Mommy's Best Birthday Ever!

Despite trying to forget about my birthday this year (why bother, it just reminds me that I'm getting older), Ben and Dexter made it the best birthday ever. First, Dex and I went to the Christmas service at Daddy's church gig (Dex and I had a yummy breakfast date while Ben had practice prior to the service).

I got to see Dexter join all the other children in the procession that started the service.

When we got home, it was time for birthday cake and presents. Dex made the most amazing "coloring book" for me. Ben said it was all his idea and that he had never seen Dexter so focused.

It took hours over the course of a couple of days but I ended up with a fabulous "20 pages My First Power Book". The first ten pages consisted of various trucks (with descriptions written by Dexter).

The next ten pages consisted of hot rods (with descriptions dictated by Dexter and written down by Ben).As I colored the first page, Dex stood next to me providing positive feedback and encouragement, "Great job coloring, Mom."

The Hole Family

Dex's school hosted a "Santa's Workshop" where the kids could purchase gifts for their family members. We gave Dex a few dollars and some ideas and he came home from school with wrapped gifts for everyone in the family as well as one gift from him for the whole family.

I don't know who they had helping with Santa's Workshop but I certainly hope it wasn't teachers...

Brothers from Another Mother Birthday Lunch

Because Ian was unable to attend Dexter's birthday party, Elissa and I thought it would be nice to take the boys to a train restaurant. The boys thought it was a good idea as well!

 They both ate nuggets and fries,

played arcade games, and activated all the animations on the train track.

Christmas Tree Transport and Trimming

My Bologna has been retired from his annual job pulling the Christmas tree home on a sled (you did a great job all those years, My Bologna!). Dexter has taken over the duties using the little red wagon.

My Bologna still partakes in the trimming of the tree in his role as Supervisor.








Dex very intentionally chose a scraggly tree that was all by itself - he insisted on bringing that tree home so it wouldn't be lonely. We made him look beautiful.

Birthday Builders

Dex had a blast at Ian's 7th birthday! It was at the Home Depot where the staff instructed all the children on how to build a Trojan Horse bank.

Dex took the task very seriously, listening to the instructor and reading directions. "This is a hammer."

I could tell he was really concentrating when his "Gunker tongue" popped out.

 Super concentration for screwing.

 Pleased that he sees it all coming together.

Thanks for an awesome party, Ian!!!

70th Birthday Party

A friend and colleague of mine had a party to celebrate his 70th birthday party. Luckily, his grandchildren were there so Dex had some playmates.

Breakfast with Santa

Dexy's school had a "Breakfast with Santa" fundraiser where Dex got to meet Santa and tell him what he wanted for Christmas.

I was hoping he would say, "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth," but Dex had other ideas: some more wooden curved tracks for his trains and a game called Domino Rally.

After meeting Santa, we all enjoyed a pancake breakfast in the cafeteria.

 Dex made me proud using his utensils!

Then Dex found a couple of "life sized" Christmas decorations!