My Boys and Me

PLANES….. 

Here is Braeden as we checked him in for his first plane trip ALONE. He went to see Daddy Aaron in Chicago for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is huge for Nancy’s (Aaron’s new wife) family and we are glad that Braeden was able to be a part of it. He was especially happy to miss 2 extra days of school. He did GREAT on the flight (direct to Chicago) and said he sat next to a nice lady who offered him some gum (bad Mama forgot to pack it). I of course was happy that he was taken care of, but had to remind him not to take candy from strangers. So far he is having a great time. He so desperately wants to see snow. Good thing we are moving to VA, because I just don’t think his first glimpse of snow is going to happen this weekend.

Minutes before he boarded the plane. Can you see my grip on him.

I have to say, sending my child 30,000 feet in the air and across the country ALONE was the scariest moments I’ve had as a parent. I was filled with so many emotions all at once.  I was so incredibly proud that my 7 year old is both mature enough and brave enough to fly alone; I was sad that my 7 year old was OK flying alone (it clearly indicated he is not this helpless little boy anymore and very much growing up); and I was scared to death of something happening to him. Fortunately Robyn offered the greatest 2 hour distraction while he was in flight. The movie Blind Side was fantastic and served its purpose perfectly.

TRAINS…..

On a recent trip to Target, I stumbled upon the movie Polar Express. I thought it would be perfect for the Christmas season. Then it hit me, DUH, it’s all about trains, Mikey will LOVE it! He LOVES it and watches it at least once a day. I took this picture the first time he watched it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him sit so still for so long. He was fascinated.

Braeden enjoyed watching the 3-D disc with Mikey-

SPIDERS…..

For whatever reason, Mikey has been terrified of spiders, especially at night. He wakes up nightly screaming for Daddy and saying there are spiders in his bed. We are not sure where this is coming from.

MONKEYS…..

Ever since Halloween, Mikey frequently mentions the LARGE blow up monkey decoration in someone’s yard that ”gared” (scared) him. He’ll say, “Mama, that monkey was gary (scary). “If he hears a loud noise, he will say, “gary monkey Mama?”

and a few MISC……

Here’s my beautiful little boy with BOTH teeth. I took this picture a couple weeks ago because he was FINALLY able to wear this sweater I bought for him 2 years ago at Old Navy for $5. I loved the sweater so much (and the deal), but the smallest size they had was a 2T, so I bought it. He looks precious in the sweater and I love this picture because it was one of the last ones I took while he still had his front teeth.

“Take one with Bear Mama!” Btw, “Unny” has been replaced by Bear. He’s had this bear since birth and has slept with it and played with it, but didn’t really become attached to it until a couple months ago. His love for Bear and his NEED to have Bear at night, is stronger than his connection was with Unny. Now, I just have to figure out where I can find a replacement for Bear like I did with Unny (in case he gets lost).

Vitamin teeth-

So, it appears the retail stores are not the only ones ready for Christmas. Mikey came home from Mike’s Mom’s with this yesterday. I am not sure where he got it from, but he loves it. He looks like he has a little Santa belly too.

Oh, and he loves Sayelor’s “Pinkalicious” book so much he had to bring it home with him-

These were taken at one of Mike’s work events. He teaches a 10 week Citizen’s Police Academy class twice a year and at the end of the 10 week course, they have a graduation ceremony and the citizens get certificates. We’ve gone to the graduation before, but this time was really special because he took the boys up on stage with him and announced to many people he’s known and met over the past few years that he was leaving the Police Department. I’ve never been more proud of my husband as hereceived so many wonderful compliments, congratulations and best wishes from his “students” as well as from the chief of Police. What a great way for him to be acknowledged for a job well done!

My precious family with the chief of Police!

So, what else…..I am off today (Wed) until Monday (woo hoo, 3 days off WITH pay)! Mike is off (other than a few off duty jobs which includes Walmart at 4am Black Friday) and Mikey, Mike and I plan to eat either pizza or Chinese tomorrow for Thanksgiving! Mike’s parents, aunt and Harley went to FL for Thanksgiving and we opted to stay put and chill (and we all know I don’t cook). 

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I have so much more than I deserve to be thankful for this year.