Off to the pumpkin farm...

Today was Sam's class fieldtrip to the pumpkin farm. I think he was as excited (if not more) about riding the bus than the actual outing!

This year, they went to the Pumpkin Patch. Much less commercialized than where they have been going, they enjoyed

a hayride,

a corn maze, a petting zoo,

digging for (plastic) spiders in loose hay, picking pumpkins,

and climbing on the hay bales. Sam just likes being with his buddies!

As you can see, Maddie tagged along with me, as did some other siblings. Here is Maddie with her best friend, Molly! They have so much fun together.

It was a beautiful day, and the kids had a lot of fun!

Whining as a second language?

My lovely, sweet, bright kids are becoming quite fluent in another language. Sadly, it is not Spanish - that would be practical, and look good on a college application, too.

No, they are picking up that ugly tongue called whining.

Sam is particularly fluent in it. It is quite impressive. And unfortunately, painful to the ear, as it occurs in a high pitch that can be likened to an ice pick in one's ear.

Of course, I know not this language that they speak, so I cannot respond to it. (Yes, I'm a witch. Is there something wrong with that?) They get a lot of "what did you say? I can't understand you". With Maddie, too, comprehension is further complicated by the binkie around which she so proficiently speaks.

Oh, how I wish Babelfish had an "english-to-whine" translator. If I could invent one, I'd make a million.

In the meantime, I think I'm going to go look for some earplugs!

Guitar man

A glimpse of things to come?

When Sam grows up, he says he will be a rock 'n roller and play guitar, piano and drums. Then again, he also told me today that he will live with me forever. And that he wasn't going to school when he gets bigger.

I told him if he was not going to school, he would have to get a job. He said "No, I won't Mommy - I'm going to be a rock 'n roller, and live with you forever. " Huh?

Guess we'd better get on with our daily guitar practice, if that is how he is going to support me in retirement.

Backyardigans!

Pete and I tempted fate by taking Maddie and Sam into the city on the train to see "Backyardigans Live - Tale of the Mighty Knights" at the Chicago Theater. (Maddie's naptime falls around 12:30-1 - and an overstimulated, overtired Maddie in the containment of a commuter train could be a recipe for disaster....)





The kids are always excited to ride on the train, this time no exception. Minimal fighting was observed, and they both chatted animatedly to us about what they saw out the windows. I'm always amazed at how exciting parked construction trucks, street sweepers and garbage trucks continue to be to Sam!




Of course, we have now become those Damn Suburbanites, so we were unaware that the east side of the Loop El was shut down, so we had to convince Sam that a bus ride would be just as exciting. I was more interested in watching Pete try to maintain composure as the kids touched everything and anything on the bus, which of course is a breeding ground for every germ imaginable. Don't get me wrong, they probably are, but given that we used to ride the city buses with great frequency, its fun to watch Pete switch on Daddy mode.



Since we now had time to spare, a snack break at a nearby Starbucks was in order. Pete introduced my hips and I to their pumpkin muffin while the kids knoshed on a blueberry muffin. Maddie yelled "hi" to the "pretty birdies" outside. Again, I appreciate the toddler viewpoint, as that is the last thing I'd have to say about pigeons. Thankfully we didn't have any muffin left for her to feed to them. A pair of helmeted Chicago police officers wheeled by on Segways. I'm not sure what exactly they benefit by being on a Segway - but they look funny, and they twirled in circles in front of our window to entertain the kids. Honestly, should cops have that much fun on duty?



So off to the Chicago Theater we went, briefly delayed by Maddie's discovery of the automatic door button at Loehmanns. As cameras weren't allowed in the theater, I hid mine under Maddie's blankie deep in my purse - the security guards were wise not to touch that - I have no pics of the show. However, armed with our Backyardigans shields and magic wands (Momma knew better, but Daddy is a sucker - or got suckered - into spending $30 for the pair) we were ready for the show.


Now, I'll admit, while the Backyardigans is one of the few shows the kids watch that I can enjoy watching with them, I was prepared for a cheesey show, but there was great audience involvement and the kids (and adults both) had a great time.

Back to the train station to pick up a late lunch to eat on the train, and we were off again. Maddie held up remarkably well, and entertained the lower level when she sang to her Happy Meal dolly. Both kids are exhausted and will definitely be in bed early. (Bonus)

Bring the Rain

Another preschool mom at Little Angels had a link to the blog Bring the Rain on her own blog. It came with a warning to find a comfortable spot for the next 12 hours and plan on ignoring children and husband, dinner, etc. as you will get drawn into the blogger's story.

Well, that was this morning, and its now midnight. Sam and Maddie watched a lot of television again (and lets keep that between you and me, 'kay?) and were hunting me down "Mommy, can we have dinner now?, and "mommy, are you laughing or crying?"

Angie's blog is funny, sad, powerful, and spiritual. I don't talk much about my bible studies or prayer groups, or the peace that I'm finding these days, but this touched me deeply. Angie's faith is powerful, as is her writings. Heartbreaking, to be sure, but more than worth the read.

So throw a casserole in a crock pot, make a pot of coffee, and fill sippies for the kids, and read Angie's blog. There is a link on the upper left-hand side of the page that will take you to her first post. You will need to read it backwards, but its worth it.

Stay Back

Ever have one of those days?

Me too.

Maddie

Maddie is rarely seen without a stuffed animal, doll and/or blankie in hand.
She has more "woobies" than I have shoes.

I love this picture of her. It really captures her impish personality!

For Cousin Sarah

Cousin Sarah, Maddie was SO pleased with her new argyle knee socks that she asked me to take a picture of them, since she couldn't show them to you in person yesterday.

We think you'll approve!

Raincoats and Rubber Boots

I've been meaning to post these pictures of Sam and Maddie, playing in the rain.

Doesn't it make you want to get a pair of rainboots for yourself and join them?

Happy Wake Up Calls

Sam is an early waker, always has been. Typically I wake up when Pete gets up for work. Today, he had a 6:30 am flight, so I went back to sleep after he left.

I woke with the sensation of being, well, watched.

Next to me, snuggled under the covers, was my Sam, his face inches from mine.
"Mommy you ARE awake". (Ever the perceptive one, my Sam).

He snuggled in closer, "Mommy, I love you SO much."

A few quiet moments together, before things get crazy. What a way to start the day!

The joy of napping

Why is it that when we are 2, 3, we don't want to take a nap, and when we are 32 (or 40, as the case may be) we would give our first-born for a nap some days?

Maddie had a busy day at preschool, which ended with 30 minutes of playtime, outdoors, in the fresh, cool, fall air. This was followed up by 40 minutes of tearing around the viewing area during Sam's gymnastics class, with a rousing and loud round of tag with her friend Molly.

She came home. She was cranky. Loaded down with purse, blankie, the ever topless Ariel doll, and Dolly (creativity doesn't come naturally in this house), she fought her way into the house, ("I want to pay outSIDE") and upstairs through another no-holds barred diaper changing battle (I wonder what the Weight Watchers points was for that?). Gave a pitiful last attempt at fighting the nap, then laid all four (yes FOUR) blankets on my shoulder and snuggled in. 1 minute later, asleep.

Soon she will wake up. If God is smiling on me today, she will be rested and happy. However, He has a great sense of humor, so she may wake up, yelling that she wants to go back to bed.

Me too.

Say a prayer

I am a BIG believer in the power of prayer, and I'm asking you to stop and say a prayer for Jenny McDevitt right now.

I first became aware of Jenny's situation while her son, Jack, was a student at Sam & Maddie's preschool. 5 years ago (2 month's after Jack's birth) she was diagnosed with brain cancer and her prognosis was 3 years. Determined to fight this disease and also determined not to feel sorry for herself, she decided to "run out" any depression that accompanies a diagnosis of this kind. She became a marathon runner and has inspired thousands of people who are fighting brain cancer as well as others (like me). You can read more about Jenny here and here, and you can see her interview on the Today show here

Last week I learned that Jenny's cancer has returned. While this is not the first time, I'm told that she is no longer a candidate for surgery or chemo. To quote our preschool director: "With what I have been told about Jenny's condition, recovery sounds like it would be a miracle - but how often do we get the opportunity to be involvd in a real miracle? "

She is courageous, and inspiring. Please take a minute to say a prayer for her and her family.
Miracles happen every day.

I'll put my money on Jenny any day. She is a fighter in the truest sense of the word - you go, girl!

Rainy Days: too much tv, and one interesting conversation

We woke up to a very gloomy, overcast sky with rain in the forecast. While Sam seemed more like his old self this morning, I kept him home from school just in case the bug he picked up wasn't done with him.

Needless to say, it wasn't a day of model parenting! They both watched way too much TV. Ordinarily, we'd put on raincoats and rainboots (big hits in the Belden household) and go outside to splash in puddles; today, I didn't think it was a good idea to send Mr. Sickly outside. And, tired from being up with both kids the past two nights, I didn't have much energy to fight them.

I did manage to distract Maddie for a while, decorating some care packages for my adopted soldiers. I hope my Marine has a sense of humor, as Maddie covered his package with Disney Princess stickers. Wait, make that SPARKLY, irridescent princess stickers. That lasted for about as long as the remainder of the pack of 100 stickers did. (So you can imagine the ribbing he will get....)

However, she heard the strains of Curious George, and that was that. Nothing holds up against that monkey!

Sam and I did manage to read some books, and had a very serious discussion about why he doesn't want to eat healthy food. (Friday's topic at preschool was about healthy foods. Apparently a major part of the conversation was about NOT eating candy.) Now, candy does not play a big part of my kids' diet - aside from Fruit Snacks, and the rare DumDum sucker, they just don't get any. So why Sam thought that he would never get fruit snacks again is beyond me. He was very upset about the whole thing after school

Then again, what a preschooler absorbs can be very different from what is said, as demonstrated by one of Sam's classmates last year. She told her mom "Pastor Kevin said the most important thing about Christmas is presents". Pretty disturbing, needless to say, coming from the youth minister. However, upon further discussion with Pastor Kevin later that week, it was discovered that what he actually said was "The most important thing about Christmas is the presence of Jesus." Presents/presence - kids do hear what is important to them, don't they?

Then again, as adults, we sometimes only hear what we want to hear, too....

The Literal Preschooler, Part 2

So I've discussed previously how literal Sam can be. (I am not going into how he is also obsessing about the police coming to get him, and the constant questioning of whether a specific action will make the police come - I'm beyond my limit with that line of queries.)

This past week in school, his class discussed GERMS. What they are, what they look like, how they make you sick. Also how you shouldn't put your fingers in your mouth, etc. The upside of this is that Sam is now OBSESSED with washing his hands - before meals, after using the bathroom, after meals - all the stuff you usually might struggle with in a 4 year old boy.

The downside of this is that Sam is now OBSESSED with washing his hand....and moreso when he forgets, or does something that can spread germs - like when he is eating lunch, licks yogurt off a finger, and then freaks because "Mommy, I put my hand in my mouth." Oh, the poor boy!

Added: The irony of this? My typically very healthy boy catches a 24-hour bug somewhere and gets very sick, very quickly, enough so to miss a long awaited birthday party.

The Literal Preschooler

Its amazing what kids take in - and how much they retain.

And how literal my son can be!

Last Friday at preschool, Father Al joined Sam's class, and they talked (per my conversation with Sam) about how God made all of us, and about how much he loves us. Evidentally, he also talked about how God is in each one of us...

because after the Sunday morning service, Sam asked Father Al: "If God is each one of us, where does He go? I mean, what does He do in there, with all the blood and stuff rushing around" (gesturing wildly with his hands).

Father Al's response: "He is rushing around in with us, too!" (with arms gesturing equally wildly.)

Freedom Festival Fun

In honor of my adopted Marine, Orlando, last weekend I completed Barrington's 1st annual 9.11K run/walk with the help of Sam and Maddie (they provided the whining so I could save my breath). Yes, I pushed my 47 pounder and my 28 pounder in my 45 pound jogging stroller. No, I did not run the race (except for the occasional up hill). Yes, I did occasionally make Sam get OUT of the stroller as I ran up those hills. Mostly we walked and enjoyed the beautiful weather.

It was a cool event! The Patriot Guard was present on motorcycles to lead off the race. There were various Army and Air Force units taking part, too. It was a joint run with 250+ Army troops based down in Guatanamo Bay finishing up their race just as we started. Lots of people along the way, waving flags, holding up signs and cheering us on! At the end of the race, we first got to run thru a inflated Army camoflauge tunnel, then thru a tunnel of Patriot Riders holding flags, then the finish line, where we were met by a Veteran who handed us a commemorative coin.

Sam and Maddie then needed lots of gatorade, bagels and bananas to recover from their arduous run. It takes a lot of energy to yell "Mommy, why aren't you running", and "run faster, Mommy, FASTER".

I survived, and I'm pretty darn proud of my out of shape 40yr old body, which of course screamed in pain for the following few days as I felt pain in muscles I wasn't aware I had. I'm sending my race number, one of the flags the kids waved throughout the race, some info on the festival and a race coin to my Marine...

I hope he appreciates it as much as I do!!!!

Fun with spoons

Simple goofiness at the dinner table during our beach stay, as Marty teaches Sam how to hang spoons from his nose.

I'm sure this talent will come in handy some day. Can he put it on his college application?

Beach Week

(Ed. Note: In reviewing my original entry from the other night, I realized that it read more like a cheesy family Christmas newsletter - which very few people can actually write and make it interesting - instead of a blog entry, so I claim my right to do a 2nd draft. Anne Lamotte wrote in "Bird by Bird" about being entitled to a shitty first draft - well, unfortunately, I published mine. My apologies, dear reader.)

We've just returned from our fifth family trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Its more remarkable to believe that this was our third trip with Maddie - where has the time gone, honestly? This also marked a new passage in our vacation tradition - we drove instead of flying, despite the fact that Pete said I'd be welcome to drive, so long as I picked him up at the airport as I drove past Norfolk, as he was NEVER driving. (What is that they say about never saying never? I think I say that to Sam at least 4 times a day.)

This is Maddie on the beach, on a bad day. What happened to my little beach girl of last year, fearlessly running into the waves, chasing birds, chasing crabbies? Is this the same girl who sat in the sandbox this summer, pouring sand over her head, singing to herself "I love the beach"?
It seems little sisters look to their bigger siblings for reactions, and Sam is not fond of the beach, himself. Getting him to walk on the sand is a true test of patience - you walk a fine line betwlleen encourangement, and outright pushing. Push my little man too hard, and he shoves back.

Eventually, every morning, Maddie would realize, I think, that Sam was full of shit, and that the beach IS fun. And she would build a sandcastle with Pete, or let me carry her into the water. (And don't think for a minute that Pete and I, water lovers both, weren't breathing a huge sigh of relief...) She still had a fascination with her "crabbies" and took to carrying around HER crabbie and showing him to the little, scurrying kind.

Sam, on the other hand, had another difficult year. The surf is too loud, the sand is too sandy. However, add a kite to the mix, and we can distract him from these intrusions. I sent Sam and Daddy on an afternoon adventure to buy our first real kite at Kitty Hawk Kites. Sam returned with a train kite. What could be better for a little boy and his dad???
Now, this is one of the rare photos of Momma on the beach. Why do you ask? Well, (1) because I'm the one usually taking pictures, and (2) my husband typically can't manage to take a picture of me only from the waist up. (And preferably from the chest up, thank you Miss Maddie.) Two C-sections does not a pretty photo make, and lets just leave it at that.) Maddie basically had perma-lock around my waist with her legs while we were there, and I have to say, that bit about being weightless in the water apparently didn't apply to Little Bit, as she got heavy after a while. However, she fully enjoyed "riding the waves" as Sam came to call what we did when we carried them into the surf, and jumped over incoming waves. Maddie is fearless, Sam more hesitant but growing braver every day. Just check out the waves below!!!

Aside from our time in the water (and Pete and I did manage to get a fair amount of time in the water this year, with many thanks to Gmom Phyllis, Marty, and my Mom and Dad), we had much more time this year to enjoy the little things - sitting at the table with OUR parents (and Marty, Sam and Maddie's adopted grandfather) peeling fresh steamed shrimp and poking fun at each other, sitting on the deck with a cold beer and enjoying each other's company, watching the sunrises with Sam (Ok, this was mostly Sam and Pete), eating way more Utz Crab Chips than is probably acceptable for my cholesterol issues. But they are all part of special memories and traditions we are building with each other, and for the kids. (Including Grandpa Jim on his 'puter and Grandma Judi's birthday cake, which she doesn't like but we get for the sake of the kids.)

There's a lot to be said for family traditions, big and small.

(And for fresh steamed shrimp and cold beer!)

Day out with Thomas!

Yes, it is that time of year again, time for our Day Out with Thomas.
The kids always have a great time, as does Pete (must be a boy thing). I hate to be a grumpy grump, but I'm just not that into the whole Thomas thing. Thankfully, this year Pete was able to distract the kids while I fought the crowd in the merchandise tent to pick up new tees for the kids.

They were very excited to have their pictures taken in front of Thomas this year. It really is magical for them. Sam was beside himself when the train departed! After about a 20 minute ride, it returned, and we toured the shops at the Train Museum (it really is a neat place.) Sam was excited, also, to meet Sir Topham Hatt, Maddie not so much so. We rode the street car, had a picnic lunch, Sam jumped in the moon walk, and Maddie got a Rosie the train tattoo!

Two tired kids were loaded in the car along with lots of good memories!

I guess its not so bad, after all.

On the road...

Well, call it stupidity, or call it bravery -- I'm making the two-day trek from Chicago to Williamsburg, VA with Sam and Maddie on my own. Armed with old DVDs, new DVDs, our trusty CD of Louie Armstrong & Duke Ellington (guaranteed to mellow out both kids - its like a Pavlovian response, hear "louie & Duke", take a nap), GPS, ear plugs (for temper tantrums) and LOTS of snacks, we made the 1st leg from Chicago to Ashland, Kentucky with a minimum of hassles.

Honestly, I'm very proud of the kids - they fared wonderfully on the first trip. Sam started the "are we there yet" about an hour into the trip. It progressed to "I want to be there in an hour" and ended with "so, if I take a nap, will the trip go faster?"

Alas, while Sam generally falls right to sleep at bedtime, Maddie has entered the "talk herself to sleep in 90 minutes - or more" phase that Sam went thru at this age. I don't expect bedtime to go well.

Next time, remind me to book at an Embassy Suites - as "sometimes it takes a closed door to keep a family together". There is something to be said about a suite (and not having to go to sleep at 7pm).

Belden Family Fundays

I drove ahead to Williamsburg so that we'd get some extra family time before we head to the beach, and we've had a lot of fun so far!

Wednesday we needed to burn off some of the excess energy accumulated in a two-day drive, so we took a walk through Colonial Williamsburg with Gmom Phyl and cousin Chris. We had to run through Pete's boxwoods, then search out the oxen (in honor of Sam's favorite stuffed pal, Ox) and were happy to find a mama and sweet baby ox. I think Maddie would have loved to take that baby home. It certainly didn't smell any worse than Sam's stuffed Ox...

Pete arrived on Thursday and we took the clan to Busch Gardens, along with Gmom Phyl, Marty, Aunt Simone and cousin Chris. Maddie burned out early, but Sam outlasted us all. He was big enough to ride on most of the rides, my tall boy! Sam and Maddie are speed freaks, and from the minute we arrived, Maddie pointed to the big coasters, saying "I want to wide on DAT one". (Sorry, darlin' - you've got another foot to grow before you are even close...)

Simone and I, and then later Pete and I did sneak several rides on Busch Garden's newest coaster, the Gryffin. For you coaster fanatics, I will state for the record that it was the fastest, smoothest, coolest coaster I've ever been on. Its the world's first floorless 90-degree dive coaster. And yes, I screamed through the entire ride. It was beyond fun, and for me, like being a kid again.

And that is something I need from time to time, to keep things in perspective when it comes to my own two.

Hi, my name is Jenn and I am an Etsy-holic.

I'll admit it. Shamelessly. I love Etsy. I love Etsy even when my paypal account is as dry as the Sahara desert. And lest I suffer this addiction alone, let me introduce you (and your Paypal account) to my favorite Etsy sellers.

Cupcake lovers, rejoice! Bangerang Bakeshop (formerly Fat Daddy Loves You Bakeshop) makes, quite possibly, the best darn cupcake you have ever eaten.

Now, I am a certifiable chocoholic, so the above Classic Fat Daddy cupcake is one of my favs. However, if you are not a chocolate fan, then I can definitely endorse the Captain Carrotcake. I think it is safe to say that everything she bakes is fantastic! Try one yourself...you can get them here http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5235881

Now, to go in a completely different direction, I'm completely addicted to CherryBlossom Company's soaps. My current favorite is their "Coconut and Goat's Milk Soap with Yucca Extract, Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil". Smells yummy, but not perfumey, and is insanely moisturizing.

Their lip balms are amazing too! (The peppermint mocha will satisfy any chocolate craving, I assure you.) Check out all their fun goodies here http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5429351

Swimming, revisited.

Today was the first day of our second session of swimming lessons. Thankfully, the tots progressed well during the last session!

Sam is now going underwater, swimming with the help of the noodle, and is happily going down the big twisty waterslide at the pool. (the reward on the last day of swimming, and he overcame his fear of the slide and now loves it!)

Maddie is finally kicking (silly girl) with a noodle. She is fearlessly jumping in, sometimes without warning, unfortunately, and has mastered blowing bubbles. Who knew that would be so hard to learn? They both do it fine in their milk, with the aid of a straw....

Makes all the fuss and rush well worth it. They are little fish, loving the water, and not afraid of getting wet - its just getting them away from the zero-depth area that has been the challenge!

Big Trucks

A busy weekend for us, indeed - Saturday we went to one of our favorite an
nual events - "Big Trucks". Ah, a toddlers dream - to sit in the drivers seat of a firetruck, dump truck, garbage truck, street sweeper, etc.

This year's event seemed to have less vehicles than usual, but it didn't bother Sam in the least. He had a great time!

Its always a fun event! In addition to the Big Trucks (minus a fire engine this year - they arrived late, and then had to leave 15 minutes later to respond to a call), they had a fun band and an inflatable firetruck slide. When Maddie tired of the trucks (Sam was on round 2 of the Garbage truck), we danced to the band while we waited for the slide.
















She was showing off her stuff, and found a fellow dancer in line behind us!




The inflatable firetruck slide was a lot slicker than we realized. Partway down, Maddie slid sideways and bounced off of the walls. Once was more than enough for her!

She's a Girlie Girl!

This weekend was Sidewalk Sale Days, and one of the local stores had lots of fun promotions...so Maddie decided she wanted to try a glitter updo! I wish the exuberant amount of sparkly glitter actually showed in this picture.

Because, 3 days, 2 baths and 2 trips to the pool later, its still in her scalp.

And her bed.

And the stairs going up to her room.

And the sofa...and pretty much anywhere else she has been. The stuff keeps showing up, despite my efforts.

Ah, the price of beauty. Isn't that smile worth it all?????

First Day of Swimming

Well, after learning about Maddie's cousin Grace diving to the bottom of the pool (with assistance) after her first session of swim lessons this summer, it was a tad disconcerting today to be once again in the deep end of the pool, swimming in a circle, holding a fighting Maddie ("I want to get more TOYYYYS") and singing "the wheels on the bus". Its going to be a long two weeks if she doesn't have an attitude adjustment!

Sam didn't want to go into the "big pool" and whined a bit, but the instructors took over, and he ended up having a good time. At the end of the session, he announced "hey mommy, we get to come back tomorrow! Thats cool!". Amen, brother.

Thankfully, after 4 years and two toddlers in baby swim, this is my final year of getting in the pool. Next year, you will find me in the shade, feet up in a chaise lounge, reading a paperback novel.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July! I'd like to take a moment to stop and say "Thank you" to all our troops, wherever they may be, for the committment and sacrifices they are making daily. Thanks too, to their families - I think I have it rough when Pete is gone for a couple of days on business, and then I think about the families that have a significant other gone for months at a time, the daddies that miss the births of their little ones, etc, and it all gets put into perspective. I may have issues with the Cook County sales tax rate, and rising gas prices, but all in all, we are lucky to live where we do.

(Off my soapbox now)

We had clear skies and nice weather for our parade, which is always wonderful. The kids managed to collect a pretty impressive bag of candy each, and I think Maddie managed to con Pete into 5 lollipops, each in succession. Unlike big brother (who samples for about 5 minutes, and then tosses it, satisfied) Maddie munched her way through all of them. Oh well, she made it to 28 months before she had her first lolly - not too bad!

We clapped to the bands, waved to the cheerleaders and petted the puppies, and walked home afterwards. It was a great morning!

We all cheer for John Deere!

Well, at least Sam does!

Last weekend we packed up the kids and drove about 2-1/2 hours west to Moline, IL for a visit to John Deere Commons. We stayed at Stoney Creek Inn (can't say enough about the fun the kids had there, too), which was walking distance from both the Commons and the Collectors Center. Its located right on the riverfront, just off the river walk, which was lovely in the evenings. The kids loved the bunk bed for them and swimming thru the carwash-like divider between the indoor/outdoor pools.

The Commons had antique tractors to view and new ones to sit in, interactive displays and a huge store. The Collectors Center had more antiques to view as well as a wonderful play area with giant foam tractors, gators and the like to play on and a play table with models.

We also took a side trip to Niabi Zoo, which is a fantastic little zoo complete with a carousel and zoo train. The kids fed goats, Daddy fed birds, and we saw lots of animals.

We ended the trip with a stop at the headquarters, which was the gold mine of John Deere tractors and equipment. It was a fun trip!

Happy Father's Day, Pete

Its always a good day when you can make Daddy cry. (tears of joy, that is).

Since Maddie and Sam are early risers, (some days way earlier than others), we took Pete out to breakfast as soon as everyone managed to get dressed and out the door - about 7am, here. (Hey, at least we didn't have to wait in line to eat!)

When we got home, the kids were anxious to open the presents, er, help Pete open the presents we made for him. Sam surprised him with a tie made at camp, which every business-daddy needs. They next helped him open a mug and plate set ("the plate is for your toast, Dad-dee!") that we created at Paint it Up. (Lots of fun, and another story, indeed.) Then was the "Daddy" picture we created for him, and finally, a book from Shutterfly, which cinched the sappy award. It actually is a wonderful book that allowed us to fill out form pages and add pictures - "How we are like you", "How we are different", "People admire you because". We had lots of fun with it.

Seriously, though, Pete is a wonderful, dedicated father to Sam and Maddie. He revels in whatever he does with them - even if it is mowing the lawn with Sam, which is a favorite father-son activity around here. He starts his day with one of the kids on his lap, mooching cereal from his bowl, and ends the day reading them stories and putting them to bed. Sure, they try his patience - Sam IS the child-master of testing and pushing buttons, and Maddie hits her witching hour long before Daddy gets home from work....

My father is another example of a wonderful Dad. When I was growing up, we were in awe of him - he is a man with a large presence. (Frankly, he was huge, and we were tiny) He never raised a hand, and rarely raised his voice. He has a wicked funny sense of humor, and we call him "McGuyver", as he not only can make or fix anything, but come up with a much simpler way of doing it that has you slapping yourself in the head at the simplicity of it. (Although, complex is not out of his range, either.)

Pete, Dad - I love you both for who you are. Hope you had a great day.
I highly recommend the 8x8 photobooks....

You can never over-accessorize

Watching Maddie, I can't be sure what she loves more: shoes, purses, or other accessories - necklaces, glasses, etc.

She embodies all the great things about being two and being a girl - dressing up and having fun! The girl LOVES shoes, better so if they are red. (Who can blame her - every girl needs a pair of red shoes!) We ran to the mall the other day, and Miss Maddie was properly outfitted for shopping in a cherry-covered dress, sunglasses, red beads to match her dress, white shoes, pleased as punch with how she looked!

We stopped in Gymboree - no watching TV for Miss M. She carefully inspected the shoes, hats, and miscellaneous accessories, taking some off the racks to show me, others tossed carelessly aside "I no yike dat, Mommy". She spied a rack of cherry-decorated purses, deliberately unloading the rack onto the floor and inspecting each one. On reaching the last purse, she proudly presented it to me "Mommy, dis is a pretty purse! Could I hab it, please?", and without waiting for a reply, promptly marched to the saleslady and requested "Pease cut off the tags, pease?"

Needless to say, baby girl marched out of there proudly dangling a cherry purse over her arm, pleased as punch.

After all, how can Mommy turn down a purse?

Mellow my matic

I'm told that 4 is the new "2" when it comes to tantrums.

Sam is having serious meltdowns these days. He will pretty much disagree with anything I say, simply to disagree. (Can you say "power struggle?") He was whining the other day, and I looked at Pete and said "Glad he's not melodramatic". Sam responded "Hey, I WANT to mellow my matic!!!!"