Our Saturday

This is the first weekend in quite a while that we had absolutely nothing that we had to do. We enjoyed getting some things done around the house and just hanging out with each other, instead of the usual hustle from here to there that seems to be our life lately. Here are some pics of our day...

AP showing off her mad spoon skills

Adding some signs of fall to the house

catching up on laundry...

lovin' on each other

Measuring for C's Halloween costume, he had a very specific request that cannot be found pre-made, forcing mommy to be creative
playing outside with friends...beautiful weather

Halfway done with the costume...any guesses?

All clean and ready for bed!

Tennis Anyone?

Just had

to share the cuteness...

Bouncing Without Injury

So, the indoor playplaces with all the inflatable jumpy things are all the rage if you are 4. However, C's first experience at one such place was not very good. He ended up having some kind of trauma to his spine. Needless to say, we have not been back since and that was a little over a year ago. But, yesterday was C's "buddy's" birthday. C calls this little guy his "buddy". So we headed to Kids Party Jumps to give it another go. C had a blast this time. He jumped and climbed and crawled and slid non-stop, until it was time to eat cake, what more fun can a 4yo have! His sister on the other hand was a little terror. I think it as too overwhelming for her to be there in a loud environment with all the other rowdy kids and too much to take in. She has developed a high pitched LOUD scream to let you know anytime she wants anything, and man did she use it. She screamed b/c she wanted to get in, then she screamed b/c she wanted to get out, then she screamed b/c she did not want to get back in, then she screamed b/c she didn't want anyone else to get in. At one point, I said in a stern mommy voice "No, maam" when she was screaming and pointed to her mouth, but that hurt her feelings, so then she was screaming b/c she was sad, it was a lose-lose situation with her. We got in the van to leave and she was fine, go figure.

On another topic, I used to have mixed feelings about teaching babies sign language. I was never opposed, but just thought "why not just teach them to talk?" However, I have changed my position on this. AP is at that age/phase where she cannot say the words that she wants to communicate her feelings or needs. So, we have started trying to sign at home, just very basics. She can now sign "more" in her high chair when she wants something else instead of screaming "Mamaaaaa" at the top of her lungs. And on another note, our Euroshams from our bed are being taken over by dachshunds.

On the Road Again...

Hubs and I headed back to Knoxville yesterday for the 2nd home game of the season. We met up with some friends for some fun before the game. The Vols won, but probably not by as much as they should have. We must be their good luck charm since they lost miserably last week on the road.

The kiddos spent the night with their great aunt and uncle. They were worn out when we picked them up today. C fell asleep in the car as soon as we pulled out of their driveway, even Nemo couldn't keep him awake. They were happy to be home, though.

On another topic, hubby and I started (or restarted) Weight Watchers last Sunday, so we weighed in this morning. He lost 6, I lost 2...why is so much easier for guys? and he cheated! There's no telling how many points are in a Smokey Dog! Oh well, I am proud of both of us. We'll see how this week goes.

Sometimes...

Sometimes after a warm bath, you just need to put on your Mardi Gras beads and play your drums in the buff.

Baby Steps

Some of the recent milestones at our house:

*AP will keep a bow in her hair for more than 30 seconds! I see bow shopping in my future...you have to have one for every outfit, right?
*AP is using a fork. She can't get the scooping down with a spoon yet, but she can sure stab with the fork.(a plastic baby one)

*She is obsessed with the dogs. This is our oldest dachsund just trying to ignore her.

*She can say Mama, Dada, brother (in her own way), eat, boo. She answers you by nodding or shaking her head.

*She can run, go up AND down the stairs now, and climb a ladder or steps to a slide.

*She love, love, loves to swing and usually has a meltdown when it is time to get out of the swing.

*Not really development, but her perpetual runny nose was finally diagnosed as allergies after trials on a prescription decongestant and Amoxicillin. She is now a Zyrtec girl.

(I took these pics with my phone, so the quality is lacking)

Giddy Up Y'all

This week C's school is studying the letter "C". To celebrate they get to dress up like cowgirls and cowboys tomorrow. This is C practicing tonight before he went to bed. I feel sorry for the teacher tomorrow. I see way too much energy in little cowboys/girls.

Just In Case

Just in case you needed some bathtime cuteness tonight...

Daddy comes home tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Orange Nation

Last night was the first home game of our first season as UT season ticket holders. We had lots of fun. Hubby lucked up when he got our seats. It is crazy to have seats that good your first year. We were on the 35 yard line. Our seats were on the front row of our section so we could stretch our legs or put our feet up on the poles. The lady next to hubby was a real talker and there was a young lady behind us who kept passing out, but other than that our "neighbors" were really nice. If you didn't hear, we won!
It was also the first time that AP and C have spent the night away from us. They did great. They went to eat at the Aquarium restaurant with Boompa and Baba and spent the night with them. AP was a little grouchy when she came home, but other than that things went well.

Yoda?

Labor Day / Adoption Day Party

We had lots of fun with friends and family at what has become our annual labor day and adoption day get together. C had lots of fun with his friends playing in the yard with all his water toys. Of course, AP was right in the action, too. The Slip N Slide seemed to be the hit of the party. We've had it in our garage all year, but never put it up b/c we didn't think either would be interested. They both loved it. AP walked down the tunnel of spraying water with her eyes closed. C thanked everyone for coming to his "Adoption Birthday".