Smaller and Smaller Toys

The older the boys get the smaller the toys become.  Big foam blocks and shopping carts have been trading in for legos and the new and smaller joy that is Playmobil. They are amazing toys and promote independence and creative (meaning I don't have to do a thing with them when they play) but man are the pieces little.

 

You may think to yourself, what handy cases! And yes you would be right but at the end of the day locating all the little things that go back into those handy boxes can be a bit of a nightmare.  They have been a big hit since receiving them at Christmas but I'm not sure I'm ready for more...

And yes, that's a dime showing how small these pieces are.  My guess is the next time I empty the vacuum cleaner and should check for a piece or two (or ten).

I can't complain really. They are great toys and they will consume Colby and Lincoln for over an hour with no guidance from me.  So I guess I'm grateful....until I step on one at night in bare feet.

Worth The Mess

Being a stay-at-home mom gives you many perks. One of them is meeting some amazing moms.  Through Colby and Lincoln's school I have met some amazing women that I enjoy spending time with.  The problem is that we don't often get to catch up or socialize because we are too busy at school drop-off and pick-up trying to get our kids dresses/undressed, locating shoes and taking boots, coats, hats, and mittens off.  Well today we had a chance to catch up, with a holiday and the looming thought of having the kids all day itching to do something I invited some classmates and moms from this year and last years class over for a play date.  We let the kids loose and the moms had a really nice time chatting and catching up.

One room of the destruction/fun

1.5 hours later and it's all cleaned up





Another room of destruction/play

 

I located the floor again

 

The mess was just a sign of how much fun my boys had.  They were both overjoyed to play and to show off their toys.  And I was happy to let them play while I got to visit! Great day.....let's not go too long before we do it again!

Disney on Ice, Without the Rose-Colored Glasses

Katie R.

January 2013. 

I planned, what I thought, would be a amazing day for just Joe, Andrew and I.  Wes, who was only 1 at the time, spent the day with my parents who were visiting so I told Andrew it was "his day."  I told him we would go to Disney on Ice, lunch and anything else he wanted to do.  I splurged for some of the most expensive seats and had visions of how glourious it would be.  After sitting in our seats for 10 minutes we realized they were terrible (and even had the usher come and tell us we could move if we could find some open seats). So we moved to the seats 1/3 of what we paid for ours, bought the $22 spinning, lighted plastic monstrosity which broke before we got home and spent a million dollars on food and drink. But in the end he loved the show so that is all that mattered. Then we gave Andrew all his lunch options and he insisted didn't want to go anywhere.  Eventually he agreed, only because we bribed him angry birds, to have lunch with us. Finally we suggested some afternoon activities like museums, shopping, ice cream but to no avail... we were home hours early than I had planned.  It wasn't a bad day just not the magical day I had imagined.

January 2014

Because of the terrible seats last year we were given 3 comp tickets this year.  And, because I removed those rose colored I was wearing, we purchased the matching $28 ticket for Wes.  My expectations for this show were much less lofty and I expected Andrew would like it, Wes would hate it and Joe and I would probably start drinking the minute we got home (apparently they don't sell alcohol at Disney on Ice.)  And then a little Disney magic happened.  First when we picked out their toy Andrew decided that the toys were "junky" so he chose a snow cone in a Mickey cup which, even with the freakin' $2 souvenir straw, was  1/2 of what most of the other toys cost and we can actually use it again.  Of course, Wes got a matching one, because an arena full of people is not a place for a lesson in sharing, and they were both content.  Wes sat the entire show and although he howled during some of the music, yes howled, was a perfect little audience member.  We skipped lunch because a snow cone, popcorn and snacks hidden in my bag were consumed the entire show and we were happily home and playing Legos by 2.  

So was 2014 that much better than 2013?  Probably not, but if my kids have taught me one things it's to keep my expectations low... very low.  

All Smiles!

Yep that is a $2 straw

A Sweet, Soft Lunch

The last time we visited my parents in Maine Colby came across a music box and wanted to know all about it.  Colby loves to figure out how things work and wants to know what all the moving parts do. Even though it was fragile he would carry it around and show everyone how it works.  To be honest,  I didn't think twice about it.  That is until the other day while I was making lunch and Colby appeared with one of my music/jewelry boxes and was overjoyed that I had some too.  Mine, however, was filled with my jewelry and he was traipsing all around with it.  Once I settled him and his brother at lunch I opened the box up and pointed out the gears on it and wound it up for them to listen to.

They just sat there and listened and watched as the gears moved and the music played.  It was the most quiet lunch ever. Once one finished I would go and switch it out with another.  I also enjoyed the sweet soft songs and the memories they brought.  I shouldn't be surprised that it's the little things that make us all happy, but I always am.

Still Not A New Englander....

Katie R.

So every time I think I'm becoming a true New Englander something happens to remind me I'm still a Ohio girl.  Last weekend it was Andrew's first ski lesson and with Joe working I had to take him solo which proved even more I'm still not there.  Here is why:

Assuming lessons would be cancelled:  It was freakin' cold.  I assumed because it was still in the single digits with a below zero wind chill they would cancel lessons but apparently lessons are only cancelled for rain or warm conditions.  Really?!?

Not having appropriate ski gear:  It has taken us years to get our kids the correct winter gear.  Andrew finally has skis, ski boots, helmet and all the New England approved (LL Bean) gloves, hats, pants and coat.  So I thought we were all set until 2 days before when I read he needs wool socks.  WTF. Luckily we borrowed some from our friend and he didn't even complain when they were purple with flowers on the top.

Making sure his ski boots really fit:  We tried his ski boots on and he said they were a little tight.  However, he was tired and cranky so we ignored him, yes we are rock star parents.  Joe measured his foot and online it said they were the correct size.  So of course I believe Google over Andrew and off to lessons we went.  After an hour of skiing he said his toes hurt and of course $30 later we are now the proud new owners of a new pair of ski boots.

Assuming the other parents were sane:  It said on the paperwork that parents should stay in the lodge or on the deck area and I assumed parent would listen to this advice.  I was actually looking forward to lessons because Wes was going to a friend's house and I planned on drinking a coffee and watching Andrew from inside a nice warm building.  Because of this I wore appropriate lodge attire, aka a sweater and leggings.  So when lessons began and everyone went to get the kids set up I kept waiting for someone to make the first move to go back in.  It never happened.  I did have a warm winter coat and boots but my legs were frozen.  At one point I was contemplating how I could tie my scarf around my legs; however, as I looked around I realized that everyone else had on appropriate apparel so I sucked it up and kept going inside to “go to the bathroom”. 

So this week we have all the appropriate gear, new socks and of course it’s supposed to rain.  

Too Comfortable to Make it Through the Night

The last of my Christmas festivities happened this past weekend at my dad's house.  The boys and I all received flannel sheets. Because of this very cold winter we are having they are just what the doctor ordered!  Yesterday I opened, washed and changed all three beds.  I think climbing into a bed with fresh clean sheets is one of my favorite things and I have a sneaky suspicion that both my boys do too.  So much so that they slept so well and so deep that they both had accidents last night.  Really, no joke! Accidents happen but to happen on beautiful, fresh sheets just kills me. And can I just put on another set of sheets, oh no. They both insisted on their new sheets so after another turn in the washing machine we are good to go again today. 



Colby's Bed

Lincoln's Bed





My Bed

 

Wish us luck!



Moving it Inside

It is so damn cold out. It's cruel and unusual punishment to have beautiful snow outside and have it be sub-artic out.  Last Friday it was so cold out that instead of having the boys come outside with me to "help" shovel, I skyped my sister and had her watch them while they sat and watched cartoons while I finished shoveling the driveway. (I had my cell phone on me so she could call me if anything happened) I don't mind the cold, I'm a New Englander, but when the highs don't get out of the single digits I start to act like a caged animal.  Luckily we had a wonderful Christmas and the boys have had a great time mixing all the new toys together. 

 

 

You know we love a good road rally in this house. Most of the time it's outside but we had to get creative and moved it in. 



Santa gave Colby the Batcave and a Rescue Center for Christmas and it has helped the hours passed being trapped inside. (Clearly Lincoln loves it too)

 

 

And their is no such thing as too many Legos!  (Isis Kitty agrees)

 

 

Fingers crossed that the forecast calls for warmer weather! We have snowshoes and ice skates to break it! 

 

Happy New Year.