We’ve got them.

Adam was up and dressed pretty early this morning. I’m not sure what time he actually got up, but it was 6:30 when he woke me to put his watch on him. I think we need to have a talk about not waking mommy before 8 on days that start with “S” again.

He had his first basketball game today. He’s number 7 on the orange team.

He did a great job dribbling the ball and passing it. He didn’t make any baskets this game, but did get a few rebounds.

There are ten kids on the team and they each got to play two of the six minute long quarters. Adam really likes defense and does a nice job keeping his hands in the air and his feet moving.

We went out to lunch after the game and then home for some much needed rest time.

Maggie woke up super early one day and got to go with Adam and me to the bus stop.

We had a couple of really nice days and were able to take the stroller to go get Adam in the afternoon.

Luke got a new puzzle. Each time he got stuck, he’d say, “I never give up, I never give up.”

And he didn’t give up.

Luke also had a doctor’s appointment to check the fluid in his ears, after his last ear infections.

It’s been a while since I’ve shared a picture of this little firecracker.

She’s been learning a lot lately from her buddy Luke (or “Ou” as she calls him). I love seeing the two of them play and laugh together, but let me tell you, mischievous does not begin to describe the two of them. They are fearless and sneaky, a combination that keeps me on my toes.

They are also sweet and adorable.

The fun they have together makes me so happy (even when it’s in the form or stealing cookies from the pantry or jumping on the bed).

Adam got off of the bus today and informed me that he’s halfway to being a first grader. Today marked the end of the second quarter and he’ll get his very first report card at the end of the month (kindergarten students get two a year). I’m looking forward to seeing it.

These two amigos had dentist appointments this morning.

It was Luke’s first time at the dentist and I was a little worried about how he’d handle it. They don’t have the parents go in the room with them if they are over three. He did awesome though. Adam went first and was still back there when they took Luke, so I think that helped a lot.

Their teeth look great and neither of them have any cavities. My parents noticed during one of our visits that Adam grinds his teeth, but the dentist said he should outgrow that once he loses all his baby teeth and it isn’t something they are concerned with right now.

So I’d say that it was a successful trip. I think Adam and Luke would agree – they got new tooth brushes and stickers.

My alarm goes off a few minutes before Adam’s does. This morning I heard him turn his off and grumble, “My alarm is so annoying.”

Sorry kid, get used to it.

Luke has been showing a real interest in letters lately and asks me to “draw” his name for him several times a day. He likes to copy what I write, but can’t form the letter K, so he skips that one.

He’s also a whiz when it comes to the states. He can place all fifty of them on a map (I can’t even do that) and recognizes probably ten of them by sight. His favorites are South Dakota and Washington.

Luke has also been talking up a storm lately. Yesterday he said, “Mommy I want to color. Please reach up there, like a big grown-up monkey, and get my crayons? Be taller than Daddy!”

When you ask him to do something and he doesn’t want to he pretends to be asleep. Last night I asked him to put something away and he immediately dropped to the floor and started fake snoring.

Recently Maggie stole my cell phone and ran off (a favorite game of hers). When Luke saw her he said, “I’ll get your phone Mommy. I Luke* the hero!”

He is frequently on “loud” mode. The other night he asked for a snack and when I told him it was okay to go get it, but to be quiet (Maggie was asleep) he said, “Okay Mommy Trollman** I will tip-toe walk.” He then proceeded to tip-toe to the kitchen, while loudly saying “tip-toe, tip-toe” with each step.

I love this age and all the fun personality quirks that come with it.

* He pronounces his name “Yuke” instead of Luke

** One of his favorite cartoon characters is named Wally Trollman, so I take “Mommy Trollman” as a compliment

Adam’s winter break is officially over and he had his first day back to school yesterday. It started out with a trip to the principal’s office.

It was so he could help lead the school in the Pledge of Allegiance over the morning announcements.

He also made it all the way to the top of the behavior chart yesterday. Not bad for the first day back after a long break. He had a snow day today, so we’ll see if he can keep up the good work tomorrow.

I was able to help out with his church school class on Sunday. They celebrated the Epiphany and learned about the three kings and the gifts they brought to the baby Jesus.

His teacher told me what a good student he is and how well behaved he is during class (happy words for this proud mama to hear).

It seems like lately I’ve spent most of my time working on Christmas gifts and dealing with sick kids. We took Luke in to see the doctor last week and he was diagnosed with a double ear infection and a sinus infection. He’s on antibiotics now, and feeling better. This picture is from when he wasn’t feeling so hot though, napping on the couch with his “Thomas Friend”.

Here’s Maggie and Adam after church.

And all three of them testing out their Christmas jammies.

This reminds me, I need to hem Luke’s pants.

Adam with Santa at his school.

Maggie has been working on some new teeth lately too, which hasn’t been that fun for her. You can sort of see the newest one, on the bottom row, in this picture.

Adam made Luke a “train” out of an empty box and pushed him around the house in it.

And here they are after baths, testing out an early Christmas gift from their great grandma Rose.