The kids are always saying and doing things that just crack us up, here are a few from the last week:
- At preschool, I was setting up everyone's breakfast and Kaitlyn was convinced that she didn't have as many blueberries as Kylie and Ethan did. So she counted them-"one, two, three, four, six, seven, five, nine, ten, eleventeen"....
- Kylie was acting out a bit this morning, so I pulled her close and gave her a big hug to distract her and we starting talking. She asked why I married Daddy to which I replied that I loved Daddy and we wanted to have children. At that moment JP walked by, having just woken up, and rolled his eyes..... Kylie then told me that she was going to marry Ethan but not yet- she was going to wait until she got older. I explained that she shouldn't marry Ethan because they were related but rather someone that she was really good friends with. She was ok with that. I asked what color house she wanted to live in and she said "pink". Then she said she wanted to have gardens so she could pick me flowers... So sweet! :)
- Emma now dances- anytime she hears music either from the kids toys or on TV, she bops up and down with a big smile on her face.
- Tonight, during dinner we interviewed the kids for a project we need to do with them for school- an "All About Me" box. We askedthem each about all their favorite things. When we were done, Kylie grabbed the paper and pen and said "OK- my turn, So Daddy- what's your favorite thing to do?" She then scribbled down his answer and asked everyone else the same question. Then Kaitlyn took a turn and then Ethan. It was a really fun dinner. And who would ever believe that when asked what her favorite dinner is- Kylie said "swordfish" which was what she had just finished third helpings of.
I know there is an Ethan story but for the life of me I just can't remember it right now... I'll add it when I do. Edited on 9/4/08-(I remembered! The kids went to the dentist for their check-up and all came home with new toothbrushes with really wide bases on them so they didn't fit in our toothbrush holder which bothered me..... The next night when we were brushing teeth, I muttered something to myself about how annoying it was that the toothbrushes didn't fit. Ethan took his toothbrush turned it upside down and put it in the holder and said- "It fits Mommy-look!". Outsmarted by a 3 year old! I never even considered turning the brush bristle end down).
Monday, August 25, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Clothes, clothes and more clothes......
In preparation of the summer coming to an end (or washing away as the case may be here in New England), this morning I decided to tackle bringing out the kids' fall and winter wardrobes while everyone was happy watching TV. I trekked up to the attic and shifted around all the diaper boxes that house hand me downs and clothes that were bought last season. There are a lot of boxes up there, all labelled neatly with Ethan's, Kaitlyn & Kylie's, or Emma's name as well as the size of the clothes and the season they should be brought down. We have boxes labelled through 2010 up there.
I thought I was doing really well after bringing down 9 boxes of clothes to sort through. In the end 5 boxes worth were "keepers" for the fall and winter and headed to the laundry, 3 boxes worth aren't needed until Spring, 3 boxes worth were worthy of going to consignment and 1 box worth will be heading to charity. Then I hung up all the consignment clothes on hangers to save time when I drop them off.
I was so happy before dinner tonight to have this task done! I proceeded to bring the 3 boxes of clothes for next SPring back up to the attic and what did I see?!?!? 7- yes 7- boxes all labelled "Emma- 12-24months". Apparently last summer when I was doing all this while 9 months pregnant, I didn't separate the clothes I was pulling from the girls' closet into 12 months- 18 months and 24 months- I just shoved everything into boxes.
I have no idea how I overlooked these 7 boxes when I was in the attic this morning.
but regardless I trekked back down to the foyer with 7 more boxes to sift through. Of these, 2 more are heading to consignment, 1/2 a box is going to charity, 2 more are headed back to the attic for the Spring and the other 2 1/2 are headed to the laundry and somehow need to be fit into Emma's already overflowing closet and bureau.....I must say though that I really do enjoy sorting through the clothes for Emma because they bring back such sweet memories of Kaitlyn and Kylie wearing certain outfits. I pick up a pair of overalls and see Kylie climbing the family room stairs in them and I hold a sweater and picture Kaitlyn smiling at me while wearing it.It seems like just yesterday that they were wearing all these.....
So today was definitely productive, between all the other daily Mommy activities that I did, I sorted through 16 boxes of clothes. Of course, I'll be busy doing load after load of laundry for the next few days and then putting everything away but by the end of the weekend this oh-so dreaded task will be done (until March rolls around and I start it all over again).
I thought I was doing really well after bringing down 9 boxes of clothes to sort through. In the end 5 boxes worth were "keepers" for the fall and winter and headed to the laundry, 3 boxes worth aren't needed until Spring, 3 boxes worth were worthy of going to consignment and 1 box worth will be heading to charity. Then I hung up all the consignment clothes on hangers to save time when I drop them off.
I was so happy before dinner tonight to have this task done! I proceeded to bring the 3 boxes of clothes for next SPring back up to the attic and what did I see?!?!? 7- yes 7- boxes all labelled "Emma- 12-24months". Apparently last summer when I was doing all this while 9 months pregnant, I didn't separate the clothes I was pulling from the girls' closet into 12 months- 18 months and 24 months- I just shoved everything into boxes.
I have no idea how I overlooked these 7 boxes when I was in the attic this morning.
but regardless I trekked back down to the foyer with 7 more boxes to sift through. Of these, 2 more are heading to consignment, 1/2 a box is going to charity, 2 more are headed back to the attic for the Spring and the other 2 1/2 are headed to the laundry and somehow need to be fit into Emma's already overflowing closet and bureau.....I must say though that I really do enjoy sorting through the clothes for Emma because they bring back such sweet memories of Kaitlyn and Kylie wearing certain outfits. I pick up a pair of overalls and see Kylie climbing the family room stairs in them and I hold a sweater and picture Kaitlyn smiling at me while wearing it.It seems like just yesterday that they were wearing all these.....
So today was definitely productive, between all the other daily Mommy activities that I did, I sorted through 16 boxes of clothes. Of course, I'll be busy doing load after load of laundry for the next few days and then putting everything away but by the end of the weekend this oh-so dreaded task will be done (until March rolls around and I start it all over again).
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
The Age Old Question.....
I think all Moms talk about what they think is a harder job- being a Stay at Home Mom or a Working Mom.
Tonight as I was cleaning out the kids' lunchboxes of 1/2 eaten sandwiches and 1/4 full milk cups, I glanced at the clock- it was 7:30. I had just come downstairs from tucking the kids into bed and giving hugs and kisses for the 10th time (or so it seemed). How was it possible that more than 12 hours had passed since I was was rushing to get the kids out the door for school? And yet here I was, starting all over again in preparation for tomorrow- washing their dishes, making sandwiches, pouring bowls of cereal, packing juice boxes, filling milk thermos', packing napkins and spoons, etc, etc. And to top it all off, Emma goes back to Meme Bean's tomorrow after a summer off so I then had to pack up all her things- sippy cup, extra formula, cereal, fruit, veggies, diapers, extra clothes......
I always feel like a bag lady as I head out the door in the morning with the kids' breakfast bag and my laptop bag slung over my shoulder and barely grasping 3 backpacks, 3 lunchboxes, and a diaper bag. Yes- that's 9 bags! The first day of school, the kids loved carrying their own bags and lunches to the car. Nowadays, when I ask them to carry their bags I get the same response- "No thank you, you can do it....." Gee, thanks- mighty generous!
Granted staying home all day isn't easier by any means although it is nice not having to prepare so much the night before.
So all in all- if there are kids involved- it's exhausting regardless of whether you stay at home or you go to work.
Tonight as I was cleaning out the kids' lunchboxes of 1/2 eaten sandwiches and 1/4 full milk cups, I glanced at the clock- it was 7:30. I had just come downstairs from tucking the kids into bed and giving hugs and kisses for the 10th time (or so it seemed). How was it possible that more than 12 hours had passed since I was was rushing to get the kids out the door for school? And yet here I was, starting all over again in preparation for tomorrow- washing their dishes, making sandwiches, pouring bowls of cereal, packing juice boxes, filling milk thermos', packing napkins and spoons, etc, etc. And to top it all off, Emma goes back to Meme Bean's tomorrow after a summer off so I then had to pack up all her things- sippy cup, extra formula, cereal, fruit, veggies, diapers, extra clothes......
I always feel like a bag lady as I head out the door in the morning with the kids' breakfast bag and my laptop bag slung over my shoulder and barely grasping 3 backpacks, 3 lunchboxes, and a diaper bag. Yes- that's 9 bags! The first day of school, the kids loved carrying their own bags and lunches to the car. Nowadays, when I ask them to carry their bags I get the same response- "No thank you, you can do it....." Gee, thanks- mighty generous!
Granted staying home all day isn't easier by any means although it is nice not having to prepare so much the night before.
So all in all- if there are kids involved- it's exhausting regardless of whether you stay at home or you go to work.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Play Ball!
JP bought Kaitlyn & Ethan baseball gloves and a baseball T. They love to practice and are getting pretty good at catching with their gloves. Kaitlyn has an amazing throwing arm and Ethan is a great hitter.
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As for Kylie, as soon as anything sport related comes out of the garage, she asks if she can go inside and watch TV ;)
First Day of Preschool- July 22
We've been talking about starting preschool for as long as we've been talking about Storyland. As soon as we got home from vacation, Kylie exclaimed, "Now that Storyland is over, we get to go to school!" I can't believe they are already old enough to start preschool- sniff, sniff.... but whether Mommy was ready or not, off we went. The kids were all smiles as they grabbed their lunch bags and backpacks and headed out the door.
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New Hampshire Vacation- July 14 to July 18
We have been talking to the kids about plans for our summer family vacation since March or April. Kylie has been very excited for Storyland and has loved looking at the Storyland website to get the lay of the land. She has especially been looking forward to meeting Cinderella and riding the Flying Fish. When we first starting talking about our trip, Kylie wasn't tall enough to ride some of the rides (including the Flying Fish) which require that children be a minimum 36". She fully understood that she needed to grow "big and tall" before vacation- and she did! She just barely meets the 36" requirement- so look out Storyland- Here we come!
Monday, July 14:
The kids were great on the car ride up and spent most of the 3 hours either coloring or napping. We met Mimi & Papa at the North Conway Grand Hotel on Monday afternoon and headed straight for the pool. The hotel has a fabulous outdoor pool as well as a really fun kiddie splash pool that the kids just LOVED!
Tuesday, July 15 & Wednesday, July 16:
JP and Ernie managed to escape the hotel Tuesday morning after breakfast to go golfing. Mom and I took the kids down to the outlet shops to play on the playground and do some shopping.
After lunch we met back up with Ernie and JP and headed to Storyland!
I first went to Storyland when I was around 3 or 4 with my Grandma & Grandma Wallstrom, my dad, my Aunt & Steve. I have pictures of myself as a little girl with this clown so it was really fun to get some pictures of the kids with him as well, 30years later. I guess you can never be too young to be nostalgic!
The next stop was Cinderella's castle because Kylie just couldn't wait any longer to meet her favorite princess. Once she saw the castle, she took off running up the hill and raced right in the front door of the castle. She took one look at Cinderella and raced right back out...... She was suddenly just too overwhelmed by it all and I had to go fetch her and carry her back in. Perhaps she was also a little confused (as Mimi and I were) because Cinderella had dark brown hair and looked more like Snow White than Cinderella. Go figure! Honestly, I don't think they were at all bothered by it. THe kids all had a chance to sit on the King's throne and have their pictures taken with Cinderella. So sweet!
After a Pumpkin Coach ride back down the driveway, we headed to the carousel for some horse riding. Ethan, Kaitlyn and Kylie all enjoyed that. We also saw Little Red Riding Hood's Granny's house, Little Miss Muffett's tuffet and spider, and took a swan boat ride. After a bit more wandering around and some snow cones and cotton candy, we headed back to the hotel for the night to rest up.
Wednesday, July 16:
Day 2 of Storyland was just as fun as the first but much easier. We decided to push the kids around in carriages instead of having them walk everyone so we managed to move around faster and stay together better.
The days highlights included:
The Teacups- Fun for all.
The Carousel-
Visting the Three Bears Cottage- fortunately there were no arguments about who was going to sit and sleep where. They just grabbed the first available chair or bed :)
The Rollercoaster- Ethan loved it, the girls did not....
The Bamboo Chutes (a flume ride)- the pictures and video say it all.
The Train Ride- a bit long
The Lazy River Raft Ride- refreshing! Kaitlyn stayed behind with Mimi and Papa after the traumatic experience of the roller coaster and flume she no longer trusted the rides and needed a break.
The Splash Playground- a big hit
The Pirate Ship- Ethan surprisingly refused to get on but had fun on land firing water cannons at us as we sailed by....
The Flying Fish- only Kylie and Mommy dared this one. I wasn't a big fan but Kylie was fearless and really liked it and that made it worth it!
The Twirling Turtles- Kylie, Mommy & Ethan dared this one. It was a bit too much for the kids who exited saying "I don't like the Turtles" but I loved it.
The Antique Cars- the last ride of the day- enjoyed by everyone....
And lastly, Our Family Portrait-
All in all- Storyland was a big hit even if some of the rides were a bit much for the kids to handle. Definitely worthwhile! The kids love nursery rhymes so it was so neat for them to see them all come to life!
Thursday, July 17:
A relaxing ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad
Friday, July 18:
The kids said farewell to all the animals at the hotel and we headed home.
Who knew that a vacation could be so exhausting!
Monday, July 14:
The kids were great on the car ride up and spent most of the 3 hours either coloring or napping. We met Mimi & Papa at the North Conway Grand Hotel on Monday afternoon and headed straight for the pool. The hotel has a fabulous outdoor pool as well as a really fun kiddie splash pool that the kids just LOVED!
Tuesday, July 15 & Wednesday, July 16:
JP and Ernie managed to escape the hotel Tuesday morning after breakfast to go golfing. Mom and I took the kids down to the outlet shops to play on the playground and do some shopping.
After lunch we met back up with Ernie and JP and headed to Storyland!
I first went to Storyland when I was around 3 or 4 with my Grandma & Grandma Wallstrom, my dad, my Aunt & Steve. I have pictures of myself as a little girl with this clown so it was really fun to get some pictures of the kids with him as well, 30years later. I guess you can never be too young to be nostalgic!
The next stop was Cinderella's castle because Kylie just couldn't wait any longer to meet her favorite princess. Once she saw the castle, she took off running up the hill and raced right in the front door of the castle. She took one look at Cinderella and raced right back out...... She was suddenly just too overwhelmed by it all and I had to go fetch her and carry her back in. Perhaps she was also a little confused (as Mimi and I were) because Cinderella had dark brown hair and looked more like Snow White than Cinderella. Go figure! Honestly, I don't think they were at all bothered by it. THe kids all had a chance to sit on the King's throne and have their pictures taken with Cinderella. So sweet!
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After a Pumpkin Coach ride back down the driveway, we headed to the carousel for some horse riding. Ethan, Kaitlyn and Kylie all enjoyed that. We also saw Little Red Riding Hood's Granny's house, Little Miss Muffett's tuffet and spider, and took a swan boat ride. After a bit more wandering around and some snow cones and cotton candy, we headed back to the hotel for the night to rest up.
Wednesday, July 16:
Day 2 of Storyland was just as fun as the first but much easier. We decided to push the kids around in carriages instead of having them walk everyone so we managed to move around faster and stay together better.
The days highlights included:
The Teacups- Fun for all.
The Carousel-
Visting the Three Bears Cottage- fortunately there were no arguments about who was going to sit and sleep where. They just grabbed the first available chair or bed :)
The Rollercoaster- Ethan loved it, the girls did not....
The Bamboo Chutes (a flume ride)- the pictures and video say it all.
The Train Ride- a bit long
The Lazy River Raft Ride- refreshing! Kaitlyn stayed behind with Mimi and Papa after the traumatic experience of the roller coaster and flume she no longer trusted the rides and needed a break.
The Splash Playground- a big hit
The Pirate Ship- Ethan surprisingly refused to get on but had fun on land firing water cannons at us as we sailed by....
The Flying Fish- only Kylie and Mommy dared this one. I wasn't a big fan but Kylie was fearless and really liked it and that made it worth it!
The Twirling Turtles- Kylie, Mommy & Ethan dared this one. It was a bit too much for the kids who exited saying "I don't like the Turtles" but I loved it.
The Antique Cars- the last ride of the day- enjoyed by everyone....
And lastly, Our Family Portrait-
All in all- Storyland was a big hit even if some of the rides were a bit much for the kids to handle. Definitely worthwhile! The kids love nursery rhymes so it was so neat for them to see them all come to life!
Thursday, July 17:
A relaxing ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad
Friday, July 18:
The kids said farewell to all the animals at the hotel and we headed home.
Who knew that a vacation could be so exhausting!
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