Friday, February 15, 2013

Ouch


Today Gus had an up-close and personal encounter with the driveway.  I was taking a walk in the neighborhood while he played next door.  I actually heard him scream from the next street over and headed straight home to check on him.  He was shocked that I could tell it was him.  It was kind of sweet to get to explain that I can tell him apart from everyone else, just by his cry, and have been able to since he was tiny.  We had a really nice snuggle (something that almost NEVER happens with him) and now he's back to his normal, rambunctious self!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Torture by Valentine

 
As of 10 minutes ago, Gus & I have finished his Valentines for all his classmates!  His assignment from his wonderful pre-K teacher, Mrs. Schmidt, was to personally write the names of each of his friends on their Valentines (she wisely tipped us off to start early and just do a few a day).  I honestly thought we both might die or at the least, spontaneously combust, before the project was completed.
 

But we have survived.
 
 One for a sweet cousin.
 
While this assignment has definitely reaffirmed my desire not to homeschool, the angst was worth it as I saw his handwriting improve, little by little, and his attention span and perseverance grow.  He even told me this morning that he wanted to do the hardest one first (10-letter first names are not cool, people).
 
His signature early on...
 
 and on the last one.
 
Success!


Sunday, February 10, 2013

Downton Abbey is sweeping our nation!

So much so that we are making t-shirts! (Which can be yours for the low,low price of $19.95 plus shipping and handling.)

Trip to Ikea

We had a nice family trip up to Ikea yesterday. We didn't really need anything, but it was nice to be together.

We discovered these lockers as we entered the store. Have they always been there??? It was the perfect solution for all of our coats and for Amy's diaper bag. Only a 25 cent deposit required no less!

In the end, the best part of the discovery was the idea that I could lock Gus up until he turns 18. Kip is in 'till she's 19 (and I may extend that)!

Venison Anyone?

This is about as courageous as we get when it comes to exotic food.

Venison Sliders! They were quite tasty! Then again, they did have bacon mixed in.

Life These Days

In the midst of our house project, the kids have endured many a trip to Lowe's and Second Chance (from which their clothes are often grey at the knees and elbows and their hands in need of more than one washing!).

During a recent trip I captured this picture as they sat together watching Dinosaur Train on the iphone to pass the time. Sweetness!



Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Super Bowl discussion

On the way to a Super Bowl party, Gus asked which two teams were playing.  After some discussion, questions and answers he decided that he would pick the 49ers because they have gold on their uniforms AND because cable cars were invented in San Francisco. Kip also picked the 49ers because she was wearing gold, sparkly shoes and liked that they wore gold as well.  I picked San Francisco because the Rams are also in their division and it would be nice to see a champ from the NFC West.  Amy...well, we pressured her into picking the 49ers because she was outnumbered (and didn't really care anyway).

Gus: "We're all voting for the San Francisco 49ers!"

Amy: "No, you mean we're all rooting for the 49ers.  When you want a sports team to win, you say rooting."

Me: "Or, you can say cheering or picking or going for or rooting."

Gus: "We're all voting for the San Francisco 49ers Root Team!"

Amy and Me: "Ummm...ok.  Sure!"