Sean's Christmas Concert

Tonight was Sean's turn to be front and centre (literally) on stage. Ryan took on the role of Mommy's "date"and assistant photographer. Sean looked very handsome in his shirt and tie. He has been very excited several days about performing tonight... singing "hip hop reindeer" around the house. He did not disappoint, he sang out and even showed that he has some rhythm. So proud of you Sean.

Ryan took a turn being photographer

Then Brianna took over so he cold join in the picture.

Dapper dude, front row centre

A final wave to the crowd

An after show treat!

Ryan's Preschool Christmas Concert

Ryan had his Christmas concert tonight. Unfortunately, Daddy had to leave on a business trip, so he couldn't be there. However, I had a very handsome escort, named Sean. He was also a big help taking pictures and video when I needed him to. Ryan was rather nervous today, even insisting several times "I not going" "my tummy hurts to go to the concert". However, when the time came, he got dressed without a fuss (looking very handsome I might add) and headed out the door. He was in the front row of his class... and right when it seemed like our video was going to seem like a silent movie (such quiet singers)... Ryan started to belt out the songs... he could be heard clearly at the back of the church. Many parents came to compliment him (and me) on what a great job he did! Way to go Ryan.

Good ol' Ryan... always ready for a picture!

He was so excited to wear his new "dress" shoes

Mommy and Ryan... thanks Sean for playing photographer

Ryan's turn to play photographer... Mommy and her "date"

While eating dinner, the boys realized that Santa and Mrs. Claus had arrived.

They finished eating while discussing what they were going to ask for and deciding whether it was really them or Santa's helpers. Sean decided they were in fact helpers (Santa is too busy this time of year), but that he shouldn't tell them he knew... it might be rude!

The only thing that could make this picture better, would be having Brandon in it. Unfortunately, this concert was over the supper hour and it would have been too hard for him. He is a little wiggly at this point and likes to be moving. I also thought that tonight should be about Ryan and he needed my full attention while he was performing.

It was a great evening boys, thank you!

Mommy

Happy Thanksgiving

The day started with quite a bit of excitement, when the boys realized that Elmer the scout elf had returned. He is now keeping a watchful eye on the boys during the day, and sharing what he has seen with Santa at night. So much fun!

Around lunchtime we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's for a turkey feast and playtime with cousins. They were exhausted by the time we left... bedtime was a snap!

They even got to open a present! What a day. So much to be thankful for too:)

Ryan found Elmer sitting in our tree.

Brandon is still pretty tired from surgery on Monday, so he didn't eat to much... boy did he nap though!

Ryan looks growly in this one, but he wasn't. Sean's expression says it all, good food and good times!

Brandon was on the hunt for cookies in Grandma's pantry

The tree shrunk (Grandma and Grandpa are heading south next week) but it still had some goodies under it.

Brandon was in the thick of things this year.

I didn't manage to get a picture of Sean and Ryan before they took off their (pesky) collared shirts! They did look handsome. Unfortunately there is no Staab boys group pic this year either... they didn't stop for long and Brandon was too tired to cooperate when I tried.

Brandon enjoyed watching Baby Einstein ... a little peace and quiet, away from the craziness of the bigger kids.

The Knight

Last weekend, Tony and I went to a dinner/auction to raise money for Central Catholic. We enjoyed the chance to get dressed up and get out with a great group of people.

Decking the Halls

I decided to get a jump start on holiday decorating... okay I always start at this time of year... but this year it is even more necessary as we will be gone for a good portion of the holidays. I figured if I didn't start soon... why bother!

Brandon is very curious about all of the decorating I've been doing. So far he has done a nice job of leaving things alone.

November? Really?

We've been enjoying a very mild fall here. Just a few days ago Ryan and Brandon spent some time outside during the afternoon. Brandon is actually a little overdressed in this picture. It was a fabulous day.

Ryan's 1st IP of the Season

Last weekend, Ryan had his first IP practice of the year. He was so excited to go and get back on the ice... especially after watching big bro for the last few weeks. He skated his heart out.. fell got up... skated his heart out... and so on. By the end of the hour he was whipped. As he came of he reminded me of Sean after his first IP a few years ago. He was crying... I asked "but did you have fun?" Through the tears he let out a big smile and said "YES!" Hopefully his stamina will build quickly and he won't get so exhausted:) Way to go Ryan!!

Sean's turn to be Goalie!!

Last weekend Sean had his turn being goalie. He was so excited to play AND to top it off, his teacher came to watch AND Grandma and Grandpa came too!! Unfortunately his team was defeated 10-9, however he took it well. He has a new appreciation for the position and the importance of covering the goalie when playing defense.