First Week of a NEW Year!

New Year's Resolutions and I don't always stick, but this year I'm going to at least attempt.  This year I want to take the time to do the things that are important to me - like this blog.  I tend to get caught up in all the things I "have" to get done and leave behind the things that I "want" to do - the things that keep me sane. And yet, it's been a week since I updated here and I'm already behind.  Attempt does not necessarily mean succeed, but I'm going to give it serious effort.
On our first day of the new year, we headed out with some school friends to the zoo for another look at the zoolights.  I can't get enough of that place, and with our membership it's totally reasonable.
The boys (4 in all) just enjoyed being together and running all over.  I enjoyed chatting with Jenn (the other mom) and Brian and the gorgeous lights.

It was the last day and kind of dead - no music playing even, but it was still fun and overall relaxing.

 One of the playgrounds was open and the boys crawled all over each other...  leading to all sorts of wresting at McD's after.  Boys are boys - and that means crazy!

 The week flew by!  Ethan and Lucas went to Lucas' daycare on Monday so Brian and I could have a bonafide date!  We worked all morning on house/school work and then went to lunch and a movie.  That's another part of my resolution - regular date nights!  The rest of the week was a whirlwind.  My class is preparing for our big musical performance and getting the boys back into their schedules was really tough, but we made it through.
Last night was the ceremony for the PTA Reflections contest for our district.  We surprised Ethan with my parents and Brian coming and he was soooooo excited.  He was so proud of his work and getting to see it displayed.

 The theme was diversity.  I explained to him how diversity is how we are all different - things are all different, even when they are the same.  He responded - "Yeah, like me and my friends!  We are all different sizes!"  And off he went with his picture.  I love it.

 He got called up on stage, with his picture projected behind him, to shake hands with the superintendent - too cool!

 And then they stayed up there and it was funny to watch them - like herding cats!

 He was so proud of that certificate and ribbon - though he really wanted red, apparently.  And I'm proud of him.

This is the first time he's ever done more than one draft on anything and he worked hard on it!  He's already started working on next year's ideas.....  I can't wait to see what he comes up with!