Thanksgiving Weekend/Adam's Baptism

(L-R: Grandma Susan Leonard, Grandpa John Leonard, Gavin Kennington, Holly Leonard, Heidi Kennington, Adam Kennington, Robert Kennington, Royal Blake, Nanna Susan Blake, Grandpa Jim Kennington, Grandma Cristina Kennington.

Note: Matthew Kennington is hiding behind Grandpa Leonard)

We had a full Thanksgiving weekend. We had a full house for the Thanksgiving holiday and Adam's baptism. Our parents, all three sets, and my sister visited. Thursday we had our Thanksgiving meal, raked leaves and hung out. Friday we did a bit of shopping. Normally I go out early in the morning but this year I had an eye infection and just didn't have the energy for it. The boys made gingerbread men cookies and we did some more hanging out.

Saturday was set aside for Adam's baptism. He wanted it to be just a family affair - so it was just family, the bishop and the bishop's son, Adam's friend. He was very attentive during Aunt Holly's talk (her props included Luke Skywalker, Ben 10 and Buzz Lightyear). Afterwards, we came home and had some refreshments--white cake (Adam's favorite) and German treats. Later, we had dinner at McDonald's per Adam's request.

On Sunday, G&G Kennington, G&G Leonard and Aunt Holly went home.

Monday was spent putting in a new bannister. Royal and Robert did it in one day. Once we stain and finish it, I'll post pictures. It looks really nice. And it's just in time since Gavin is on the verge of crawling.

We are thankful for lots of things--having family for Thanksgiving, Adam's choice to be baptized, a new bannister and being able to spend time with our loved ones.

Adam's 8th Birthday

It is Adam's 8th birthday today. It's a bit hard to believe he is already 8 years old.

8 great things about Adam:
1. He loves to read!
2. He asks tons of questions about everything!
3. He really strives to do everything well!
4. He likes to tend Gavin!
5. He has made good choices of friends!
6. Although he likes to be contrary, he secretly wants to do what's right and obey the rules!
7. He happily shares what happens at school!
8. He made me a mother!

This is his "happy" face that church is over and he can now open his presents.

Wow! $20! What is he going to spend it on?

Of course, a Star Wars book.

"Use The Force"

Adam had his 8th birthday party today. Wow, what a party. We had 11 boys here. And it was non-stop energy. In hindsight, we insanely had the party last for three hours. When things got a bit crazy, I reminded myself that it only happens once a year and for only a few hours. And that I can handle that. Adam is really into Star Wars so that was the theme of the party. I bought a bunch of wrapping paper and used the rolls to make lightsabers. We spray painted the "handles" silver and let the boys decorate them and then they each chose what color they wanted the "blade" (red, green or blue). As you can see in the photo below, they were a big hit. And since 8 year old boys can be a bit rough, they didn't last too long. While they were playing with them, I kept a roll of clear packing tape handy to do any repairs on the lightsabers. We fed the boys pizza and cupcakes for lunch. We also had a pinata and a bunch of others games.

Funny, Funny Matthew

Today he looked at me cross-eyed and started singing,
"Don't you wish your girlfriend was hot like me? Don'tja! Don'tja!"

New Sport

Adam and Matt have invented a new sport.

It's called BABY JUMPING.

6 Months

Gavin is 6 months olds today.

Weight: 16 lbs. 8 oz. (45th perc.)

Height: 25 1/2 in. (25th perc.)

This past month has been chalk full of milestones.

His first two teeth came in this month.

He has learned how to sit on his own and is really enjoying it. As am I.

He is starting to take longer naps. He still takes three per day but usually at least one of them lasts over an hour. His evening nap tends to get shortened or he takes a quick one after nursing.

He is beginning to express his preferences, for example, he decides between a couple of toys which one he wants to play with.

He is drinking from a sippy cup. I wasn't sure how he would do with this because he has never liked a pacifier or taken a bottle. And he doesn't suck his thumb much either anymore. But, he's figured out how to drink from the spout and tends to think it's great fun. He nurses five times/day.

He continues to be quite social. He gets quite giddy when he sees children, or adults that he recognizes. He leans into someone that he wants to hold him. He doesn't fuss about being with "strangers" (not yet--we'll see in a couple of months).

He smiles a lot and is very friendly. He was named after his Uncle Mike, who is also smiley and friendly. So, we named him correctly.

He continues to have crazy hair. The mohawk continues to be long while the rest is really short and fuzzy. Once all the grandmas see him at Thanksgiving, I'm tempted to cut the long wisps so everything is the same length and he won't look like a skater-punk.

He is eating stage 2 baby food. He enjoys all fruits and vegetables so far. We've been trying out turkey this week.

Even though Gavin is a very happy baby, here is evidence that he does have his moments and definitely lets us know about it.

It's so cute to watch him watching himself in the mirror.




"My toes are my favorite toys."

6 Month Itch

For some reason, we got an itch for something new when both Adam and Matt were six months old.
When Adam was six months old, Robert got a new job so we moved from Kansas City to Emporia.
Then, when Matt was six months old, Rob again got a new job and we moved from Emporia to here, Garden City.
Now, Gavin will be six months old next week.
So, has the itch reappeared? Yes.
Are we moving? No.
Is Robert starting a new job? Yes.
He has decided to start his own law firm.
This we'll be his last week at his current job and more frightening, his last week with a steady salary.
We both feel good about this.
Amazingly, in a town that is 2/3 Hispanic, Robert is the only attorney that is fluent in Spanish.
We're hoping to capitalize on this. We've been busy getting everything organized.
So, here's go nothin'!