at home . . . so seeing these pictures was nothing new.  But they were REAL PAINTINGS.  Which is awesome.  Of course.  I'm just glad my 4-year-old can appreciate that.

The best part, however, was watching Sam get in on the action.  Just being around Ellis has taught Sam a love for the presidents, so he was ecstatic about all of them.  I loved hearing his little baby voice calling out, "Wincon!" (Lincoln), "Waygan!" (Reagan), and "Nicken!" (Nixon).  I think Sam probably knew 2/3 of their names, which came as a shock to me (and the museum guard standing nearby).  Let's not forget that Sam's  favorite is OBAMA!!!  He insisted on checking out this "Obama Show" from the library last week . . . and he has insisted on watching it several times.  I just love seeing how excited he gets about it:

Sam-o and the Brothers

These two are alike in a lot of ways.  So many things about the way Sam looks and acts remind me of Henry at this age.  He loves cars and books and singing.  He is a pure delight, how he walks around the house singing, all day long.  I remember Henry being so similar.  I love how this picture shows Henry and Sam, both surrounded and captivated by books.  I think I might have a picture of Henry surrounded by books for every year of his life -- he has always been like this and probably always will be.  It will be fun to see if Sam continues with a thirst for books like Henry has.

I won't say Sam is unlike Ellis, because he does share a few of Ellis' interests.  Sam loves to mimic whatever Ellis is doing - performing "on stage," running around screaming like a crazy man, or reciting the presidents.  Because of Ellis, Sam has learned most of the U.S. presidents' names, and he loves them about as much as he loves cars!  He was pretty excited about opening this Christmas gift from Grandma Whitesides:

"Lincoln!"

November via Instagram

Today Sam emptied a whole box of tissues AND a full roll of toilet paper.  Usually it's just one or the other! #productiveday

Touch the trucks!  Sam's favorite was the "fie-fie!" (fire truck)

Playing Wizard until midnight with these two.  Any guesses who won? #benthinksiamjustlucky 

Proud of my politically-active 4 year old!

The boys have been saving this aquarium trip for Grandma and Grandpa's visit.

Spoiled by grandpa.

Looks like Faneuil Hall is the place to be tonight. #happyelectionday 

Cookies for my Primary kids for the program.  I'm so glad my mom and dad get a kick out of doing projects like this with me.

Three pirates sink the (air mattress) ship and find (dollar bills) treasure. #grandpaisthebest

Candlelight dinner to celebrate Iverson Day!  Our family started nine years ago.  #happyanniversary

Watching the good old wedding video.  Kind of embarrassing.  But Sam is loving it!

Look what finally came in the mail for Ellis, two weeks after the election!

Comparing the old with the new.  Did you know Elder Oaks, Maynes, Cardon, and Kearon got new pictures taken?  And SO many of them SWITCHED PLACES!

Ellis is the only boy at Joy School today, and the girls are terrorizing him.  He's hiding under the table saying, "Amelia is going to shoot me!" and "Evelyn is going to saw me up!" #typicaliversonboy

The crossing guard asked, "What's wrong with the little guy?"  I told her the whole story about Sam's foot.  She looked really confused.  After walking a few more blocks, I took a look at Ellis, and realized she was talking about him.  #justapirate

Brownies from the crossing guard this morning.  Is this her apology for thinking my perfectly normal kid had something wrong with him yesterday?  Everyone wears pirate patches on the way to school, right?

Thankful tree.

It's the Turkey Bowl!

Letting the Joy School kids play Play Doh Ice Cream Shoppe.  Something about kids and Play Doh stresses me out.  Heaven forbid, they're mixing colors! #typeApersonality

Happy Garbage Day!

U.S. Presidents Choose the Right

Happy President's Day everyone!  We think that Ellis' U.S. Presidents obsession may be winding down, but he delivered this gem of a performance for us the other day and we thought we'd better post it for everyone's edification on this very special day.  If you haven't seen Jenn's Primary production "We Choose the Right," you might want to watch at least part of that first to understand what's going on in this one.  Enjoy!

Winter Treats and Toys

Henry and Ellis have been doing some fun things to stay busy this winter.


Henry was inspired with the idea of making these snowmen cake pops, which turned out to be pretty cute and very yummy.  I love Henry's constant flow of fun ideas!


Ellis has been playing a lot with his landmark toys that he got for Christmas.


I am delighted that he recognizes and loves the Taj Mahal, the Parthenon, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa (I thank The Little Einsteins for 99% of this).


And this is the one that makes me REALLY happy: my boys love each other, play together, and have lots of adventures together (that's not to say it doesn't always end up in fighting with each other - but we enjoy the happy playing while it lasts!).  Ellis and I both rejoice when Henry is sick, because it means he gets to stay home and play with Ellis!  Henry had two days off school last week, and the two of them had such a good time together - playing with cars, setting up little imaginary projects, etc.  In this picture, they were setting up a birthday party for Francesco.


Lastly, the boys were very pleased to be able to go out and spend some of the money they got as Christmas gifts.  Henry chose some paper airplane Valentines, which are pretty cool . . .


. . . but Ellis' "Barack-o-rama" magnetic dress-up set was the biggest hit!


I feel only slightly uncomfortable seeing our President wearing boxer shorts and a wife beater -- a feeling that is accounted for by how cool he looks as a super hero.  :)

Something New, Something Old, Something you would NEVER guess

 We did something NEW for Halloween this year: carved a Jack-o-Lantern.  Ben has been trying to convince me for YEARS to do this, and I refused to do it with children who wouldn't care or help in any way (and I'm not into the gloop).  Ben took the reins with this one, and Henry assisted beautifully.  I'm happy to let the Jack-o-Lantern become a "Dad Tradition" at our house. I kind of like to stick to traditions that taste yummy . . .

Like making donuts!  Once again, my friend Eliza and I made our homemade donuts (our 4th year in a row - this is one of my favorite traditions!).  The pumpkin spice donuts were to die for, as one might expect.

And what would you NOT expect from our family for Halloween?  What is the one thing you would NEVER guess that we might do?

How about dressing up in U.S. Presidents costumes?  I promise, we'll move on to a new obsession someday.  I'm just not sure when that will be!

For now, the boys were purely delighted with their uniquely presidential costumes.

Henry as Teddy Roosevelt

Doesn't he look natural with a mustache?

Ellis as Abraham Lincoln.  You should have seen the happy dance he did when we got this costume all put together.  He was giddy about his black bow tie and "tall tall hat."  Did you know Lincoln kept court documents and other important papers in his stovepipe hat?  Ellis wanted to keep his Halloween candy in his hat . . . but it got a little tricky.

Ben and Sam as Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.

If you know Ellis very well, you know that this is the face he makes 90% of the time when he's in a situation where other people are being remotely boisterous.  Honest Abe maintained this demeanor for most of the night - especially when Teddy tried to gallop in circles around him.

Lady Liberty joins the party!  Did you know that last Friday was the Statue of Liberty's 125th anniversary?  I hope Megan didn't regret lending her costume to me on that day!

The landmark family: Mount Rushmore and the Statue of Liberty, all squished together.!

The post-trick-or-treat sorting.  Sam was in heaven chewing on the wrappers!

First picks: Henry goes straight for the chocolate.  Ellis thinks about it, but when it comes down to it, he's a lollipop kind of guy.