This Is Us

[Oct 31] A Little Halloween Preview

2011-11-01T20:39:00.000-07:00

Baby Chewbacca

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

This is by far Choobies FAVORTIE holiday of the year.

Always has been.

Decorations out Oct 1st, nonstop Halloween CDs in the car, driving around neighborhoods looking at the "spooky guys" night after night, carving multiple pumpkins, and going to every kind of Halloween event imaginable.

He's pretty much Jack Skellington in human form.

I'm so excited I get to spend Halloween with him this year. Last year I came home from the hospital with Tano on Halloween. Talk about scary!!

This year "our whole family" is going out and about. Yipee!

Hope this video gets you in the Halloween Spirit!

Here he is at 3 years old in front of the Disneyland haunted mansion reciting in his spookiest voice,"what the guy says when you first walk in"

When hinges creak in doorless chambers,

When strange, frightening sounds, echo through the halls.

Whenever candlelights flickr,

When the air is deadly still,

That is the time when ghosts are present,

Practicing their terrors with ghoulish delight!

Told you we listen to Halloween CDs a lot.

[Aug 6] Swimming and Strolling

2011-10-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

We did lots of it this summer

[Aug 5] Shark Boy and Shark Girl

2011-10-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

[Aug 4] Three Ameegs

2011-10-23T22:05:00.000-07:00

After "Grunion 3"graduation we met up with some friends and swam some more!

Choobie was in the pool nearly the entire evening (thanks Ashley!)

It was so fun for us to put these three little girls together and hope they will be great friends someday. Aren't they beauts?!!

Julie put Tano's hair in her first ponytail! Side pone Find it!

I was amazed because she HATES people to touch her hair and/or face. That's what months of physical therapy will do to a kid. But Julie just whipped that pony up like it was nothing. Looks like I have a lot to learn in the "dressing of the girl" department.

Trying to undo the side pone was a hair ripping battle. I ended up cutting the rubber band out of her hair, along with a few hair pieces. I guess she'll learn sooner or later that beauty equals pain.

It was a blast to catch up with some of my oldest and dearest friends and just swim and eat like we used to back in high school. Hope to see you girls again soon :)

[Aug 4] The BIG Jump II

2011-10-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

[Aug 4] The BIG Jump I

2011-10-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

[Aug 4] Wild Raft Ride

2011-10-22T09:51:00.000-07:00

[Aug 4] Chicken... Airplane... Rocket...aka Elementary Backstroke

2011-10-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

This is by far his favorite stroke. He does pretty good at the end.

[Aug 4] Grunion 3 Graduation

2011-10-21T13:31:00.000-07:00

Graduation Day.

That means all the kids get to jump off the diving board. It is the highlight of swimming lessons for Choobie.

And don't you worry, he invites EVERYONE to his swimming graduation. For "Grunion 2" graduation he had over 15 people to watch him jump off the diving board since Dan's Dad and crew were visiting from Utah.

Both Dan and my Dad stop work to come see the big jump. Uncle Goosey drives in for the big jump. Grandma wouldn't miss the big jump. It's quite the event.

Except that it's not.

They just jump off the diving board and get a certificate printed on construcion paper.

While people think it's strange that The Choob is the only one with a cheering squad, we wouldn't have it any other way. Go CHOOBIE!

Tiggy is thrilled on graduation day because there is always plenty of people to rescue her from her stroller.

Standing in line for the big jump. He's excited.

She's excited.

And there's the construction paper.

Which immediately gets placed front and center on the fridge.

If one tries to move said certificate from it's front and center position, The Choob will notice.

He Always notices.

He's like Kathy Bates from Misery. Don't move the penguins dude, she's gonna hobble you.

[Aug 2] First Backstroke

2011-10-20T13:31:00.001-07:00

[Aug 2] Starman Float

2011-10-20T13:30:00.002-07:00

[Aug 2] The Raft Ride

2011-10-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

He really liked this part of the lesson because she would always "whip him around like Indy Jones"

[Aug2] Practicing Breathing

2011-10-20T13:28:00.001-07:00

[Aug 2] Summer Catch Up- Swim Lessons Grunion 3

2011-10-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

Luke started out the summer in a two week swimming class called "Grunion 2". He LOVED it!

When it was over, he was so proud to tell everyone that he graduated and was now a "Grunion 3".

He loved swimming so much we signed him up for another two week session in "Grunion 3". Which meant I had to wrestle The Tano everyday for another two weeks.

She really hated her stroller by the end of it. But look how cute she is with her two big toothers!

At first he was bummed because he didn't have the same awesome teacher "Coach Anthony" but as soon as he got in the pool he was having fun.

Tanji came up with a new fun game. She played with a toy for about 2.2 seconds and then threw them on the dirty wet foot fungus ground, forcing me to give her a new toy. There was a rather large pile of toys around our chairs when the class was over.

His favorite part of class was at the end when the teacher would throw out the diving rings. He would come up with almost all of them everytime. That kid can hold his breath like no other!

Way to go big swimmer guy!

[Sept 22] Nothing is Safe Anymore

2011-09-25T21:26:00.000-07:00

[Sept 2] A Love Sandwich

2011-09-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Tano

2011-09-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

[June 10] The Big Day

2011-07-08T07:21:00.000-07:00

Our little Lukey boy graduated from his second year of preschool! I took a few pictures of him before we left the house for the big ceremony. All I did was ask him to smile. I leave you with the many faces of The Choob:

He has learned so many things and grown up so much. We are so proud of this big 'ol guy!

[June 9] Are you sick of bowling yet? We Aren't!

2011-07-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

[June 7] The Choob in action

2011-07-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

[June 7] Soccer

2011-07-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

Wearing Shorts and participating! Progress!!

This is one of Choobie's favorite parts of soccer. The kids grab their rubber dots and pretend they are boats floating around the ocean. When the coach yells out, "shark!" they throw their dot down and stand on it and put their hands up to their eyes like they are looking through binoculars. It's hilarious to watch all the kids do it together.

Walking and kicking the ball, a valuable skill just not as fun as the shark game.

Let's take a break from soccer and look at this little beauty cakers:

Today they played their first mock game. It was cool because they got to wear jerseys. Luke was on the green team. They had to get all their own balls into their own goal. Hmmmm not sure how this helps them learn how to play actual soccer but whatevs they had fun.

Happy Birthday America!

2011-07-04T06:22:00.000-07:00

Enjoy some posts from past 4th of July's HERE

[June 6] The Choob bowls on his own

2011-07-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

[June 6] FHE Bowl-O-Rama

2011-07-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

For FHE it was a free bowling family affair!

This sweet little Tanji swordfought the air for almost the entire first game. We like to leave her in the stroller as long as possible because once she's out she's NOT goin back in!

The lanes we went to didn't have a ramp this time so The Choob had to bowl with the big dogs. He did great!

The Choob loves his ball, "The Green Mamba". Apparently it's pretty powerful.

My Dad, The Goose, and Dan bowled without bumpers. Big Lare won the first game!

My mom, Matthew, Choobs and me bowled on the lane with bumpers. Sadly, none of us broke 100. With bumpers. Won't be joining a league anytime soon.

In the words of Brobee from Yo Gabba Gabba:

"Bowling.... iiiiiiissssssss...... AWE-SOME!"

[June 4] Legoland With Friends

2011-07-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

We went to Legoland with some friends and had a wonderful time! Tano liked the boat ride.

You can see those pesky teeth starting to peek their way out of her VERY sore gums. She was really cranky which for her means she whined for like two whole minutes at a time maybe twice the whole day. She really is the sweetest girl.

All Aboard!

The boys (and Dan) loved building their own lego cars and racing them on the track. Please look at choobs car with the big "needler" nose. He built his car all by himself.

Dan's car had a spike sticking out the side for "slashing people with". Creative boys.

The Choob by himself on the horses. He is so grown up now!

The infamous boat ride. Let it be known that these boats ARE MOST DEFINITLY NOT ON A TRACK. When children steer them it makes for the worst log jam of the century and a whole lot of shrieking good fun.

Choobs and I are going the wrong way on a one way street.

After a slow and somewhat disorienting boat ride we made it to the finish line.

Or so we thought. It took us about five minutes to straighten her out. We had fun though!

Choobie LOVES the big roller coaster there and asks to go on it every time. Him and Dan are in the back seat. You can barely see the Choob because he just clears the minimum height requirement. He is so brave. Dan is terrified of heights but goes on the coaster with him anyway. True Love.

[June 3] Father's Day Song

2011-07-02T13:31:00.000-07:00

[June 3] Donuts With Dad

2011-06-24T06:28:00.000-07:00

This is one of his best friends from school. They will be going to different schools next year. We haven't told Choobie that yet for fear he will spontaneously combust in a fit of rage.

He made so many friends this year in his class. All the kids seemed to like one another and we met as a class for play dates a few times throughout the year. It was really special.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: He goes to THE BEST PRESCHOOL EVER!

Now if it could only be year-round and grades K-12 we'd be set.

[June 2] The Choob's First Time Bowling

2011-06-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

[June 2] Let's Go Bowling!

2011-06-22T20:18:00.000-07:00

The Choob went bowling for the first time thanks to my ingenious friend and our weekly PLAYDATES. She found a website that offered free bowling so we signed up and gave it a whirl and.....it was free! No strings attached. Yippeee!

Go to kidsbowlfree.com and see if any lanes participate in your area. All you have to pay for is shoe rental which was three dollars. Three dollars for two hours of fun in air conditioning...YES PLEASE!

The best part about it was this cool ramp that the kids could put their ball on and then roll it down. Of course they also had bumpers to eliminate gutter balls. The kids knocked down pins every time and had a Blast!

Even the Tano Cat had fun! Bowling is fun for everyone I tell you.

You get 2 free games EVERY DAY. Little miss E dominated the lanes. Way to go little lady :)

Let's bowl some more. Game number two and still goin strong. The Choob called his ball the "green mamba"

Second Game stats.

Thanks for such a fun FREE summer activity my friend! We look forward to bowling all summer long.

[June 14] The Chompers have FINALLY arrived

2011-06-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

[April 30] A Saturday Marnin Stroll

2011-06-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

Walked over to ride "The BIG Train" & the check out the farmer's market. We missed the market but were able to buy tickets for the train.

Playing with the little train while waiting for the big train

Tanji

Big train pulling into the station

All Aboard!

Tano attempted to eat the train the entire time

Thankfully he did not attempt to eat what he picked

Afterward we walked over to the blacksmith and watched him beat some steel cable into what would eventually become a knife blade. Manly.

[April 26] Soccer...Take Two

2011-05-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

After spending most of the day at Sea World, I was dreading taking The Choob to soccer.

I was tired.

He was tired.

I didn't want a repeat of LAST TIME.

To my surprise it went well!

Here he is PARTICIPATING!!! I realize he is not in uniform but at least he isn't in his pajama pants like last time. Baby steps people.

Soccer goes from 4:00 to 5:00 in the p.m.

Also known as Tanos "witching hour"

Is that a smile I see on the big runner guy?!!

So glad he had fun the second time around. Way to go Choobie. We love you!

[April 26] Sea World with "Our whole Family"

2011-05-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

It doesn't happen very often, but the stars aligned and we all went to Sea World as a family.

The Choob gets really excited when he realizes all of us are together and always shouts out, "whoo hoo Our Whole Family!"

Feeding algae to a sea cucumber

Bay of Play

Tano's first time seeing Shamu!

In all the years of going to Sea World, neither Dan nor I had EVER seen Shamu poop. Until today! Dan was taking a picture of Me & Tano and saw the action and documented it. You guys it was totally exciting for us.

Our first time seeing Shamu poop

The dolphins playing with footballs and basketballs. They were throwing them in the air and passing them to each other. It was really cool. Too bad I failed the swim test 7 years ago otherwise I would've been working with those beauts.

The Choob just sat there and watched them for like twenty minutes. That is a REALLY long time for him to sit still. I bet dolphins are smart enough to babysit right? HIRED!

Tano likes fish. She probably knows they are edible.

Sea World, it's not just about marine life...it's about FAMILY.

[April 26] Choobie is FINALLY tall enough

2011-05-22T05:49:00.000-07:00

Choob has been waiting and waiting to be 42 inches so he could ride Journey to Atlantis at Sea World. Here he is the first time with Dadda and Goosey:

Here he is the second time with momma and Goosey:

Up Up Up they go

Just after the first BIG drop

Totally SOAKED

"It's not scary momma. I promise!"

A nauseous momma and a happy Choob

[April 24] Tanos First Easter Outfit

2011-05-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

"The Tonald" strikes again

This little kitty is Perfection!!!

[April 24] Matchers

2011-05-20T06:03:00.000-07:00

Remember how I get to dress them however I want on Easter?

Well this year was no different.

Matchers. Love it!

And yes that is the same sweater vest he wore at age two. It still fits!

[April 24] Sometiimes They Fight

2011-05-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

[April 24] Running for President?

2011-05-18T22:38:00.000-07:00

[April 24] Church Choobie

2011-05-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

Whenever I comb his hair he always says, "Do a BIG slick Momma" so I do.

With a face like that, how could I not?

He sang in church today and actually "sang" a few of the words! This is HUGE progress for him. The Choob is becoming such a big grown up boy but there are still moments where I see my sweet little boy shining through and it melts my heart.

I think to myself, "What a sweet sweet boy. He's like an angel".....

And then the sugar kicks in:

We love you so much Choobie!

[April 24] Easter Morning

2011-05-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Easter Bunny came!

He left a candy trail to Choobie's bucket hidden in the hall closet. The Choob thought it was the coolest thing to follow the candy trail. He got so excited when he found his bucket that he kissed the piece of candy that led him to it.

Next step: Fill his bucket with the THIRTY FOUR eggs the Easter Bunny hid. This kid loves a good egg hunt!

Can you see the excitement? He hasn't even been sugared up yet. Wow.

The Easter Bunny gave Tano her first sippy cup. Such a big girl!

Not quite sure how to use it just yet

She thought her toes were more intersting.

Choobie got a rocket and a squirt gun.

And Waaay too much candy

[April 23] Camera Thief

2011-05-04T06:31:00.000-07:00

Sometimes The Choob takes my camera and I don't find out until I download the photos. It is really funny to see what he takes pictures of. He only got to snap off three shots before I found the little turkey.

Daddy-his favorite person in the world

The fridge with his artwork on it

Not sure if it was the Tiger Shark or the toothbrushes. He loves both.

[April 23] A Family Trip to Sea World

2011-05-03T05:46:00.000-07:00

Due to some Rush cases and tough "breaks" in the lab during the week, Dan was coming home for dinner and heading right back to work every night.

Sadly, we weren't expecting to have Daddy home for Easter weekend. To our surprise, he was able to finish up late friday and hung out with us ALL weekend. Hooray!

For the first time in a long time, our whole family went to Sea World:

Touching the millipedes

Sloth

Tano wearing a Manta Ray Hat

Loves

Gotta keep an eye on those rays

She loves him more than ANYTHING in the world

If Chris Farley had a daughter.....

Where's Waldo...watching the sesame street show

See how happy he makes her

The Tonald out in full force

I re-sized the Bjorn so Dan could wear it...my back never felt better!

Tano's First Shark Encounter


And I wonder where she gets her wild hair from....hmmm.

[April 23] Tano in Action

2011-05-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

[April 23] Tano Eats Mush!

2011-05-01T19:31:00.000-07:00

Her first day trying Mush (rice cereal) started off great. She had no problem wearing a bib for the first time and definitely loved holding her own spoon:

Both of them were excited

Hungry Girl

A Happy Hungry Girl

As soon as she tasted the first bite, things took a turn for the worse:

You want me to eat THIS?

This stuff is gross momma!


No More Momma!

All Done. We'll try again next week.

[April 22] Zoo

2011-04-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

The Choob was out of school so we thought a trip to the Zoo would be fun. Everyone in San Diego thought the same thing too. It was good Friday and Earth Day and Easter Weekend so there was not a single spot in the entire parking lot.

Rather than turn around and head home, I drove to the exit of the zoo and asked some guy if he was leaving and if I could please follow him to his parking spot.

No shame.

While he was walking the half mile to his spot, about three or four cars also asked him the same thing but I had dibs allready. I have never seen the zoo that busy in all my 30 years!

While most of the excitment at the zoo is found in the playground and the nachos/chili dogs, we did see a few other cool things:

1. The snow leopard spraying the entrance to his cave.

Snow leopard is at the top of the stairs on the right

We have been to the zoo so many times we know how to avoid all the hills and still see all the animals. Upon realizing my double stroller wouldn't fit up the escalator, we began the steep trek UP Bear Canyon which we NEVER do. It led us to some other cool things:

2. Grizzly bears swimming!

Wet Grizz

All in all a fun Good Easter Friday-Earth Day!

[April 21] Tano Rolls Part 2

2011-04-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

[April 21] Rollin Over

2011-04-28T06:27:00.000-07:00

[April 21] Two Firsts in One Day!

2011-04-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

This not so little 17 lb. Tano Kitty doesn't roll over. Either way. Like doesn't roll at all.

Front to Back........ No.
Back to Front........ Heck No.

On the bright side, she does a killer Sea Cucumber impression:

Slug Find it....Found

We have been practicing and teaching and helping and coaxing her to roll over for the last month. One time I walked into the kitchen and heard Dan say, "Come on Tonns, use your thunder thighs! They're your best hope!" as he was practicing her PT exercises with her.

She's in this position ALL THE TIME because of her Tortise:

Leading one to think she'd roll over by accident and then just learn how after a few times.

Wrong.

Instead she just collapses, screeches and flails her arms till someone assists her like this:

But that all changed today.

At 5.75 months old she rolled over for the first time.....BOTH WAYS!

Unexpected and out of the blue and amazing this little kitty figured it out.

She's been rollin ever since.

Way to kill two birds with one stone Tonners.

We are so proud of you! Videos for the grandparents to follow.

[April 21] Skidmarks

2011-04-26T06:39:00.000-07:00

Every Thursday we have a standing playdate with one of my oldest and dearest friends and her little ones. For privacy's sake I will not mention their names but all three of us look forward to hanging out with these guys at different parks. Luke has a friend, I have a friend and Tano has a nap.....most of the time.

The boys are getting REALLY good on their bikes.

What? The Choob rides a bike?

Heck ya he rides a bike!

We have been bringing the blue hornet along on park day for about a month. Yup that is what he named the bike Santa brought him for Christmas.

The Blue Hornet is not just any bike. No no. The Blue Hornet is a blue star wars bike with a horn and a "dinger like Dennis the Menace" just as he requested in his letter to santa. Dreamy.

Luke learned how to do skid marks for the first time today! I didn't get any pictures because my heart was in AFib watching him pick up speed and slam on his brakes all willy nilly.

Here are some pictures of the boys a few weeks ago:

This kitty is named "Dutchie" and is usually lurking in the bushes at the park when the boys ride. Choob LOVES him and talks about him all the time. Poor kid needs a pet.

When the hornet first came out, Choob was timid at best and constantly looked back to make sure I was walking right behind him. Now he doesn't even bat an eyelash as he goes zooming by me, lays down a couple of skid marks, laughs, and then rides off.

This little girl LOVES baby Lainey. She is so cute with her and is going to make the best mommy someday. I love to watch her interact with the Tan. What a sweetie.

We love you guys!

[April 20] Tano Discovered Her Toes...

2011-04-26T06:22:00.000-07:00

And immediately Tried to eat them.

[April 20] Choob's School Pictures Came Today

2011-04-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

No he didn't wear blush to school.

It's what he looks like when he's on steriods for croup.

Hilarious!

[April 19] Attack of the Soccer Momma

2011-04-25T10:21:00.000-07:00

A few of The Choob's friends were playing soccer and loving it. I figured any sport that involves running would be a good thing for him so we went to sign him up.

We arrived at the office and it was locked but one of the coaches was in the parking lot and introduced herself and attempted to meet Luke while he hid behind his sisters car seat making peeping sounds.

She seemed nice enough and then she told us that he could try the first class for free and it was starting in 20 minutes.

Score.

He was having a ton of fun while Coach Colleen was setting up for class, running and kicking the balls all over but as soon as it became an organized event he pretty much did this:

Remember he is DRESSING HIMSELF these days. Pick your battles people.

Stood on his blue rubber dot not doing anything. He had a bad case of the pouts.

By this time Dan had left work early and arrived to see "Choobs first big soccer practice" which turned out to be "Choobie and momma's first big fight over a sporting event"

After five minutes of him choosing not to participate, I went into full soccer mom mode and told him if he didn't want to participate we would just go home.

I thought for sure this threat would make him jump up and start running with the class. He decided that going home would be a fine option.

FINE.

Off to the car seat we stormed.

Dan & I were discussing if I should sign him up or not and when we both came to the conclusion that this was a sport we were not willing to invest the money in, the waterworks started from the backseat. Crying and begging for "another chance" Dan took Choobie back to practice while I went home with Tano.

Turned out he went back and had a fun time and "wants to do soccer every time now."

Getting all the "Sea Turtle Eggs" into the den

Great! Wonderful! Something fun for him to do with other kids!

We'll see how practice next week goes when I tell him he has to wear his uniform.

Cross your fingers.

We Have Internet Again!

2011-04-23T19:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

[April 19] A Tortise No More!!

2011-04-19T21:02:00.000-07:00

Lainey graduated from Physical Therapy today!

"What?" you say. "Why was she going to Physcial Therapy?" Well let me tell you:

Lainey had tortise neck.

The proper term is Torticollis but it is hard to say and spell so I just call it her "tortise".

A few months ago i was whining to my good friend that Lainey would only nurse on one side and she suggested to have my doctor look at her for tortise neck. Then Auntie Shelly came to town and we looked at Lainey's head and sure enough, she was Flatty McGee on one side. I just never noticed it because of her hair. WILD I tell you. But when we wet it down there was a definite drop off on her left side.

If I go back and look at her baby picutres her head is most ALWAYS tilted to the left. I just thought she was really bad at holding her head up but it turns out there was a reason for the floppiness!

I made an appointment and sure enough she had the tortise. I actually asked the doctor if we could skip the PT and go straight to the helmet people because

1) A helmet would be really nice when she starts to crawl/walk/fall

2) it would cover up her current hairstyle that gives Donald Trump a run for his money.

We actually refer to her hair as "the Tonald". Please look at the patch she has rubbed off on the back since she acts like a thresher shark whenever she is laying on her back.

My doctor told me helmets were quite pricey and my insurance probably wouldn't cover it. Darn.

Off to Physical Therapy we went.

They measured her head and turned those measurments into a ratio.

Then they used the CVAI (Cranial Vault Asymmetry Index) to see where she was on the scale.

At her first appt she was a 5.3 (somewhere in the moderate range)

We were assigned a myriad of stretches, special holding positions and strengthening exercises and I literally NEVER layed her flat on her back except in the car and when she slept because yes, I am that cheap. Granted I may need back surgery from hefting around that 17 lb tano cat for the last few months.

But it was all worth it because Today she GRADUATED!!!!

Her tortise is gone and she is aligned and measured a 1.6 which is well withing the normal range. Hooray!

Now it's just maintenance for the next year. Good job Tano.

Next order of business....a new hairdo.

The World May Never Know

2011-04-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

I've decided to start blogging in real time. Imagine that!

The Good news: You won't have to read about what was happening with us 6 months ago

The Bad news: You won't get to read about what happened for the last 6 months.

Which I think is actually a good thing. In fact I am still trying to repress it. Lets just say it was nothing short of Richard Preston's The Hot Zone.

So.....blogging will commence with life THIS WEEK with the goal of going back in "my spare time" (which we all know if I have any it will be spent sleeping) and playing catch up on blog posts.

Exciting I know. Go ahead and check your pulse. You know you want to. :)

[Nov 5] Lainey's First Play Date

2011-03-24T20:11:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Stacy had her beautiful baby two days before I had mine. It was awesome because I could whine to her while we were in similar stages of pregnancy, whine to her about labor & recovery and whine to her all about sleep deprivation and she TOTALLY got it because she was going through the same thing. Love her!

Already showing her midriff. Wonder where she got that from?

Look closely at her 2nd toe.....Curly toe strikes again.

I hope these two grow up to be great friends just like their mothers.

Tano Cat

2011-03-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

The Last 3 Weeks.....

2011-03-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

Pretty much sums it up.

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T12:47:00.000-08:00

He's Mine For Eternity

I Love Him

Floating Baby

2011-01-30T13:40:00.000-08:00

It's too early to tell if she will have her mothers beak or not. Lets all cross our fingers on this one.

And We Shall Call Her...

2011-01-27T06:53:00.000-08:00

Tano Cat

The Choob has a name.

In fact, we had to teach it to him before he went to preschool so he would respond when the teacher said, "Luke are you still crying for your mommy?"

While I was pregnant, Choob said he wanted to name his sister Annakin Darth or Asoka. Although it was tempting to refer to her as the greatest villian of all time, we settled on Asoka. (I know they spell it Ahsoka but that is hard to type and looks ugly and I have always spelled it in my mind Asoka so that is how I will write it.)

Everyone that knew I was pregnant called her Asoka. So, just me, Dan, Choob and my mom and dad.

Once she arrived we kept calling her Asoka. I fully expected it to change. Nicknames around here evolve until we get one that seems right. Choobie took about 3 months to become a full fledged Choob.

While her name is still evolving, after three months we mostly refer to her as:

Tano Cat

That's the front runner so far.

Followed closely by Sokie (pronounced soak-eee) and Dokers.

Also in the mix are Doka Bird, TC, Tonners, Tonn Tonn, The cat, The Kitty, Tiners, Little Girl, and Sissy.

So for now she will be our beautiful little Tano Cat.

Meow.

He is my Bright and Shiny

2011-01-26T10:48:00.000-08:00

[Nov 4] Strike A Pose

2011-01-17T07:06:00.000-08:00

Dan & Ashley suited up for the photoshoot

Remember how I'm CRAZY about Whooping Cough?

Ironically enough after asking the entire world to get vaccinated, my own husband and son came down with wicked colds the first week of Lainey's life.

Cool.

I had a newborn photoshoot scheduled for her seventh day of life and may have asked the photographer to wear a mask because she had a cough. While Dan was used to the mask, Ashley was kind enough to put up with it.

I'll be the first to admit that I almost canceled because of the sickies and the tiredness and the soreness and the delerium of having a newborn in the house but I powered through and am so glad I did.

We ended up with the most beautiful photos. Priceless I tell you. So worth it!

Ashley is so talented and patient and creative and wonderful. You can see more of her beautiful work on her blog.

Thanks for putting up with this nutty bunch for a few hours. We love you Ashley!

And guess what? Lainey never got sick. Touche naysayers.

[Nov 3] What Are You Doing?

2011-01-16T07:47:00.000-08:00

"Mom take a picture of me, I'm a sweet sweet turtle!"

Never a dull moment with this one.

[Nov 3] A Halloween Poem in November

2011-01-15T01:53:00.000-08:00

[Nov 3] A Letter to our Son

2011-01-14T01:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Choob,

Please don't kill us while we sleep.

Love,
Mom & Dad

[Nov 3] That's right, we carved Pumpkins in November

2011-01-13T01:22:00.000-08:00

Boys ready to carve

So excited to use the knife

He had to do it "all by himself!!!!"

Witches hair

Reaching in for the slime

Squealing

Choob's plan for what his pumpkin should look like

A vampire holding a vampire pumpkin

This is what Lainey did the whole time.

[Nov 3] What to Wear?

2011-01-12T00:54:00.000-08:00

All I said was, "Choobs go get dressed for Pumpkin Carving."

This is what he considered pumpkin carving attire:

[Nov 3] Sunbathing

2011-01-11T00:50:00.000-08:00

Jaundice

A little sunbathing never hurt anyone.

[Nov 3] What the Frenulum?

2011-01-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

So peaceful right before surgery. Why am I wearing horizontal stripes again?

We took Lainey to her one week doctor appointment and found out that she was "tongue tied". Apparently she had a tight Frenulum and needed it "clipped" right away.

So we took her in for surgery which required no anesthesia and lasted all of about 3 seconds.

In hindsight it was pretty barbaric. I held Lainey while the Doc forced open her mouth, jammed a metal spatula type device in there to force her tongue up towards the roof and expose the Frenulum, and then just clipped it like you would a chicken tendon in a bucket of KFC.

After the snip he said, now you can nurse her and left the room.

Oh really, can I? I'm sure that's just what a week old baby with a snipped tongue and mouth full of blood wants to do. Thanks so much!

In the long run things worked out.

Good news is she healed up fast and will be able to french kiss boys all she wants when she is allowed.

Bad news is, if she's anything like her father was when he was a teenager, kissing will most likely be forbidden until she turns 47.

[Nov 2] CONTACT!

2011-01-09T06:39:00.000-08:00

Proof that one picture is worth a thousand words

[Nov 2] No Wonder She's Scared of Him

2011-01-08T06:31:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned he is dressing himself?

Here's the style breakdown:

Eveningwear by Disney.

Hat- Half of a Darth Vader Helmet balanced on a Gladiator Helmet. A Luke original. Double helmets are "so in" this season.

Accessories- revolver by Nerf and vintage star wars blaster

PS~ As shown in photo above, 6 days after giving birth Kankles are still going strong.

[Nov 1] Caught on Camera

2011-01-07T21:19:00.000-08:00

Look closely in the upper right hand corner of this photo and you can see the unsuspecting digits of a four year old that claims to "not even care" about his sibling. Is he lovingly stroking her head or feeling for a hidden handle to pick her up with and toss her into a volcano? Only time will tell.

Since Dan & I are exhausted, we have surrendered to the daily clothing battle with child #1. This is what he chooses to wear most days. His absolute favorites: Red Snuggly, Skinny jeans, and church shoes. Whatever dude.

[Oct 31] This is Halloween

2011-01-05T23:13:00.001-08:00

Our newest little goblin.

Uncle Goosey's first time holding Lainey. He didn't get his Pertussis shot in time to hold her when she was born.
No, I wouldn't even let my own brother touch my baby until he was vaccinated.
Yes. I am that crazy about whooping cough.

We had to distract Choob long enough to whisk Jeff to the back room in order to get a secret photo of him holding the baby. Choobie would flip out if Jeff even so much as looked at Lainey. It was hilarious!

The boys all ready to go trick or treating.

This was the only picture I have of Halloween.

You know the holiday Choob looks forward to ALL YEAR LONG.

I gave the camera to Dan and told him to take pictures since I was staying home with Lainers. When they got back I asked to see the pictures of my little boy trick or treating, basking in the joy of "the guy who takes his head off" and "motorcycle crash" and he said there were none.

No pictures.

I wanted to kill him.

Apparently Dans jumpsuit was too tight to get the camera out of his pocket all night. No more 12 year old boy costumes for you Mr!

Perhaps it was the tightness of his costume that made the occupants of one house assume that Dan & Jeff were a gay couple out trick or treating with their son. No joke. The occupants inquired, "what street do you live on? We're new in the neighborhood and want to hang out with the cool couples."

The homeowners were really bummed when Dan told them they didn't live in that neighborhood anymore. Neither he nor Jeff informed them that they were both heterosexuals. Hmmm.

Choobie's loot from the evening.

If you look really close you can see the largest kankles known to man in the top right corner of the frame. Frightening, I know.

Happy Halloween Everyone!!!

[Oct 30] Homeward Bound

2010-12-22T20:11:00.001-08:00

Both mom and baby feeling a little better. I'm sure it had nothing to do with the percocet. Cough Cough.

This made me love Kaiser even more. A built in To Do List bolted to the wall. Love!

We got to check everything off. Done and Done!

Yes she's "one of those babies."

We handed the camera to the nurse to get a family photo.

Note to all nurses: DO NOT TAKE FULL BODY PICTURES OF NEW MOMS WEARING HORIZONTAL STRIPES.I can't decide if I look more like the Cheshire Cat or if I look more like I ate the Cheshire Cat. Maybe a little bit of both. Oh well, let the water retention games begin!

A few people told us that we should have Lainey "bring Luke a present" when she comes home. and it will make him like her.

She brought him his two favorite things: a flashlight and Silly bands (which he thinks are called Souey bands because our neighbor kid has a speech impediment and told Choob that's what they were called)

While Luke in no way "liked" his new sibling, perhaps these two small gifts saved her from the fiery pits of hot lava he had originally destined her for.

Star Wars "souey" bands. What a treasure.

Grandpa holding Lainey for just a minute until Grandma snatched her up.

[Oct 29] Day 2- Choob's First Encounter

2010-12-15T12:52:00.000-08:00

We were lucky enough to have my parents take care of The Choob while we were in the hospital. They fed him, dressed him, took him to school, bathed him and put up with his crazy bedtime routines. Thanks mom & dad!

During my pregnancy Choobie would always say, "When my sister hatches out I am going to throw her in hot lava!"

My parents brought him down to meet his sister for the first time late that night. Dan & I made sure there were no volcanoes around.

He looked at her but wouldn't touch her. Especially not with his bare hands!

The awesome nurses brought him a "big brother kit" (a small bag full of ordinary medical supplies) which he loved.His favorite part of the kit was the shot. Which he decided to give his sister multiple times.

And his dad some of the time. After all, stabbing people with a shot is way more fun than meeting your baby sister. It also proved a wonderful distraction from his current views on siblicide.

He ended up leaving the encounter with his blue darth vader mask on as happy as a clam! A Successful meeting in my book.

[Oct 29] Day Two- Parade video for the Grandparents

2010-11-29T12:26:00.000-08:00

Make sure to listen for the raccoon sound effects as he walks by. Hilarious!

[Oct 29] Day Two- Choob's Halloween Parade

2010-11-29T12:17:00.000-08:00

That morning Dan left the hospital to watch Choob at his school Halloween Parade. He was a raccoon. Pretty obvious. Not sure why several people thought he was a skunk. (He can be a little stinker though)

Click on the image below and try not to explode from the cuteness. I dare you.He was so excited to show his best school friend "Ellie" his raccoon costume. You can see why she is his best friend, she was anakin skywalker for the parade. Dreamy.With them it was love at first fight. They love to battle sabers and chase one another around the playground. It makes me so happy to see him playing with a peer at school. Yay Choobers!
When him & Ellie are together they just run and laugh and run and laugh. It is so cute.

Marching in the parade.

Raccoon face.

Choobs class. They are the "ponies" this year.

After the parade my parents came down to see Lainey. Dan had our camera so I didn't get any pictures. Just picture my mom holding the baby and not wanting to share her with anyone. She did let my Dad hold her for a few minutes at the end of their visit. Hee hee.

Day Two

2010-11-29T07:00:00.000-08:00

Day two was difficult. I am not one of those moms that looks fab after giving birth. Especially after your newborn has puked hard core 3 times that morning and then they decide to pump her stomach while she's in the room with you. See below:

This is what I look like when they don't give me pain meds that work. It took 48 hrs before I finally got the right drugs. Once I did, it was sweet sweet heaven.

We had a visit from Uncle Tyson & Auntie Alex. Don't they look cute with a babe? Hint Hint.

Lainey- 24 hrs. old

[Oct 28] The Gory Details- Part III

2010-11-27T17:43:00.000-08:00

After my mandatory baby holding was done, they whisked Lainey over to the warmer to conduct all the necessary tests etc. and in rolled my first meal!

I was ravenous and starving and snarfed down every last bit of food in front of me just like Agustus Gloop. Same Same.

Dan went out and got me this cookie to satisfy my sweet tooth. Yum!

Daddy & Daughter

Time to go to the recovery room. They mummified us in warm blankies and wheeled us to our room.

Lainey in her crib.

Her first bath.

Her first hairdo.

[Oct 28] The Gory Details- Part II

2010-11-27T17:05:00.000-08:00

2:03 pm- Pitocin Started

2:30 pm- contractions too infrequent, pitocin upped to increase

At this time I was still not feeling any contractions and they were still not showing up on the monitor. The nurse just kept increasing my pitocin drip to see if we could get some contractions to show up.

2:41 pm- contractions regular now but too painful. Calling back the anesthesiologist to be like WTH?

Dan actually wrote some naughty bad words in his notes because it was getting a little crazy. I was feeling a lot of pain and I was panicking thinking that I wasn't numb and we were going to have another horrific labor if I was in that much pain and only 3 cm. I was pretty much demanding more drugs and shooting Dan the biggest stink eye ever so he knew I would slay him if he didn't get the anesthesiologist in there ASAP.

Doc came rather quickly and maxed out my dose. I was still in serious pain and could move my entire lower body. It was then that he told me that there was nothing more he could do and that "sometimes epidurals don't always work like we want them too."

EXCUSE ME?! Instant meltdown on my part. Tears, gnashing of teeth, shaking. The sweet nurse decided to check me to see if I was maybe a 5 to give me hope of making it through labor with the pain.

3:05 pm- Very painful... checking her...she's a 10!

The look on her face was priceless. She said I was a 10 and not to move...she had to get the doctor.

3:15 pm- Pushed...nothing

3:41 pm- Taking a 20 min break to wait for the baby to move lower

4:01 pm- Pushed again

I pushed for an hour until the midwife said she needed to do an episiotomy because my band of scar tissue from Choob's arrival was so thick that the baby was not going to come out on her own. (Once again, thanks for nothing intern from UH)

2 snips later Lainey arrived.

Turns out I was having contractions the entire time but the monitor wasn't picking them up because the band around my belly was in the wrong spot. So I was having contractions the whole time and then they kept increasing the pitocin so it was like a FastPass for labor. I highly recommend it!

4:19 pm- Born. 7lb 11oz 20.5 inches. Midwife Kathy Vaux

When I called to tell Choob he said, "fine I don't even care!" and hung up.
Her face was all red on one side because she was delivered "sunny side up".

Right after she was born they put her on my chest and said "hold her there for at least an hour." This was really fun, especially when she pooped all over my bare stomach. Awesome.
5:00 pm- Dr. Nystul arrived.

Ironic. The entire reason I was going to be induced was to guarantee that my doctor would be the one delivering. With kaiser you just get whomever is on call so Dan & I decided to be induced because my doctor knew about my previous birth and promised me it would be 100% different with him. He was so sweet to come over after seeing patients all day. He ran into the room in cap & scrubs ready to deliver the baby that had arrived 45 minutes earlier.

It all worked out rather nicely in the end.

[Oct 28] The Gory Details- Part I

2010-11-16T08:22:00.000-08:00

Surprise, I had a babe! If you didn't know don't feel bad. We didn't tell many people because we were in escrow for so long and there was a chance we would lose the house if we were suddenly to become a "family of four" so we kept the cat in the bad for a very long time.

I had Dan write down times and notes during my labor so we could remember all the gory details. His notes are displayed in red.

4:00 am- Contractions started

I had contractions most of my pregnancy so I usually ignored them. I was set to be induced on Saturday and planned to run all my last minute errands and babysit for a friend on Thursday.

Turns out, my offspring had different plans.

When the contractions were 2 to 3 minutes apart for over two hours I started to take them more seriously.

7:30 am- left for the hospital At this point all I can think of is how much I look like Violet Beauregarde. Same Same.8:45 am- dilated 2.5 cm. rounded up to a 3 to get admitted.

Upon arriving at the hospital, the midwife made an executive decision to round up so that I didn't have to turn around and go home. See how happy she made me? Get this baby out of me now!9:05am- moved to labor/delivery room

We had THE BEST nurse nearly the entire time. She was really funny and was adamant about helping me get the most drugs possible so I wouldn't feel anything. Love her.

We still had no name picked out at this point. We did have a list though.
9:43 am- IV first attempt in left arm. Jaime said, "I think its in the bone."

Ironically enough, this was the most painful part of the WHOLE labor. For some reason nurse Cathy decided that I needed to donate bone marrow or something because she stuck that needle into my radius AND ulna and it is still bruised sore to the touch 3 weeks later. Wah. Needless to say no blood was coming out (bone lady, you're sucking out my marrow) so she had to go to my other arm.
9:55 am- IV 2nd attempt in right arm- made in

10:41am- Epidural by Dr. Baker. He did a really great job, Jaime was nervous but very impressed with how easy it was. "Way easier than I thought"

Easiest ever. No less than one gagillion times better than Choobs epidural. Hawaii anesthesiologists suck. Especially interns from UH.
10:58am- Catheter and pee. gross.
I omitted the picture for your sake.

11:19am- Can't feel the contractions she's been having
This was bizarre because I could move my legs and feet. Literally. I could lift my legs up and down and left and right but couldn't feel the contractions. Miraculous I tell you.
11:22am- First self dose of epidural.
Definitely not the last. I pushed it so many times it would lock me out and beep at me.

12:07pm- decided on name
12:45pm- Broke her water
The midwife came in and I hadn't dilated at all. I asked her to break my water and she did. No big deal. So far it was smooth sailing with this child.

1:45pm- Still at 3cm. Going to do pitocin.
Midwife thought the epidural stopped my labor since they weren't picking up any contractions on the monitor and I wasn't feeling any. She asked me if I wanted to try pitocin and I said, "of coruse, the more drugs the better."

1:54pm- started letters to juliet dvd
Apparently this was noteworthy to Dan. What? The dvd player was busted so he spent some time rigging ours up with various cables so we could watch movies while we waited for her to arrive.

[Oct 28] She's Hatched!

2010-11-16T08:14:00.000-08:00

Lainey Florence Prigmore
October 28, 2010
4:19 in the p.m.
7 lbs. 11 oz.
20.5 inches

I Plan on Posting Again

2010-09-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

I figure cyberspace could use a little more of this:

And a whole lot more of this:

How else am I supposed to humiliate the ones I love?

Good things to come. Soon.

[Feb 8] FHE

2010-02-14T05:14:00.000-08:00

We went to Chuck E. Cheese with Gram & Gramp and uncle Goosey.

This is the only picture I took before my camera battery died:

I'm not sure who loves Chuck E. more, me or The Choob.

Actually, everyone loves Chuck E. now that I think about it. At one point during the night, I was with Choob playing a game and looked over and my mom & dad were racing on mario cart and Dan & The Goose were shooting bears rather intensely. Fun for Everyone I tell you!

I LOVE to play the Big Game Hunter arcade game until Jeff steals all my bears and I get mad and storm off.

They have a new game. Deal or no Deal. With tickets instead of money. I was hooked. My case had the 50 tickets in it. That's equivalent to the one million dollars on the TV show. You would've thought I'd won the real show when all 50 tickets came shooting out of the machine and I was shrieking and wrapping myself up in them like a feather boa.

Don't worry I'll be 30 years old in a few months.

It's a good thing I've never gambled. I think Vegas and I would get along way too well. For now I'll stick with Chuck E.

Where a kid can be a kid!

[Feb 6] Legoland Aquarium at Last

2010-02-13T05:54:00.000-08:00

The Choob has been begging and begging to go to the legoland aquarium. I finally got around to renewing our passes. Now he can do Superman Slides:And flip over ALL the starfish in the touch tank when the "lady" isn't looking.

Come on "lady" how could you get mad at a face like this?

A wonderfully spent rainy afternoon with my dude.

[Feb 4] The Sharing Bag....Again

2010-02-12T05:34:00.000-08:00

Choob got the sharing bag again.

This time he picked out something special to put in it:

A tiger shark of course.

Dan and I LOVE going to see him with the sharing bag. Not only is it special to see our son interact with his teacher and his peers, but it is HILARIOUS to hear what his classmates think is going to be in the bag.

They each get to guess and sure enough EVERY time we come to watch someone guesses "a dancing eyeball!" and the whole class erupts in laughter.

I do too.

A dancing eyeball. Can you even imagine it?

HILARIOUS!!

[Feb 10] Oh The Irony

2010-02-10T20:17:00.000-08:00

I spend all day at work educating the general public on how majestic the California Condors are and preaching to them about conservation and ways they can make a difference.

Today was no different.

Except that when I arrived home, parked and got out of my car, I noticed the following stuck to my headlight:

What's that you say? Not sure? Here's a closer look:

It's a bird. AN ENTIRE BIRD!!!!!

STUCK IN MY CAR!!!!

Oh the Horror.

Oh the irony.

Not sure how the poor lil feller ended up in there. Ironic that I spend all day talking about how we should do all we can to save birds and end up killing one on my way home. Ooops! I guess this makes me a big 'ol hypocrite.

[Nov 15] Birthday Hanukkah comes to a Close

2010-02-05T06:08:00.000-08:00

We celebrated my actual Birthday at Disneyland. It was great because I got to do what I like to do at Disneyland instead of being vetoed by the boys like normal.

Waiting in line for MY favorite ride: Alice

Apparently not Choob's favorite ride of the day.

Mr. Scrooge smiles!

Birthday Girl doesn't.

Not sure why I pulled this face because I was super excited to get this coat for FREE! Yup. You get a gift card on your birthday and I spent her on this beauty.

Eating MY favorite Disneyland treat.

Waiting to watch the parade.

A rarity since the boys do not like to go to Disneyland to watch singing and dancing. Good thing The Choob was asleep.

Same Ride, Two Years ApartWatching the light show at Small World

Notice the cape and cane. He was Scrooge ALL DAY. Told ya.

Ended the night with a Winter castle.

What a WONDERFUL day with my boys.

[Nov 15] Mr. Scrooge in Action

2010-02-04T06:02:00.000-08:00

Don't worry, he kept up this charade ALL DAY LONG. No joke.

When he is "Mr. Scrooge" he IS "Mr. Scrooge"!

ALL DAY

Even at Disneyland.

While it was a little more difficult navigating through the crowds, I wouldn't trade him for the world. What a funny little guy!

[Nov 15] There goes Mr. Humbug, There goes Mr. Grimm

2010-02-03T06:53:00.000-08:00

Choobie has been obsessed with Scrooge ever since watching the Muppet Christmas Carol. Ebineezar is a villain after all and for some reason my son finds the "bad guys" endearing.

Everyday he asks to put on his "Scrooge cape" and carry's around his "Scrooge cane" (a lightsaber from Chuck E. Cheese) and shouts "humbug!" to EVERYONE he meets.

Let's just say going to Disneyland with Mr. Scrooge was an experience. Here he is in full character with cape and cane on our way into the park:Kind of ironic that we were at The Happiest Place on Earth and my child spent the day walking hunched over with a scowl on his face and shouting "Humbug" to everyone. It was thoroughly entertaining. I love his vivid imagination and creativity. Way to keep us laughing Choobers!

[Nov 11] Birthday Hanukkah Continues With...

2010-02-02T20:49:00.001-08:00

My mom took me to see Lord of the Dance and it was AMAZING! We had seats on the balcony so we had a great view of all the different formations they made on stage. I was in heaven. These dancers are so talented and spot on every second. It made me want to get up on stage and clog. Look out everybody. Thanks for the fun night mom!

[Nov 13] A Visit from the Boys

2010-01-22T06:53:00.000-08:00

The boys came to visit me at work. Choob loves to play with this gorilla statue.

Can you find Waldo?

This is Choobie's favorite shirt. He calls it, "brown snuggly". He HATES to take it off. Even if it is like 95 degrees out. According to him, he likes it because "the sleeves are skinny, not puffy." Whatever dude.

This was supposed to be a picture of a Red Tailed Hawk picking up a screeching bunny but I don't see it. Dan was "all flustered" when he whipped out the camera.

Apparently the boys were watching the hawk in a nearby tree and then out of nowhere she swooped down and attempted to snatch up the bunny.

It had trouble flying away because the bunny was so big. The hawk refused to let go despite the spastic attempts from the struggling and shrieking rabbit. Unable to lift off, the hawk just sat on the writhing rabbit until it died.

At which point Dan decided he and his emotionally scarred three year old son should "move along". After the rabbit was dead. How about moving along when Choob kept asking why the bunny was crying? Sad.

Hard at work.

I Love it when they come visit me!

[Nov 8] Another Schmectacular by Dan

2010-01-21T06:59:00.000-08:00

Every now and then, Dan gets the urge to create something in the kitchen.

It all began in our Hawaiian kitchen when Dan got a craving for Reese's Peanut Butter cups and decided to make his own. I just remember them being a chocolaty mess of gross. It was during this creation that he coined the phrase Schmectacular.

Since then, for every one Schmectacular that turns out good, there are at least three that we taste once and throw into the dumpster.

Most times I ask him what he is making and when he says, "I'm making a schmectacular" I immediately ask him what ingredients he plans to use and what he intends to do with them.

Our conversation usually ends by me saying, "That's not going to work" and Dan shrugging his shoulders and saying, "we'll lets just try it."

The following Schmectacular was inspired by the Martha Stewart Halloween DVD (which Dan Netflixed ON HIS OWN by the way). Marshmellow Popcorn balls. Simple enough, or so we thought.

Choob had never used a popcorn popper before so he was excited to get in on the Schmectacular action.

Look, popcorn!

Here he is with Schmectacular #57. At least he's handsome.

Buttering his hands, and eating the butter as he goes. P.S. those eyelashes are real folks.

Look Momma, Schmectacular's are fun!

All in all, the boys had fun making the popcorn balls. They did not have fun eating the popcorn balls. They turned out soggy and gross. Oh well, there's always Schmectacular #58 to look forward to.

[Nov 4] This years Birthday Hanukkah started off with...

2010-01-20T19:08:00.000-08:00

THE LION KING!!!

In our household, we celebrate birthdays for several days and nights.

MAJOR points for Dan for setting this treat up. I have always dreamed of seeing this and it did not disappoint. In fact, I may or may not have shed a tear during the emotion filled opening scene. Giraffes, rhinos, and elephants come down into the audience people. Come on!

The performance was everything I'd heard of and more. It was wonderful to sit by my husband during a musical. Something I don't think will happen ever again due to the fact that Dan's cold stone heart hates watching people sing and dance, especially if ballet is involved. Learned that one when I took him to the nutcracker.

I can't wait to take Choob to this when he is older. Go see this play if you haven't yet. You will be so glad you did.

[Oct 31] Trick Or Treat

2010-01-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

The boys excited to Trick or Treat

The first house we came to had a kitty in the bushes. We named it "milk face" and played with it for awhile. Choobie LOVES kitties. He keeps asking for "a real kitty that walks."

Our neighborhood goes all out for Halloween. Sometimes it's a little too scary, even for a three year old that loves villians. Choobie still remembers some of the elaborate decorations from last year. He loves Halloween!

The Choob has been looking forward to this guy for an ENTIRE year. Seriously. He loved it last year and we had to stay at that house for about 20 minutes watching the guy put his head off and on.

About once a week he asks me, "momma when are we gonna see that scary guys who takes his head off?"

It was so fun to tell him, "tonight baby, tonight we are gonna see the scary guy!"

Choob was so pumped to finally see him after he waited a whole year and it did not disappoint. We stayed at that house for about 20 minutes again this year.

He also added a new obsession this year: The bike crash. He can't stop talking about it. His favorite part was "the bloody hand sticking out." Why? I'm not sure.

Checking out all his loot. What a fun family night of spooks and trick or treating! Hooray for Halloween!

[Oct 31] Harry Potter, the Drama King

2010-01-02T12:02:00.000-08:00

Halloween Night: Harry Potter

Choob wanted us to be "A whole family of Harry Potters!" So we were.

Grandpa and Grandma came to trick or treat with us. He loves them!

[Oct 30] Halloween Rhyming

2009-12-24T11:59:00.000-08:00

[Oct 30] Finger Knives

2009-12-17T20:32:00.000-08:00