Mary at Five

What a big year it's been for Mary. It's crazy how much change happens in a year during these first few 'little' years. From four to five Mary got to travel to nine countries, move back to the states where she was blown away by Walmart, start Pre-K, take swim lessons, participate in a kids running series, and lots more.

She loves dinosaurs and her babies (stuffed animals), Playmobile and Calico Critters (though she mostly still refers to them as 'Sylvanian Families' as that's what they are called in England). She and Finn play like cats and dogs and I savor the times where they are deep in their imaginations playing nicely together! She loves Curious George, My Little Pony, and just about anything Disney (current favorites are Aladdin and The Lion King).

Mary tells me often that she misses England, but she has adapted so well to her new school and new friends. She gives Roscoe a hug every night before bed and bones and dog treats at every opportunity.

She can be a little feisty and sassy, but she also loves to snuggle and gives delightfully wonderful hugs. She will wear her dinosaur costume until it no longer fits and requested a chocolate dinosaur cake for her birthday.

She was very concerned about turning five and expressed some uncertainty these last couple weeks. She said she wanted to stay four a little bit longer and asked why she had to be five, and the sweetest of all was when she asked me in a worried little voice, "will everything change?"

Happy Five, sweet Mary.

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Finn at Seven

Seven. 

He has been putting gel in his hair and looking ever so suave, he rides his bike with such confidence (and speed!), he has math skills that blow me away, he is the loudest talker and cannot control his volume to save his life! He is mostly polite, but can be just the WORST listener. He is sensitive and inquisitive and his accent is the best thing that happened this year. And it's been a busy year at that. Since turning six last June Finn has visited 11 countries, 12 if you count the quick stop in Luxembourg for an afternoon. He loves to explore and has been a great little traveler. 

His reading has really taken off and recently he finished his first chapter book. He was so proud and it's really wonderful seeing his confidence grow. But on the flip side he is quick to frustration when we cannot do something or at least do it perfect on the first attempt. Today for his birthday we went to Rebound Revolution, an indoor trampoline place and he was frustrated he couldn't jump from one platform, down to the trampoline, and then up to another platform further away and land on his feet. He face planted, got a bloody nose, and yet despite his frustration he kept at it. And by the time we left he was effortlessly doing the jump at one point he was in tears over.

Legos are still his most prized possession, or as he would say, "they are very precious to me." He is sad to move away (me too, buddy) and will miss his friends "desperately." His little logical mind can be so entertaining. When opening a birthday gift (Legos) he said so matter of fact "this is for 7-12 which is perfect since I'm turning seven." 

He can still eat his weight carbs, thinks his burps are so funny, and could spend hours outside climbing trees and playing with friends.

 He’s all kinds of wonderful and today he is seven. 

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Valentine's Day 2018

The kids have their half term break this week which means that I don't have to bother with any of the Valentine's Day madness that consumes the states! I think it's fun for kids to have a run little day, but mercy, it's gotten out of control hasn't it?! And I'm just as guilty. When Mary was a baby I mailed out valentine pictures of the kids! Which meant I took their pictures ahead of time. Gross.

I wasn't even going to bother with pictures today, but then thought about how annoyed I was that I didn't take any pictures in 2016 and at six and four my kids are still young enough to tolerate such nonsense. Plus it literally took me five minutes. Make a Lego heart, throw on some red, tell a fart joke to get a good smile, DONE.

Happy (belated) Valentine's Day.

Bought this cheap shirt at Target three years ago. 

Finn has worn it each Valentines day and it actually finally fits this year!

 Previous Valentine's Day Photos:
2012
2013
2014
2015
2017

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Christmas 2017

Christmas 2017 was the year of the Lego. For Finn anyway.  Last year he got a bunch as well, but this year - the kid scored big time. The funny thing is, we actually got the kids very little. Finn got a Lego set from Santa (the one he specifically requested from the big guy when we visited and Mary had a meltdown), Mary got a Sylvanian Families set (Calico Critters) also from Santa, they both got a book, a coloring book, Finn got a second Lego set from us and Mary got a little keyboard (a LOUD little keyboard), the rest of the crap stuff was from family and friends. Oh, and we got them movies on their kindles because tomorrow we leave for a nine day road trip. We had gotten them snow bibs, but those really are for the trip so I didn't bother giving them as gifts (but sorta hit all the 'want, need, wear, read' categories)

On Christmas Eve we made cookies, went to church (Finn fell asleep on my lap during the entire service!), and had an exciting evening preparing for Santa. The kids slept in until just after 8 (God Bless!) and even when Finn woke up, he didn't know what time it was so told Mary they had to go back to bed because Santa told them not to wake up until 8am. They are sharing a room right now as Miles' parents are visiting and I love that they were together for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, I think it made it all the more exciting for them.

They were really pleased to see their cookies eaten and Finn read the note Santa left before they dashed off to discover the presents. I'm sure I say it every year, but the holidays with little kids are so wonderful.

If you're reading this, I hope you had a happy, peaceful day.

Oye, that lighting is doing me no favors. But the kids are cute!

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Mary Turns Four

When I walked into her room the morning of the big day, I said, "it's your birthday today!" to which she excitedly replied in almost a whisper, "yeahhhh!" When I wished her a happy birthday she informed me, "I'm BERY big now" and at four, she feels just that - entirely too big.

She went from shy and skeptical of others to much more social and confident during the course of this past year. She was mostly really good during the travels throughout the year, though she is not a fan of cold weather (especially if wind is involved).

She could listen to the soundtrack of Moana every day and sings along with great enthusiasm. She loves books, playing picnic, and putting together puzzles. She is the worst at hide-and-seek, but loves playing regardless. 

When she needs to blow her nose she says, "I have snots" and she is obsessed with asking anyone she meets, "what's your favorite color?" followed by "what's your favorite dinosaur?"

She started school this year and was hesitant and nervous at first, but only a few days later she was happy and comfortably settled, quickly making friends and turning our hearts to mush with her after school running hug.

She has sass and attitude and does not like to be told no.

She is also empathetic and gentle and a lover of all animals, sleeping with no less than half a dozen stuffed animals each night.

She does not like to see Finn hurt, does like to rat on him when he's being naughty, and mimics his antics often.

We still call her our baby, and regardless of her big girl status, she will always be just that.

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Halloween 2017

Halloween recap - better late than never. So I had gotten a little to excited about the idea of dressing up the kids as Mary Poppins and Bert the chimney sweep for Halloween, but Finn quickly made it known he had no interest in dressing up as a chimney sweep and partaking and when I listed all the things I would bribe him with he said he would put the costume on, but didn't want me to take a picture and didn't want anyone to see. Ugh. As much as I wanted to just force it on him, I didn't want to embarrass the kid or make him self conscious and thought I should probably respect his wishes which is totally annoying. Mary on the other hand was bribed with one Haribo gummy and she was good to go!

Unfortunately when it came to trick or treating Mary didn't want to be Mary Poppins. Both kids wants to reuse last years costumes and be American First Responders. The firefighter costume (which was a hand-me-down from a friend) has been in circulation since 2014!

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Declaring Independence from Donald Trump?

Ok so let me preface this all with the fact that I know we are so lucky for the opportunity to live overseas for two years and for the most part I really do love it and the experience and traveling it has enabled our family to do, yadda, yadda, yadda. BUT, today I was just sorta in a mood and missed "home" and felt nostalgic and a little sad.

It started when I went to Finn's class assembly today and one my way out another mom commented on how nice it was that I could bring Mary. Only it was said in a way that I genuinely don't know if she was just being nice or if it was sorta a passive aggressive dig at the fact that I DID bring Mary (who was the only sibling in attendance, but very well behaved). Anyway, not really knowing how to take that I continued on and was about to leave when a lady from the from office stopped me to ask me about Mary's enrollment and give me a hard time for not attending a meet the teacher night I wasn't even aware of! I felt bad for not knowing about it (though got no email or notification of it), but was also annoyed at how short she was with me. The truth is that in general the faculty at Finn's school hasn't been very friendly/warm. It's definitely NOTHING like the kindess and love that was shown at Finn's preschool in Savannah. When Finn was still adjusting to school here I stressed if I made the wrong decision in which school to send him to, and today that worry resurfaced. But Finn IS mostly happy at school and doing really well, so I have to remind myself of that. Unfortunately, I totally let it put me in a bad mood and found it fitting that I would be annoyed with Brits on the 4th of July.

That combined with the fact that Miles is away right now for an internship and this holiday, which is my favorite, isn't celebrated here (obviously) - heck, Finn is still in school! It just didn't feel like the special, happy, day I'm used to. Aside from my deployment, this is the only time I haven't been stateside for the 4th! Anyway, it all resulted in my throwing myself a little pity party.

Thankfully, another military family was sweet and invited me over to their get together and I knew it would be good for the kids and I to go instead of me putting them to bed and feeling sorry for myself. Plus, they had sparklers and s'mores, so it ended up being a really nice night for which I'm grateful my rotten mood didn't spoil the whole day!

One funny aside - as I was talking about the 4th with the kids, I said "Do you know who America declared its independence from?" to which Finn replied "Donald Trump?" (bahahah). After I stopped laughing I said, "No, from England" and his eyes got really big and he said, "THIS country!?" and then we talked about how THAT went down because it totally shocked him!

I hope that those reading this had a happy, less woe-is-me, 4th of July . . . wherever you might be.

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Cale's 7th Birthday

My nephew Wolf was born last week. He's perfect, beautiful, and healthy and my sister is exhausted and emotional and absolutely on Cloud Nine with her sweet baby. It genuinely is wonderful to see (and I got to be there in Arizona for his arrival!), but of course it brings heavy emotions closer to the surface. My parents have three grandsons and two granddaughters and the three boys were all born in June which is special. When asked how many grandchildren he had, my ears couldn't help but eavesdrop as my dad replied, "five, but four living." I was so grateful for that reply and that acknowledgement of Cale.

What Wolf's arrival reminded me of was not only how damn special and amazing a newborns (SAFE) arrival is, but just how sad I am that Cale did not have that experience. Of course I'm sad for all our family has missed out over these last seven years, but I was reminded that his birth was not a celebration. It was grief and heartbreak and darkness. And that's just so unfair. Because he was and is none of those things. He was excitement and hope and love and he is beauty and gratitude and LOVE. 

Seven years seems so big, but I find myself thinking that every year. Early on I used to think how it was my baby who I was missing. I wanted my baby back. But lately I've been searching for what my seven year old would be like and it seems he's a familiar stranger to me. I've always said I miss who he was and miss who he should have been, but what's hard is missing what you don't even know. Who you don't even know. Tonight at dinner Finn asked why Cale had to die and after telling him that I just don't know and I wish he didn't, he simply stated, "but he should be here with us." Yes, sweetie. He should. 

Happy seven to you, Cale. Wish you were here with us. Always.

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Finn Turns Six

He endured a lot of changes this year - leaving behind a sweet group of little friends and a world that was familiar for a new house, new school, new country. If we were still living in the states he would have just finished up preschool and been off to kindergarten this fall, being "old" for his grade though undoubtedly still one of the smallest. Instead Finn is in Year 1 (kindergarten) here in England where he most definitely is one of the smallest in his class. School doesn't end until late July as the terms here make school a bit more year round though he will get six weeks off for the summer and we get to enjoy two week breaks in between each term. Living here will probably afford him the only opportunity to have his birthday celebrated while in school. He's adjusted well to his new school, though it took a little bit of time. But overall he's a resilient and adventure seeking little expat who now speaks with a slight accent on some words and phrases. 

He loves sports - he's currently enrolled in football (soccer) and goes weekly to his Ninja Skills class at Miles' gym (a hybrid of kids' crossfit and gymnastics). He asked for a basketball for his birthday and recently completed his first timed race and eager to do more. 

He's the self proclaimed "boss of pancakes" and eats a really impressive amount, especially given his size! He still doesn't have much of a sweet tooth, would pass on a donut if it has frosting on it (what!?), but at least requested an apple pie for his birthday (over cake which he doesn't really care for).

He can be thoughtful and sweet and infuriating and a really terrible listener. His imagination impresses us with his Lego creations and his new found enjoyment of Harry Potter makes my nerdy heart so happy.

He thinks Miles no longer has a job (fair enough) and that I should get a job at his school because some moms work there. Right now he says he wants to be in the Navy, though he gets a little motion sickness on boats, so perhaps he'll be a pilot as he is fascinated by different types of aircraft.

He is inquisitive and smart and asks unending amounts of questions. He saves his money to buy Legos and is eager to help with chores when he knows there may be a small reward involved. He can't find his shoes to save his life, but knows an impressive amount of Star Wars Trivia.

He's our rainbow, our delight, our headache, and now our six year old. Happy Birthday, Mr. Finn. We love you so much.

Finn Hidalgo: Mall Cop

Finn content with Apple Pie. Mary not content with her inability to reach the other desserts.

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Mother's Day {2017}

Several months ago Finn had a scary dream and came into our room frightened and snuggled up next to me for the rest of the night. Now, he will wake up claiming to have a bad dream so he can scoot into our bed. He's totally making up his bad dreams because he knows I am a sucker and I'm totally ok indulging him because one day far too soon he won't want or need my comfort. 

Mary woke up super early this morning and Miles went in her room to get her to go back to sleep, but he said she refused and said she wanted Mommy and wanted to go downstairs. So he brought her to bed and the four of us crammed into our queen sized bed for a few more hours of rest. We've never been a co-sleeping bunch. Nothing against it, just that it's not our thing. The kids typically sleep well in their own beds, and Miles and I certainly get better sleep without little feet and arms poking us all night. But waking up (at nearly 9am I might add!) on Mother's Day with these little babes hogging my space and stealing my pillow was the best way I could have asked to start my day. 

I'm so glad Miles snapped this picture. It's by no means flattering, but I treasure it all the same.

Mother's Day is so complicated and heavy for so many people, myself included. Hope it was at least gentle for those who needed it to be. 

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Valentine's Day 2017

I failed to take any Valentine's Day pictures last year and that's gonna annoy the crap out of me. I'll need to look back on my hard drive as I know I have some pictures of Finn from his Valentine's Day program at school, but I didn't take any staged pictures like I did all these years:

2012: Finn at 7 months
2013: Finn at 19 months
2014: Finn at 2.5, Mary Newborn
2015: Finn at 3.5, Mary at 1

In my defense last year on Valentine's day I ran a marathon which left me pitifully upset and disappointed, but I should have taken pictures prior to the race because it's not like I can make up for it. Argh!

Mary is sporting a hand-me-down sweater, or jumper as it's called here in England, from when I was a little girl (or perhaps it was my sister's, or maybe both?) regardless I think it's safe to assume Mary wore it best:

And then I wanted to do another train-track like Valentine's picture and since the obsession now is with Legos, it only made sense to make a bit Lego heart.

I had a silly thought that I should try to get him to play with Legos while taking some pictures, 

but duh, of course he is going to play with them - took him no time at all!

Aren't those smiles so sweet and natural? 

All I had to do was make fart noises. Living the dream.

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That Time We Went Out Twice In One Weekend

Last weekend Miles and I had TWO date nights! The first was a Friday night where we were invited to attend the formal dinner at one of the colleges here. Each college (there are 38) hosts their own formal dinners somewhat regularly, but you can only attend your own college's dinner or be the guest of someone from another college. Some friends invited us to dinner at New College (don't let the name fool you - New College was founded in 1379) however, prior to going to dinner we attended Evensong, which is a fairly short religious service mostly sung by the New College choir. It was really beautiful and I'm so glad we got to experience it.

You sit on either side of the church and the choir is in pews in the middle (where I was standing for the picture).

The Formal dinners are held in the college's dinning hall at large banquet tables in (think Harry Potter, or for those of you from West Point - think one wing of the mess hall) and the food is often incredible - it's always a three course meal and some colleges (like Miles') also offer unlimited wine!

Then we got to go out again on Sunday, this time to a ball held at one of the nice hotels in town. The "spring ball" which was very obviously held in the winter was put on by the international students association and it was just a fun excuse to get dressed up and have a fun evening. It also happened to be my birthday that night and who doesn't love wearing a billion sequins on their birthday!?

One of the event organizers heard that it was the birthday of one of the students and one of the guests (me) the day of the ball so they had cupcakes and a cake brought out which was so, so sweet and so, so unfortunate that I happened to be in the bathroom when they brought it out signing 'Happy Birthday.' Oh well, didn't stop me from eating three cupcakes later on!

It was a nice weekend and my birthday was definitely a special one that I'll remember. No pressure for next year, Miles! ;)

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