The "Finnster, et al."

On Wednesday Grandad and Gigi picked the boys up from school and took them to eat Blizzards at Dairy Queen.  When they got home they played in the backyard and then Sam opened a few of his presents.   He got the Batman boat and a movie! Next we went to Cracker Barrel to eat dinner.  Sam ate all of his pancakes. When we got back to the house Sam opened the rest of his presents.  He was so cute.  When he opened a movie he would turn it around and study the back.  It looked like he was reading.  They also got blow up hammers. 1 Later than evening XMen came on.  This is Finn memorized by Wolverine. This is me confused by the XMen storyline. 

On Friday we had our three year and five year well-checks.  They went great.  The boys were a ball of nerves and energy.  I told both of them that they would be getting shots a couple days before the appointment.  Sam told me that he didn't want to go to the doctor because the doctor hurt. As for measurements, Finn is the 91% for height and and 86% for weight.  He weighs 49 pounds and is 46 inches tall.  Finn's hearing and eyes were also tested - both excellent.  Sam is in the 94% for weight and the 76% for height.  He is weighs 38 pounds and is 38 inches tall.  While waiting for Dr. Steve, we took a few pictures.  Finn is becoming an old pro at "picture taking." When Michael got the camera out Finn immediately put his arms around both me and Sam. After school we took the boys to Opry Mills to the Lego store to exchange Sam's Legos.  It was awesome! They even had a place for the boys to build. On Saturday I met Emily at the

Wednesday was Sam's 3rd Birthday.  We started the day off with Lucky Charms - Frozen style. Next Sam opened his card from Nana and Papa.  It was an Avengers card so  Sam was super excited.  He asked me to read it to him at least ten (10) times.  The first  time that I re-read the card I only read the part that was printed in the card (I didn't read the part from Nana and Papa again).  Sam then specifically said, "No mama - you didn't read the part from Nana and Papa!" He was so happy about his card that he took it to school with him as his toy.  (I let the boys bring one toy to school everyday). This was also Sam's first Chapel day. For his real birthday, Sam decided that he wanted to go see a movie AND eat popcorn.  We decided to go see the 4:15 showing of "Big Hero 6."  Gran, Pa, Chelsea and Sharon watched it with us.  Sam was a little nervous at first because he didn't like the chairs.  He thought that they were going

Finn loves grabbing our phones and taking pictures.  Most of his work is notably terrible - but every so often he can catch a moment.  This morning Sam and I were having a "moment" in celebration of his morning potty break.  Unbeknownst to us, Finn was capturing the whole thing.  A little blurry, but I wouldn't trade it. On the way to school this morning Sam asked the same question he asks every time we drive through the neighborhood, "Is Christmas Over?"  As always, I respond, Yes, Sam it's over" which is immediately followed up with "Why?!?"  Anyway, seeing a chance to start making a new "wish list" Finn inquires as to the next holiday.  I told him MLK Day and Valentines Day - both of which he scoffed at as they aren't big gift giving holidays. When I finally made it to Easter Finn's excitement began to bubble over.  I gently reminded Finn that Easter is not about getting presents.  He "huffs" at me

At some point as a parent you are going to make your children mad.  This is a fact.  You are probably also going to hear those three little words - "I hate you."  I would consider this a parent's right of passage.  Well, this hasn't happened to me . . . yet - but we got pretty darn close this week.  One night I asked Finn to turn off his video game.  He was heart broken.  He put forth so much effort in an attempt to get me to change my mind that I thought he might collapse of mental exhaustion. Knowing Finn as well as I do - his pleas, plea bargains, and crafty arguments do not affect me anymore.  In admitting his defeat Finn said through tears, "I am going to run off and get eaten by a wild animal so that you will be so sad."  I wished him well and offered to help him pack his bags. Just so that I don't forget, Sam calls motorcycles "mertyl-cycles." And Finn, while playing with his toys today said, "I'm so glad that God made me

On New Years Day we traveled to Granny and Papa's for the the Vaughn Family Christmas/New Years Day lunch. Upon arrival, Aunt Tracey was violently tackled by three very blonde monsters.  Papa was also ransacked by three needy boys.  We had a really great visit.  We talked politics with Uncle Jerry. We ooh and ahh'ed over all the kids.  We got a genuine smile from Michael.  And we played "Dirty Santa."  Sam was a little bummed during "Dirty Santa" as he didn't understand 1) the rules, and 2) why he didn't get to open a present. Hank collected all of the tissue paper for safe keeping.  Such a good picture of MJ - of maybe I should say "Speed Demon." All of the great grandchildren playing with silly string.  It looks like Bruce has cast a spell on Sam.  Rex and Finn fighting with sticks.  Our best attempt at a great grandchild picture. Sam, Finn, Quinn, R