Prepping the House

Elf on the Shelf

So last night, after a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner, at Great Grandmom, we arrived back home with a little surprise. An Elf from Santa appeared on the little guy's fire truck. And someone was super excited. Mommy, Santa was here?!?

The Elf's name, according to the little guy, is Chickie.  And this morning, Chickie was found watching the IPad, which I must admit, did not make the little guy happy...in his world it's HIS IPad. Thus, our first "better be good" or Chickie will report to Santa.   Awe, the joys in life.

And a special thanks to Mom Mom and Pop Pop for taking the little guy for the weekend. He chattered the way home about it...that is, until he suddenly konked out mid sentence on the bridge. We laughed because he looked so tired....  And thanks again Great Grandmom.  We had an awesome time. The little guy is so lucky to have you in his life!

Week in Rewind: Nov 22

It was one of those quick weeks for us. But as we unwind to the weekend, it's time to leap into Thanksgiving prep.  So last night the little guy and I headed to the grocery store.  And someone insisted on the police car cart. You know the one with the cool decals but much more limited space for ugh, groceries.  Yes, that's how we roll. Packed to the top and completely surrounded by milk, eggs, and other awesome treats.  I gotta a little worried when the last available spot was occupied by the little guy. So what does any good mother do....Zachary, you can hold this 10 pound bag of potatoes.  Perfect, now don't move. At least we got a what an adorable little boy, as we maneuvered our way to the car...complete with Mama holding a separate bag of eggs and balancing sweet potatoes on the handle.

Ok, this morning Mama was looking for cute pictures to add to the blog...when, I noticed that "someone" found the camera on my phone.  The boy sure knows how to shoot things. Below are his best shots but there were a ton of pictures of the floor, wall and what appears to be the garbage can.  I included one cute self portrait that Mama shot.

The best for last. On the way home from groceries, a Christmas song came on.  The little guy insisted that he sing his very own Christmas song. And what an original it was...full of trees, reindeers and Santa. It, however, sounded a little like Old MacDonald.

Beat The Farm

Great day to be a Trojan. My mission in life is fulfilled. The little guy sings the Fight Song. This morning he also asked for "the girls" or as know them The Song Girls. When asked why he wanted to watch them over and over again, a simple response: the girls are my best friends. Uncle Larry, you have yourself some competition.

Birthday Fun

On Saturday, we headed over to the little guy's 1st school related birthday party. After a little trepidation, he went full force down the bouncy slide. That set the wheels in motion, for one slide after another.

Phoebie Run

Week in Rewind Nov 15

Suddenly, someone is starting to get game. That's right, the boy loves to kick the soccer ball...and while true, there is still a small portion of the klutzy gene in there, he actually is pretty good. I mean, who wouldn't be with size 11.5 shoes (the size of a 4 year old).

Now, if I could only get him to catch the ball when it doesn't come anywhere near his hands.  Focus boy, focus...

And then there is the goofy, goofy run.  Imagine running on the tips of your toes (the good) but with your arms swinging wildly underneath you (the ugly). You know the Phoebie run from Friend's....well SOMEONE has perfected it.  It has to be the oversized feet, right?

Oh how I love Santa. As in, you better be good because Santa is watching you.  Mama, Santa on top of our roof?  Why yes he is.

Let's just say, that the little guy has been on his best behavior this week.  Wink, wink

And then there was this. Mama:  should we make a list for Santa. Little guy (quiet excited):  I want cars, a dump truck, little people.  Mama:  do you want some Legos. Little guy:  Ugh, yes....as in what planet are you from Mama. Who wouldn't want Legos!

Week in Rewind: Nov 8

And away we go....

The weather has been so awesome around here. And with so much fall festivities, how could we not par take. A couple of weeks ago we were in Lancaster for some Mama shopping. Someone waited patiently through the morning to head to a local farm. Mama, you done yet?  And by this, I mean sticking his head (under the changing door while Mama is mid-change) to ask that question. After the tenth such incident, my question:  Son, where is your father?

Eventually, we headed over to the farm where the real fun began.  See that slide below. What you're not seeing is the big mud puddle from the night before's rain. And yes, someone ran full force ahead right into it. All of which Mama witnessed, along with three laughing mothers, from the top of the slide.

There also was a cool John Deere bike trail. The hard part, peddling a 40 pound boy up the tiny, little hill. And by tiny, I mean straight up Mt. Everest.  What warped mind thought of such a thing. And how did the little guy gravitate toward it, muddy pants and shoes in tow.

This week we also celebrated Mom Mom's birthday. While someone was not on his best behavior, NO, we had a great time.  The ride home became a long discussion about being a better boy in restaurants.  Happy Birthday again, to a super nice grandparent.

Claire, our Korean tutor, also made the trip down to the house. Last week she was sick and the little guy was so bummed. This week, she brought a cute Georgetown hat and mug from her sister. We rock with the Korean tutors. Two amazing girls!

And finally, we signed up to sponsor two children with Shoebox gifts. These gifts travel around the world to children in need.  If you get the chance, brighten a kids day...

Happy Birthday To A Special Mom Mom

Week in Rewind: November 1

This week started out with a birthday celebration.  Went out to a lovely dinner on the river. The views were incredible. Someone spent his time watching Peppa Pig. And yes, the little guy totally LOVES that show. Giggling hysterically at it. Hovering around the IPad.  Stopping all talking while it is on. Honestly, I don't know how families did the dinner thing out without it. Brilliant!

Where art thou Great Pumpkin?  Last night, we celebrated Halloween. And this year, someone totally got it. Mama, let me get this straight, say Trick or Treat, and I get candy. DONE.

With the greatest of ease, someone hit those houses up in his quest for candy, all the way to the other side of the development. And he even pointed out a house that we missed with the first go around.  Spider-man was in his element. Surrounded by all of the kids in the development, big and small.  Now, the minor detail of all of that candy.  At breakfast, Mama, can I have a piece of candy?  Oh boy