Eban started full-day preschool at the beginning of the year. He’s thriving and loves the kids and his teachers. The structure is really good for him and he has his days when he doesn’t want to listen very well. We have those days too so we are working diligently to mitigate them.
Jack is now the big boy at Quincy’s house. He follows Quincy and then Jonah follows Jack and then Brandon follows Jonah. It must be nice for Jack to finally be the big boy. In the beginning of the year, Jack was our little drama queen. Something would hurt him and he’d repeatedly say, “ow-wee, ow-wee, ow-wee.” We’d ask him what happened and he’d tell us that Seamus bit him or that Mama hit him, etc. 
All of his excuses were clearly made up as we’d be in other rooms at the
time of the alleged infraction. This behavior has stopped for the time being and we are hoping it doesn’t come back as his exaggeration skills were impressive.
We have a new outlet of activity near our house. 
It’s called Monkey Business and it’s a big indoor play area and they interest the parents by having coffee and free wi-fi. The place is always packed when we are there and the boys love it. 
They tend to hang out with one another and I like seeing that interaction too! For sure!
Let’s see, I wrote down a quote from Eban from January 2010. He told me that if I break the back door, then “…we’ll have no money to go to Chucky Cheese or McDonalds.” I see my oldest has his priorities set straight. Nice. 
Jack also had to conquer pink eye in the beginning of the month. He looked fabulous in the beginning stages of it.
On MLK Day, I took Eban to the Marade with me. 
I met up with commissioners and staff from the Colorado Governor’s Commission on Community Service. I’m trying to teach Eban about volunteering, and it may take a while, but at least this was a step. 
Eban gravitated to the fire truck that was at the Marade - - Marade is a word that takes the words parade and march and mixes them. This year, the Denver Marade was the largest yet and to see so many people committed to MLK’s life and legacy - - well, it was so amazing. Everyone was happy and jovial and kind. I can’t wait for next year and hopefully, I’ll bring Jack too! 
On that vein of giving back, Manual High School asked me to come speak to their student body about the importance of giving back and incorporating some of MLK’s teachings into the impromptu speech. Jovan, from the Commission, and I tag-teamed the speech. I love that stuff!
Uncle Chad came for a brief visit in January. We took him to Monkey Business and made him crawl around in the kid toys. He was a champ about it. 
We also went to Carmine’s for the first time in ages. Man oh man, I miss that place but it sure is fattening! 
Ryan and I used to go there every week when we were young and without children. It brought back memories to have Chad with us and some of the ol’ gang of people.
This picture is of the boys and I having dinner. They learned about the “timer” piece of the camera and wanted me to take a picture with it. Papa was working late and that’s why he isn’t in it, but the picture isn’t half bad?
Finally, here’s Jack’s “rock on” pose. I love how serious he is with his fist high up in the air. That’s our Jack! 
Just a normal conversation at the dinner table - - and then the topic of kissing came up
Playing at Monkey Business
