Wonderpets, my

Yes we're awesome parents. For letting our unsuspecting 3 year old go on this ride. Far right, the one with the floppy arms and neck. And the look of terror. Actually it was 1) big frown 2) Just about to cry 3) OMG, they're going up AGAIN 4) I think I'm going to toss my cookies 5) OMG, they're going up AGAIN? This is UNBELIEVABLE.
YWAP. Whiplashed-looking freaked out child. Had to think twice about posting this, but in the end he wasn't upset at all. Wouldn't admit to liking it, but he was okay.

Marble got a roommate.

Not this (Claude the giant Tasmanian crab).

But this guy, a.k.a. Zipper.

He was pretty funny the first night we got him home, but now he just kind of sits there. He's not living up to his name! Oh well.



Makes me think of  Zombie Kid Likes Turtles

Bumper cars at MOA

I quick snapped this one before we got going. Both of you really liked it, which surprised me somewhat. No fear.

When it rains...get in the pool

So a little rain wasn't going to stop us from having fun!

And the shallow end was shallow enough for you to stand. That tippy toe stance paid off, Ro.

Grandma B even brought a new suit for you, Zo. Good thing, the one I had for you was a bit snug.

MOA fun

playing with instagram.

Eat it all gone.

Olive Garden with Grandma C.

Spaghetti was preceded by breadsticks.

Which didn't reduce the appetite.

There were refills from Mom's plate.

Zoe saw the picture of the fettucine alfredo on the kids menu and was pretty clear that she wanted that. And she stared blankly when asked which of the three sides she wanted. I ordered her broccoli, which she dug into.

Roman didn't have the option of fries, or that would have been his choice. Instead we ordered him grapes, which he proceeded to suck the juice out of. Yes, that's what they are little man. Containers for grape juice. Oy.

We've been on an "eat out" binge. We're on vacation (even when we're home). So what the hey. Last night I had to switch plates with Zoe. She was hanging all over me to eat my cream of broccoli soup, so I just gave it to her. Not going to stop her from eating that over her cheeseburger.

On the Road Again

This story starts with a bunny.

Big Binks

He's been sitting in our living room staring at us for two months. Little did he know what adventures were to come.

We packed up the van, added Grandma Candy, a couple of suitcases, a bag of snacks, a 12 pack of coke, a couple of campfire skewers, some graham crackers and plenty of marshmallows. And Big Binks.

Wide eyed and lakeside, he awaits his fate.

Still waiting.

Grandma Candy and Grandma Jane walk to the shore. Did I mention we had BOTH Grandmas with us? And a Grandpa and an uncle (Dave).

We lucked out - it rained and rained on the way up and while we ate dinner and otherwise frolicked indoors. But by dusk the rain had stopped. We got to enjoy a campfire on the rocky beach next to Lake Superior. Wet picnic tables and benches, but hey beggars can't be choosers, right?

Big Binks lost the top of his ears and his eyes. Deaf and Blind in a matter of minutes. Poor guy.

Too bad we didn't get a photo of the carnage. Roman "I'm a messy eater" had chocolate all over his face. Zoe "I like my hands clean" made sure she was using the Grandma-provided wipes to keep her fingers clean. She usually doesn't have the messy face syndrome. Clothes, well those are fair game for drippings and drops and whatever else comes your way. Mom, for one, was glad we got this in the first night. I'd been looking forward to it since we booked our 2 night stay. 

Up North...

This started because I was giggling at R's frustration. He gets that from me. Don't go near me when the lawn mower won't start or the computer is on the fritz. 

 Snapware is not made for toddlers. So as I watched him try to figure out how to get the lids on, I had to laugh. AAAAARGH!  This toddler likes to stack things and line them up and make them go together. When he suggested FILLING these containers I said 'what the hey'. We started with pinto beans (not so bad) and then mom had the bright idea to give Ro quinoa. Think rice sized. Not so smart. 

THAT WHY YOU CAN'T DO THAT!

Hard shell taco

Doesn't everyone where wear pearls to Taco Bell?

(garage sale find a few hours earlier)

'Where are we going?"

'Where are we going?" she asks.

Dad: "Crazy"

Zoe: "I want to go somewhere else."

That Why You Can't Do That

Mom's hair + Zoe's brush = TWYCDT

Imagine the scene: Picnic table. Paper food wrapper with a few fries left over and a messy glob of ketchup. Enter stage right: Wind. TWYCDT (ketchup all over).

I had warning

But this is what I saw when I got home.

I think we're a way off from actual use (I may be wrong).

But still.

This day

You're turning into such a self sufficient little girl, Zo. Wash and condition your own hair. Brush your teeth. Brush your hair. Dress yourself in big girl pants. Hurray.

Your brother? Not so much. 'I DON'T WANT TA'.

I think we're taking for granted the way you two say things, or at least I'm thinking I'll remember NEXT DAY. Never mind that LAST DAY is hard enough to remember.

My personal current favorite: ' THAT WHY YOU CAN'T DO THAT', often voiced in a very indignant manner and used in an interesting way. Like Roman has a cup of water and he spills it. "WAAA.  THAT WHY YOU CAN'T DO THAT" I.e. that's why you can't give me an open topped cup of water to handle all by myself. It's gonna spill. It's an all purpose phrase that we've decided to throw back at you when something doesn't go our way. Mommy dropped a bowl and broke it? THAT WHY YOU CAN'T DO THAT! Your dad said he almost used it in class (and if I knew anything technical about architectural drafting, I'd put it here). I just know it's going to come out of my mouth at work some day. Project teetering on the brink of failure? THAT WHY YOU CAN'T DO THAT!

Front Yard Fun

We're primarily been relegated to BYF (Back Yard Fun), but you guys are getting bigger, so now we can have a bit of the FYF. Not that we really are going to hang out there a lot, since it's a busy street..But it's possible. Actually sitting on the front step eating ice cream cones is a rather pleasant experience. Just watching the world go by. A lot of people crane their necks and stare. WHAT are those people doing sitting outside their house? Funny.

Now you can help. Our rain barrel was full last week, so you helped fill the watering can so we could water some of the trees we planted last year.

And as soon as the broom was out, you wanted to 'help'.

The allium I planted last fall seem to be doing pretty well.

It's SO NICE to have flowers growing.

And a little girl picking herself a bouquet.

Of Jingle Bells.

A.k.a Lily of the Valley. We had a discussion about not eating plants.

Prime time to dig and play in the dirt too. 

Our flower picking season started with dandelions.

Pick all you want. 

Your dad took most of these flower pictures. He likes to play with the camera too.