One More Holiday Celebration

Okay, so this post has a ton of pictures...sorry! I have been given some grief because I have slacked off a little in my posting. I guess this time things have just gotten away from me. We have had a wonderful visit with my sis and I am really going to miss her when she leaves for California tomorrow. I wish California wasn't so far away. It is still good to see the whole Yu crew and get to do some fun stuff with all the family. Now we can just start counting down the days until Clearwater.

Mom with all her girls in Gastonia.

Being silly with my sisters. That little 100 pound frame is heavier than it looks. Must be all those muscles Cici!

A picture of our entire family. I am always amazed when we can actually get one these days.

My mother's friend from high school and her daughter Jennifer all came to visit too on Sunday with their families. It was so great to see everyone. We had to get a great big picture of us all together.

Michael resting on the couch with Emily.

Michael and Wilson with those crazy Masseys. Boy is that a bunch of wild kids. Cindy has her hands full.

Tonight at dinner Michael was trying to give Atticus a hug. I think Atticus didn't really like Michael's technique.

Atticus and Wilson playing with the train.

Oh, we should have put them all in a tub together from the very beginning. They were great friends in the water.

Splish, Splash little guys. We sure did have fun and we are really going to miss Yu guys. Love you all!

Bouncing with Atticus!

We have spent the past few days hanging out with the Yu's (my sis Laurie) from California. They drove all the way across the country this year just to spend Christmas here in Morganton. Wilson and Michael enjoyed spending time with their cousin Atticus...by enjoy I mean pushing, shoving, hitting, and lots of use of the word "mine". Oh well, in a few years they will all have a blast together...especially with Andrew as their faithful leader. Saturday we loaded up the wild guys and took them to Bouncin' Kids to let off some steam. It is the best place to take your children and it practically guarantees they will take a nap after it is all said and done. I know I sure needed one when we got home.

Michael and Atticus are ready to Bounce. Yes, that is Steve and Bryan in the 4th row of the Suburban (a.k.a. the trunk).

Wilson's first trip down the slide.

I could not get over how little Atticus could climb. Must come from growing up in Yosemite.

Michael gets Memaw Claus to go down the slide with him.

Wilson and Michael taking Memaw through the slide.

Atticus gets to climb with his dad Steve.

Christmas 2008

Merry Christmas to everyone! We have had two wonderful days filled with family and presents and good times. Although I am exhausted from all the festivities it is always so great to be with all of our families. I just wanted to thank each of you again for making this such a wonderful holiday for us and especially for Wilson and
Michael. We love each and every one of you. Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday Poppa

Friday, December 19th, was Poppa Clauses' birthday. We got to celebrate tonight with a little cake and ice cream and a lot of Christmas carols with Wilson and Michael. We love you Poppa! Hope you had a great birthday weekend. Enjoy your fresh wine!

Michael and Wilson helping Poppa open his gift. It was a wine vacuum that helps to keep your wine fresh...Pop loves gadgets. Wilson thought it looked more like something Dr. Whalley uses to look in his ear!

Wilson and Poppa trying to figure out how it works.

Michael and Poppa singing the birthday song.

Wilson and Michael waiting to help blow out the candles, their favorite part.

Wee School Pictures

A couple of weeks ago Michael and Wilson had their pictures made at Wee School. Michael was practicing all morning before school. Normally he is my more camera friendly child. Wilson has a tendency to tell people to "stop looking at mine". Low and behold, on picture day they reversed roles. As you will see below, Wilson suddenly became the little model and Michael wanted nothing to do with the photographer. Had to buy them though because it was just so funny. Love and Merry wishes to everyone.

Michael finally cooperating for a picture after Ms. Lynda gave him a piece of candy. This is the best we could get!

Wilson was the first up and was great in front of the camera...so not Wilson fashion but these pictures are great.

Picking Out the Tree

Yesterday we packed up the boys and headed to the mountains to get our tree. We found a neat place called Sugar Plum Farms where we planned on getting our tree. Once we got there we realized that they were asking way too much for their trees and they gave you a little hacksaw to go find your tree and cut it down...we were having none of that. So we packed the boys back up and headed to Christmas Corner...where they use a chainsaw...exactly what Wilson and Michael love to see. We ended up with a beautiful tree and a great day roaming around in the mountains.

Michael finds the tree he wants.

Wilson thinks this one looks good.

My triplets...Michael, Daddy and Wilson.

One picture with my guys!

Mirror image...they loved the hot apple cider at Christmas Corner. Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving this year in Gastonia with my family. Wednesday night we all had a big sleep over at the Massey's house and then celebrated today by eating a whole bunch of yummy food. As always, the boys love all the entertainment and attention they get from all of their cousins...makes it hard to come home to our quiet house. It was such a great time and I already miss everyone. We look forward to Christmas and getting to all be together again. We can't wait to see Laurie, Steve and Atticus then too! I am thankful for all of you!!!

No Turkey Trot this year for us, but a few turkeys decided to run 5 miles this morning. Me, Chris, Emily and Cindy getting ready to run.

My only picture with most of the family in it. Watching movies in the afternoon.

Taking a break from cooking...Mom with some of her girls...me, Kerry and Cindy.

Wee School Thanksgiving Feast

Today at Wee School there was a Thanksgiving Feast for all the kids and parents to attend. Bryan and I got to enjoy a yummy lunch with Wilson and Michael. Here are a few pictures from the event.

Wilson and Michael dressed up as pilgrims. As you can tell from the look on their faces, they did not want to be in the costume. Wilson immediately took his off once he saw us in the room.

Michael removing his costume...he wasn't too happy about his either.

Wilson is thankful for Memaw!

Michael is thankful for Mommy and Daddy!

Wilson and Michael with their teacher Ms. Lynda.

A Quick Visit

The Taylors decided to come down the mountain for a quick trip to Morganton. The boys were so excited to see thier cousins, Allison and Jillian. Thanks so much for making the trip. We can't wait to see you guys on Wednesday and have a great big sleep over. Gobble Gobble!!!!

Allison and Jillian watching Michael and Wilson.

Allison showing Michael and Wilson how to use thier new toy at Memaw's house.

A thoughtful little Jill!

Fun-Filled Saturday

This weekend Burke Pharmacy had a Thomas Day at their store from 10-2pm. We took the boys to see what it was all about. As you can tell from the pictures the place was full of little boys all trying to play at the tables. Not only did they have all these tables set up, they also had all of their wooden Thomas toys 40% off...I don't think I have ever seen that kind of sale on Thomas. They might have it again next weekend in case any of you are interested. Webkinz were on sale too. After returning home and taking a good nap we took the boys back up town for the Festival of the Lights. Too bad it was so darn cold. They did get to see Santa and managed to tell him what they wanted for Christmas but they would not get close to him at all for a picture. Maybe next year.

All the boys playing at the Thomas tables.

Michael operating Cranky.

"Out of my way"! Wilson pushes past another boy so he can play...such nice manners.

Michael and Wilson trying to get warm by the bonfire after visiting Santa.

Potty Training 101

Back in January I decided that I was going to try to potty train Wilson and Michael. That lasted all of three hours and then I discovered I wasn't ready to commit that much energy to the project just yet, so we continued on in diapers. On Friday night my sister Cindy was asking me how much money we were spending in diapers...way too much. I guess that started to motivate me to try again. So Saturday morning we woke up and Wilson and Michael put on their big boy undies and we proceeded to make them try to potty every so often. That is the most time I have ever spent in a bathroom and not been sick. I do not think it is wise to try to potty train two at the same time. Michael was not interested at all so we decided that for now we will focus on getting Wilson up and going and then hopefully Michael will follow. So far Wilson is doing pretty good...just a few accidents. Now it is up to Memaw Cates and Memaw Claus to pick up where we left off with the process when I return to work tomorrow. Good luck to them and send some good potty thoughts our way.

Wilson and Michael getting ready to go see the cows with Daddy. Wilson got to pee outside...how great is that.

Michael sporting his big boy undies and his new cow boots Saturday morning. Don't ask me why he has his hand like that.

On the Farm

With such a beautiful fall weekend we decided to spend most of our time outdoors...at home, my favorite place. The boys love getting to help daddy feed the cows. It seems that the cows have gotten to know when it is mealtime and they start flocking to the barn. Here are a few pics of our Saturday feeding the cows.

Bryan with Michael and Wilson up high on the hay bales.

The boys climbing up to get a picture with me.

Me and my fellows.

Daddy and Michael walking to feed the cows.

I just thought this was a pretty picture of the cows in the field.