Sleepover in the basement

We decided to sleep in the basement tonight, just in case there are trees that fall. I will sleep better knowing we are further from a tree getting to us. We told the kids we may do this and they seemed on board, even excited. So, as we set things up in the basement, making beds, transporting blanky bears and books, the kids seemed almost giddy.

I was skeptical they'd lay down and go to sleep. Max especially kept asking David and I if we would stay and sleep with him. We both explained multiple times Daddy would be down to sleep on the couch beside him later tonight. For now, he was to go to sleep. We followed the normal bedtime rituals and they laid down and went to sleep. They are like little angles! I can not believe they just went to sleep, just like we asked.

Hoping for the same luck and good behavior the rest of the night.


Update - the kids slept perfectly in the basement. In fact, Max wanted to do it again. He kept asking about sleeping in his new Big Bed! (The couch)

Nose

Max has his second cold in a month. I hate cold season.

Today, the most popular phrase heard echoing throughout our house today was "Nose." This was shouted by Max throughout the day. He shouted when his nose was running and he wanted it wiped   I find this totally understandable. Who wants a cold and who wants snot running down their face.

I told David, he's probably thinking something more like - why can't you guys fix this Nose!

Painting

While we were away, Hazel introduced Max to painting on the Easel. He just loves it! He has patience to stand there for an hour and paint. Last night, after watching him try to pretend to paint the house for the past week, I decided to set up his easel with his paints. It was so cute to watch. I ended up just sitting beside him and watching him paint. Partially I was scared he start painting the house, but partially it was just my son's cute little voice who said, "Sit with me Mommy" when he thought I was going to walk away.

I hung out with him while he painted for nearly an hour. Sometimes he stood; sometimes he used my lap as a stool; sometimes he asked me to paint too. He was so happy and energetic painting! It was fantastic!

Ellie also decided to paint. I haven't let her use the easel in over a year. It's amazing to see how formed her paintings are now a days. She wants the paints neat and she doesn't want the colors mixed. Every painting is clear with lines and a purpose. She too enjoy her arts!

Sweet morning play together

The kids really don't get many options in a week to just go straight from the breakfast table to playing in our house. I am usually rushing them for one reason or another. The irony is, this really is their best time of day to play together. I love when they do get this time. They can play together or even independently and constructively for at least a half hour or longer, usually without any fighting. It is sweet.

A good sunday

Today was a long day and a busy day. I rarely let the kids miss naps - partially because they need them and partially because I need them.

This morning the whole family made it to church and Sunday school. We enjoyed a play with the church group and then came home to refuel and change clothes to head back into Frederick for the ALZ walk. We never accomplish those things as fast as I'd like to think we should, but none the less, we made it before the walk started.

The whole family has attended the walk most years. This year was very special to Mom after losing Gramma so recently. It's a 3 mile walk around Frederick and today was absolutely the perfect fall day for it. My back's been bad, so David, Max and I had a shorter route and a play at the park. I watched the boys run and enjoy the nice fall day, while taking some beautiful fall photos as well. After the park, we had a leisurely stroll back to the finish line that included a snack at Starbucks. Max sat on my lap and we shared a few snacks. It was nice.

The whole family ended the evening with a nice long dinner table full of children at the local Mexican restaraunt. The kids all did really well and it was nice to see everyone. I enjoy spending the time with the family and seeing everyone together. Even though we are all fairly local, life is so busy that I don't feel we get to do these things enough. I'm glad we had a nice day.

Now, the kids are outside enjoying the sunset and some play in the backyard with David. I'm getting a chance to ice my back and enjoy that they are just outside having fun. Daddy has convinced Max to help him collect the leaves. Max would do anything for Daddy!

Little Miss Ellie Grey

Ellie is really getting good with numbers. She's interested in learning how to add things now. She asks a couple math problems daily. I'm impressed with her interest and the ability to catch on to how to count - at least with the totals below 10 where she can use her fingers!

Sense of humor

We had donuts without Daddy and sent him a photo. David texts back, "Where's mine?" As I read it to the kids, Max responds without skipping a beat, "I ate it. Daddy no get donut."

First haircut without tears

Today David took Max for another haircut. It has been many months since this last public haircut. He has made it through two at home cuts with Mommy. We were wondering if that would make this experience better.

As I hear, Max sat stoically on David's lap and looked nervously ahead throughout the entire time. The stylist apparently said he was the best kid she'd had all day. She asked if he smiled; he did not while this was happening. Instead, he sat, still.

When it was all over, the lady said, "All done." Max looked at Daddy and said, "Daddy, all done." David says, "Yes Max." Then Max let out a big smile!

Compliments

Getting compliments on your kids from strangers has to be one of the highlights of parenting. It's great affirmation of a job you are doing somewhat right, or at least sometimes right.

Last night we popped into a store to get the kids fitted for bike helmets. The young lady that helped us was wonderful. She knew just what to do for the kids, she was quick, and she was kind and gentle with the kids. We left with 2 new well fitted, well priced helmets in about 5 minutes of less.

The highlight was when I was leaving she said, "Your kids are so well behaved." I thanked her. She responded with, "They really are not all like that."

I was proud! They were being pretty good in the store. I am glad that at least at ages 4 and 2, they respect us enough to listen - especially when we are out in public.

Fall Fun

This Sunday afternoon we decided to take the kids for the fall trip to the Pumpkin Patch. It was a great family afternoon. The kids were cute as buttons with their sun glasses and sweatshirts tied around their wastes.

The slides were lots of fun for all. Both kids love them. There was so much to do, it was easy to move the kids between everything. There were several mazes, including a corn maze. Ellie was into doing all the mazes. There were several animals too - Max enjoyed seeing them this year. We got to see lots of bunnies and chickens. The Alpaca were interesting too.

The hit for Max had to be the water table items. There was a big water barrel and a long slide that was about 40 feet or more long. There were little baby ducks the kids could take and drop into the water stream. Max squealed with delight doing this. He stayed and played for 10 minutes. I had to move him along because he was getting wet all over. There was also a second water feature - the old fashion water pumps. Those were a big hit with both Ellie and Max. Ellie was fascinated with them last year and this year. I think they like being able to control the water.

Ellie was very proud she could pedal the big kid bikes this year! And Max loved the new feature of the rock box where they could play in and dig around in rocks. He could have hung out there for a long time. There were seats for David and I there, so I have to admit we chilled out there a while.

We topped the night off selecting some pumpkins from the Market. Ellie also wanted some cool gourds  just like last year. (That's my girl!)

It was a lovely afternoon.

Weekend away

This weekend David and I took our annual trip away while Hazel was in town to watch the kids. This time we actually went for 3 nights and 3.5 days. I knew it was good to take advantage of the opportunity Hazel so graciously offers. And, I knew I would miss the kids.

The weekend was nice. I was a little physically challenged by my back problems, but otherwise, we really enjoyed the city - food, my new favorite show Once, a friend's wedding, and just the energy of wondering our favorite city together. I still love NYC and would love to live there - if we could afford a brownstone on the upper west side.

The one reason to leave and return home that makes it all worth it is Max and Ellie. I was ready to come home and see them and hug them. We talked on facetime while away, but it's just not the same. The kids find it hard to concentrate and are bouncing off the walls as they enjoy seeing themselves in the screen.

Homecoming was great - Ellie gave me the biggest hug and didn't let go for a few minutes.  Max was a little slower to come around, but once he did, you could tell he was happy to see us - especially Daddy. He sure is Daddy's boy.

They enjoyed the presents we bought them and I believe they also had a great time with Grannie and Millar while we were gone. It was definitely a successful weekend away. Although I missed the kids, it was refreshing to only worry about caring for myself for a few days. That was what the doctor ordered this month.

Well that's unacceptable

I had been dreading telling Ellie about my trip to NYC with David. I knew she was going to have a fit. Tonight I bit the bullet and told her. I had been hinting at it. When I told her, her response was "Well, that's just unacceptable!"

My little mini me is just too funny!

Do Dat Adin

Max is really starting to talk a lot. Sometimes we even get full sentences. He loves to repeat new words and he really wants us to understand what he says. It's fantastic seeing his language come alive.

As this happens, there are a couple things that are just too cute. I love his accents, or missed pronounced letters. One of my favorite Max sayings right now is "Do dat adin!" It's usually said with gusto and excitement as he wants someone to do something fun and entertaining again - such as chase him, ticket him, or mimic something. Often there's laughing involved. It is really too cute!

Telling Time

I've been working with Ellie to understand what different numbers on the clock mean. She clearly understands what the nap time and bedtime start and end times are.

Apparently Grannie tried to put them down for nap about 30 minutes early one day. Ellie got ready and then when she went to get in bed, she looked at the clock. She proceeded to march into Max's room and told Grannie, "I do NOT like the numbers on that clock Grannie."

Busted!