Pull It Together

It's not one of my proudest moments in parenting, but it is a funny story.  The last two weeks we had intensive swimming lessons.  That is, the boys each had a 20 minute private lesson starting at 1:00pm, everyday for the past two weeks.  Because of our lesson time, I would pick Hunter up from school and Hunter and Xavier would eat their lunches on the way to pool.  On one particular day this past week, Hunter didn't like the yogurt I had packed in the lunch. (I think it was a squeezable yogurt and not a smoothie or carton of yogurt, but I can't be sure.)  This incident launched Hunter into a complete meltdown.  Kicking, screaming, yelling - total tantrum.  I think I started out pretty calm, validating his experience and offering a solution.  "Hunter, I know you're upset I didn't pack you the yogurt you wanted."  "I know it's frustrating."  "I can tell you're really angry." "After swimming you can pick the yogurt you want for a snack."  Hunter's tantrum continued, and I just ignored him.  Finally, after about ten minutes (and getting thoroughly annoyed with the seat kicking) I yelled, "Hunter, you've got to pull it together, it's just yogurt!" As a side note, I know it wasn't just about yogurt, he was probably as sick and tired of swimming lessons as I was, regardless, the tantrum was out of control and I hit my limit.  Anyhow, the next night, during witching hour, Xavier was in tears - inconsolable, tired, hungry, and just wanted mama to hold him.  So, I am holding and comforting him and trying to make and serve dinner with him in my arms, and Hunter yells, "Xavier, pull it together!"

Swimming Lessons

Xavier swimming with just fins and no floaties on his arms or leg.

Hunter swimming freestyle.

Mommy, mom, mama...

Xavier called me mommy for the longest time.  A few weeks ago he switched to mom.  The switch made him sound like a little boy and not a baby, and it made me sad about how fast he is growing up.  Fortunately, "mom" didn't stick and now he calls me, mama. 

The other night I was in the bathroom getting Xavier ready for bath and Hunter was finishing his dinner in the kitchen. For at least a minute I could hear him calling from the kitchen, mom, mom, mom, mommy, mommy, mommy, mom, mom, mama, mama, mommy...  you get the picture.  It reminded me of one of my favorite clips from Family Guy...

Disneyland!

Hunter had winter break from school last week, and Doyl decided to take the week off as well, so went to Disneyland for three days.  We stayed two nights at the Grand California Hotel, which is in Downtown Disney.  The location was great because we could easily go back to the hotel to take a nap or grab anything we forgot.  Overall, we all had a great time!  On the first night, Hunter stayed up to watch the fireworks at 8:45pm (he normally goes to bed around 7pm).  Hunter's favorite ride was Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters, where you ride in a space ship and shoot a laser at the evil emperor Zurg and a bunch of aliens.  Xavier also loved the ride, but I think his favorite was Small World.  He threw a tantrum when he had to get off a Small World, yelling he wanted to do it again.  A Disneyland worker spotted Xavier's dismay over the end of the ride and let us cut the line and get right back on so he could ride it again.  Hunter was all about the roller coasters.  He and Doyl rode the Matterhorn, Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Gaget's Go Coaster in Mickey's Toon Town multiple times! The character's were also a big hit for Hunter.  We did two character breakfasts, which allowed Hunter to give lots of hugs and high-fives to them.  The only character Xavier liked was Woody.  We stood in line to get a picture with him and right before it was our turn, Woody had to leave.  It was such a bummer.  In general though, it was a great family trip to Disney! The first of many.

 Xavier and Mommy on Casey Jr's Circus Train

The end of a long day...

 Hunter and Mommy on the Tea Cups

 Hunter and Daddy in the front seat on Gaget's Go Coaster

 in Mickey's Toon Town

Hunter and Eeyore