Our TERRIFIC Kid

Each month, kids from every grade at the elementary school are chosen to be Kiwanis Terrific Kids. Griffin has wanted to be a "terrific kid" for a long time. To do this, you must be respectful, have a good attitude, good behavior, etc. We always joked that we would never have to go to one of these assemblies.......VERY much a joke. Well the letter came in the mail, and Griffin's eyes lit up when I told him he was chosen. 

Griffin was counting down the days until the school assembly and reminding me periodically about it. That is ultimately why I didn't go with Drew on a work trip this week to Oklahoma. There was a small chance that he would make it back in time, and unfortunately he did not. Griffin was prepared for that, and very happy with his 20 minutes of fame nonetheless. 

Kindergarten group

He is a wild man with a kind heart. We are so proud of our boy!!!

Drew's Christmas Gift

Drew is a huge basketball fan and has always watched collegiate and professional basketball when he found time. The last time our high school basketball team made a run at a state title was when he was on the team. Years ago during college, when Duke came into our life, we named him that in part because we were watching a lot of Duke basketball at the time and he was our "blue devil". 

I was nervous about it, but I decided to surprise him at Christmas with tickets to an NBA game where he could see LeBron James play in person. The Oklahoma City Thunder are the closest team to us and also have some good players. I found their next game at home vs the Cavs and bought the tickets. To my surprise, he was actually surprised when he opened the picture of the court from the seats I bought that I had wrapped. I even drew a little stick figure LeBron on it.  

The time finally came and we headed for an overnight in OKC to see the game. 

 

 

We've been to a lot of Cardinals games, and a Chiefs game. Basketball is very different. Very loud and fast paced, and these players are unbelievable. They make everything seem so effortless. Like they are holding a tennis ball in their hand and dunking it into a hula hoop. Seeing Lebron play in person was really cool.  It was an awesome night!!

January Monthly Update

Big changes for our family came this month!

I left my job at CTI. Lots of factors contributed to the decision, and it was not easy. I've always had a full-time job, so it's been a big adjustment for me. I still get to do some accounting work part-time and I also get to spend a lot more time with the boys. It's a very big, important job that is more meaningful than any others I've had. We have had so many snow days at school that they will have to start adding onto the school year if they take more. And there we were, at home, having fun. It really all played out with perfect timing. The boys seem to really enjoy having Mom around too. I hope I give relief to Drew, who for so many years handled all things that came up with the kids and the house and random events while he already has a plate full with his profession. Win, win. 



The back of Griffin's progress report that we received after the new year had a sweet note from his Art teacher: 

Such a great kid to have in art class. He is a leader. He is very good about helping his neighbors if they need it. Good initiative, always has work completed, always tries, excellent attitude. 

I finally took time to catch up both boys' scrapbooks of monthly pictures that I take. It was quite a task but I'm proud that I've kept this up monthly since they were born. For January, Griffin wanted Tipper involved. 

January photos:

Cooper watched this creepy YouTube video:

And now he constantly sings the song......I caught a little bit here:

The boys had great checkups at the dentist and were both cavity free!

Drew has taught Griffin how to drive the gator, and he LOVES it. Somehow, he has gotten big enough to reach the pedals and steer. 

Griffin was invited to a sleepover birthday for an old friend, Owen Brown. 

Lots more fence was built by this hunk....

Basketball picture from the paper:

On the very first "warm" day since all that bad weather we went straight to the park:

We can't wait for more warm weather!!