On my birthday I was talking about when Mike and I first met. I guess the "I lived with Grandpa and Grandma D." part threw Jonathan off because after the entire story about Mike getting my phone number, our first date and so forth, Jonathan asked, "So was that when you were you younger?" Me: "Yes" Jonathan: "Like 5?"

James and Jonathan are pretty good at postponing bedtime for all sorts of reasons. Mike is a little more firm, so it is always nice when he can be the one by the door because they know they can't get away with as much. Anyway, the other night, James said from the top bunk, "I really need a cuddle." Mike said, "OK, I'll cuddle with you", and wanting me instead he said, "I want one from a girl."

We were able to meet up with Great Grandpa D. over Thanksgiving weekend. It is always great to see him. Rather than referring to him as Great Grandpa, Jonathan called him, "Super Grandpa" and "Grandpa the Great". We had dinner with him at a resturant and James was on his best manners. It probably helped that I started talking about what well-mannered boys I have. He offered a french fry to everyone sitting close and even offered to share all of his food with Aunt Rebecca. It's always great when the kids are well-behaved for extended relatives. He also bragged about how he opens the door for me. What a little gentleman.

Also, James is still really into trains. He often talks about how Great Grandpa drives a train. He had worked as a breakman in his youth and James has taken that to heart.

My Uncle Craig took us out on a sailboat and the boys had a great time. This was the first time they've been on a boat. We were able to stay at Uncle Craig and Aunt Alice's fancy time share for a day and two nights in Newport Beach. It was nice but it reminded me of how hard vacations can be with little ones and just the packing and unpacking. Overall, it was certainly a fun weekend.

I asked Jonathan who the nice kids in his class were and he included a kid named Jonathan with a sly grin. Good one.

My Visiting Teacher called to ask how I was doing today. James asked if he could talk, so I gave him a turn after our conversation. He told her about going on a boat and told Mike to "shh, be quiet, because I'm on the phone". Poor kid, must get that a lot.

I write this as James jumps on the bed next to me.

He likes to give me flowers from our yard and other nice things. The other day I told him he was being very nice and he said, "I'm nice and cute". Today I told him thanks for some drawings and he said, "I gone potty too!" He likes to point out everything good he does.

The other day, he and Jonathan were pretending to be different scary animals. He said, "I'm a mean shark in the wadder".

Sometimes the boys like to sneak around the room after they are suppose to be in bed. When Mike came back from Brazil James told him all about how he and Joanthan went to sleep then Jonathan said (he whispers), "Hey James, do you want to get out of bed with me?" and we asked as if shocked, "What did you say James?" and he responds, "and I said, (whisper) 'yes'".

The boys just brought me pictures and birthday coupons. I'm in for some treats (hugs, back scratchs, and dishwashing).

Gracie is finally walking, thank goodness. She thinks that my lap is her own special spot and makes sure the boys know it, if they are sitting in my lap. They are pretty sweet with her.