Brotherly Love

Mommy's Little Helper

Both Sean and Ryan have taken to being helpers lately.   Actually, it is mainly Sean.  Oddly enough there are no pictures of his hard work.  I must rectify this situation, soon.  He enjoys dusting, sweeping, swiffering, washing dishes, washing tables and especially vacuuming.   Ryan of course believes he can do whatever big bro does, so he gets in on the cleaning too.

Trick-or-Treating at Stuhr Museum

Last Friday, we headed to the local museum for some trick-or-treating and good old fashioned fun.   

Tiff, Justin and their boys Aiden and Porter joined in the fun too.  Tiff and Justin recently moved to our street after returning to town.  Tiff is an old friend of Tony's from high school. They have been such good friends, they even traveled to Barrie for our wedding 6 years ago.  

Anyway, a good time was had by all.  The boys had a good time together and looked so cute as Spiderman, Frog (Super Frog as Ryan calls it), Thomas the Tank Engine and Scooby-Doo.  

We made our way down the treat trail and into Railroad Town.  By the time we got there, it was getting dark and rather spooky.  With tons of people roaming around it became a little nerve racking with the little ones, not to mention tiring, so we headed home.  

Now I feel like Halloween is over... unfortunately this is not the case.  It has never been my favorite, but it is nice to see how much the kids enjoy it.  Now I wait for it to be over... so I can start my Christmas decorating... now there is something I can get into!!

A Very Canadian Thanksgiving

Sunday, we were lucky enough to celebrate our first Thanksgiving together in quite some time.  With (a lot of) help from mom, I put together a full turkey dinner, stuffing and everything.  It was delicious and we were stuffed.  It was a lot of work (I understand why we don't eat this more often), but well worth it!

Sean wasn't big on the meal, the salad was good though.  Maybe it was the McDonalds Papa fed him on the way home from skating... what do you think?

Papa was explaining something to Sean across the table.  This may have been after he chose to do Goofy's Turkey, Lobster, Sweet PotatoPie... sing it with me everyone!! right BEFORE Grace.  You can imagine how that went. Papas?  What are you going to do with them?  

Like most Duncan family gatherings, by dessert someone has stripped naked and someone is drinking tea while others clean up the mess!

First Skate of the Season

A couple of weekends ago, we made the trek to the arena for the first time this year.   We had planned on going for lunch and then stopping at a sporting goods store to get Ryan a helmet and cage first.  However, since we don't exactly live in hockey central, no helmets were to be found.   Hopefully Santa will be able to hook him up like he did Sean a couple of years ago!! 

While Ryan liked the idea of going skating, he wasn't too happy with the actual event.  However, he did miss his nap and his skates are still a little on the big side, so his ankles weren't holding up.  We'll keep at it though.  

Sean was nervous at first, but was back in his old form in no time.  One of his coaches from IP hockey was there and commented on how much he had improved just in the time we were there.

The next day, Papa and Sean made a trip on their own.  This time Sean wore his equipment... but not his jersey... because it wasn't a game!  This time he got to ride the zamboni... can you say excited???

One more week and hockey starts again.  Can hardly wait!

Stanley and the Boys

New Ride

So, the boys finally wore out the tires on the Gator.  No surprise since they have driven it daily (one or both of them) for almost 3 years!   The Hummer also broke down and no longer goes in reverse... although it makes a cool revving sound when they try... just ask them!  So we sent the Hummer to a friend who has a little guy that wanted one really badly and replaced the tires on the Gator.   One vehicle for 2 active boys was not going to cut it, so Nana and Papa were kind enough to share the cost with us for a replacement vehicle.  Enter... the 4 wheeler!  They love it. Grandma and Grandpa have one at their house, so the boys new they have to wear a helmet when riding.  Before hopping on each time, they put on their helmets... without being asked... wow!

Look What My Boys Sent Me!!

Much to my surprise, I received flowers at work yesterday.   Yes, it was my birthday, but who knew they would have thought to send me flowers!   It definitely brightened a rainy birthday morning.   Thank you too, to all who sent cards, called and left messages on my facebook page.   Thirty-five was a little tougher than I expected.

Thursday night the boys and I went to Carlos O'Kelly's for dinner since the little guys don't get to go out with us on Saturday and Sean kept asking when my party was.  Last night we ordered in pizza... cause who wants to cook on Friday or their birthday and tonight the streak continues with the ultimate feast at Red Lobster.... I can't wait!!

Sean's Obsession with the Printed Word

Since starting kindergarten, Sean has this need to know what letter words start with and how to spell words.   Wonderful, I know.   The other day we were driving and Ryan pointed out a motorcycle.  Sean then let us all know that the motorcycle was for sale, he knew because of the sign in front of it.  Now he has a desire to write notes and leave them all over the house.  I'm not sure if the obsession is with the printed word or the post- it note!!   It started with one and now is one a day.  They are stuck on counters, railings, furniture and door frames.   I only know what one says... wait ... it's good.   The others he tells me are "for if a robber breaks in."   I'm not sure if they tell them to get out or where all the good stuff is!  Here are a few of his notes.

This last one was written on Friday morning.  He told me he needed to write Spiderman on this note.  He remembered that his toothpaste has Spiderman on it.  He asked if he could go upstairs to the bathroom to look at the word and copy it... wow... very good.   When he came down, this is what his not said.

C-R-E-S-T

I've Never Been So Proud of  a Misspelled Word!!

Within  the first few days of school, Sean brought home this journal entry.   I was amazed.  How quickly he was showing interest in sounds and how they make words.   

He is doing so much better with drop off in the morning.  He still likes Mommy to take him into the gym, and he comes back for lots of extra hugs and kisses (I don't mind that) but he gets in his line without any whining or complaining.

Mrs. W. stopped me yesterday when I was picking Sean up and said "I noticed something in your boy this week.  He's finally figured out why he's here!"    Apparently, he is doing much better than the first week.  First week he had the social part down, the rest... not so much.