Familiar Face

When Amelia was walking around the house rocking her new pair of glasses (for fashion only as she has great vision), I couldn't help but feel like it was a familiar site....

It finally occurred to me. I HAD seen another beautiful girl wearing fake glasses for the sake of style....

Candygram

Don't worry, this isn't a murderous land shark, it's only Everett...

Friday Night Lights

Wow, it has been a busy week.  I'm starting to think with multi-night soccer practice, soccer games, school parties, and Meggan and I squeezing in jobs somewhere that "busy" is just starting.  Oh well, at least it's the good kind of busy...and more importantly, I was able to find time to share hot dogs, Sprite, and a high school football game with my little man.....

Name Game

Ev's homework tonight was to create his name in a way that described him.  I think he did an excellent job... if Legos don't describe him, nothing does....

On the Move?

We put an offer on a house tonight.  Any time there's a move involved, there's always questions about how much you're going to have to spend.  That said, what I really want to know is how much I'll have to pay Everett or Amelia to go check out this area in the crawlspace...

...I'm guessing somewhere around $11,000 and the cost of a lifetime of counseling. 

Priorities

We have been tossing around the idea of moving to a new house to get the kids closer to their school.  Naturally, this topic is bringing daily interest from the kids. Here is a conversation I had with Amelia yesterday....

Me: I looked at a house today.

Amelia: Did you like it?

Me:  Ummm, I liked it, but I wasn't crazy about it.

Amelia:  Then why would we buy it?

Me:  Well, mommy and daddy are really trying hard to find a house that will get you guys closer to school, give you some neighborhood friends, etc.

Amelia:  Daddy, we aren't the only ones moving. You and mommy need to think about yourselves too.  You need to be happy.

Me:  You're right.  We will.  There's just a lot that goes into being a parent.

Amelia:  Yeah, well, just make sure you think of yourself too .... I mean, definitely think of me first.  But, then think about you. Me first. Then you.

Me:  You're too kind.

Magic School Bus

Do you know what Everett thinks the highlight of his week has been so far? 

Riding the big boy bus...

Do you know what the actual highlight of Everett's week has been so far, even if he won't understand it until he has kids?

Having a big sister who loves you enough to help you onto the bus, introduce you to the bus driver, sit in the front seat with you instead of with her friend, and help you to your class once you arrive at school....

Balance

It's very hard as a parent to balance letting your kids be daring and letting your kids be dangerous.  It's a very fine line between the two.  For instance, when they're walking a stone wall that's over your head, that's daring.  However, when you're the only person around to catch them, but you're also the person carrying the box of donuts, that's dangerous... I mean, dropping fresh donuts or catching a falling kid is just not a Sophie's Choice I can get comfortable with....

It's Finally Here

For two years, Everett has dreamt of the day he gets to ride the big kid bus to school.  At dinner tonight, we let him know Wednesday is going to be his big day.  I think it's safe to say he was a little excited...

Maybe It Was Us

As you may recall, we had a few issues with Teddy while he was here. In fact, I still have a few scars, our carpet still has a giant hole, and our back yard still looks like someone was digging for oil.  Having said that, this is what he's doing one month removed from causing terror in our home....

This is him taking a nap....on an airplane....flying across the country....as a service dog....

Here he is gently and patiently taking in the California views on his way to a pediatric office where he sat with kids to help keep them calm...

So, there you have it.  We're pretty much the worst dog owners on the planet. 

Long Weekend

We decided there was no better way to spend a long weekend than an impromptu trip to the mountains.

We mined for precious gems...

 Conquered major fears on a 3 story water slide (that's Amelia at the top. Ev didn't wait for the photo op)...

Picked fresh apples....and ate a lot of apple donuts....

Tested our strength to see if the donuts were fueling our muscles...

...great weather, great food, beautiful views, and a ton of fun .... I'm ready to go back.