Sniffles and Snow

Just a little news...

Mathew said "Mama" for the first time yesterday. And while I'm very pleased, it was nice to hear him yelling for "PAPA!!!" whenever he wanted something.

Peter and Patrick spent an hour this morning "fishing from Pop's pontoon boat" (the couch), hauling in fish with their scarves, and stuffing them into their hats. Mathew climbed on everything with reckless abandon, as usual. Then Peter got himself dressed and went outside to play in the "snow" (a very light icy dusting). I looked out the window to see him trying to chase the hummingbirds. Believe me, they were fleeing in terror!

Mat hobbled back to work this morning, taking crutches and a cold with him.

We got the tree up and decorated, but all of the ornaments hung on the bottom half of the tree have since disappeared. It looks pretty pitiful, but I'll keep the curious kids and forego the pretty tree.

We've been lighting an advent wreath every and singing "O Come All Ye Faithful" after dinner every night. Patrick loves singing, Peter likes fire, and Mathew is fascinated with playing in the smoke after the candles have been blown out.

Peter is still doing well with his violin. After learning six variations of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," we've moved on to "Baa Baa Black Sheep" (same notes, different rhythm) and the next song in his book. He doesn't have lessons this month, but I'm trying hard to keep him going.

The boys have been great at being Daddy's legs - running errands for him while he's on crutches. They've also enjoyed lots of time on his lap reading and doing "school." Mat ordered a Primer first published in 1677. It's a little blue book, about 3"x4", and Patrick calls it his "school book" and carries it all around the house. I considered taking a couple weeks off from school, but the boys enjoy it so much that I don't think they'll let me get away with it. I guess that's a good thing! Peter is reading really well, and loves to read books to Mathew and anyone who will listen on the phone. So if you call, beware...

If you made it this far, I hope you enjoyed my little update. I'll try to keep up better!