The Day You Turned Nine

Okay, first of all, yes I know it's been like three months since I've blogged. I've been busy. Like really, really, busy. Like so busy I almost forgot I had a computer in which to blog on, or a house even, since if I'm not at work, I'm at someone's sports practice. 

I thought having bigger kids was supposed to be "easier".

TODAY, however, is a day worth shoving a stack of papers off the old laptop and blogging for! It's a big day! It's a birthday today! And I always make sure to blog birthdays. In fact, this is the 5th birthday post I've done for Calen!

And not just any birthday. It's the oldest Hansen Boy's birthday. Yes, the once chubby cheeked butterball of a baby is now NINE YEARS OLD. 

NINE!!!! What the hell happened?!? He was 3 a minute ago.

How, exactly, does this happen? I blinked and like, five years just stormed by. Am I in the Twilight Zone? Is this actual reality? We literally JUST celebrated his eighth birthday maybe two weeks ago. 

We had a very traditional birthday-day from start to finish. There are a few things that HAVE to happen on their birthdays, or it just isn't their birthday. 

FIRST, birthday pancakes! Complete with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a numbered candle. 

+5 points to coolness factor if your numbered candle has a shark bite taken out of it, for purposes later described. 

Then off to school (total drag, man) to share Chips Ahoy and fruit snacks (for those crazy non-human students that don't like chocolate) with his class. 

Because Grammy and Papa Hansen are here for his birthday, we decided to heck with school!, and pulled both the kids out at noon to go have a little celebratory lunch together. Calen of course picked McDonald's, because that's still cool at nine. 

We had two hours to kill before Dad got home from work, so instead of sitting in the dining room staring at those wrapped presents, we went to the "castle playground" in town to burn off some excited energy. 

Finally, FINALLY, Dad came home, and it was time to sit on the dining room table (per tradition!) and presents were opened. He received a lot of cool science kits, a couple Lego sets, and the big gift of this year was a kids watch phone that all the cool kids in the neighborhood have, where he can call up to 4 people (all family) and we can call him, giving him a lot of freedom in our little fenced community. Bonus points for the fact that this is literally the ONLY capabilities this phone watch has. No apps, no texting, no thank you. 

+100 points for putting a very small in size but much wanted gift, like said watch, into a GIGANTIC gift bag, filled with tissue paper and rocks, to make it seem like a big heavy present. Calen was like "wait, seriously?? I got rocks?"

"Rocks?!?!"

Okay way cooler than rocks

As the tradition has goes (ever since Calen's 3rd birthday), the birthday boy gets to pick the special dinner location of choice, and then gets to go to Toys R Us (the ONLY time of year they get to go there) to pick out their own birthday present. Of course, unless you are living in a sand castle on some secluded third world tropical island, you know that Toys R Us is going out of business. I was very concerned, upon entering our local store the other day, that the empty shelves and gutted aisles would be kind of depressing for Calen to experience on his birthday. But, he was INSISTENT that no other store would do, and he didn't care if they were out of stock of what he was looking for. He HAD to go to Toys R Us one more time. So we went. And while he was completely thrilled, walking slowly down the aisles with his hands behind his back, scoping out that perfect toy, I was kind of sad, watching a six year tradition come to an end. 

The last time ever walking in to Toys R Us

Picking out his present! The closing signs made me sad. 

The Lego section was completely gutted, but he didn't seem to mind, that wasn't on his agenda today anyways. He spent about twenty minutes mulling over every single Call of Duty and Halo "Lego" (not Lego, Mega Bloks) set in one aisle, he abandoned it and went to the practically untouched Nerf aisle, where he carefully and meticulously pulled every.single.Nerf gun that interested him onto the floor to study it carefully. At one point, it was him cross legged on the floor, surrounded with boxes of Nerf guns, contemplating his plan of action (and how to make $50 stretch to his liking). 

Decisions, decisions

In the end, he picked a gun, and matching sword thing, and a Nerf dart bandolier, and decided that was "definitely what he wanted". Until we left the aisle, and he GASPED, saw a completely new Nerf gun that he hadn't seen during his personal debate, and ceremoniously thrust his chosen gun onto a shelf and snatched the new one in one fowl swoop. (He did end up studying it for a minute too, but decided that was DEFINITELY the winner.)

Armed to the teeth with his new presents

Calen's dinner of choice was Mountain Mike's Pizza, complete with a hockey game on TV (because baseball wasn't on yet), and a refill of rootbeer. And then we got to go home and have CAKE! Because it isn't a birthday without CAKE. 

Let's talk about the cake. I was in such denial that Calen couldn't possibly be turning nine that I ignored the fact I needed to make a cake until about 4 o'clock PM the evening before. And anybody knows me knows that my cakes take a while to make. So needless to say, I was up until midnight-thirty rolling stupid blue-marbled fondant and trying to get Lego sharks to stick to the side of the 2nd layer. 

Calen picked a "shark cake" for this year, with two layers (swiss chocolate and funfetti) under a layer of blue-marbled fondant (pre-made from Michael's - just add color-- because who the hell has time to make fondant from scratch). Then we made a little darker layer of fondant for "waves" and added white frosting gel for bubbles and line details. Throw a big toy shark and some cardboard shark fins on the top and some Lego marine life accessories, and voila! One of the easiest cakes I've made. 

We ended the day shooting new Nerf guns and watching The Sandlot, per Calen's request. It was such a great day celebrating this amazing big boy of ours. I hope that both boys look back on their birthdays as just amazing (but not necessarily over the top) family days that are completely centered around them. Calen was so thankful throughout the whole day today, and that's how I knew we were doing it right. He can't wait for his party next week!

Happy 9th birthday Buddy. We love you so much. 

Day 25: The Big Day

It's the big day! The biggest day of the year! The day kids talk about from the day AFTER Christmas until the following one! Christmas Day!

The day started at 5:45am. The boys flew into our room announcing it was Christmas morning. We managed to shoo them away...for 15 minutes, until 6am (the time we said they were allowed to wake us up). 

As per house rule, the kids are NOT allowed downstairs until Mom and/or Dad go downstairs to set up the video camera, turn on some Bing Crosby, get the still camera ready etc. 

Santa brought the things the boys wished for the most. Calen's coveted gift of 2017 was a very small Nerf side arm pistol (for some reason, his biggest wishes are always the smallest, simplest things). Camden's coveted gift was a Hot Wheels Millenium Falcon track, complete with Chewbacca and Storm Trooper cars, because obviously. Other highlights included Yu-Gi-Oh cards from Santa in their stockings (which was absolute magic because Mom and Dad have said absolutely NOT to Yu-Gi-Oh cards since they already have 2938320 Pokemon cards), Star Wars Force Link for Cam (which is a wrist band that links to certain Star Wars guys and makes them talk and have sound effects), Legos (of course) and a large Nerf gun that Calen has been saving his allowance up for over a year for that we decided to surprise him with. 

Then, a day full of Lego building and Star Wars battles, a quiet dinner with Coast Guard friends, and to all a goodnight. 

Pictures are worth a thousand words. Merry Christmas!

Santa left footprints!!

The look of getting the toy (nerf gun) you have been saving all your money up for all year and get surprised with it

The best mess is Christmas morning mess

Have a very Nerf Christmas!

Traditional Hansen family breakfast: Cinnamon roll waffles (Death Star variety) with frosting drizzled on and sausages

Day 24: And To All A Goodnight

It's the night before!!! The best day of the Parental year, watching your children squirm impatiently all day as they await the arrival of the big man that evening and wake up to a plethora of fantasticness the next morning.

But since I don't like hearing hours of "is it time to go to bed YET???", we kept very busy. Brad and the boys played card games in the morning (War and the Minecraft card game) and some Jenga Quake (Jenga, with earthquakes!), then Brad had to run into town to get our extremely fancy, top shelf dinner, so the kids and I built a few 3D Christmas houses and made and decorated cookies for Santa all while checking Santa's continued progress on the NORAD tracker. 

For dinner, we had....are you ready for it....Chinese take out. 

Fa ra ra ra ra, ra ra ra ra. 

Actually, famous movies aside (you'll shoot your eye out, kid), this is a brilliant idea for Christmas Eve dinner. It's easy, it's cheap, it requires zero prep on an already busy day, and no cleanup. 

So, we sat on the couch/floor, ate mushu prawns and orange chicken and watched our annual Christmas Eve viewing of the Polar Express.

After dinner and a movie we got dressed in our Christmas best and went to the chapel for Christmas Eve service. It's a short service, with a few hymns, lighting of candles and a quick message. Then we raced back home and checked NORAD one more time before reading the Night Before Christmas. 

They aren't excited AT ALL

One more NORAD check before bed!!

The boys DEFINITELY heard sleigh bells outside, and you've never heard two kids rumble off to bed SO FAST in your life ("SLEIGH BELLS!!! IT'S SANTA HE'S HERE GET IN BED RIGHT NOW!!!" --- that was the 8 year old, the 6 year old was just screaming in delight)

Then for the big show - Christmas music playing while everything is set up, Dad assembling Santa's deliveries and occasionally Mom gleefully clapping in excitement as the big display all comes together. 

Santa came!! Camden's gifts on the left, Calen on the right

My house rocks at Christmastime

Stockings in front of the fireplace!

Santa ate his cookies and gave the reindeer the celery, and Fred the elf left some special Santa Mickey cookies

I love Christmas Eve almost more than the following morning. The anticipation and excitement and magic in my children's eyes makes my entire year. 

And to all a goodnight!

Day 23: Fake It Till You Make It

This morning, our alarm clocks woke Brad and I up at 330am. The truck was packed and we were prepared to get up and surprise the kids with a day trip to sled at Tahoe. 

But, we woke up, and both basically said to each other "No way." Brad was sick yesterday, I wasn't feeling well today (for predictable woman reasons, not because of zombie plague), there hasn't been fresh powder in four days and it's the day before Christmas Eve AND a Saturday which means it's going to be a clusterfuck out there. 

So, we turned off our alarm, hid the kids snow pants that were out for them to change into, and went back to bed. What they don't know don't hurt them.

Instead, we kept it pretty quiet today. I made cookie cutter PB&J sandwiches (complete with frosting and fancy snowflake sprinkles) for lunch, and then the kids helped me make some sort of Christmas popcorn treats to snack on while we watched Elf (recipe below). 

And that was it, really. Brad took the boys out for some scheduled caroling on base while I laid on the couch and SLEPT since I didn't sleep much last night. When they came home, we finished off the Santa Claus and accompanying Santa's Reindeer books, just in time for Christmas Eve tomorrow. 

Done, done and done. 

And now, for that recipe (completely ripped off of Pinterest)

You need: 

Microwavable popcorn (I used 2 bags of unbuttered Kettle Corn)
3 tablespoons butter
marshmallows (mini)
M&Ms
sprinkles

1. Microwave popcorn and dump in a bowl
2. melt butter in a saucepan, then melt marshmallows in the same saucepan with the butter
3. Pour melted gooeyness onto the popcorn, mix
4. add M&Ms and sprinkles
5. eat and watch yourself gain 10 pounds in 5 minutes

Day 22: Weaver's Wonderland

It's officially the first day of Christmas vacation! Bring on the sugar! Bring on the excitement! Bring on the bickering. 

Okay, only a little bickering. But since there's some sort of bacterial epidemic running rampant through the base and everyone is catching a zombie virus, I forced the kids to stay inside, and so of course cabin fever started taking over. 

Thankfully I bought gingerbread house making kits weeks ago and stored them in our laundry room, waiting for just the right day where everyone was home and Christmasy boredom was threatening. Brad came home early today and so we did our annual gingerbread village making. Each year Brad and I split into 2 teams and take a kid (this year he had Calen and I had Cam) and we build 2 gingerbread houses. 

This year I found alpine style houses, which I like because it's 90% ROOF, and that's what the best part of gingerbread house making is anyways, decorating the ROOF. 

After this Brad promptly went to bed because he caught some strain of the zombie virus (actually I just think he had a classic case of the "Hansen Stomach", because Hansen men seem to be able to barf on command), so the kids and I left our infected home and went to see Weaver's Wonderland. 

Weaver's Wonderland (which isn't called that anymore) was a house in Rohnert Park that has won national Christmas decorating awards for several years in a row. It's truly the most incredible display of decorations you've ever seen. However, last year was his last year decorating, and Weaver donated (or sold) most of his decorations to his neighbor friend down the road. So, this year we went to the new Wonderland, which isn't QUITE as impressive, but it's still freaking amazing, especially the Dickens Village that takes up the ENTIRE GARAGE. 

The boys and I bumped into Santa! Also creeper Santa sign in the background

Coincidentally the owners are friends with Calen's old baseball coach and his family/our friends, so we hung out for half an hour or so and chatted and gave the kids 1382 cups of hot chocolate. Then we walked around the rest of the neighborhood, which actually for the most part do a really good job too. It's always the best when entire neighborhoods put on great displays together. 

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve Eve and I'm in total denial. Isn't it only the first week of December?

Day 21: The Best Way To Spread Christmas Cheer Is Singing Loud For All To Hear

Today was a great day and I look forward to it all year. 

The boys' elementary school (Two Rock Union) does a fantastic little Christmas music program every year on the last day of school before winter break. A lot of schools do this of course, but I love it here because 1) we were jipped of a music program in San Diego, and 2) the school is SO small that it's only one classroom per grade, so you know 99% of the student body. 

Each grade sings a different song, starting with 6th grade and working their way down to the tiny preschoolers. Then, the entire student body (which isn't that big, like 160 kids maybe?) come out and sing a few Christmas carols together. 

Calen's third grade class sang Over The River and Through The Woods and included sign language with it, which I found fun. Calen was front and center with his little blue Santa tie and totally has the best smile of any kid ever. 

Sign language while singing Over The River And Through The Woods. Calen is ALWAYS smiling (front row center). I love that kid.

Camden's 1st grade class sang All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth, which really should have been sung last year because Cam had all his front teeth missing in Kindergarten. He picked out his own outfit this year, suspenders and a bow tie complete with paperboy hat. My God, could he be any cuter? The answer is obviously no. 

Cam doing a sweet dance move on his way out

After the concert, the school did something new this year and had a school-wide gigantor gingerbread making event. The youngest grades (PreK-First) did graham cracker houses glued to milk boxes, and the older grades did gingerbread men. I visited with Calen a little bit, but he "didn't need me" because he thinks he's growing up or something, so I spent most of the time with Camden helping him build his house, but then Calen's true colors came out and he came and found me and wanted me and Cam to come to his grade's table, so we did!

Making gingerbread men with my biggest boy! So handsome today!

Bam Bam and I making a house!

Cam put Candy canes at the front of the house because "the candy canes are guards and they are guarding Santa's house". Of course they are. 

I find too often catching myself and realizing how fast the boys are growing up, so days like today are just the best and I cherish them deeply.