Newspaper Men

When the Bells were visiting over Thanksgiving, Al took the opportunity to sit on our couch and read the newspaper. Benji thought this was very cool and decided to do the same. Mimicking his newspaper buddy, he found a spot nearby and began reading the entertainment section. Opening the newspaper with both hands outstretched like his hero, Benji would hold the paper up high just like people do when they are actually reading it. He would watch and when Al turned pages, so would Benji. Al lingered on one particular sports page for some time reading a column. As Benji watched this he noticed a photo of a football game and pointed this out in case Al missed it.

Birthday Cake Pride

The boys are really into animals right now. First they began identifying the animals by the sounds they make: meow for cats, ruff ruff for dogs, etc. Now they are blending the animal sounds with their names (i.e. moo cow). With their animal enthusiasm peaking, Sandy chose animals for their second birthday decorating theme. She shopped several stores locally and online to find just the right plates, napkins and decorations. Her crème de la crème were two lion birthday cakes she made for them. The boys loved their cakes and responded by saying “Roar! Roar!”. Not only did they look good, they tasted delicious. In case you’re wondering, the lion’s mane is made of chow mien noodles.

Birthday Party Time

With the Florida grandparents in town for Thanksgiving and Uncle Steve’s family coming for a visit, we decided to have the boy’s second birthday party a week early again this year. The tradition we have begun is to have a small birthday celebration in December and a second, larger party in June for their half-year birthday. A family with two children born on different dates would hold two birthday parties per year, but twins share a single day, and our boys’ birthday falls close to Christmas. Our solution allows for two parties per year and the June half-year birthday falls when the weather permits outside activities. For this birthday dinner we chose the boys’ favorite food: barbeque mutton sandwiches, potato salad, baked beans, burgoo and fruit.

Christmas Tree Farm

Sandy remembers fondly those times when her family visited Missouri’s Christmas Tree Land when she was a girl. She and I last visited this tree farm in Spencer County, Indiana on our first Christmas together just days before our wedding. This year, with the boys walking and the Roe Grands visiting for Thanksgiving, we thought it might be fun to renew this family holiday tradition. The trip had two goals; to select a tree and take a Christmas card photo. Because of the boys’ age and unbridled curiosity, we felt an artificial tree in the house would be best. However, we thought a cut live tree would make a wonderful front yard focal point. To complete the holiday traditions theme, we plan to decorate it with the large old-fashioned outside lights that annually adorned the Roe’s Kansas City home for so many years.

A Festive Thanksgiving Day

We are so thankful for our family and friends, and both were represented at our table this Thanksgiving day. Joining the twins and their parents were both sets of grandparents and our friends Al and Lisa Bell. Sandy prepared a delicious meal along with some dishes brought by the guests. The boys didn’t care much for the traditional Thanksgiving foods of turkey, dressing, and vegetables, but they were very curious to sample the apple and pecan pies. Mommy and Daddy said no due to the high sugar continent, but the boys persuaded certain conspirators to slip them bites on the sly.

Bifocals Required

A retired teacher, Grandma Karen has always had a way with children. When she visits, the boys get very excited and are eager to share everything they’ve learned with her. They especially love reading and want to show her all their books. On this day she began on the floor with Benji on her lap reading a nice little book when Trey Davey brought his chair over beside them to sit and read too. He brought his own book and before she knew it, Grandma was reading two books simultaneously. As always, she took it all in stride. Such is life when you are Grandmother to twins.

Guy Talk

Granddaddy Roe was tired when he and Grandma arrived at our house for their Thanksgiving visit. They had just completed a two-day drive from their home in Florida, and the trip was exhausting. Daddy and Granddaddy went upstairs just as the boys were rising from their nap. We turned on the TV to ESPN and sat down to watch the sports news. Wanting to be just like us, the boys climbed onto the couch with Granddaddy, arranged their pillows and covers for maximum comfort and began talking sports. When a football story ran they said “football, football”. When a basketball story ran they exclaimed “basketball, basketball”. There was also some running commentary that Granddaddy couldn’t quit decipher, but he was impressed by their earnestness.