Airport Park, Crosswinds Cafe and Skidmore/Duke

Megan, Ian and Gavin at Duke
Gavin, Ben, Luke and Ian

What a title, huh? It sums up what we did today! Cailean was at work today and the kids and I are on our break. I can't believe NC State has pretty much a mandatory 2 week vacation due to the dates of Christmas and New Year's Day this year! Anyway, we met Jessica, Luke and Ben at the Airport Park and watched the planes take off and land. It was cooler than I had expected (okay, maybe it was 50 degrees???! LOL), so after about 45 minutes or so Jessica and I decided to take the kids to the General Aviation building to watch the planes from inside and then eat some lunch from Crosswinds Cafe. The airport seemed a bit busy, so it kept the kids occupied! We left there and Gavin fell asleep in the car on the way back home. It was a bit challenging to put him in his bed still asleep, but he did go back to bed for a little longer.

At 2:30, the boys and I left and headed over to Duke University to meet up with Megan and the Skidmore Men's Basketball Team. Megan and I did graduate work together at UAlbany and we also worked together in the Athletic Department. She is now the Associate Director of Athletics at Skidmore and was asked to go on this trip!!! I was excited when she told me she was coming down here. Anyway, we got in and saw Cameron Indoor Stadium. It didn't click that Ian was wearing his NC State hat until a few minutes later. UGH. We were in Duke territory wearing a rival hat! LOL LOL Anyway... It had been awhile since I last was in Cameron Indoor Stadium. Ian was excited and Gavin didn't mind being there. hahaha Then, we went to the next building over to the practice facility and chatted with Megan while Skidmore ran a practice. I think the last time we saw each other was July 2003! Ian was a few months old and obviously she hadn't met Gavin! We went on the next court over and the boys had fun shooting hoops and playing some one on one with Megan. Duke's Assoc Head Coach, Steve W, came over to say hi to the Skidmore team and saw Ian and Gavin. He didn't mind getting his picture taken with the boys!!

We had such a great day today!!! The boys seem to be getting better from their colds and we are able to venture away from home for a bit.

Here's a link to more pictures from today: http://picasaweb.google.com/turnbull1220/December302008?authkey=O9Z6aL6f57c&feat=directlink

Gee...haven't blogged in awhile!

We had a nice Christmas with my dad. It was very sad to see him leave Christmas night!!! We were all under the weather, so we postponed Christmas with mom and my grandparents until the day after. Everyone seemed to not be contagious and doing better, so we headed over there mid-morning. Well, around noon...Gavin didn't look too well or act normal and he seemed very warm. So, I took him home to put him down for a nap and Cailean stayed at mom's with Ian. Actually, after his short nap I had to take him to the doctor and she thought he had adenovirus. ARGH!!! Today (Monday), he seemed to have turned the corner and improving. He still has his runny nose though. Ian's cough went away and he is just draining his nose now. He spent a few hours with mom and my grandparents yesterday. I had to pull him out of Christmas soccer camp! :( Hopefully he'll be back to himself real soon! So yea...not really what I wanted to deal with over vacation!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have been able to get together with Jessica, Luke and Ben a few times. We figured since we've all got something why don't we just hang out a few hours a day!

Ian and Gavin received LOTS of books and Ian is doing a GREAT job reading!!! He read Morris the Moose to us the other night. He was sounding out words and a lot of them were also sight words. He does such a great job! He practices his sight words list a few times a day. Gavin even knows them. He has a great memory!!! haha

We got a Wii for Christmas. Cailean got a really good deal on it and we caved in. I wasn't really for it at first, but I was convinced otherwise. A few nights ago Cailean and I played baseball, tennis and bowling. My arm was actually hurting!!!! LOL

Merry Christmas!

Grandpop reading Twas the Night Before Christmas...the kids listened well! LOL
Santa (aka my Dad) with Luke, Ben and their cousins

We enjoyed our time with my dad this week. It seems like he just arrived and before we knew it...we had to take him back to the airport to go back home! We've all been pretty much sick including my dad. Ian has that terrible cough, Gavin has the runny nose and congestion, Cailean has a cold, Dad had a sore throat and I've got a stuffy nose! What a family, huh?! I'm hoping these germs will leave soon!!!

We were able to make it to Christmas Eve service. Came home to our usual appetizers and then put the kids to bed. Then, dad got into the Santa costume and he and I drove down to the Nelsons. Luke is best friends with Ian and Ben is a few days younger than Gavin. Their two cousins were there along with some relatives, so Santa was a very nice surprise!!!! Dad did a GREAT job!!!!!!!!!!!

We had a nice Christmas. The boys ran downstairs and jumped on Grandpop and his bed! LOL I KNOW dad loved that!!!! What better than be woken up by his two grandkids, right?! Grandpop bought them a train that goes around the tree...very cool! Our family members spoiled them! Clothes, toys, gift cards, etc.

Tomorrow morning we're heading over to mom's. Hopefully we'll all feel much better tomorrow!!!

Here's a slideshow for you to watch!!! http://picasaweb.google.com/turnbull1220/Christmas2008?feat=directlink

I can't figure out how people can add comments. What did I delete???!!

Grandpop arrives!

C'mon Grandpop! Go faster!!!
Dad came from about 2 feet of snow to green grass and sunshine! They are decorating their gingerbread house now after eating some of the decoratations, of course.

The driveway in Vermont! I soooooo don't miss shoveling that!

My dad made it out of the blizzard in Vermont yesterday! His plane arrived a few hours later than expected, but he is here. Since Cailean was working yesterday, he met my dad at baggage claim. When we picked him up outside, the boys were going CRAZY in the backseat. Waving, yelling, "Grandpop you are here...finally" and had smiles from ear to ear! We got home and the boys immediately asked for the gingerbread house. A tradition dad started a few years ago!

We went to Panera Bread for breakfast this morning and then went on a hunt for new sneakers for me! Dick's Sporting Goods was the winner!!! Before coming home we went to Tom's Train Store at South Hills mall and oh wow...it was sooo cool! Dad has his own garden railroad and a few other trains in the house, so he was loving it. The boys had a blast running the trainsets!

We're taking a little break right now since Gavin is napping. Ian is watching Alvin and the Chipmunks with my dad.

Having a Friend Over

Making sugar cookies

Ian, Luke and Gavin tackling each other, but took a break to pose for the picture

We're all on a two week vacation, so we had Luke and Jessica come over in the morning. Jessica and I actually were able to sit and chit while the kids went off and played! It was so nice. Gavin asked Ian when he woke up if he could play with him and Luke. Too cute! The three had lots of energy and had a blast. I think Jessica and I started a few different conversations all at once! The big one was our planning for their New Years Eve party and what we should bring! LOL I'll need to practice staying up past 10pm!!!!!!!!

Oh, the top picture is of the boys making cookies on Saturday!

A Great Birthday!

We had basketball practice this morning and the team sang Happy Birthday to me because Leslie and Rob told the kids it was my birthday! We had an AWESOME practice this morning. The kids are really putting things together and it was very exciting to watch them in a little 4 on 4 action! Libby was a life saver for us!!!!!! She and her sister came and ran a little daycare with Gavin, Sam and another child! One less thing I had to worry about!

I received lots of phone calls and emails wishing me Happy Birthday! :) My birthday is a pretty big deal...my family did a lot for me growing up making it a special day as well as my classmates. I always had lots of attention in school because I was the youngest in my entire class! So yea...I'm spoiled! LOL

Cailean and the boys took me out to the Longhorn for dinner tonight! Then, came home to make sugar cookies with the kids. We'll frost them tomorrow. :) Trying to get into the Christmas spirit! I took a picture of the boys because they had lots of flour on them!!!!

Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!

Gavin showing the Wolfpack sign with Santa

Gavin's class with SANTA

Kim and I had the pleasure of putting together the Christmas party in the pre-school class today. Kim had the kids do a cute wreath project made out of pasta! It was adorable. We had pizza and juice boxes along with a reindeer looking treat. Then...SANTA arrived! Oh yes!!!! The kids had NO clue it was Cailean!!! hee hee When Cailean walked into the room, he used his normal voice! I was thinking, "What??? Deeper voice please because Gavin will know who it is!!!!" But, Cailean didn't hear me and he kept talking. Or he had selective hearing and chose NOT to listen to me!!!!! Anyway, the kids LOVED it and Gavin had no idea it was his Daddy!!!! He told the class that his sleigh was in the shop. Tonight at dinner Gavin told us that Santa came in his pickup truck! LOL LOL There is no way he could have seen the Titan from his room! Santa gave each kid a candy cane from a Mets stocking!!! GO METS!!!! Gotta promote them when I can, right? ;)

Gingerbread House Making in Ms. Braun's Class

Ian's finished project!

Ian's best buddy (Luke) and his mom

Ian and Erik sneaking in a few licks of the frosting!

Ian definitely loved making a gingerbread house in school this week! He brought home the final project today. He keeps taking the candy off of it and then says, "I can't wait to show Grandpop!" Well, Grandpop doesn't arrive until Monday and not sure what he'll have left. hahahaha

Ian's and Gavin's Aunt Turns 29 Today!!!!

NC State graduated today and we had quite a few student athletes graduate. As always, our department hosted a breakfast for them and their families at 7am! Tell me about it! We had about 120 people there I would say. A few of them were my former students, so I was standing there very proud of them!

Cailean went in for day 2 of the gingerbread house making with Ian's class. He forgot the camera though. :( I'll take a picture of Ian's final product when he brings it home this week!

Ian is about to lose another tooth!!!!!!! The adult tooth is already in, but gee...he needs to get rid of the baby tooth first!

Tomorrow is another crazy day. I'm one of the party parents for Gavin's Christmas party. Plus, Cailean is dressing up as Santa for his class. hee hee I asked Gavin yesterday if he thought it would be neat if Santa came to his class! He said he would give him a high five. Phew. Well, tonight I said, "Gavin, I wonder if Santa is going to surprise your class at your Christmas party." He responds, "I don't want Santa at school!" GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a lot to do at work the next two days before we are on mandatory vacation for 2 weeks.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday Tuesday

I think we accomplished a lot today! Both kids went to school and I volunteered in Ian's classroom. I had my staff meeting at work, which did not last long at all! So, since I had already paid the babysitter I zipped over to the mall area and pretty much finished Christmas shopping. Then, went to Ian's classroom to help out with Part 1 of the gingerbread house making. There were about 5 parents there to help. Cailean will go tomorrow for Part 2. We were supposed to go to a Christmas party tonight, but decided not to go once my friend invited me over to scrapbook!!! I also picked up the Santa outfit. LOL Yup, Cailean is going to be Santa for Gavin's Christmas party this Thursday!!!!!! He tried it on tonight and I could NOT stop laughing!!!!!!! I really hope the kids don't freak out! UGH!!!!!

I took pictures of the gingerbread making, but will post them tomorrow probably. Sorry Ms. Braun!!!

Blah, Blah, Blah

Yesterday was a productive day! Ian went to school and Gavin and I did some more Christmas shopping at the mall, then stood in line at the post office. Sunday night I wrote down two addresses that I would need for boxes to take with me on Monday. Yea, that didn't make it with me!!! As we're standing in line, I'm putting gifts in two different boxes and packaging them up while making sure Gavin doesn't get a hold of the tape thing. A mother with her two kids were behind us. The older kid asks Gavin what his favorite animal is. I was thinking, "Gavin, please don't go into detail about deer hunting and how daddy got a deer, etc." Gavin answers, "Elephant." Okay, good answer. Well, the other boy says, "I like fawn. Do you know what a fawn is?" UGH!!!!! He proceeds to say, "A baby deer." Gavin adds, "My daddy got a deer last night." By now I'm looking forward waiting for us to go to the counter hoping that Gavin doesn't talk about deer hunting with this boy!!!! Gavin thinks everything happens, "last night." LOL

We all hit the pool last night. Ian was liking the deep end and playing basketball. Gavin was doing a great job jumping in the water holding onto my hands and going under the water.

Busy day today. Both kids have school, I volunteer in the morning with Ian, staff meeting at NCSU and then back to Ian's school to help with a gingerbread house project, home to get everyone and off to a staff party before they all head to the Athletic Dept party!

I need help with titles

We went to church and Sunday school this morning and then met mom and my grandparents at Bob Evans for brunch (well, for us it was lunch!). If we have the opportunity to go there, Ian always asks if he can get the Mickey Mouse sundae (peanut butter cups for the ears, cherry for the nose, whipped cream, ice cream and chocolate syrup) and I always tell him NO (because I am not paying!). Well, he happened to be the lucky one to sit next to my grandfather who just so happened to hear the request. Pop-pop looks at me and says, "He wants that for dessert? Well, it's the holiday season and if he wants it, then he can get it!" Okay, I guess so! LOL I told the boys if they ate their pancakes then they could order them for dessert. Well, I actually got to eat my lunch with no kids hanging onto my arms. They were focused on those pancakes!!!!! When the waitress brought out their desserts you would have thought it was Christmas morning! Ian ate the entire thing and even picked it up and drank the melted ice cream at the bottom! Good to the last drop I guess! Gavin immediately ate the chocolate and wanted the whipped cream OFF! He wanted to get to the ice cream.

So, there we were...eating a great meal and the Manager (Leslie) came over to give a card to "The Dawson Family" and she made it clear to him that it was meant for the FAMILY! hahahahaha She wrote a really nice note. We all get the royal treatment at Bob Evans!

Needless to say Gavin had a great nap. LOL We did some yardwork and then when Cailean got home we headed over to mom's for dinner. Cailean and I escaped for a little bit to do some Christmas shopping at a nearby shopping center. Mom made a good dinner and a yummy dessert, then back home for baths and bedtime!

It's the last week of school for the kids before break and I have work, too. Lots of Christmas parties, gift giving, etc. Gavin and I will be heading to the post office in the morning! Hope there won't be a line!!!!!

The Grinch...plus another fun-filled day

Yes, I tend to be The Grinch. I used to REALLY be the Grinch growing up, but now that we have Ian and Gavin, I'm trying to be much better during the holidays. I tend to go overboard for my family and since I work part-time, it's hard to keep that up. I've had an especially hard time this year. Could be due to the fact I started shopping much later than normal. But, I walk around these stores and nothing jumps out at me for my family. I'm really, really struggling!

Anyway...I found myself at JCP at 6am this morning to get their doorbuster sales! Hardly anyone in the store, so that was nice for me. We had basketball practice at 9am and that went well. The kids are having fun (it seems) and learning, so hopefully that'll continue. After that we came home to do a few things around the house and then Ian and I left for NCSU. I put together a Tutor Appreciation Gathering prior to the men's basketball game. About 30 people were there. We stayed for the first half of the game and then came home in time to put up the Christmas tree and decorate it. Then, off to Jenn's and Scott's house for a Christmas party tonight. The boys had a late night tonight, so we'll see how they are in the morning. UGH.

We're definitely looking forward to my dad flying down for Christmas! Ian is very excited about the tradition he and Grandpop have...building a gingerbread house together! This time Gavin is able to help, so Grandpop told Ian he bought extra candy because they usually sneak a few candies while decorating! hahahahahahahaha That's Grandpop!

Catch of the Day...

Ian brought home this project information yesterday, but he told me about it the entire way home from school. He said we HAD to go to the store to get a lot of candy tonight (he said this yesterday) because if he took it all in tomorrow (today), then he was going to get a FISH!!!!! At Kingswood, this is a BIG deal! Ian said that Ms. Braun was going to give out 3 tickets if people brought the paper back to school, but then she changed her mind to a FISH!!! After I read the note, I explained that we only had to fill out what we would donate to the class as they make a gingerbread house next Tuesday and Wednesday! He wanted me to check everything off, but we didn't. Just a few items.

Today when I got home from work he says, "You are not going to believe this!!!! I got a FISH!!!" He received one for "responsibility." He took it out of his bag to show me and then says, "You could put this on the blog!" hahahaha

Gavin had a good day at school. He continues to help his little buddy who needs the extra support. The Director even commented to me on Tuesday that Gavin is such a kind individual and he tries so hard to help his friend like school! He told me that a kid hit and Gavin told the kid to go sit on a chair. So, we had a chat about who gives the orders at school!

Lots to do as we enter the weekend. Ian and I are going to the NCSU men's basketball game on Saturday afternoon. I've got a function I'm putting together prior to the game for work. After the game we'll get Cailean and Gavin and head to a Christmas party. Basketball practice to kick off the morning, too!

I'm not quite ready for the holiday season that we are in...

So, this morning at work I couldn't figure out why the graduate assistants were hurrying to finalize their reports for the semester. I was thinking, "Gee...you guys need to be here all next week during exams." It turns out that I'm a week behind!!!! OH MY GOSH!!! I started hyperventilating when they told me that Christmas is in two weeks!!! What planner have I been looking at these days??? I'm VERY behind to say the least. I started shopping in September the last few years...a little each paycheck. Nope. I was sooooo focused on paying off my student loan, that my Christmas gift planning went out the window. Yes, major UGH.

I took the boys after school today to get their Christmas picture. Oh how I love Portrait Innovations. I do very well when I say to myself, "9.95, 9.95, 9.95..." That's how much it could cost someone for the package promo. But, they tend to take TONS of pictures, you fall in love with all of them and could easily walk out spending $300. Not me! Maybe it's the Scottish genes in me? I wasn't so sure we were going to do well in the picture today. Let's see...Gavin woke up from his nap 15 minutes before we had to leave to get Ian. I wanted Gavin dressed in his outfit before getting Ian. That was a major struggle. He wanted to wait until Ian put his clothes on. NO...I wouldn't have time to get both ready!!!! Gavin proceeded to scream for 10 minutes and I even bribed him with some gummy worms!!! He was not liking it at all waiting for Ian...no laughs, no smiles, etc. Picked up Ian and he claimed he wasn't going to smile in the pictures. Oh boy!!!! They did some pretty funny noises with the boys, but Gavin's tongue kept coming out during the pictures! LOL Ian looked at the workers like they were nuts. But, we managed to get a good one. So, you'll see it in a few weeks. You would think I would be stamping our cards, but NOPE...running out of time and supplies, so still need to get them! LOL

I went out with four friends tonight at Chili's and we had a great time, of course! I meant to take pictures of our group, but forgot to get the camera out!!!! Oh well...next time! I left after putting the kids to bed. I noticed as I was leaving that Ian was looking out the window. Tonight I found out that Ian had a hard time going to bed. Our kids definitely like the schedule! UGH. We need to switch up our schedule every now and then!!!

Gavin's Lunch Bunch

Gavin singing with Miss Brenda leading the group

Today was the pre-school's Lunch Bunch, which is a fundraising event for the school. We had pizza, fruit, drinks and dessert. I'm still not used to being at the pre-school for Gavin now and not Ian! Some of the teachers aren't used to it either. It's hard to believe Gavin is almost three years old and attending pre-school! The kids did a great job singing their song for their parents/relatives. Gavin was singing the words, but didn't quite grasp the hand motions to the song. He still did great though! He was looking all around the room taking a look at the amount of people there. hahahaha

I had the opportunity to volunteer in Ian's classroom this morning and I just love being in there. One kid came up and gave me a hug (and it wasn't Ian!!!). It's neat to work with Ian's friends and to observe Ian in a classroom setting. He still LOVES to write the room as part of the centers.

I had to fit in my staff meeting at work today! Yes, I'm still employed! Towards the end of the meeting, our supervisor asked if anyone had anything to share. Out of the blue I said, "Ian can read now!" I couldn't resist to share the news with my coworkers who have seen him grow since 3 months old!!! People were clapping, saying, "Ahhhhhhhhhhh..." and one coworker said, "She is about to cry now!" No, I didn't! LOL

We had our second basketball practice tonight. I think we had a great time and the kids continued to learn!!! The kids are AWESOME and the parents are soooooooooo helpful!!!! We accomplish so much because I have parents ready to help on the floor and the kids are great listeners.

Cailean returned home from fixing a plane in Savannah this afternoon. He has been gone since Sunday. I put him right to work starting with the yardwork! LOL LOL

My aunt flew back to California tonight. :( It was great to have her in the area helping out for a week!!!!!

A Whirlwind of a Day

Cailean had to go into work in the middle of the night and then ended up on a roadtrip to fix a plane. Ugh! Ian went off to school this morning and then Gavin and I headed to the library to get some new Christmas books. We ran a few errands and then headed over to mom's. She went into work with a coworker who lives near her, so we could have the van today. Gavin and I took Aunt Cindy and my grandparents to the DMV, so they could get their NC identification cards. Then, off to another building at the other end of town to accomplish another task with them. Back to their house to drop them off and get my car back, then home for Gavin to take a nap. I actually had to wake him up to get Ian on time! When we came back home, Ian jumped into his homework while Gavin was playing. After they were "wrestling" around (I was wondering when this would start...it reminds me of my cousins in CA when I lived with them!) it was time to meet mom, my aunt and grandparents at Mimi's Cafe for dinner. Aunt Cindy has to fly back to California Tuesday afternoon. :(

I thought that maybe the boys could give each other a gift at Christmas this year. I figured Gavin is old enough to understand about giving. So, I said to Gavin in the car this morning, "Gavin, what would you like to give Ian for Christmas?" He replies, "I not Santa." I said, "Gavin, Santa is not the only one who gives gifts at Christmas." He says, "Mommy, I NOT Santa! I NOT Santa!" Oh boy!!!!! I HAD to call Cailean on that way!!! It was too funny!!!!!!!!

Busy Tuesday ahead of us. Both kids have school. I volunteer in Ian's class, but will not be able to stay the full amount of time because I have to be at Gavin's school for the Lunch Bunch (fundraising event). After the Lunch Bunch, then we get home to meet the sitter and then I'm off to my meeting. After that, I come home to get Gavin and off to take Aunt Cindy to the airport before getting Ian at school.

Our second basketball practice is Tuesday night! Go Armadillos!!!!!!!

All I Want for Christmas is...

A bottle of Advil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First Day of Basketball Practice

We had an 8am practice this morning for basketball. UGH. As I was trying to wake up Ian, he kept telling me he didn't want to play basketball in the middle of the night (because it was dark outside). Gavin had a complete meltdown because he wanted to stay in his pajamas. So, yes...with it being my first ever practice as the head coach and two cranky kids...you can imagine my stress level at this point!!!!!! Better yet...most can problem picture it all. LOL

The four of us headed to Morrisville and the kids on the team are AWESOME!!!!!!! I am sooooooo excited for the season. I had a lot of different ideas to do today, but needed to just play it by ear based on the kids. Leslie and I had parents help out and I swear...that's the key!!! We were actually complimented on how well we ran practice today, so...maybe with a little Advil tonight I'll be in great shape for the next practice on Tuesday!!! hahahahaha

Ian is #15 for the Armadillos! :)

After practice we swung by mom's to say good morning and then headed home. We had to get Gavin down earlier than normal for a nap because we had a birthday party at a park in the early afternoon. It's always nice to get together with great families at the park!!!

Cailean left for hunting after the party (when is the stinkin' season over?????????????????) and the boys and I are resting until we head over to mom's for some dinner.

Ian picked up some random book last night, by the way, and just started reading it. I can't get over that Ian is reading!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm terrible at coming up with interesting titles...

Wow! I haven't blogged since Sunday. Don't yell at me!!! Aunt Cindy flew in from California on Tuesday and she'll be staying at mom's for a week. Ian and I got to see her first last night before we went to the basketball clinic. Then, Gavin hung out over there this morning. On the way there, I told him he was in charge of Pop-pop and to make sure he keeps his walker with him. So, when Ian and I dropped him off, I said, "Gavin, who is in charge of Pop-pop?" He looks at him and gives us the thumbs up and then says, "Me!" hahahahaha Tonight we went over there for dinner.

We're getting ready for basketball practice to start this Saturday. Wish us luck!

Ian's school is doing a Food Drive this week as well as Gavin's school. So, both have taken some items in to help. Gavin pretty much just says it's for people when asked why he is to take food in. Ian, on the other hand, made it VERY clear to me yesterday and today that he NEEDS to take canned food in every single day for the food drive because the food will be given to people who really need the food and can't afford it. I was impressed! So yea...yesterday and today he completely raided my mom's cupboards. Oh and yesterday when he got home from school, he took a bag and went through our closet. He put every single can in there. WAIT A MINUTE...now our closet was pretty empty! LOL