Gobble Gobble

It is unfortunate when Kristine can't take pictures for us because this is what happens. Whenever I take Evy's picture she yells "no pictures!" The point of the picture is to show off our fruit turkey creation. Grant pretty much just ate the grapes and cheese instead of any of Mavis' delicious turkey or stuffing.

It was Evy's idea to "sit on lap" and kind big brother complied.

Here's a shot of Evy after coming home from "Kid's Hair." Her cut makes it much easier to get her hair to curl. Yay!

I had to take a picture of this because I knew it would probably not happen again, although I was quite good at french braiding my cabbage patch doll's hair.

And so it begins...

We had fun out in the snow on Saturday night.

On Sunday we went over to Grandpa and Uncle Ward's old sledding hill next to the Highland Park Library.

Evy was not interested in sledding (or being in a picture) but she played at the playground

Grant has been doing lots of writing at home. Now he just needs to learn "baby."

I picked these trees up at Home Depot. In addition, we even have our wreath up aleady! It was delivered by some Highland Catholic parent's.

I don't want to brag, but we were the first on the block to get out and shovel!

November thus far

Evy has been voicing her wish to ride on a bus for the past month ("Evy do that!") so we compromised and took a trip on the light rail. We went downtown for lunch. Evy was very impressed!

We had lunch at Macy's but neither kid ate what we bought them so we hit the hot dog stand on the way out. Great parenting, huh?

Grant wanted me to take this picture of his lego creation and send it into the Lego Jr. magazine.

Evy got a new princess helmet! Auntie didn't have one, but we still let her go for a bike ride.

Evy was so tired of Gretta threatening to take her food that today she demanded to eat in her bedroom. She promtly slammed the door after her food was delivered.

Como Zoo Boo

Grant helped me out with the captions for these:

"Batman catches the crook!"

"Star wars meets the hero!"

"I really like guns sometimes"

"The super friends hero up!"

"Supergirl to the rescue!"

New Floors!

After tearing out several layers of old flooring, this is what was found. The basement could easily be seen through the seams and knotholes!

They put in 3/4 inch red oak.

And here is the finished product! We are thrilled with how it looks. They did a great job matching the stain.

And since I have nothing new of the kids...here's a picture from a year ago.

how we are adjusting...

This is what Evy does while Grant is at school:

This is what Grant does when he come home from school:

More of the New School Kid

After picking up Grant we walked to a nearby restaurant on Cleveland call Chatterbox. Grant was very excited to see a new classmate there.

Grant requested a kiss from sister.

While Grant was at school Evy kept herself busy taking creative photos such as this one. This was by far the best one as most were of the floor.

Here's Grant's non-superhero first-day pose. Can you see the excitement?!

Ben, Evy and I followed the boys to school (not too closely though!). At one point Grant tripped and his naughty sister laughed at him! Ben pointed out that he often falls on purpose to make her laugh so maybe she's not really that mean-spirited.

We're just about to go pick Grant up now. I have a feeling he's going to be wiped out!

Kindergarten

No traditional poses for this kidergartener!

Our neighbors Jimmy (6th grade) and Matthew (2nd grade) gave Grant lots of advice on our way to school.

For those who remember, this is walking along Bohland with the library/community center to the right.

Jimmy let Grant join in on the conversation while waiting for the doors to open. I can only imagine how old these boys look to Grant!

Once the doors opened Grant was swept along with the crowd and we weren't sure if we'd see him again! Somehow he found his way to his classroom and we had a quick hug and said good-bye. He was one of the first kids there and looked very happy!

Back to School Night

Tonight Evy, Grant and I (Ben was out of town) went to school to drop off Grant's supplies in his room. He immediately found some boys he knew and started to play with things in the room. He is getting very excited to start and doesn't seem a bit nervous. One week from tomorrow!

Grant's photos

Grant snuck off with my camera today to take the always fun "picture of youself taking a picture."

Here's proof that I slave away in the kitchen while Evy yells out demands.

The Great Minnesota Get Together

I'll work backwards....here we are on our way out.

Here are the kids prior to their crash and burn (see above).

Here's what Evy did while Grant and Ben waited in line to shoot archery in the DNR building.

I suggested the kids get big, pink hats (such as on the lady walking by) but they chose blow-up toys instead.

Sitting in a marine vehicle. That's Ben behind the hair fountain.

Trying on a marine hat.

Our first food stop for the day (at 11 a.m.)!

This was on the way there. Evy insists on wearing my sunglasses if she forgets hers.

Summer Fun

Grant, Evy, and I are official picknickers (we have a special food bag and blanket).

Making plans for the day at grandma and grandpa's.

Water fight with Tommy!

Yes, that's ME!

Angela has expanded my horizons and introduced me to the world of gardening.

Evy and her posse.

1 IKEA bed, 3 superheroes, and a little sister = big time fun!

Evy getting a wild wagon ride at the lake.

Birthday party!