Snowed in...

It's another sign of what people are calling the Snowpocalyse (I hate that name) that has blanketed the DC area with over two feet of snow...I'm updating my blog. I've been doing a terrible job of using this a journal of all the things my precious boys do, and its time to catch up. Little boys do lots of things in a 13 month period...what are the highlights?

Andrew has turned 4 AND 5 since last I blogged. His 4 year old party was a football party. After blowing out the candles on his cake, he proceeded to dismantle the cake and play a quarter of football with the plastic figurines. Being that the kid who never even tasted his cake until his third birthday, I was strangely excited that he could not only eat it, but play with it at age 4.

Shortly after the big birthday, my parents took us on the Disney cruise. Such a fun time to spend with my whole family. As the plane for Orlando took off, Andrew reminded the pilot (quite loudly), "Remember, guys, don't crash the plane!" I certainly felt better after that. From the flights, I learned that airlines still serve peanuts, and are quite irresponsible with them. However, just after we returned and I was ready to write my scathing email to the airline, they had a crash, and I felt like they might be a little busy...

Andrew's funniest moment on the cruise was when Pluto dropped by our table at lunch for a visit. He pretended to try to take Andrew's hot dog. This did not go over well. Suddenly, the beloved Pluto became the enemy - Andrew started yelling, "No! No!" and hid under the table. Meanwhile, Patrick spent the cruise sticking his tongue out.

Brian and I took advantage of the Disney rebooking deal and went again in December for a second honeymoon of sorts. Just me, my guy, and the Mouse. We had a wonderful time, and got an extended stay in Orlando due to blizzard #1 to hit the DC area this winter. However, the honeymoon had turned into a babymoon, as the presence of baby #3 became known in August. (Surprise!) This little one will join Patrick as a spring baby - its due just three days before his and my birthday. Brian treated me to a wonderful dinner and concert for my 30th...I feel like it may be the last birthday I've got to myself, so I'm glad we lived it up! This year, it will be Sesame Street cake for me and no sleep...but maybe I'll get that margarita I didn't get to enjoy on the cruise.

Andrew played his 2nd and 3rd season of soccer in the spring and fall. Finally, this fall his true colors shined through. He scored 13 goals in a handful of games, and played some AWESOME defense. My favorite game was in the pouring, cold rain. Mommy thought surely the game would be cancelled, and was not prepared for the weather. Luckily, Coach Dave loaned Andrew his gigantic Steelers (yeah!) polar fleece. Sleeves rolled up, he looked like a little football player in a dress...past his knees. Yet the little rascal scored five goals that game! He plays hard and is a good teammate, but I worry that his expectations of the others are a little high...this spring we give t-ball a go. I fear he's going to wonder why no one is pitching to him.

Patrick is taking after his big brother. He talks quite a bit now, and one of his favorite words is touchdown. Recently he was jumping around our bed, yelling "Hut! Hut, Touchdown!" while throwing the football. He enjoys batting (or at least holding the bat and waiting for someone to bounce the ball off it) and really gets into playing hockey.

The boys have also gotten into Monster Trucks thanks to one of Andrew's friends. I have to say it is rather enjoyable. I guess its good I've got boys...I can't wait to take Andrew to a demo derby and show him Mommy's country roots. Can I drink Starbucks there?

Patrick is a sweetie, but an absolute nut as well. He never shows the nutty side to anyone but us, though, so everyone thinks he's this super calm, quiet, serious toddler. Little do they know. His favorites are yogurt, bananas, Elmo, MOU! (Mickey Mouse), Itsy Bitsy Spider song, and puppies. One of his favorite activities is pretending that the pillows on our bed are a slide, and yelling "Whee!" as he slides down them. Andrew loves sports and monster trucks, of course, as well as Phineas and Ferb (TV show). Birthday #5 featured hockey and Phineas & Ferb (Perry the "Palapapus" is quite popular in our house). Advice to those I know and love - do not throw a hockey birthday party. There are no hockey themed decorations available. Being that I knew about the hockey party for a year, one would think I could have dealt with this prior to the day before the birthday. Oops! All worked out and we even all dressed in hockey jerseys. The thing about 5 year olds is that they have ridiculous expectations, so I fear that now Drew will think that all birthdays must involved themed attire. We must proceed carefully...

The boys will soon be moving into Andrew's room together to make room for the little one. I can't wait and think it will be an absolute riot. Andrew calls his room "The Boys Club." We imagine Patrick waking up and yelling in his deep little voice, "ANDOO," every morning. They are so close, even though they're 3 1/2 years apart and love playing and being goofy together. They particularly enjoy torturing Katy-Dog by chasing her around the house. Andrew gets the push-along Hippo, Patrick pushes his new Lightning McQueen ride-on, and the race is on! The only thing that may stall the race is if Patrick is on the phone...he's spent the past two days with his "pone" (B's old cell) attached to the side of his head. His favorite person to call - Papa. :)