Up To The Gills

Up To The Gills

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Fall Festival

Friday night we all went to Daniel's pre-school, Westminister, for their annual fall festival.  The boys dressed in their costumes before leaving...

Figherfighter William, Captain Rex Daniel, Dalamation John, and ARF Trooper Philip


We ate hot dogs and played some carnival games.



Daniel got to see some of his buddies...


Philip got to see lots of his friends from Westminister last year...


William loved the hayride...


and John loved the free ride!


It was a fun night.  Chris and I were pretty tired from our busy week, so we decided to skip Seward Farms on Saturday.  Instead, we spent lots of time outside...bike riding, running (preparing for Philip's 'marathon' in January), and doing yard work.  Chris trimmed lots of bushes, so Philip decided to do the same in the backyard.  He told me that he was creating a path so they could have privacy when using the bathroom outside!! 

Oh the joy of boys!!

Friday, October 14, 2011

A Busy Week

Wow...what a week it's been.  There's been a field trip for Daniel, playdate for William, Book Fair for Philip, Philip's week as "Cotton's Cutie Pie" which involved gathering pictures and other things to show his friends and a special snack for the class, a dinner party for ten guests, singing on the red steps, and a Daddy that traveled for four days!  We survived.  Many thanks to those of you that called to check on us while Daddy was away.  We aren't used to him traveleing, but we did great!

Last night I somehow pulled off a dinner for some church friends and out-of-town guests.  It was quite comical leading up to the event.  I worked hard to have the house cleaned, dinner prepared, etc., but let's face it that 5-7 pm time around here is crazy.  I read the boys bedtime stories while they had a picnic dinner on the kitchen floor and I nursed John.  I wiped two bottoms, gave a lost pizza man directions to a neighbor's house, lit candles, and pulled out an appetizer all in a five minutes time.  But by the grace of God, when my guests (and Chris) arrived at 6:45, the house was ready and the boys were spotless.  The grins on their faces as they saw their Daddy for the first time in four days were priceless.  They got to give him a hug, say hello, and then they miraculously went straight to bed!!

We woke this morning early to prepare for Philip's first opportunity to sing on the red steps.  This event is big at St. Paul's!  I remember doing it many years ago myself!  I almost got a little teary hearing all those (PK-2nd grade) children singing in their sweet voices. 

Daniel, William, and John were great throughout the chapel service.  I couldn't see Philip very well, but I'll share a few shots from the day.  (The kids are out of uniform for Homecoming!)


Well, the fun continues.  Tonight is Westminister's Fall Festival, so we'll be dressing up in our costumes to go play some carnival games.  Then, Daddy mentioned making our yearly trek out to Seward Farms on Saturday, so stay posted for more Gill fun!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Daniel's First Field Trip

Today John and I visited the pumpkin patch with Daniel's class.  It was Daniel's first field trip and was tons of fun!

We started with a story...read by our friend Mrs. Lynn!


While Daniel listened to the story, John and I snuck off for a few pumpkin pictures!


Then we were off to find our very own pumpkin.



I love field trips because it gives me a glimpse into the boys' life at school.  I love seeing Daniel with his friends!


A great fall day!

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Backyard Birthday Fun

Today we hosted Philip's "Hero Factory" birthday party.  A handful of boys (and little sisters!) arrived ready to build their own hero.

We built our men...



and then played in the yard.  We had hot dogs for lunch and then sang "Happy Birthday!"



Can you see the cupcake?  A chocolate Lego man on top...


A great day with good friends!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Crowded Tub


There's too many kids in this tub.
There's too many elbows to scrub.
I just washed a behind
That I'm sure wasn't mine,
There's too many kids in this tub.
-Shel Silverstein

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Happy Birthday, Philip

Yesterday we celebrated six years with a special little boy...six years of parenthood...six wonderful years!


The day started early with pancakes and then all the boys and myself walking Philip into his class.  We went to deliver some homemade ghost cookies!  I got tickled when a classmate walked up to Philip with big eyes and said, "Oh Philip, you have LOTS of little brothers."  That he does, my friends!

After school, we got ready for the big party.  All the family came for hamburgers and cake and ice cream!  As always, it is fun to celebrate with lots of family.


The boys didn't get into bed until 9:00 and Philip and Daniel rose at 5:20 am.  They were ready to start building the three hundred sets of Legos received the night before!  Lots of fun!!

Sweet Philip, you are quite a boy.  You are kind, caring, and extremely helpful.  You set an example for your brothers that makes your Mommy and Daddy proud.  As I frequently tell you, you are the one who taught me to how to be a mother.  You are awesome!!!  Hope we tell you that enough.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Just Sayin'

I fuss at Chris almost daily for calling John "Big 'Un." 


"You're going to give the boy a complex," I say.


But the truth is, today he's sporting a new Crimson Tide outfit.  It seems the one I made William when he was John's age is getting snug.  So I pulled out the one I made Philip when he was a year old.


It fits perfectly!  Just sayin'....