I know it's been forever since my last update! So first of all, Happy New Year! We had a really fun New Year's Eve playing board games with the kids. Once again, it was so neat having my Mom here with us making fun memories together as a family. All the kids made it until midnight in various states of catatonia - which made them much easier to beat at Monopoly. I also took advantage of some sales and replenished our craft supplies, and this is what I found bright and early on New Year's Day:
We have quite a little nation of alien PomPom creatures now - but most amazing was the absolute silence through the house when I woke up that morning. I generally awaken to the sounds of children arguing over the remote or the ear splitting sounds of boisterous wrestling matches breaking out - both things much more easily dealt with after a few cups of coffee. No, this wonderful morning there was only the collective silence of little minds buzzing with creativity.Even the budgies got in on the fun - "Hey Emma, build us a new buddy!" We also launched the boys' model rockets on what had to be the windiest day in history. I was a huge wimp and waited in the car for most of that. In my defense, I had two contact lenses full of dirt and ears that were aching in time to my heartbeat after standing outside in the cold wind for just ten minutes. Still, now I'm "the Mom that waited in the car", so I've got to find a way to redeem myself by doing something really tough and brave.
Suggestions are welcome . . .

We tried to get some video of that day, but they didn't turn out very well so I'm posting a video of the second launch. Can you tell Eli loved it?

Joel and the boys had such a great time building and launching them together - good call Joel!