Roller skating and NCSU Basketball

Tuesday morning I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned. Of course it doesn't look like I touched anything, but if you were to open up drawers or look at the bookshelf, then you would notice that work was done! I took a few garbage bags full of stuff to the dump and then took the boys roller skating with some of their friends. I didn't get any pictures from this event because I had visions of me with my new camera in my pocket and then falling and breaking it. So, I left it at home! Roller skating is just not my thing. But, there the Turners were...going around and around on the sides! LOL It's hard to believe I rollerbladed all through college and even attempted roller soccer in San Francisco. Things just are not the same anymore!

Then the boys and I took Ella, Sophia and Lori to the NC State men's basketball game. We planned on this since the start of the season, so they were excited. They gave us great seats and in an area we've never been in before. We were on the floor just a few rows back from the court. The kids were on the jumbotron many times and Mr. Wuf was in our area a lot.

We arrived very early!

They thought it was neat to high five the players.

Christmas 2009

Phew! Where to begin? Let's see...my dad flew down Wednesday night. The next morning the boys were beyond excited to put together the gingerbread house! Dad brought down a lot of extra candy to put on that. haha Go Dad! Ian got out his list that had everything he and Ian wanted to do with Grandpop and as they were able to check things off, Ian was adding more things! We played a lot outside and enjoyed the weather. We attended the 5pm Christmas Eve service and came home for some appetizers. Cailean's coworker, Scott, joined us before he headed off to work that night. Cailean, Dad and the boys put the luminaries out that our neighborhood buys from the local Boy Scout troop. It looks so nice when we come home after church to see the area have them out.

Christmas Eve night was interesting! Ian would not fall asleep! Both boys listened to 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by my dad. He reads every single night to them when he is here. Gavin got into his bed and he was asleep in no time. Ian, I thought was asleep, but at 10pm he was still wide awake. He finally fell asleep by 11am and then was up at 3am and then at 7:15am. Gavin woke up at 7:30am Christmas morning.

Christmas morning was great! After present opening Cailean made breakfast while I did some organizing. It did rain, but we didn't mind! We headed out to the movies to see the new Chipmunk movie. It has become a tradition for us to go catch a movie on Christmas Day. We had a nice dinner and then headed over to our friends' house for some dessert.

Saturday morning we drove over to the coast to Wilmington, NC and toured the USS North Carolina battleship. Dad and I were there years ago, but Cailean and the kids had never been. We toured that ship in about two hours and then drove over to Wrightsville Beach and flew some kites and picked up some shells. I loved watching the waves and we even saw three dolphins!!! Saturday night Cailean got a call and was headed to Miami to fix a plane. He didn't get back until Monday afternoon!

Sunday morning we took dad to one of his favorite spots...Krispy Kreme donut shop in downtown Raleigh! Then we headed home for a little bit and off to Best Buy because dad needed a new digital camera. We spent a few hours at the Berry house. Mike lived next door to us in Northfield. He, his wife and two boys live in Raleigh and we finally were able to get together. We came home to play lots of games and the Wii and then headed out dinner. I let the boys stay up a little later than normal and we all sat on the couch and watched a movie they got for Christmas.

This morning we did a little shopping. Well, helped dad use up his gift card and then hung out at the house. My dad taught Ian how to play chess and checkers. It was great to watch because my dad taught me how to play when I was young!

Oh and dad bought Ian and Gavin a drum set. So, yes...it has been loud, but I LOVE it! I love watching them play it and come up with their own tunes!!!

We took dad to the airport this afternoon and Cailean arrived a few minutes before, so he was able to meet up with us to say goodbye. It was sad. Gavin thinks he is going to come back tomorrow and Ian wants him to stay forever or at least come back in January.

Tonight we had Christmas with mom and my grandparents! It was great to see them. They spent two nights at the beach and I was happy that mom made it work because she has been wanting to go there for a few years!

I'm home with the boys this week and we have a few different things planned with some friends. So, stay tuned!

Here is the link to the pictures we took:

http://picasaweb.google.com/turnbull1220/Christmas2009?authkey=Gv1sRgCIXyuPCcpoD4cQ&feat=directlink

Dad always takes a gazillion pictures when he visits, but his camera wasn't working. So, we used ours! :)

Grandpop is coming!

That is right! My dad flies down here on Wednesday and the boys put together a to do list! We are going to be busy!!!! We've been busy cleaning. Ian has been a big help. We had dinner at mom's tonight and then we drove around looking at some lights. Love that!

Okay, just a short blog entry to let you know that we've got some fun plans while on VACATION!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Christmas Spirit!

Friday morning Gavin had his Christmas program at his school. Cailean and I were both there and the poor little guy...stage freight! He definitely got those genes from us. He doesn't cry when he goes up front, but as you can see this year...he was very shy, bashful, nervous, etc. Most of the time he put his finger up in his nose. He looked right at us and we're telling him to take it out and he shakes his head NO and probably put it up farther. LOL That's Gavin!!!!

They were able to color these paper strips that go in mugs to take home. Gavin is hard at work!

We were fortunate enough to borrow the Santa costume again. Gavin stared a lot at Cailean, but never yelled out, "Daddy!!!!" When he picked him up from school he told Cailean that Santa looked just like him because they had the same skin. Cailean asked him tons of questions and it pretty much went right over his head and he never asked me if Santa was Daddy. Not sure if we can get by it another year though. It was still a great party and awesome to see the kids' eyes light up when he walked into the classroom!

A class photo with Santa before he heads to the truck...I mean sleigh!


Saturday afternoon Mrs. Geiger came over to decorate cookies with us. Gavin made mountains on his cookies with lots and lots of frosting and decorations. Ian was getting into it making them look really cool and Mrs. Geiger has found another talent! So, I'll bake the cookies. Mrs. Geiger can decorate them. Ian is going to be the manager and handle all the money. Gavin is going to be the entertainer to get the customers. LOL

Ian's cookie is on the left. Mrs. Geiger's is in the middle. Gavin's is on the right.

Ian washed his hands at least 10 times and went through a bunch of forks! Why? He got caught licking the frosting a lot! hee hee

This gingerbread man has eyeballs!

Today

Happy Birthday, Aunt Megan!!!!!!

Love, Ian and Gavin :)

What a Wednesday

The Winter Learning Experience was a big hit in Ian's class today and they all did such a great job! I can't wait for him to bring everything home. :) Gavin had fun at school today with his teachers. Miss Cindy let him in the classroom earlier than normal, so that was nice. When we leave the Kirk he yells out the window, "Bye Miss Cindy and Miss Susie!" He loves them!

It was early release day for Ian since it is a Wednesday, so when we got home...the cleaning started. Ian was my #1 assistant and went to town on the cleaning. We cranked up the Christmas tunes and made some headway in the cleaning. He took care of all the toys in the living room, organized his room, worked on Gavin's room and even took care of all the shoes downstairs. He was a HUGE help. Gavin was asked to take care of his backpack and his room. He opted to entertain Cody. I was fine with that since Gavin wasn't bothering Ian and was with the dog. He was singing to Cody! We cleaned up until Cailean came home and then had an early dinner because we were given two tickets to see the Hurricanes play tonight. So, Cailean and Ian went to that. I stayed home with Gavin and cuddled on the couch watching The Grinch and Frosty before putting Gavin to bed.

Ian and that tooth...

The big news of the day...

Ian FINALLY LOST THAT FRONT TOOTH!!!!!!!!!! It has been dangling for months and I guess it came out at recess. He wanted to lose the tooth at school because he wanted that sticker to wear that says something like, "I lost a tooth today!"

I really wish the holiday season would just slow down a bit. I feel like we're on overdrive, but I guess that is to be expected when we're a busy family! After school we had Ian's friend over for a few hours and stayed for dinner. Tonight we were at Red Robin for Kingswood Night and had a lot of fun visiting with everyone! Ian and Gavin chowed down on spaghetti and we actually had to order another plate for them to share. They chose apple slices as their side. We actually sat with the Geigers for dinner and the boys thought that was pretty cool. Mrs. Harris stopped by to see everyone and joined us for a little bit. We're going to miss her when she is on maternity!

Tomorrow night we're home. Yay! During the morning I'll be at Ian's school for his Winter Learning Experience and I'm definitely excited for that. Then, after I pick up Gavin we're off to get my haircut. Wahoo!!!!!!!!! My birthday present to myself. Thursday night we have basketball practice. Friday we have Gavin's Christmas program followed by the Christmas party and then my "retreat" for work and then hosting Cailean's coworkers for a potluck. Saturday I'll be at NC State's graduation breakfast for student athletes at 6:30am (starts at 7am...ouch!) and I'm excited and sad at the same time. I'll be seeing some students graduate who I've known since they arrived as freshmen. Then, basketball practice after that and then decorating cookies with our special guest (pictures to follow after the weekend)! Looking forward to a night out at Bonefish Grill to celebrate my birthday!!!!

Family Fun Time

I woke up to some snoring in the house very early, so I got myself ready and headed over to Super Walmart to do some grocery shopping. When I came home we took care of some laundry and then headed out to basketball practice. We're looking good out there! Go Armadillos!!

Came home and we all changed into warmer clothes and headed out to downtown Cary with chairs and lunch to park ourselves for a two hour Christmas Parade! I really think it was in the 40's today!!! Yes, that is cold for us.

Then, we came home and fed the dogs (we're puppy sitting) and drove down to Pullen Park (next to NCSU...yes Duncan and Joyce...it's where I got soaked on the paddleboats!!!!!!!!!) for the Rotary Holiday Express. We stood in line for about 30 minutes, so the boys could sit on Santa's lap and Ian and Cailean could pick up their patches to put on their Y-Guides vests. Very cool! Then, we stood in line for about 45 minutes to ride the Holiday Express train. They transformed Pullen Park into a magical area with lights and Christmas music and quite a few things to do. Just a lot of people were there!!! We stood in line longer there then we did at Disney World!!!

On our way home we hit up Pizza Hut for some dinner. The boys have been extremely tired this week. Gavin has fallen asleep in the car at times and Ian is holding up pretty well, but we've been busy with lots of holiday activities!

Here's a link to the photos...if the red eye reduction is turned on, then why do they still have red eyes???

http://picasaweb.google.com/turnbull1220/December?feat=directlink

It's Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We went to Disney on Ice last night and it was okay. They had a lot of princesses and couples skating, which did not keep my boys entertained that much. I wish there were more "boy" characters in there, but it was nice to have the boys go to an event with their buddies.

I'm at work today for a long day. The boys have school and then they go for their second H1N1 shots late this afternoon. Then, it's off to basketball practice tonight! Another late night for them. We don't have anything early in the morning, but we do have another practice at noon followed by the Cary Christmas Parade.

I had an exciting phone call yesterday when I was at work. The Kingswood Principal called me to let me know that Ian received a good student award along with a classmate because they exceeded the teacher's expectations at centers, wrote a great story and did a lot of sentences with the vocab words. The teacher didn't need to redirect them or anything and they were just awesome! So, Mrs. Harris wrote up this note and sent them to the office and then Ms. Sherry called the two parents. It totally caught me off guard! LOL After the phone conversation, I sent her an email asking to receive a copy of what she was telling me! LOL

So, we all picked him up from school (doesn't happen too often, but I left work early to do this) and then took him to Ashworth's for some ice cream! It didn't matter that it was about 40 degrees outside! Great work, Ian!

I do have pics from Disney on Ice, but I'll post them later. I haven't downloaded them onto the computer yet.

Ian's Holiday Concert

Oh, what an amazing event!!!! Ms. Liu, the Music Teacher at Kingswood, is awesome!!! All three grades did such a great job. We were able to score some seats in the second row, so we were able to see Ian. Cailean wasn't there because he went to DCA to fix a plane. But, my grandparents, mom, Gavin and I were there to watch the show.

I'm sure you can point him out! Click on the pictures to see them closer.

Mrs. Geiger posed with the boys on the way out the door. She tried to capture Gavin and take him away, but failed! hehe Well, he wants everyone to call him Russell Wilson now. Not Russell, but Russell Wilson (NCSU quarterback). I really think Ian just went through another growth spurt. I noticed today when I was in his classroom that his shirt was a little short as well as his jeans. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saying our, "See you tomorrow night" to the boys' fan club!

I have tried for over 1 hour to download a song and no luck. I wanted to put all three on here, but you'll have to visit us and watch it on the camcorder. Sorry!

An Eventful Week

Lots going on this week! It's exam time at work, so trying to working on wrapping up the semester and preparing for next semester. We haven't had a second to watch Frosty or Rudolph and hope to this weekend!

Ian and Cailean fixed dinner last night, so they could earn a feather for their Y-Guide vests. Then, they had their Y-Guides meeting while Gavin and I were home. Tonight is Ian's Winter Concert (K-2) at Kingswood and he'll have his fan club there (mom, my grandparents and us). Tomorrow night we are going to Disney on Ice with mom, my grandparents, the boys, me, Jessica and her 2 boys and her mom. Looking forward to that! Friday night is the second round of H1N1 shots for the kids, then basketball practice at night. Saturday is basketball practice and then the Cary Christmas parade (no rain please). Sunday is our typical Sunday, but then we'll go to Pullen Park next to NCSU for the Holiday Express. Then next week Gavin has his Christmas party and concert!

Off to take the kids to school and then volunteer at Kingswood before heading to DMV to take my renewal tests (with Gavin)!

Matt and Alissa Visit

My brother and his girlfriend drove up from GA on Thursday and spent the weekend with all of us. We kept quite busy while they were here and mom put Matt to work with getting Christmas decorations up outside, of course with the help of Ian and Gavin! Friday afternoon we picked out a Christmas tree for mom. It was a little funny because we were all running errands in different vehicles going in different directions. I was with Matt and the kids and we got to the tree lot before mom and the rest of the crew. This tree lot is located near mom's place and happens to be family members of my age group swim team friend's husband!!! They are soooooo funny!!!!! So, the 4 of us start looking at the trees and we told the guy that the tree has to "sing" to mom or she won't buy it. So, he stands behind the tree and starts singing an Alan Jackson song! LOL We were like, "You have to do this when she gets here!!!" He did and it was hilarious! Anyway, she walked away with a wreath and a tree and Matt and Alissa also bought a wreath for their house.

Here's a picture of Alissa with one of the tree farm owners!

A few minutes of some football with Uncle Matt!

Friday night we went down the street to the Morrisville Tree Lighting and that was cute! They had arts and crafts for the kids, lots of cookies and hot chocolate and carols.

Matt and Alissa with their nephews

Oh yes...Santa arrives to the scene in a fire truck. Very cool! Gavin was a bit nervous at first, but then wanted to give him a high-five!

Saturday morning we picked up Matt bright and early because he went to Ian's basketball practice! What an uncle!!!! He even was awake enough to help us out on the court! Later that day we all ran some errands at Crossroads and then went back to mom's to decorate the tree, make a Christmas tree cookie cake and hang out. Gavin was more into making the cookie cake with Alissa...he and that sweet tooth of his!

The final product!!

Ian preferred being on the back patio decorating the tree.

Aunt Sandi...

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The kiddos!

I took the kids to Portrait Innovations this afternoon and had their Christmas photo done. I stuck to the plan and walked away paying $10.72 with a whole bunch of pictures for our family. The picture works, but the cutest pictures were when they were by themselves. Oh well, that wasn't part of my plan! LOL Ian still has that one tooth hanging - not sure when that front tooth will come out! Ian did a great job smiling, but they had him sitting straight up and so it didn't look all that natural. Gavin didn't think the guy was funny, so didn't laugh to get that natural smile!

Tonight we went to the Kirk for the Advent Fair and they worked together on different craft projects. There were some great ideas there and the boys were really into it with their friends (Connor, Justin, William, Lily and Elijah). So, it was a late night for them on a school night. Cailean missed out on the event because he was in WVA fixing a plane. He came home after we got home.

The boys are using their imaginations at home more these days. Gavin pretends he is "Wally" and who is Wally? Well, he was the contractor who installed our new windows. So Gavin walks around with his tool belt on with his tools and tries to fix things. He put tape on Ian's door because it looked like there were some cracks. Then Ian pretends he is Cailean. LOL

They go camping a lot in the house with a tent, flashlights, books and of course, Gavin's tools. Then they pretend they are hunting for deer. Yes, Cailean likes this idea!

Gavin likes to do whatever Ian is doing. If Ian is doing homework, then Gavin says he has homework to do. If Ian puts his hands on his head, then Gavin will do the same. Monkey see, Monkey do!

Looking forward to seeing my brother and Alissa tomorrow! They are heading up here for the weekend!!!

Oh, I'll leave you with this one liner from Gavin that was said to me this morning...

So, we're in carpool line at pre-school. Gavin toots in my car. He looks at me and says, "My butt just burped!" LOL

'Tis the Season!

Okay, so Saturday we enjoyed the NCSU/UNC football game and definitely liked the outcome of the game! Sunday was our usual church, Sunday School, Bob Evans and then off to the State basketball game with my mom and grandparents. The boys are a lot more vocal at basketball games than football games. It was fairly quiet and then all of a sudden you heard a little boy yell, "YES" when we scored a basket. That was Ian. I was shocked! Both were doing the wolfpack signs with their hands and they just really enjoyed watching the game and being part of it all.

On Monday Gavin was VIP at school. So we were fortunate enough to have Lucky spend two nights with us. Gavin really does take care of this class pet. He wants to take Lucky everywhere. Way too cute!

Monday night was our first basketball practice for Ian's team, the Armadillos! I'm coaching again and we have a great group of kids and parents. So, I'm definitely looking forward to the season.

Tonight we decorated the Christmas tree since Cailean fixed the lights and then he put together the train that goes around the base of the tree that my dad bought the boys last year. We just need the batteries and the train will be ready to run. This is the picture we included in Lucky's journal!

Wish me luck for tomorrow! It's early release day for Ian, so I'm taking the boys to Portrait Innovations at 2pm for the Christmas picture. Last year Gavin gave a fit because he didn't want to wear the outfit (last year he took naps and I had to wake him up from that nap!!!). He cried the whole time picking Ian up from school. Ian gets into the car and tells me he won't smile for the picture. I called my mom and asked why I do this. But, here we go...another year and I make another appointment. It was nearly impossible trying to find Christmas outfits for the boys.

Looking forward to the end of the week because Matt and Alissa will be here!