Gavin's Birthday and an Unexpected Trip to Vermont

I don't really know where January went. Cailean traveled a lot between NC and FL to be with his parents and siblings. January 15th was a happy day and a sad day. It will always be a happy day because it's my brother's birthday and my friend's son's birthday. It will also be a sad day because my father in law passed away in the early morning hours after a short battle with cancer. Cailean was in FL when he passed away and we decided to still have Gavin's birthday party. I had enough family and friends to help me.

Mom made another amazing cake for Gavin. We went with the NC State theme, so there's the cake!

My grandparents were there as well as my Aunt Cindy from California and my cousin Jessica and her family from SC. They sure did help me get through the weekend.

I noticed that Ian and Gavin were very clingy to my mom during the party. That's okay. They needed the lovin'.

Gavin and lots of his friends at the bowling party. They are such a great group.



Love that they are growing up together! My cousin's kids with my kids.

On January 19 we drove up to Vermont to be with Cailean's family and prepare for the funeral service. Since we were in Bennington I was able to see my best friend and her family. Our kids don't see each other much, but when they get together...it's amazing how well they click. Our niece, Sarah, had a lot of fun with the kids as well.

The kids enjoyed time in the pool at the hotel.

There was over 3 feet of snow in Bennington. Crazy!!!

Nana with her grandkids. What a great picture!

We were in Vermont for Gavin's real birthday on Sunday. We had a little gathering for him.

It's Basketball Season!!!

Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 11am...Gavin's FIRST basketball game ever! He was AWESOME! That kid can play some defense...he can intercept the passes...he can pass to his teammates...he can dribble and take 4 steps to the basket...and he scored his first basket and the team's first basket of the season! He had his fan club there, too. It included: Cailean, Ian, Mimi, Grammie, Pop-pop, his Uncle Matt and Aunt Alissa! We'll work on better video clips at the next game, so I can post them here. Team Armadillos played sooooo well and as the coach...I was very proud of all the kids! :-)

Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 3pm...Ian's first basketball game of the season in the 7/8 year old league and made three baskets!! Ian is a natural and I love coaching him and watching him play! He reminds me soooo much of my brother that I might have yelled, "Go Matt" a few times. haha He had his fan club there as well and it was really nice that my brother and his wife made the trip up for the weekend! I coach his team as well and I love how they mesh together and play like a team! The breakaways...the passing...the rebounding...so proud of each of them! Team Wolfpack had a lot of fun and they were definitely IN THE HOUSE! That's their team cheer..."Wolfpack in the house!" and then they sound like wolves (just like the NC State Wolfpack, of course).

That's the update!!!!