Winter Hike - Take 2

Patrick first noticed the tiny strip of blue sky.

One of my favorite sights after a fresh snowfall: snow-laden branches.

The sun finally peaking out.

Twinkling like diamonds.

Our view down to the ocean.

Sunshine kissing the treetops.

Peggys Cove Lighthouse

The rocks were covered in snow and ice. This is one time I was very grateful the boys chose NOT to come with us.

Dovekie

I was so excited to spot this little guy (6.75" and only 8oz.) in the cove - lifer.

I took a few pics and dashed home to bring Aidan back to see him. Thankfully, he was still there.

Winter Hike - Take 1

Snow. Yum!

My warriors

Out on the lake

(Sean checked the thickness of the ice for us using his Bear Grylls survival knife)

Trekking around the lake ON the lake!

We were careful to stay near shore, but not too close, and to avoid rocks.

  

My sweet, handsome 16 year old.

I had to holler some crazy random word to get him to look up at me. 

Stinker pot attempting to break his icicle.

The 5 boys headed home while Patrick and I continued our hike around the lake. 

Christmas Morning '13

Just awake and receiving some assistance with his stocking.

Wow!

Present time

Asher always does his hands like this with sound affects... built in repulsor beam at its best!

Indoor b-ball

So happy!

Just what he requested!

New jacket

"Super sonic flight engage".

Ironman is in the house - take cover.

First flight.

 "Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10, 11)

This is the reason we celebrate!!!

Christmas Eve '13

The "family" tree.

The "Santa" tree.

I think there will be five extra happy boys come tomorrow morning.

Brothers' Presents

Every year Patrick takes each of the boys out individually for dinner and a bit of shopping. 

We changed things slightly this year. Instead of the boys buying a smallish gift for four brothers, they drew names and selected a nicer gift for one brother (Asher/Luke, Luke/Aidan, Aidan/Sean, Drew/Asher, Sean/Drew). And this is the one they are allowed to open on Christmas Eve.

Humoring Mommy :)

And then the smiles as they rip open the paper - headphones for the older boys and weapons for the younger ones.

Merry Christmas from our family to you!

Saturday Morning Surprise

A date with my little man to "Breakfast with Santa"!

He quickly polished off his pancakes, sausage, orange juice and "cuties".

He doesn't appear nervous at all; although he had told me that he was while we waited in line less than five minutes for his turn.

They had a nice little chat (about who knows what since Luke wouldn't spill the beans) and discussed Luke's Christmas list.

A treat bag from Santa!!!

In good ol' Luke fashion it was declared, "The best day ever!!!"

Well worth me driving down our icy, snowy driveway for the very first time since we moved here.

Festive Spirit

 Bubble lights and small white lights with candles

Large multi-colored lights

Ornaments

If one is good, isn't two better?

The tree on the left is the one Sean, Aidan, and Patrick brought back. Aidan and I moseyed out a few days later while the boys were at school and discovered that their tree was partially buried and frozen fast to the roof. So we tromped back out to hunt for another tree... the tree on the right. Long story short, we decided it would make a nice surprise to have two trees ready for decorating when they got home.

This is a favorite of the boys.

Stockings all hung.

I found one strand of mini pine garland and one of silk red poinsettia garland. I looped them into a circle, added a few other decorations, and voila, a free, cheery wreath!

My little helpers!