Saturday, November 26, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Halloween
Halloween came and went...we had fun, carved pumpkins, went to my sister's awesome Halloween party where the kids made out like bandits, and went trick-or-treating. This year, we ran into our neighbor just as she was leaving with her little girl, so we invited them to go along with us. It was so cute watching the three girls run from house to house. About every third house, one of the girls would trip and fall, we would scoop them up and dust them off, only to repeat the process a few minutes later. It began to be a big competition on who went to each door first, so we finally had to have them take turns getting to the door first, so everyone got their fair chance at saying "trick or treat".
The girls' treat bags are fully stocked and will be so for a while, which should act as a good bribe for the kids to behave or otherwise they won't get a treat that night.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
A Trip to the Pumpkin Patch
We made our annual trek to the pumpkin patch on October 22, which also happened to be our 6th wedding anniversary. One of the nice things about this pumpkin patch is that it opens at 9 am and when you have kids that wake up at 6 am, it is nice to have some place to go to by 9:30 in the morning. At the beginning of the trip it was a mere 42 degrees outside and by the time we ended our trip it was in the mid 50's.
Amelia was in heaven as there were goats to feed, bunnies to pet, and a puppy to snuggle with. Allison, on the other hand, liked the "thrill ride" (e.g. the cow train) and donuts.
We ended the trip at another fruit stand down the road where we took the annual pumpkin height chart picture. In the end, we were stuffed with donuts, stocked up on pumpkins, and were made fully aware that Amelia does NOT like the cow train. In her words it wasn't "a little bumpy, it was a LOT bumpy" and next year she will be staying with Mom and Dad while Allison goes on it. I think it took a few weeks for her to forgive us for putting her on the ride. Having been stuck in one of the barrels the previous two years, I concur with Amelia.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Daycare Halloween Party
The girls' daycare celebrated Halloween a few weeks before the actual date, which was nice because it spread out all the festivities. The party was scheduled from 4 - 6 pm, allowing the parents to celebrate with their children without having to take time off from work. In the handbook we received when we first registered last spring, they stated that they planned a "Fall Harvest" party, not a Halloween party, so no costumes. Luckily they changed their minds and allowed the kids to wear their costumes.
The girls had a great time and all their teachers were so happy to see them. The party fell on a Wednesday, a day they normally don't go to daycare, however we brought them in so they could attend the party. After a quick dinner of chips and chips (they weren't going for the sloppy joes), we visited the different rooms to play games and take part in the activities.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
ArtPrize - Winner or a loser?
I was so excited when ArtPrize came around again this year. For those of you that are not familiar with ArtPrize, it is a massive art competition that goes on in our city. Art exhibits are set up throughout different neighborhoods in businesses, museums, and various outdoor locations. One of the great things about it is that it is a family-friendly event! The girls and I had a head start and went to the Gardens the first day of the event to see what they had to offer. I actually got a good response from Amelia, when several pieces of art caught her eye and excited her.
After seeing Amelia's response and seeing my friends' Facebook pictures of their kids posing happily in front of the artwork, I couldn't wait for our family night. We bypassed a planned Saturday morning outing, thinking we would take advantage of the 70+ degree temperatures they were predicting later that week instead (a very BIG mistake on our part). We decided to head out on a Tuesday night, so I got out of work a little early. The plan was for me to pick up the girls from daycare and head to the restaurant before Brian got there, so that the food would be ready by the time he arrived and we could quickly eat. However, the girls were excited to have me pick them up from daycare, so they had to show me all their artwork and the new toys in their respective rooms. By the time we arrived at the restaurant, Brian was pulling up at the same time. By the time we finished dinner and found a parking spot (i.e. free parking spot), it was close to 6:20 pm.
We first headed to the presidential museum where they had some sculptures outdoors. We let the girls out of the stroller (another mistake on our part, but it is pretty unreasonable to keep a 3 and 4 year old in a stroller - notice Allison's subtle display of discomfort and of the utter humiliation of being placed in a stroller).
The girls did well for about five minutes.
Then Allison got that look on her face. She has been testing her limits and likes to see what she can get away with. As I had her pose in front of this entry...
...Allison decided it would be very funny to go into the midst of the glass hands and she proceeded to give me "the look" - indicating that she was just about ready to take off running. Amelia decided to join in on the action. You can only image the look of horror I had on my face as I realized I had two kids on the verge of being the "bulls in a china shop." Just as a hiker would slowly back away from a bear, I slowly inched my way towards the girls, afraid that any sudden movement on my part would cause us to be "that family that broke a piece of art." Amelia quickly picked up on my evil look and hightailed it out of the display. As I inched my way towards Allison, I "guided" her by her neck to the back of a fountain which was close by and it was there where we had a little heart-to-heart talk. After a few threats of promptly going home, Allison shaped up and was a willing ArtPrize participant.
Once peace was restored and after a quick walk through the museum itself, I started to head to the next location. However, Brian was ready to head back toward the car since it was already nearing 7:00 pm by then (did I mentioned I wanted to go on Saturday morning when we didn't have to worry about bedtime). I demurely and patiently explained to him that I didn't go through all this trouble to go to ArtPrize for a half hour, not to mention using our Groupon for dinner! I was not going to let this "family fun" event end. So, I steered the group towards some more outdoor locations close by. Surprisingly we didn't get much of a reaction from the girls from the exhibits, especially from the monkeys on the bridge. How could you not like hanging monkeys?
After that, I finally cried uncle and pouted - I mean suggested that we start walking to the car. As we started our power walk to the distant parking lot, the girls suddenly became interested in all the pieces we were walking by and they wanted us to stop in order so they could appreciate the various nuances of the artwork. Sorry kids - too little, too late.
So, next year I'm thinking about boycotting family night and hiding my friends on Facebook who have good kids that actually behave at ArtPrize. Sorry Amy, it's nothing personal. It's only a three-week hiatus.
ArtPrize family fun night was not a complete loss - at least I got one good picture out of the deal.
After seeing Amelia's response and seeing my friends' Facebook pictures of their kids posing happily in front of the artwork, I couldn't wait for our family night. We bypassed a planned Saturday morning outing, thinking we would take advantage of the 70+ degree temperatures they were predicting later that week instead (a very BIG mistake on our part). We decided to head out on a Tuesday night, so I got out of work a little early. The plan was for me to pick up the girls from daycare and head to the restaurant before Brian got there, so that the food would be ready by the time he arrived and we could quickly eat. However, the girls were excited to have me pick them up from daycare, so they had to show me all their artwork and the new toys in their respective rooms. By the time we arrived at the restaurant, Brian was pulling up at the same time. By the time we finished dinner and found a parking spot (i.e. free parking spot), it was close to 6:20 pm.
We first headed to the presidential museum where they had some sculptures outdoors. We let the girls out of the stroller (another mistake on our part, but it is pretty unreasonable to keep a 3 and 4 year old in a stroller - notice Allison's subtle display of discomfort and of the utter humiliation of being placed in a stroller).
The girls did well for about five minutes.
Then Allison got that look on her face. She has been testing her limits and likes to see what she can get away with. As I had her pose in front of this entry...
...Allison decided it would be very funny to go into the midst of the glass hands and she proceeded to give me "the look" - indicating that she was just about ready to take off running. Amelia decided to join in on the action. You can only image the look of horror I had on my face as I realized I had two kids on the verge of being the "bulls in a china shop." Just as a hiker would slowly back away from a bear, I slowly inched my way towards the girls, afraid that any sudden movement on my part would cause us to be "that family that broke a piece of art." Amelia quickly picked up on my evil look and hightailed it out of the display. As I inched my way towards Allison, I "guided" her by her neck to the back of a fountain which was close by and it was there where we had a little heart-to-heart talk. After a few threats of promptly going home, Allison shaped up and was a willing ArtPrize participant.
Once peace was restored and after a quick walk through the museum itself, I started to head to the next location. However, Brian was ready to head back toward the car since it was already nearing 7:00 pm by then (did I mentioned I wanted to go on Saturday morning when we didn't have to worry about bedtime). I demurely and patiently explained to him that I didn't go through all this trouble to go to ArtPrize for a half hour, not to mention using our Groupon for dinner! I was not going to let this "family fun" event end. So, I steered the group towards some more outdoor locations close by. Surprisingly we didn't get much of a reaction from the girls from the exhibits, especially from the monkeys on the bridge. How could you not like hanging monkeys?
After that, I finally cried uncle and pouted - I mean suggested that we start walking to the car. As we started our power walk to the distant parking lot, the girls suddenly became interested in all the pieces we were walking by and they wanted us to stop in order so they could appreciate the various nuances of the artwork. Sorry kids - too little, too late.
So, next year I'm thinking about boycotting family night and hiding my friends on Facebook who have good kids that actually behave at ArtPrize. Sorry Amy, it's nothing personal. It's only a three-week hiatus.
ArtPrize family fun night was not a complete loss - at least I got one good picture out of the deal.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Birthday Party (Part Two)
During Amelia's birthday week, we also celebrated with Brian's side of the family. The guest list included Grandma and Grandpa, and Uncle Mark and cousin Faith. Aunty Lynn stopped by earlier in the evening. Amelia received some fun gifts including coloring books, crayons and puzzles, the Hot Potato game, and a grocery cart from us. After opening presents, we enjoyed cake - made by yours truly..ME! Ok, so it was a cake mix, but I actually took the time to make a cake (and cupcakes for school). Usually I'm all about taking the easy way out and simply buying a cake or a treat for school.
An unnamed Uncle may have gotten Amelia's age wrong...whoops!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Birthday Party (Part One)
Last week we went to my parents' house to celebrate Amelia's 3rd birthday with my side of the family. When we brought Amelia to the party store she picked Minnie Mouse as her party theme, which kind of surprised me since we don't watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse or any Mickey or Minnie Mouse videos that often. She does have a Disney puzzle and book that she likes, so maybe that is where she came up with the idea.
The weather was picture perfect, which was a little bit unexpected for early October. The temperature was in the upper 70's with a clear and sunny sky. After a pizza lunch, Mia got to open up all of her presents. Then we let the kids play outdoors for a while, and ended the party with some cake and doughnuts.
Amelia's birthday drawing thanks to Dad's talents.
"Hey look at this cool drawing...Squirrel!" (You have to be a fan of the movie Up! to get this one)
Amelia's super hero cape from Nana.
A doll laundry set from Aunt Keri and family. For some reason the girls were perplexed and confused on what purpose an ironing board serves - not exactly sure why that is.....
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