Sometimes it's expensive to be right...

Katie R.

Saturday night a few weeks ago the adults were watching 2 tvs, yes 2 tvs in the living room so we could watch Ohio State and Notre Dame.  

A suggestion was made that the kids watch a movie but with having 2 of the tvs already in the living room, I suggested they take a computer downstairs. My husband was worried they would break the computer, our 6 year old computer that only works 1/2 of the time.  Instead he suggests the kids watch tv in our room because it's a bigger tv (another time I will explain why we had a 50 inch television in our tiny bedroom).

I told my husband I didn't think it was a great idea but in an attempt to not be the nagging wife and uncool mom I said ok.  

So it started cute like this:

Then Wes found this:

And then this happened:

We will never know the true story of how it happened, meaning whether Wes acted on his own or with the support of his cohorts, but we do know that Wes was able to break the inside of the television.

I was right and we are now minus one television.  Sometimes it's expensive being right.

I have officially accepted I am "good enough"...

Katie R.

About a month ago as I struggled to find some fruit for lunch boxes, I finally found some raisins I was pretty sure were still edible, so I threw them in and said “good enough”.  A few moments later the kids were cleaning up and I said  “that’s good enough guys”.  Later that night, I had almost finished the laundry and was too tired to put it all away and I sighed and said “good enough.”

Maybe it’s because for the first time since the kids have been born I am working almost full-time.  Or maybe it’s because with weddings and events every single details matters.  Or maybe it’s because I have now been a parent for 5 years.  I’m not certain what the reason is but on the night that I muttered “good enough” at least 3 times, I really started thinking about being a “good enough” being enough. 

I will admit at first I was pretty horrified with the idea.  I had spent 5 years trying really hard to be a great parent and having it all together, or at least trying to look like I had it all together.  And although I failed 99% of the time, I it was something I really worked hard on.

But as I lay in bed thinking about being a “good enough”, I started to realize that I am really ok with that.  And I have to say the rest of the summer has been much better because of my realization.

For example, with Andrew we were so strict with bed and naptime and it was exhausting.  Wes decided this summer he wanted to take naps and fall asleep in our room at night, partly because there is an air conditioner in the room and partly because he’s a pain, and finally I just thought “why do I care?”  He falls asleep with no problem and we just move him if he’s in our way.  He goes to sleep which means I can get caught up on work and get things ready for the next day and that is good enough for me.

Along with the bed times which have been easier this summer than any other year, I realize that there are things I just don’t care about that I have been worrying about for years.  I used to know how much TV they watched or iPad they played and feel guilty if they spent too much time in front of TV/ipad, well being a “good enough” parent means I don’t stress it.  Part of the reason is the kids were in camp ½ the day and they also love being outside, but if they want to come in and watch TV for a while that is fine with me.  And if there is a day when they just want to veg and watch TV, again, the good enough parent is cool with that.

Being “good enough” has not only been for parenting, it’s pretty much my new mantra.  For example, when friends came over, even good friends, I would clean the house for hours to get ready.  Now of course I just make sure it “good enough” and by good enough I mean that there will be laundry by the washer, the toy room may not be cleaned and I will do my best to make sure the kitchen doesn’t have dirty dishes, but no promises. 

This doesn’t mean I don’t care about my house, my kids or my job, it just means I’ve realized the kind of parent that I am and I’m finally ok with it.  So when I see on Pinterest, 4,700 things to do with your kids this summer, I pretty much now accept that I am going to do none of them.  And we may not make gourmet meals, but we have dinner at the pool 4 nights a week, so they’re getting exercise and dinner which in my book is a win.

Once my events and wedding are over in a few weeks and school starts will I go back to trying more?  I can’t answer that but one thing I am certain of is that being a “good enough” parent has made this a pretty good summer.  In fact as I finish writing this I’m done with work, Joe’s on his way home to pick me up and my kids are at an amusement park with their grandparents 2 ½ hours away so we are headed out for happy hour drinks and appetizers... good enough for me.

The Worst Check-up Ever...

Katie R.

Want to feel like a better parent?  Read this.  I think this may rank as one of the worst check-ups ever, primarily because it's the appointment that will never end.  Seriously it's been a week of constant reminders and there is no end in sight.

Let's start from the beginning.  First, Wes went to drs appointment after a morning at camp and no nap. Worst scheduling my a mother ever.  Then, Andrew went to Daddy's office while Wes went to the doctor, and being daddy's boy that went over like a lead balloon. So we started out the appointment crying.  

Then he refused to get on the scale.  Throwing himself around, crying, screaming and basically doing anything to mortify me.  Eventually, I had to get weighed with him and then put him down to be weighed.  Awesome.  I basically trapped him against the wall to get his height and then the poor nurse fled the room as fast as her feet would take her.

A knock on the door and I look up to see a nurse holding a book for Wes to which he promptly screams "no".  I look again and the nurse is someone I had a drink with the previous weekend and this was the first time she has met my child.  Amazing first impression.

She leaves and the doctor then takes a 1/2 hour to get in the room.  This is how he finds Wes.  Yes he is eating a snack under the chair at the hospital.  Quite possibly the dirtiest place on earth.  He wasn't crying and I didn't care.  (please note the shorts int he photo, those come into play later).  And yes he has on a pink pull-up because we had to borrow it from a friend before the appointment

Wes did not cry for the doctor but he was as defiant as he could be.  He refused to talk but when he did, he ensured that he said something that would make me want to crawl in a hole.  For example, when Dr. Sam asked if he could say over 100 words I said yes and then Wes said "Dr. Sam do you want to play construction vehicles games on Mommy's iphone".  When Dr. Sam asked Wes if he could look in his ear to see what is there Wes said "there is poop in there".  When Dr. Sam said can you name body parts Wes said "just my stinky toes".

Finally when we could take no more the appointment came to a close.  Dr. Sam is amazing and funny and happy the whole time.  I can't get out the door fast enough and Dr. Sam says "By the way I think we are neighbors"  Oh My God.  Sure enough he and his wife moved in about 4 houses from us.  He probably is putting up a for sale sign right now.

As we pulled out of the parking garage this happened.  At 4 o'clock of course the worst time of the day.

It's over right?  Oh not so fast.  I get home and the phone rings.  Remember the shorts that were on the floor, apparently we left them there.  I say no problem my husband works there he can pick them up tomorrow.  

Did that happen?  Of course not.  Look what came in the mail today.

Not only do we probably need to find a new dr we can probably never take a walk in our neighborhood.

See don't you feel like a good parent?

To the Mailman in West Lebanon... Thank You!

Katie

Now Wes is a challenge when he takes a 3 hour nap, but because we are a little busier than normal Wes has had to skip his nap the past two days and like second children everywhere had to just had to deal with it.  So, where did I take the grumpiest kid on earth? Of course, Walmart.   

So we're leaving said Walmart and I'm not in the best mood, because I just spent 30 minutes in Walmart, and Wes is dragging.  We walk by the mailman in his truck and the mailman waves at Wes.  Wes waves but doesn't say hello and then we take a few steps forward and I say "Buddy, you better say hello, he's getting ready to leave."  

Wes stops in his tracks and hangs his head.  I was just about to turn him around when I hear "Hey little guy I have an important letter for you."  We turn around and the mailman is getting out of his truck and walking over to Wes.  He hands Wes the important letter and Wes is grinning from ear to ear and says to the mailman "Thank you so much.  Have a nice day."

I am sure that the mailman in West Lebanon will never read this but if by chance in this small town we live in you see this thank you, thank you, thank you.  You made his day. Everyone in the next 3 stores was told about his very important letter and couldn't wait to show daddy when he got home.  It's now hanging in a place of honor...our fridge.

And I have to admit, it made my day a bit brighter too.

His very important letter.  He asked me to take a photo.

Who is the gray haired lady driving all over the road...oh wait it's me

Katie R.

So a couple weeks ago I had a birthday and it honestly did not bother me a second that I was a year older.  In fact, I thought I had it it totally together, I even was talking to someone and said "I don't feel old because I'm really content with my life because I like my job, my house, my kids"  (ok I may have been a little drunk when I said this, but at the time I meant it).

Then it happened.  I was visiting my parents in Ohio and took the boys, in my mom's car, to pick up their cousin.  They were so excited to spend the day with him that I took a quick shower and didn't bother drying my hair.  It was a beautiful morning and the kids asked to have the windows down.  Because I'm such a fun mom I put all the windows down and opened the sunroof to take in all the fresh air.

My boys, who have lived in the northeast their entire lives, where talking about how flat it was and we were looking views like this:

So a sunny, beautiful spring day what could go wrong?  I looked in the rear view mirror. With my hair being wet it was several shades darker and with the sun shining through the roof I noticed a few gray hairs and then I noticed a few more.  I suddenly realized as I was driving my mom's car from one ditch to the other that over 1/2 my hair was grey.  I immediately drove back at record-breaking speeds and checked in the bathroom mirror only to find the car mirror was not lying. So I did what anyone would do, texted my friend to see if we could color my hair as soon as I got home and started drinking about noon.  I was finally feeling like maybe it wasn't so bad when my husband leans over me when we are sitting on the patio and starts nodding.  I gave him a questioning look and he says "you do have a lot of gray hair".  Wow.  Another beer please.

So now I'm officially old.  I will have my every 6-8 week appointment to get my hair colored, I noticed my hands are becoming more wrinkled and don't even get me started on my teeth.

Oh well... I had 3 good weeks after my birthday.

Wonder what they said when I left?

Katie

Yes we are the family that has one missing shoe, toys with only 1/2 the pieces and socks without pairs.  Most of these problems are only noticed by our closets friends, family members and anyone who pays attention at preschool... until today.

It's raining.  No big deal, I thought, I'll grab an umbrella.  I know I have seen our black and white umbrella a million times in the past week and kept thinking I needed to put it back in the car and now when I need it, it's nowhere to be found  Okay, no problem, we have the giant black golf umbrella we bought for Halloween and never used.  It's taller than Wes, maybe even Andrew, and yet I still can't find it.

So now I have two choices.  I walk the block from my car to my office and get wet or I bring the Cars umbrella.  I sat in the car for a few minutes and debated.  I'm still the new kid at the office and only there a few times a week so people don't know me well, so would I look more foolish wet or with a ridiculous umbrella.  The answer is:

Oh.. and this is so small it really only covered my head,
 but at least my hair wasn't wet.

Katie vs Joe... The exploded beer bottle stand-off

Katie R.

On March 16th my husband put a large beer bottle in our freezer.

On March 17th I found this:

On March 18, 19 & 20th I asked Joe to clean it and was told he would do it.

It's now March 25th and it's still there.

The truth is it's driving me absolutely crazy and every day I start to do it and then decide no I'm not going to do it.

So who will last longer?  Joe's "forgetting" to clean it or me just letting it in there.

March Madness.. a lot different with kids

Katie R.

March Madness.  One of the greatest weekends of the year: cheering for the underdog, hoping your alma mater will win and holding your breath while watching the buzzer beaters.   What can make watching the games even more fun?  Of course watching the games with friends, eating food and drinking some beers.

There is only one problem with that.  I think that I forgot that when I invite a big group of friends it comes with a big group of kids.  So needless to say prepping for this year's party I spent time prepping the playroom and buying juice boxes and no time running to pick up a keg.

So from 1pm to 10pm  we had approximately 15 kids, ages 6 and under, who were the party animals.  And like every good party there was take out pizza, dancing on the couch, a lot of yelling, a few fights, a little blood and most of the guests home and asleep by 10.



Here is the before (I moved all the furniture and put away every lego sized toy I could find):

Normally in this space there is a couch and love seat

The mudroom now becomes a playroom

During with only 1/3 of the guest remaining:

No party is complete without a change of clothes

And the after (which I am still getting put back together):

No cushion left on the couch and not toy left in a cubby.   

And although at the end of the night we had to turn of basketball for a little Paw Patrol and What Did a Fox Say was on the iPad, I'm pretty sure the parents had a good time.  So even though it may take me until next month to reorganize the room I am 100% sure we'll do it again next year, because each year the kids get a little older and able to be unsupervised for greater lengths of time.  Because let's be honest all parents really want to do is ignore their children at these kind of parties.  So the only thing we may do different is set a recording of the adults say "go downstairs" oh and maybe a keg...

You Know It's Been A Long Month When...

Katie R.

For February being a short month and the fact that it is not over it has been a long, long month in our house.  

How do I know it's time for March to begin?

I have been stuck in the house for so long with sick family members, I long for my cubicle.  I only work 1 day a week now and this is my little piece of heaven.

My husband brought me flowers, which never happens, because he felt bad for all of the dinners he missed and time he has spent at work this month.

Look at all the McDonald's happy meal cups we have accumulated.  I know that there is at least one more Emmet missing.  With all the sickness, including me being laid up with a tooth infection for 4 days, the kids have had some questionable meals.  

There was a ridiculous amount of tv that was watched with cartoons to keep little ones happy during the day and with the Olympics in the evening that I heard Wes singing this at dinner last week.  (Yes it's the "We are Farmers" commercial)

There were of course some good things.  My parents visited and Joe and I went away for the weekend with some friends.  And with the tooth infection I received a lot of pain medications.  However for the most part I'm ready for March.

Maybe It's Time I Put on Some Real Pants

Katie R.

Most of us have been there.  We gain weight and lose weight making our jeans sometimes look amazing and other times... well not so much.  Well last year during those times of... well not so much... I learned of the amazing world of leggings.  First I had one pair, then five and now it has become my official uniform of winter.  

So when did I realize that maybe I have a leggings problem?  Is it when my husband makes fun of me?  No that doesn't bother me as that man has more flannel than they brawny guy.  Is it when I realized I had gone all week and worn a new pair of leggings every day?  Nope that just means I put on clean clothes everyday and that is really something to be proud of.  Is it when I realized I hadn't worn half of my tops because they don't go with leggings? No that just means I'm conserving those for next year.

The day I realized I may have a problem is when we were at a gathering at a friends house and both of my kids, at separate occasions, went up to my friend and thought it was me because she had leggings on. That day I had decided to wear jeans and apparently I was a stranger in their eyes.  Luckily it was a good friend so I just walked away and let her deal with whatever they wanted.  However, it did make me realize that maybe I should start wearing real pants.

So am I planning on being leggings free?  Not quite yet, but today, which is a snow day, I did take a shower and put on baggie sweat pants so no one can say I'm not changing it up.

My official uniform.  Ignore the hair and make-up, I hadn't got around to that (and most likely didn't manage to get it done that day) 

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

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.  

Bacon Detox

Katie R.

We're back from a jam packed holiday trip to Ohio and Indiana. After 10 days and over 30 hours on the road the kids are tired and pretty content to play on their own with their 4,000 new toys.  The only problem we are having is that Andrew (and Wes usually follows his cue) is going through bacon withdraw.  Andrew loves bacon, like could eat it for every meal loves it, and I'm pretty sure he ate it almost everyday for 10 days.  We have been home for 2 days and both mornings we were treated to Andrew whining about bacon.

So as we start 2014 here are the resolutions for myself and the kids.  I would give Joe some resolutions but pretty sure he would be less than thrilled with that.

Katie:  Lose 20 lbs and work out (yeah right)

Andrew:  Detox from bacon

Wes:  Stop saying stupid (there is probably a better chance of me losing 40 lbs then this happening)

So from our stupid, 20 lb overweight, bacon addicted family to yours have a great 2014!

The Santa Who Wears Nike

Katie R.  

It was time to make our annual trip to see Santa.  Like everything we do we should assume it would be a bit of a train wreck although this time, for once, it was not our fault.

We decided to go to our local "mall" which is really a LL Bean with a few local stores but Santa sits on a sleigh so it makes for cool pictures and more importantly it's never crowded.  

We walk in and are greeted by two sweet girls giving out candy cane.  Andrew is shy at first but when I say "this is your only chance to have one" he quickly takes one and thanks the girl.  Next Wes comes running through the doors and and tries to grab 3 candy canes and is pissed when I tell him he can only have one.  I say "what do you say" and he looks at the girl and says "happy Halloween."

Andrew sits on Santa's lap and tell him what he wants.  He takes his photo and although he is a little shy answers all his questions.  

Next tough guy Wes walks up the sleigh and refuses to talk to Santa, in fact he actually refused to even look at Santa.  So this was as close as he got.

So you may say, where was the fail in all of this.  Seems pretty much like a typical Santa visit.  If you look closely with the picture of Andrew you will see that he is wearing Nikes.  There was a cover on the suit that was supposed to cover the tops but didn't cover the side.  Wouldn't have been a big deal except Andrew noticed.

We were 3 steps away and Andrew says "That wasn't the real Santa"  What ?!?  He went on to discuss his shoes and how the real Santa wore boots.  I tried to make up so me lame story and I could tell he really didn't believe me, so later it was determined that this was one of Santa's helpers.

The good news is at no point did he questions the existence of Santa... just his choice of footwear. 

We Survived... Although not sure those in Virginia can say the same

Katie R.

We will did it.  We survived.  I would even venture to say that it was a good trip; however, I don't want to be too cocky as I'm not sure what those in Virginia are saying right now.  Here are the highlights:

To Virginia:  The kids, who are pretty good travelers, managed to have no problem getting up at 3:30 when the alarm went off.  We made it to our 4:15am shuttle and to the airport in plenty of time.  The deal was Wes would sit with Joe and I would sit with Andrew but after the take off and hearing "I want my mommy" we switched (over the seats) and I got Wes the remainder of the trip. Lucky me. The only reason we made it through was the nice man, complete with dreadlocks, who switched seats with another family so they could all sit together and unfortunately he got stuck with us.  He was a good sport Wes put his bare feet on him, had him put his tray table up and down 20 times and finally would only let that gentlemen unbuckle his seat belt.  There is a special place in heaven for that guy.  Then on the way to our final destination we stopped at the air and space museum to see a real space shuttle and even better for my kids... a Mars rover.

 

 

 

During our Visit:  We stayed with Joe's cousin, her husband and their two kids.  They were the most amazing hosts as we are less than ideal guests.  First Wes called everyone stupid every 30 seconds so he spent a good deal of his holiday in timeout.   Andrew and his cousin instantly became "best friend cousins" and they had a good time playing together.  Joe's cousin even hosted Thanksgiving at her house which consisted of 25 adults and 4 kids.   We even got a night out for awhile but had to come home early as Wes was causing Nana and PawPaw all kinds of problems.  Yep he hates us.  C if you are reading this thanks again for having us. I know you said come back sometime in the summer, but I promise we won't take you up on that offer. 

 

The kids had a coloring contest with donations.  I think they raised about $30 to put in the Salvation Army bucket.

25 adults, 4 kids and 11 desserts.  Sounds about right (only a small portion shown here)

Playing in the best friend cousin's room

Jamestown on a pirate ship. 

 

 

And we're done

We're from NH.  We definitely make sand castles when it's 50 degrees.

Don't let the smile fool you.  Feel asleep when we got in the parking lot.  Beach day was a gigantic fail.

 

 

Traveling Home:  We left the cousins at 8:30 in the morning to get out of their hair and to visit the National Aquarium in Baltimore.  After a 3 hour drive we arrived and enjoyed the aquarium.  The kids were done after about an hour but it was $91 for admission (Wes was free) and we had 4 hours until our flight so we forced them to look at more fish.  Finally we arrived and had 2 hours until our 7:40 flight which was perfect for checking in, dinner and boarding.  The minute we arrived I got a text saying our flight was delayed until 8:30.  No problem, we'll get dinner.  Joe and the boys decide the want Chipotle.  2 kids with giant burritos on the seats in the airport.  Absolutely the worst idea ever.  Rice freakin everywhere.  After trying to clean in up without success I decided our best plan of action was to choose different seats and pretend the mess never happened.  Finally we boarded.  Here we are on our return flight.  See anything wrong with these pictures? 

 



 

 

The lucky mommy I am both kids wanted to sit with me.  And at 8:30 after already traveling for 12 hours we decided it was best.  Luckily Wes fell asleep before the fasten seat belts sign went off and Andrew played games on my phone so it was an easy flight, I even read SkyMall.  After a shuttle to our car and the car trip home it was midnight and we all fell asleep in our own beds.

 

I have to say that it was a really good trip.  My better then I expected; however, I may already be blocking parts out of my mind. 



I would like to apologize in advance... Oh and Happy Thanksgiving

Katie R.

I would like to apologize in advance to the following:

1.  Anyone staying in our hotel tonight

2.  The driver of our shuttle who will pick us up at 4:30 tomorrow morning

3.  Everyone at the Manchester airport including those who will be checking us in, the entire line in security, tsa workers and any of those who  are thinking they will quietly read their paper pre-flight

4.  The dunkin donuts employee who will have to deal with me needing a coffee after we should already be boarding, Wes screaming for a munchkin and Andrew whining for a donut with sprinkles.

4.  All of the passengers of the 5:55am flight tomorrow. 

5.  Everyone at the BWI airport where we will be arriving before the kids normally wake up. 

6.  The Hertz shuttle and employees who will have to deal with 2 tired parents, 2 cranky kids, 2 suitcases, 3 carry-ons, 1 stroller and 1 car seat most likely before they have had their morning coffee.

7.  The employees of the National Air and Space Museum where we plan on allowing our kids to "burn of some energy" and will do so until we are most likely asked to leave.

8.  The entire state of Virginia.  As we will be there 5 nights I'm pretty sure the whole state will need an apology.

If you do by chance see us please ignore my coffee cup full of bloody mary and pretend that my kids aren't eating lollipops at 6am.  If you are fortunate enough to not be in any of these locations tomorrow, consider that our Thanksgiving gift to you.

Have a great holiday.

Our bags are packed! 

Damn You Benjamin Franklin

Katie R.

So Andrew seems to be a somewhat normal kid, until he talks about his love for Benjamin Franklin.  I wouldn't say he is obsessed with Ben but we sure talk about him a lot.  For example these conversations have taken place:

- Do you think that Ben Franklin should go back and invent some more electricity for those Amish?

- Grandma... were you born before or after Ben Franklin?

-  I want to be Ben Franklin for Halloween... never mind I'll be Thor instead

-  Wow a Ben Franklin book!  That is awesome.

So the book "Now & Ben" which Andrew recently received as a gift after I spent 3 days eating and drinking my way through New England with high school girlfriends, became an instant favorite. And yes, you read it correctly, "Now & Ben"

 

 

So last night I was reading this book for the first time since Sunday and I got to this page.

 



 

 

Because this is hard to read, the picture explains how Daylight Savings time was his idea.  For those of you without young children you enjoyed your extra hour of sleep and now you're right back on track like nothing every happened.  And then there are the rest of us.  I want my extra 30 minutes of sleep back Ben!

 

So I speak for parents of young children every where by saying "Damn you Ben Franklin."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Damn Circle Time

Katie R.

Andrew loves school.  Wes is doing so much better and doesn't shed a tear at drop-off.  The teachers continue to be amazing and the kids love them. So this perfect pre-school world we all live is only tainted by one thing.  Circle time.

Circle time, that cute time in pre-school when all kids sit in a circle and sings songs, have show-and-tell and read books.  You would think most kids would revel in this part of school; however, it appears my children are not most kids.

For Andrew the dislike of circle time has carried over from last year. And the reason he doesn't like circle time?  Because he has to sit quietly for a whole ten minutes.  For those of you who do not know Andrew he never stops talking, never.  Every day, and yes I mean every day, I say "Did you raise your hand during circle time?"  And then he says "no my teacher said oops forgot to raise that hand again."

Then there is cute little Wes.  The teacher say he is doing so much better and getting comfortable in class.  Of course now they are getting to the real Wes and he has started to become "silly" in circle time.  Just like his brother. Awesome.

The funny thing is I have no idea where they get it from.  It's not like I like to talk a lot....

Shocking that they aren't quiet at circle time when this is what they do at home for entertainment

Wes the Mess is 2!

Katie R.

Saturday Wes officially turned 2, although we have been celebrating for over a week and the celebration will continue in November when my parents come for a visit. 

We have had lots of visitors this fall with many more to come which makes Wesley's birthday more specially and our lives very busy.  We are so lucky to have some many friends and family come see us when we are so far away from "home." Of course our kids now need grandparent and cake detox but it is worth every tantrum. 

I will work on some more posts later, in case you're dying to know what we have been doing, but these photos pretty much explain it:

1st Birthday Cake from Nana

Raspberry Picking (aka lunch)

Wes and I picking raspberries

No idea, I wasn't there

John Deere Party

Apple Picking before the party

Orchard where we have our annual apple picking with friends

Opening presents with 15 friends helping

New tool bench

Why use a fork?

Giving us a dirty look

 

Clean and ready for bed