Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Painting pumpkins
Last Friday afternoon, the kids and I painted pumpkins. I just downloaded the pictures now, so I figured I'd go ahead and post them. The kids had fun and created some cute pumpkins that have been decorating our kitchen since then. We managed to keep most of the paint on the table and had only one blue eye when Lily rubbed her royal blue paint covered hand on her eye. Did you know that its much harder to clean paint off the outside of eyes without double folds? In case you were wondering - it is!
Lily painting her pumpkin
Maybe I'll paint this paper towel, too!
I've got paint on my hand! (her hands got messier before rubbing them on her eye)
Dylan working on his pumpkin.
Ben painting his pumpkin - all orange!
Lily painting her pumpkin
Maybe I'll paint this paper towel, too!
I've got paint on my hand! (her hands got messier before rubbing them on her eye)
Dylan working on his pumpkin.
Ben painting his pumpkin - all orange!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
A surprise visit and a bit of nature
On Friday I received a call from my college roommate to see if she and her kids could come for a quick visit on Saturday. With no real plans for the weekend, I quickly said yes before consulting with Jeff. So, after a rainy, quiet Saturday morning at home we welcomed Cynthia and her kids in the afternoon. The kids (except Lily) are all fairly close in age - Lexi is 7.5 and Jacob is 6. We went bowling and out to dinner and the kids all got along and had a blast the entire time. This morning, we played at home and went for lunch downtown before our visitors had to leave. I was too busy catching up with my friend and watching the kids together to take many pictures, but I did get a few of the kids together after lunch. You can see how comfortable they feel with each other.
After lunch while our friends headed north, we drove to Skyline Drive where we were treated to a drive of gorgeous views and beautiful fall colors. We drove on Skyline Drive about 15 miles before turning off to our destination, Crabtree Falls. As we were driving, I was sad that I only had my little point and shoot camera, but once we started hiking UP, UP, UP and having to carry Lily even part of the way, I was very glad I only had my P&S! According to our book, Crabtree Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Virginia, in the southeast, or east of the Mississippi. Yes, it is actually taller than Niagara Falls - I looked this up because I wasn't sure if it was true. As we were driving, I was sad that I only had my little point and shoot camera, but once we started hiking UP, UP, UP and having to carry Lily even part of the way, I was very glad I only had my P&S!
We hiked a little more than halfway to the top, but the boys were tired and it was getting late. The hiking wasn't that easy and parts were wet, muddy and slippery. Ms. Lily wasn't tired because she was carried all the way up and most of the way down! It was a perfect fall day - crisp, sunny, clear blue skies, and beautiful colors. I feel so lucky to live near such natural beauty.
Lily sitting by the falls and looking excited to have her picture taken
The boys climbing up the stairs - the trail started with some pavement and stairs, and turned into dirt, mud, roots, and rocks! This was early in the hike
Ben on the rocks
The three kids taking a break
Part of Crabtree Falls
Lily looking over the ledge (and notice Jeff's tense arm holding on tight)
Just to give you an idea of the colors
Four out of five of us
Lily hiking down
Lily looking back to make sure I'm not too far behind
Running to the finish line!
After lunch while our friends headed north, we drove to Skyline Drive where we were treated to a drive of gorgeous views and beautiful fall colors. We drove on Skyline Drive about 15 miles before turning off to our destination, Crabtree Falls. As we were driving, I was sad that I only had my little point and shoot camera, but once we started hiking UP, UP, UP and having to carry Lily even part of the way, I was very glad I only had my P&S! According to our book, Crabtree Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Virginia, in the southeast, or east of the Mississippi. Yes, it is actually taller than Niagara Falls - I looked this up because I wasn't sure if it was true. As we were driving, I was sad that I only had my little point and shoot camera, but once we started hiking UP, UP, UP and having to carry Lily even part of the way, I was very glad I only had my P&S!
We hiked a little more than halfway to the top, but the boys were tired and it was getting late. The hiking wasn't that easy and parts were wet, muddy and slippery. Ms. Lily wasn't tired because she was carried all the way up and most of the way down! It was a perfect fall day - crisp, sunny, clear blue skies, and beautiful colors. I feel so lucky to live near such natural beauty.
Lily sitting by the falls and looking excited to have her picture taken
The boys climbing up the stairs - the trail started with some pavement and stairs, and turned into dirt, mud, roots, and rocks! This was early in the hike
Ben on the rocks
The three kids taking a break
Part of Crabtree Falls
Lily looking over the ledge (and notice Jeff's tense arm holding on tight)
Just to give you an idea of the colors
Four out of five of us
Lily hiking down
Lily looking back to make sure I'm not too far behind
Running to the finish line!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Lily's first haircut
This morning I got my hair cut. I had spoken with Lily about her getting her hair cut as well and she seemed agreeable to it. Luckily, my hairdresser had time to trim Lily's hair - I didn't have much cut, just evened out the sides and the back so her bangs can catch up. She did awesome - sat on the booster in the chair and actually sat pretty still. Anne Marie stacked her hair a little bit in the back and even blew dry her hair. Even more surprising was that Lily allowed her hair to be blown dry. Its amazing what a little trim will do.
Getting her hair cut
Here's Ms. Lily with her new do!
And from the back... (you can still see her double cowlick!)
Getting her hair cut
Here's Ms. Lily with her new do!
And from the back... (you can still see her double cowlick!)
Monday, October 20, 2008
Back home
Note: I added pictures to my post from yesterday.
We made it back home late this afternoon. We enjoyed our second day at the Great Wolf Lodge. After breakfast this morning, Jeff took Lily to do something with my dad while I played in the water park with the boys. We had a blast - with no lines we were able to go down slide after slide after slide. Dylan managed to sneak a few runs down the Howling Tornado (the slide with the steepest drop) before being busted for not being tall enough. I was even able to take a few pictures as the boys played on the water play structure. Sadly, though, this is a tough place to take many pictures unless you want to spend the whole time with your camera and not playing with the kids!
Ben on the lazy river
Dylan and Ben climbing up the play structure
Dylan stopping for a picture
We stayed until about noon and then headed to lunch and back home. All in all, it was a great birthday for Ben and a lot of fun for all of us. We got to hang out with family, play in the water, and the boys even got to play in the arcade for a few minutes at the end.
On a side note, despite Lily's apparent nervousness about trick or treating last night, she certainly got the idea. As we walked past the stairs this morning (where we went up and down to get to the trick or treating stations), Lily kept saying "more treat" and pointing up. She was ready to go again and get more candy! Boy, will she be happy when its really Halloween!
Lily enjoying a snack by the side of the water slides
We made it back home late this afternoon. We enjoyed our second day at the Great Wolf Lodge. After breakfast this morning, Jeff took Lily to do something with my dad while I played in the water park with the boys. We had a blast - with no lines we were able to go down slide after slide after slide. Dylan managed to sneak a few runs down the Howling Tornado (the slide with the steepest drop) before being busted for not being tall enough. I was even able to take a few pictures as the boys played on the water play structure. Sadly, though, this is a tough place to take many pictures unless you want to spend the whole time with your camera and not playing with the kids!
Ben on the lazy river
Dylan and Ben climbing up the play structure
Dylan stopping for a picture
We stayed until about noon and then headed to lunch and back home. All in all, it was a great birthday for Ben and a lot of fun for all of us. We got to hang out with family, play in the water, and the boys even got to play in the arcade for a few minutes at the end.
On a side note, despite Lily's apparent nervousness about trick or treating last night, she certainly got the idea. As we walked past the stairs this morning (where we went up and down to get to the trick or treating stations), Lily kept saying "more treat" and pointing up. She was ready to go again and get more candy! Boy, will she be happy when its really Halloween!
Lily enjoying a snack by the side of the water slides
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The Great Wolf Lodge
Note: I am having a hard time uploading pictures to Flickr right now. I will add pictures tomorrow.
As I am typing, all three kids are sound asleep in the "kid cabin" of our room at the Great Wolf Lodge. Lily was pretty excited to share a room with the boys for the first time ever. I must say, they are so cute all asleep in there. Despite the excitement, they kids fell asleep pretty quickly. They all had a full day.
We woke up this morning and hung out at my parents for a while. Lily had a blast dancing to the kids music on my iphone. Despite having not watched the show, she appears to be a big fan of the Wiggles, especially "Fruit Salad." She was so cute dancing - her dancing kind of reminded me of that of Elaine on Seinfeld. I know Elaine was a bad dancer, but those bad dancing moved looked adorable on a 2 year old!
We stayed at my parents house until after lunch. The boys were so anxious to get to the GWL - Ben dressed in his bathing suit in the morning and Dylan changed into his mid-morning. We finally arrived around 1:30 and quickly made our way to the water park. The boys dove right in - heading for the water slides. For a while, Jeff and I swapped of hanging out with Lily and going down the slides with the boys. Lily just wasn't very interested in any part of the water park, not even the little kid wading area. I'm not sure what we'll do tomorrow.
After dinner, we had an unexpected treat that we learned about at check in. As part of the GWL's Halloween celebration, kids can trick or treat around the hotel each evening. We hadn't brought costumes with us, but luckily Ben got a fireman and Batman costume from one set of grandparents for his birthday AND I just happened to have bought Lily pink skeleton pajamas at the Gymboree outlet today. So, the kids were able to trick or treat in costume.
The skeleton, the fireman, and batman
Lily was a little shy and overwhelmed by the act of trick or treating, but she did go up to a few of the people they had around the hotel. She never said trick or treat, but she did get (and eat) candy and said thank you. Immediately after thank you, she ran back to be picked up by me!
The evening ended with the little musical animated show in the lobby and story time. Lily LOVED the animated show. She kept asking for more, so we will probably try to get to the lobby for her to see it again in the morning. After story time, it was back to the room and bed for the kiddos!
Lily checking out the creatures in the lobby show
All in all, I think Ben is really enjoying his birthday. He loves the water slides so much - Dylan got kind of tired of them, but Ben never does. I think he's having a lot more fun here than he would at a party.
As I am typing, all three kids are sound asleep in the "kid cabin" of our room at the Great Wolf Lodge. Lily was pretty excited to share a room with the boys for the first time ever. I must say, they are so cute all asleep in there. Despite the excitement, they kids fell asleep pretty quickly. They all had a full day.
We woke up this morning and hung out at my parents for a while. Lily had a blast dancing to the kids music on my iphone. Despite having not watched the show, she appears to be a big fan of the Wiggles, especially "Fruit Salad." She was so cute dancing - her dancing kind of reminded me of that of Elaine on Seinfeld. I know Elaine was a bad dancer, but those bad dancing moved looked adorable on a 2 year old!
We stayed at my parents house until after lunch. The boys were so anxious to get to the GWL - Ben dressed in his bathing suit in the morning and Dylan changed into his mid-morning. We finally arrived around 1:30 and quickly made our way to the water park. The boys dove right in - heading for the water slides. For a while, Jeff and I swapped of hanging out with Lily and going down the slides with the boys. Lily just wasn't very interested in any part of the water park, not even the little kid wading area. I'm not sure what we'll do tomorrow.
After dinner, we had an unexpected treat that we learned about at check in. As part of the GWL's Halloween celebration, kids can trick or treat around the hotel each evening. We hadn't brought costumes with us, but luckily Ben got a fireman and Batman costume from one set of grandparents for his birthday AND I just happened to have bought Lily pink skeleton pajamas at the Gymboree outlet today. So, the kids were able to trick or treat in costume.
The skeleton, the fireman, and batman
Lily was a little shy and overwhelmed by the act of trick or treating, but she did go up to a few of the people they had around the hotel. She never said trick or treat, but she did get (and eat) candy and said thank you. Immediately after thank you, she ran back to be picked up by me!
The evening ended with the little musical animated show in the lobby and story time. Lily LOVED the animated show. She kept asking for more, so we will probably try to get to the lobby for her to see it again in the morning. After story time, it was back to the room and bed for the kiddos!
Lily checking out the creatures in the lobby show
All in all, I think Ben is really enjoying his birthday. He loves the water slides so much - Dylan got kind of tired of them, but Ben never does. I think he's having a lot more fun here than he would at a party.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Happy Birthday to Ben!
Happy 7th Birthday to Ben! I can't believe he's seven years old - it seems like just yesterday I was in the hospital with him. I had no idea what to do with such a tiny baby and was so terrified to bring him home. I started to write a birthday letter to Ben, but I just couldn't think of the words to do it. Ben - when you read this someday just know that I love you beyond words and am so proud of the boy you have become. You have had to work a lot harder than most other kids at many things but you are are such a sweet, smart boy with a great sense of humor.
Ben had a great birthday. It kind of started yesterday when I took him to get his birthday present from Jeff and I - a new bike. I was very skeptical, but the bike shop tried to convince me that I really should get him a bike with hand brakes and 7 speeds. I brought him to the store yesterday and he was totally fine with the brakes. He needed some practice, but it was obvious he could handle it. So, he got a very cool mountain bike. Today, he mastered the bike, speeds and all. I am so proud of him.
Today we went to my parents house for a family birthday party. In the afternoon, we drove to the college campus where the kids had a blast running around in the sunken garden. Lily was a little grumpy b/c she fell asleep in the car and woke up in the stroller, but she came out of her funk at the end.
Dylan with a statue of James Blair, the first president of W&M
Ben & Jeff with the same statue
The kids playing in the sunken garden
I think this picture is so funny - it looks like Ben is giving my dad a shoulder ride!
In case you can't read the sticker Ben is wearing, it says "I am the boss because today is my birthday!" He had made himself one on notebook paper that he wanted to wear, but I convinced him to transfer the message to something smaller!
We returned to my parents house for pizza dinner (Ben's choice). My sister and niece also joined us. The kids had a blast goofing around and being mischievous. The mint-chip ice cream cake was a big hit and Ben got some fun presents.
The brothers checking out the birthday napkins
The birthday boy with the yellow wig
Blowing out the candles
Enjoying his cake
Lily singing along to twinkle twinkle waiting for the party to start!
Now, for the real reason for the birthday trip to my parents - tomorrow morning we will be leaving early for the 5 minute drive to...the Gr*at W*lf Lodge! Ben chose a night here with our family in lieu of having a party with friends from school. Both boys are beyond themselves with excitement. They had a fantastic time there when we visited last winter and have been talking about the slides non-stop. I am a little nervous b/c when we were here I tore my calf muscle 1 hour into our visit! It was a fluke accident, but its still on my mind!
Before leaving home this morning, Ben and Lily got a hold of my camera. I was upstairs, but Jeff said Lily was quite the ham for Ben. This is obvious from the pictures. Here is a sample of the work of my 7 year old budding photographer!
A final Happy Birthday to my big 7 year old!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Ben had a great birthday. It kind of started yesterday when I took him to get his birthday present from Jeff and I - a new bike. I was very skeptical, but the bike shop tried to convince me that I really should get him a bike with hand brakes and 7 speeds. I brought him to the store yesterday and he was totally fine with the brakes. He needed some practice, but it was obvious he could handle it. So, he got a very cool mountain bike. Today, he mastered the bike, speeds and all. I am so proud of him.
Today we went to my parents house for a family birthday party. In the afternoon, we drove to the college campus where the kids had a blast running around in the sunken garden. Lily was a little grumpy b/c she fell asleep in the car and woke up in the stroller, but she came out of her funk at the end.
Dylan with a statue of James Blair, the first president of W&M
Ben & Jeff with the same statue
The kids playing in the sunken garden
I think this picture is so funny - it looks like Ben is giving my dad a shoulder ride!
In case you can't read the sticker Ben is wearing, it says "I am the boss because today is my birthday!" He had made himself one on notebook paper that he wanted to wear, but I convinced him to transfer the message to something smaller!
We returned to my parents house for pizza dinner (Ben's choice). My sister and niece also joined us. The kids had a blast goofing around and being mischievous. The mint-chip ice cream cake was a big hit and Ben got some fun presents.
The brothers checking out the birthday napkins
The birthday boy with the yellow wig
Blowing out the candles
Enjoying his cake
Lily singing along to twinkle twinkle waiting for the party to start!
Now, for the real reason for the birthday trip to my parents - tomorrow morning we will be leaving early for the 5 minute drive to...the Gr*at W*lf Lodge! Ben chose a night here with our family in lieu of having a party with friends from school. Both boys are beyond themselves with excitement. They had a fantastic time there when we visited last winter and have been talking about the slides non-stop. I am a little nervous b/c when we were here I tore my calf muscle 1 hour into our visit! It was a fluke accident, but its still on my mind!
Before leaving home this morning, Ben and Lily got a hold of my camera. I was upstairs, but Jeff said Lily was quite the ham for Ben. This is obvious from the pictures. Here is a sample of the work of my 7 year old budding photographer!
A final Happy Birthday to my big 7 year old!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
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