Not on our own schedule

I mentioned last week that this kids are growing so fast. We got to hit the fast forward a bit more when Brenner inquired "Is sex a bad word". What?! You are eight years old!!!!! A thousand questions ran through my mind but I kept my cool. I pacified him for a few days with some simple answers - it is not a bad word, it is a word that grownups use, and it was something that God created. Matt wanted to broach the subject even less than me but ended up talking with Brenner on the way to Hermitage - lots of boy time. We first asked what he heard (we knew it came from the bus) - so Matt kept it simple so we will see how things progress! The main point I think is that these things have to be on a flexible schedule even though we didn't want it to happen this early. Good news is that he is coming to us - we encouraged him to continue to do so!

The kids dragged the Christmas tree down to the burn pile. Good team work kids!

Friday night game night of Quirkle (mommy's choice!). Papa beat Nola by a few points.

While the boys were at Hermitage, Grandma Val came down to have a girls shopping day. We bought some shoes and books. I love taking Nola to Marshalls with me to buy "fancy" soap. She enjoys smelling all the different kinds and we pick them out together.

Grandma bought Brenner all of the Percy Jackson series for Christmas - he has read all five of them since then (I also read the first one so that I could understand some of the characters. It was pretty good - not scary despite meeting Hades and Ares and killing monsters!). Grandma got him another series by the same author. As you can see - Brenner was super excited.

Sunday afternoon cuddle time with Papa. Matt was still sick this week - that pesky ear ache is hanging on - boohiss.

Despite the wonderful temperatures (upper 40s), Brenner spend Sunday afternoon reading one of his new books. At last check - he was on page 250. I get it - I used to spend hours reading when I was a kid. I am glad that he enjoys reading.

Some great work by Brenner this week despite missing two days of school being sick. Good work!

Could they be more different?

I am constantly amazed at how different Brenner and Nola are. I was reminded of this again during our parent teacher conference this morning at Nola's preschool. Although though both are well behaved and receive great comments from their teachers, their personalities are so different (Brenner takes after me and Nola is more like Matt). Both are growing so fast. I was surprised when our neighbor (who usually talks only to complain) told me that Brenner has really matured into a nice, respectful young man. I thanked her for the kind words and hope I hid my shock (as I know they hear us hollering at him in the yard!). Just a little glimpse that we aren't completely failing as parents!Matt was down and out with sickness most of the week - recovering now thank goodness!

Just love these two to bits!

When did they get so tall?

Brenner loves playing military games. Matt and him made up a new game with his army men, tanks, artillery, and a deck of cards. I couldn't follow but Brenner won the battle - this time!

Brenner at Futsal. He wasn't very aggressive this night - he somewhat goes in fits and spurts but hopefully brings it to the tournament in February!

Brenner continues to do well at school. This week, he brought home a sheet to earn a Six Flags pass. Students have to read 6 hours recreationally before February 22. He completed it in 3 days thanks to his Percy Jackson books. He has me reading them now - wonder if I will become an expert in Greek Mythology?! Likely not!

Nola piling up with her friends. She is so loving and enjoys organizing things in any room but her own!

Once we did get her room "clean" she decided to make a carpet angel. Too cute!

Grades and A First Sleepover

Another busy week for us. The kids went to a roller skating birthday party on Saturday while I was at a jujitsu-based self defense class. I would recommend this type of class to all women - especially teenage and college girls. Much of the focus was on how to protect yourself during a sexual assault.   The class left me sore and bruised (we were using mats - this was serious stuff!) but I also learned a lot!  Futsal has started so that takes up three evenings a week. Tonight we also made dinner for the youth group so I didn't sit much today! Now it is time to sit down and relax.

Matt and the kids have been having a lot of fun with the quad copter. They invited me to see their flying skills! Nola doesn't fly it yet but she does like chasing it around.

Brenner is learning some great control with landing.

Nola had her first sleepover with her friend Morgan. Morgan had a bit of a rough go (her first time away from home overnight), but overall it was a good time. Made me realize how much I like a full nights sleep!

Brenner was a little bummed that he didn't have someone spend the night. When Brenner wasn't pestering the girls - he relaxed :)

Brenner brought home his report card and he did excellent - all As and A-s. His teacher also had some comments. I read it and thought of myself (Matt and I often comment that Brenner has my personality). I think his shyness at school is ok - part of it stems for his immense respect for authority figures at the school.  We will keep telling how well he is doing, but he also has to take constructive criticism - something that we went over with Brenner this week. I have no doubt that he will continue to be our good - but serious - student!

Nola's posture cracked me up!

Cute faces. The begged for a silly face picture.....

...so here it is. Funny how their pose was the same!

Gresko Family Christmas and Happy New Year!

The festivities continued this past week with a little getaway for mom and dad, a Cirque Dreams show, and ringing in the new year. Wishing everyone a wonderful 2016!

On Monday, Matt and I headed to the Elms Hotel and Spa for a bit of pampering. The weather didn't turn too bad until we got to the hotel. This was the view from our room - very serene!

A huge thank you to Grammy Vo and PawPaw Floyd for watching Brenner and Nola. Look at my mother-in-law - she looks younger than me!!! Nice picture, Judi!

My silly boys!

A ton of fun gifts from Aunt Theresa, Uncle Chuck, Grammy Vo, and PawPaw Floyd. Nola loved her Frozen tea set!

Lots of games for Brenner and Nola. Brenner loved the Anakin figurine that he got as well!

The biggest slinky ever kept Nola entertained!

The boys fighting over the quad copter.

Tuesday evening we headed to the Kaufmann Center (where Nola, Grandma Val, and I saw the Nutcracker) and watched Cirque Dream Holidaze. The kids were memorized as us adults were too. Our seats were fantastic - the acrobats on the suspended ribbons flew almost over us! So much fun - thank you for making it happen, Aunt Theresa!

The snow was still around on Wednesday morning. The boys had a bit of fun throwing snowballs.

Nola and I headed to meet up with my friend Rhonda and her daughters. Fun morning!

Once at home, it was time to play with all of the toys. Nola now likes to incorporate the barbies in with the Star Wars characters.

Nola building her own fort. She did a great job - we all had fun with it. Also note the bookcase. I had to clear another shelf for all of our new games. Snow day fun here we come!

Brenner reading in the tub - hahahaha!

We spent New Years Eve with some friends from church. All the kids made it to midnight to ring in the new year - we had a ball. Brenner and Nola even did well New Years Day despite the lack of sleep. Hope that you all had a good one as well!

Hinck Family Christmas

The day after Christmas, we headed to Grandma Val's house to celebrate Christmas. Grandma Val usually goes overboard - this year was no exception!

All the grand- and great grand-kids. Eadlin was showing off her lost tooth!

My calm, beautiful Nola.

Cousin Gannon is the youngest so he got to open his presents first!

Nola, Eadlin, and Gannon....where is Brenner?

Being shushed by Cousin Colten :)

Nola was very excited about her Ariel doll.

Gannon got tired and decided to relax on PawPaw.

Brenner was very excited to get a globe, an item he had told Grandma that he wanted.

Grandma also surprised him with a Royals pennant. It is already hanging up in his room!

We opened stockings last. From Grandma's smile, I think that you can see that it was a great time!