Chess

Amelia didn't want to do her spelling homework today. As a quality father, this made me dig my heels in a little more. So, after a little back and forth, I finally got her to agree to write her spelling words.  That kicked off our second back and forth. She wanted to write them on the back of her spelling list for no apparent reason. I argued with her that she needed to use her regular paper to have more space to write her words and it made no sense to use her small spelling list. She fought back for a bit before finally saying she understood. I walked away victorious as she started writing down her words. She then brought them to me....

It's hard to see, so I'll let you know what that is... that is all her spelling words written in tiny letters at the top of the the paper I gave her. In other words, that's a big 6 year-old "F you" to me and proof that I can make her use the paper I want, but I can't prove her wrong about how much space she needs. As a competitor, I loved and respected everything about it. Ahhh, when they say parenting is chess, not checkers, they're wrong...it's war. 

Rough Day

Despite how he happy looked heading into ear surgery (particularly once the sedative started kicking in and he began purposefully lifting his gown to show everyone his booty), this little man had a rough day.  He was a good sport and a tough character through it all.  We're very thankful all went well and he seems to be deep down the road to recovery...

Craftsman

When you have a fine helper like Everett, putting your new tool chest together takes no time at all...right after you find the 3 bolts he lost down the driveway....

Missing

Amelia has now lost two teeth in the last week or so. It is to the point where all her food has to be cut so she can eat it. I was happy she didn't lose her teeth early like some of her friends. I just didn't think that would mean she would lose them all at the same time....

Home Again

We spent New Year's down on the "farm". It wasn't exactly watching the ball drop at Times Square, but we had plenty of our own kind of fun....

Going for a ride...

Hanging at the park...

Paddling around on the boat...

Getting stranded on the baby swing...

Pretty Woman

I have to imagine walking through the mall with your dad carrying your new American Girl doll in her American Girl carrying bag (complete with her french bulldog) while you carry your newest American Girl accessories you purchased is as close to Julia Roberts strolling down Rodeo Drive in Pretty Woman as a 6 year-old gets...

Kiss the Cooks

If he's going to be lending a hand in the kitchen, we really need to get Everett his own apron....