Thunderer’s Birthday

And then in a snap it’s time to prepare for Thunderer’s birthday!

Have to plan ahead quite a bit since it’s hard to ship stuff for a Dec 29 birthday so we had to keep Christmas in one area and her birthday in another.

Lady Grey and Big Red didn’t mind supervising from one of the boxes as we wrapped her gifts though.

They also would come to the dining room the next day and ‘supervise’ the festivities.

That’s right though, you’re here for newly four year old pictures aren’t you?

Like Christmas, we didn’t take too many pictures because we wanted to bask as well, but here’s a quick peek of birthday girl cuteness and appreciation.

-FF

Christmas Visitor

Over Christmas break it was important for TJ to host his girlfriend at least once. We obliged so that we could also get a good picture of them.

-FF

Christmas 2017 Unfolds

Lady Grey was mostly unimpressed with Christmas activities.

She did take advantage of a warm place to cuddle into the evening though.

Meanwhile, Big Red patiently (more or less) rode in Little Miss’ kitty pouch sweatshirt.

Building ensued happily too.

Alon with some gaming.

While we parents who were up late for reasons treat ourselves to some caffeine.

(Redflare got a new mug.)

-FF

Christmas 2017

The tradition of a picture on the stairs has been something that has been with us since we had bedrooms on an upper level and the tree on the lower level and only two younglings.

It’s hard getting them all in the shot at this point, but we manage.

The first place we head to is the table where Santa’s response rests.

It’s amazing that these two are old enough to read the note themselves now.

This year the note was accompanied by a picture of Rudolph.

We didn’t take a lot of pictures of the grand openings, mostly because we wanted to bask and enjoy the morning with everyone too, but here are a few highlights.

-FF

Christmas Countdown

Well, we’re only four months late for Christmas 2017 I suppose, right?

I’m not quite sure how we evolved into our present tradition. When we were growing up we both got to open a gift on Christmas Eve. For me, it was generally a parental recommended gift from under the tree. For Redflare it usually was a package containing pajamas.

With the large… gathering(?) (what _is_ a good term for those of us with lots of kids?) we converted that to the “Christmas Eve Box” where they find some candy, something cozy potentially, and some soda. Soda is a rare treat in the house for them.

With the box done, perhaps we’ll have some cookies.

And eventually they’re chased off to bed for final prep, leaving their notes for Santa out usually inspires a response of some kind.

It’ll see the stockings stuffed with care…

And the tree very ready to go.

-FF

Gram Box

Next to arrive was the Gram Christmas box!

You can’t really tell from the picture, but TJ was quite pleased with his gift.

Ah, the joys of trying to pin a teenager down to get a picture when it’s one of his parents trying to take said picture.

I think the box included some suckers which was why Superman and TJ have one on these pictures. Superman was very happy with the box of fidget spinners. A couple even glow in the dark I think!

Once they were free of the suckers Redflare got all the happy younglings on the couch for a pose though.

They greatly appreciated everything.

-FF

Thunderer Early Birthday Presents

But wait, there’s more! The visit isn’t over yet!

Back home Mom and Pops wanted to share a bit of birthday joy with Thunderer early since otherwise they wouldn’t be back through until January.

It was her birthday month at least this way. 🙂

She carefully unwrapped the whole thing…

Before stopping to admire.

While we started helping dig the toys out of the packaging she opened the next item!

Yes, I think she did gasp. She loved it.

Naturally she had to try it on.

And then she cradled her new toys and shared some hugs, both for her toys and for her grandparents.

Well, with as fantastic as that outfit was, perhaps I should try it on myself.

I think we’ll let Thunderer keep it. Just not my colors.

-FF

Children’s Museum’s Blower

For the last post I thought sharing a pair of videos would work better than trying to describe them.

The device let kids craft objects to be flung into the air by the giant fan (or they could opt to use plastic bags.)

Thunderer opted for a plastic bag.

Superman later joined the fun.

Sadly, it was soon time to be done.

A final run through the treehouse with the teens guiding the way and it was time to head home with tired and happy babies.

-FF

Children’s Museum – Crafting Together

I thought this moment deserved its own seperate post.

There was a loft area where there were craft supplies. Pipe cleaners among them.

Newbie and Grandpa worked together up there…

To form an elephant.

-FF

Children’s Museum the Third

Behind the painting wall was a rubber band art board that Little Miss helped Thunderer with.

Some kind of lego-like building where Superman spent some very concentration heavy time.

Ultimatly creating this.

Speaking of building, there was also an area with real tools for the kids to interact with.

TJ found a clear spot to do some hammering.

There was a hand crank drill.

And then Newbie found the hammer station and tried her hand at it.

There was a wood sawing area too, so after some setup…

The teens raced through a pair of pieces.

-FF