Cabin Fever Reliever

How do you burn energy when you can't play outdoors? Head for the inflatables!

Passwords

Isabel was watching me check my email. She wanted to know my password but I wouldn't tell her.

Isabel: I can guess your password.
Me: There is no way you can guess my password.
Isabel: Is it "Mom dot one"?
Me: No.
Isabel: I know what it is! Is it "Underwear dot slash"?

Please excuse me, I need to go change my password.

My Halloweenies

We braved the rain, wind, and cold left behind by Hurricane Sandy (isn't one of the silver linings of living in a state devoid of ocean front property the guarantee of a hurricane-free existence?!?) to go trick-or-treating on Wednesday. In his haste to get to the next house and the next house after that, Zak managed to fall flat on his face three times, but that didn't slow him down. We had a low turnout of trick-or-treaters at our house... bonus candy for us!

Isabel's Self Portrait

Two of a Kind

Isabel: Is reading a sport?
Me: No.
Isabel (disappointed): Awwww. I really like reading.

I have to admit I've wished the same thing. I would have an Olympic gold medal in long distance reading!

Time for another post! The last two months have been very busy. Almost without realizing it we've managed quite a few "firsts" along the way. For example, Zak took his first shower and now prefers them to baths.

Isabel lost her first front tooth, with another soon to follow. She looks adorable.

She also learned how to ride her bike without training wheels and loves zooming around our street.

We've also taken multiple trips to the zoo...

...showed Isabel the introductory steps for sewing (she picked out the fabric and I did the rest)...

...washed the cars...

...wore our Buzz Lightyear costume for a week straight, much to the delight of our neighbors...

...and planted a garden.

So, what have YOU done lately?

Runs In the Family

We asked the kids the same question but got two different answers. Neither child heard the other's response; these are their genuine, uninfluenced answers.

Kyle: You're pretty.
Isabel: I know.
Kyle: How do you know?
Isabel: Because I looked in the mirror.

***************

Jacqui: You're so cute.
Zak: I know.
Jacqui: How do you know?
Zak: Because I smart.

Love Letter

This is the sweetest love letter I've ever received.

Ski Trip

Utah! I can't believe I made it to UTAH and back with the kids in one piece. We decided to meet up with my Dad, Pam, my aunt Alicia, and a big crew of other relations for a ski trip. And guess who's never been skiing before? Me. I was happy to go just to hang out with the family. The rental house was amazing, the weather was pleasantly cool and sunny, and the surroundings were jaw-droppingly beautiful, especially coming from the flatlands of Ohio.

Kyle's a skier from way back, but Isabel and I both tried our very first lessons. Isabel did wonderfully; she spent the whole day in a class with other kids and did a great job. I, on the other hand... well, maybe I am too old to learn new tricks. The highest praise my ski instructor could offer was to say that I was "getting good at getting up after you fall". Oh well, at least I can say I tried it. We also went snow tubing. Zak was able to participate in that, and even I can't mess up sliding down a hill.

Happy Third Birthday, Zak!

When all was said and done, Zak had three birthday celebrations: the first at home with the four of us, the second at Glow Putt with extended family, and the third all the way in Utah. He is still super excited about being three, and likes to remind me that he's "not a wittle boy, I three now!".

Here we are celebrating at home. Note that he had learned his lesson from last year's disastrous candle incident and did not attempt to touch the flame.

Then we had the Keepers come visit and we all went to Glow Putt, an indoor, glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course. And of course there was more cake as well.

Puerto Rico

For my birthday, we treated ourselves to a 3 night trip to Puerto Rico. It was just what the doctor ordered. We got to take our time, eat slowly, drink during the day time, and sleep all during the night. The weather was gorgeous during the entire stay. The only hard part was changing back into winter clothes at the PR airport so we wouldn't freeze when we landed in Ohio.

Happy 6th Birthday, Isabel!

We had Isabel's birthday party at Kingdom of Bounce, which has a bunch of inflatable slides and obstacle courses. The kids had a lot of fun, but truth be told I think the real reason she wanted her birthday party there was so she could open her gifts while sitting on the giant inflatable throne!

On her actual birthday, we opened family gifts at home. Yes, those *are* donuts. She doesn't like cake and requested these instead. The birthday girl gets what she wants!

Defeating the Winter Doldrums

Sure, winter has been mild but this IS Ohio... it's cold outside. What to do with the kids? Well, bowling, skating, playing in the snow, and tricking them into thinking a shovel is a toy, for starters!

Home for the Holidays

More belated holiday posting! We were busy in December '11. We visited our local shopping mall Easton to see the lights and ride the trolley, hosted my dad and Pam, played 18 holes of Glow Putt, attended a cookie decorating party, visited our family in Cleveland, and opened lots and lots of presents.