Grown Up Halloween

For the first time in years, I got to go to a Halloween party that wasn't just for littles.  It was a lot of fun seeing everyone in costume.  Andrew and I just stole the big girls' costumes for the night, but now I'm trying to think of good ideas for future years.

Halloween Carnival

We went to the 4H Halloween Carnival tonight.  The kids had a great time, and I liked have one more chance to take Halloween pictures and see the kids dressed up. Max was a party pooper and wore his Halloween clothes instead of a costume.

Take My Picture

Andrew wanted a new FB profile picture, so Max got in on the action of course.  It only occurred to me much later that it was my birthday, and maybe the pictures should have been of me.  That's okay.  I really don't like pictures of me.

Daddy Love

Max looks like he's contemplating something deep in this picture.  Hey everyone, my baby is brilliant!  He's solving world hunger and cancer!  I just hope he remembers it by the time he grows up enough to tell us.

What I really love is Andrew's expression.  That husband of mine has some serious baby love going on.  When Bryn was first born, he and my mom would jokingly fight over who got to change the diaper.  I've never quite understood that, but whatever it is sure makes him a good dad.  I think I'm the one missing the newborn gene, because while I do adore my children, I'd happily skip a few months into the future.  Maybe I should go to Hawaii and let Andrew be the mom.

Abuela Takes the Stage

The Spanish Club at Bryn's school did a play in Spanish.  Bryn played the grandmother.  After the play some other parents were talking to her (one who was Hispanic) and they were all shocked her parents were total gringos and hadn't been any help to her since her accent is so good.  We're very proud parents though we obviously can't take any credit.  It's all Bryn :-)

Owen was particularly impressed with both the grey hair (baby powder) and the Spanish.  He spent the first few minutes of the play enthralled, then looked at me and said, "I totally don't get this.  I have no idea what's going on?  Can we go now?"  You can see he played games on the phone the rest of the play.

Claire currently has a big love for Dora and Diego and has picked up some Spanish phrases from the shows.  She tells us "gracias" and asks for help in Spanish, too.  "Ayuda me!"  I thought she'd get a kick out of the play and was a little worried she'd shout out some of her own phrases in the middle.  She spent the whole time snuggled on Daddy's lap instead.  Probably a good thing, even if it is less entertaining.

Lunch with Dad

It's always exciting and fun to meet Dad for lunch.  Who knew you could see your dad in the MIDDLE of the day?

Claire, now: "Oh look, I have a pink bow.  That's bee-oo-ful, Mom.  I'm so pretty.  Where's my backpack?  It has princesses on it. Can I pick my nose?"

Hmmm, maybe lunch with dad isn't the important part.  She obviously has such high level concerns to attend to.

My Tie Guys

Owen has realllly been wanting to have a tie like daddy, so what better way than to get them matching ones.  Big O is so proud, and I think that while Andrew doesn't want to admit to being all matchy-matchy, he likes the idea, too.

Happy Mother's Day

We are some low key people around here today.  Pretty much we just laid around and recovered from yesterday's havoc.  My girls made me sweet cards, and then we had dessert with Andrew's family in the evening.

Dear Mommy,
I love it when you let me cook with you.  I love it when you help me make my bed.  I love it when you take me to the places I like.  I love it when you help me feel better.  I love it when you are always nice.  Happy Mother's Day!
Love, Ella

Dear Mom,
Thank you for everything you do for me.  You are an awesome mom.  You are very nice, sweet, and funny mom. I love you so much.
Luv, Bryn

And in other news, Claire has learned to do a somersault.  I guess having new carpet in the room inspires my children to gymnastic feats, and C just followed along.  She's very proud of herself.

Big Yellow Truck

Yesterday was the big moving day, but Owen was gone to Nana and Grampa's so he'd be out of the way.  We kept the truck overnight just so he could see it.  Let me tell you, the thrill level was pretty high.  Owen even got to sit on Daddy's lap and drive the truck in a parking lot.  He thinks he's the only four year who knows how to drive big yellow trucks!  His only complaint was that it went too slow.  I think Daddy had something to do with that one.  The girls were pretty excited, too.  I guess there's something to be said for sitting up on top of the world.

"I Kiss You!"

Claire is a big fan of kissing right now.  She will randomly walk up and kiss your knee or forearm, whatever's in reach, and then happily declare, "I kiss you!" before she does it all over again. She was all snuggled up with Andrew and watching the Cubs game today, when she decided it was time for a kiss.  Who would ever want to resist that?

Legoland: Splash Battle

AKA the best ride in the park.  The kids and Andrew had such a great time that they rode it over and over and over, and on multiple days.  I just wish they had a protective bubble option for wimps like me who don't want to walk around in wet pants all day.

I think Owen's happy face says it all.

The pirate ship with water slides and the splash pad were also bit hits.

This is what Claire did all day...and most of the trip.  Legoland is seriously lacking in things for the littler ones to do.  There were a total of two rides she went on all week.

Legoland: The Journey Begins

We have five day passes, so get used to seeing pictures of Legoland for the next little while.  This is Andrew's favorite of the day.

There's also a Lego mom with a baby girl in a stroller.  Bryn and Ella want to know where the two Lego sisters are.

My favorite is Owen on the race course.  I'm glad to see all his hours of Mario Kart on the Wii are having some real life application.  He can weave in and out of other three and four year old drivers, avoid obstacles and achieve some serious laps in these things.  They even gave him a license when he was done.  Now he wants to drive the real car.

Bryn and Ella also showed off their motoring skills but they were on the water.  Kellie and John are brave to ride with them at the helms.

Geek Squad Does Home Repair?

I'm kind of mean, but I really do enjoy mocking my husband.  Here he is working hard on last minute home repairs and getting the stairs stained, and I'm laughing at the nerd pen behind the ear.  What kind of wife does the poor guy have?

New Roof Day

Owen and Claire were completely fascinated with watching the old roof come off.  They couldn't believe Daddy, who belongs on the ground, was up there and that he was throwing things down.  It was all kinds of naughty at once, and Claire was really wishing she could participate.  Fortunately they had a safe viewing spot from inside the kitchen for all the fun.

Nach-yo Nachos

This was my dinner order tonight.  Why am I not the one trying to eat it?  Andrew backed off right away, but I had to fight Claire to get myself some dinner!

Ella's Big Day

Here's the star with Grampa and Daddy. I don't think she could get cuter or sweeter.

I don't get it.

The three oldest children are completely and totally fascinated by my husband's computer game. I just do not get it. It's an old DOS game, so the graphics are almost not recognizable as what they're supposed to be, the action is akin to a board game and the sounds effects are pretty pathetic. But all of them will sit there and watch for as long as he plays. Maybe I should just be grateful they're all occupied and nobody's making a mess?

Watching the Flash

When the kids came home with free tickets to the Flash game tonight, they were thrilled and very persuasive. Guess they have just the right combination of cuteness and charm, because here they are watching the game after what should have been their bedtime on a school night.



Claire liked playing with the chairs, cheering, and trying to make friends with the teenage boys in front of us. She had a great time, but I'm not too sure those boys would say the same.

I need to get a job

just so I can get this kind of love when I come home.

Hard Core

We live tough around here. Dr. P straight from the bottle, no shaving, not going to work. Not many people are that hard core.

Sorry, honey. You know I only mock you because I love you.