A Haircut for Ezra

Ezra got his first professional haircut today. He did great! He listened very well and really seemed to enjoy it. The place we took him specializes in kids haircuts. He got to sit in a plane seat and received a balloon and a free ice cream afterward. What a lucky boy! Here's a before, during, and after:

Channeling Dr. Seuss

We spent the past weekend in Kentucky, moving a few things to our new apartment and trying to decorate a bit before the big move next month. The biggest thing we accomplished this weekend was the mural in the kids' bedroom: Christina got it about 80% finished. I spent most of the time taking the kids around the area and trying to be Mr. Mom to the best of my ability. The kids had a blast running around the empty apartment--their bedroom is about the size of our entire apartment right now--and never tired of opening the screen door and searching for bugs on the balcony. 

Here's some pictures of the mural, from beginning to (almost) end. 

Preliminary Sketch

Swomee Swans

Grass, Sky, and a Truffula Tree

One broken neck, two paint stains on the new carpet, and a severe relapse into a Pepsi habit later:

Here's a size comparison.

P.S. Casey, where were you? Christina could have used your help! I thought for sure your sibling ESP would have kicked in and you would have known she was in need. How disappointing.

Funny things this week.

1) Listening to this conversation: 

(Annika) "Woof."

(Ezra) "Annika, you're a people!"

(Annika) "Woof." 

(Ezra) "Annika, you're a people!"

(Annika) "Woof."

(Ezra) "Annika, you're a people!"

(Annika) "Woof."

(Dad) "Annika can be a dog if she wants."

(Ezra) "Annika, are you a dog or a people?"

(Annika) "Woof."

(Ezra) "No, Annika, you're a people."

(Annika) "Woof."

(Ezra) "Annika, do you want to be a people or a doggie?"

(Annika) "Doggie."

(Ezra) "No, you're a people. Want to be a people Annika?"

(Annika) "Woof."

2) The Depeche Mode poster. We have been cleaning up, getting ready to move. Christina has kept a Depeche Mode poster from about 1988, but we finally decided it was time to get rid of it. So now it is sitting in our living room, and Annika has been very interested in it. She constantly asks, "Who is this?" and the other day we caught her kissing all of the guys on the poster. It was sort of funny, but at the same time an awful, awful sign of things to come. 

3) Last night we were fortunate enough to go on a date. Half way there I suddenly realized that we were listening to Caillou (and some of us were even singing along) so I quickly turned off the stereo. We both started laughing after realizing that Annika wasn't in the car and Caillou could be turned off. It's not very often that we don't have to listen to Caillou!

4) We have realized that awhile back we had a give away on the blog but never gave anything away! So since it's been so long, if you would like the pirate game, write a comment and we'll give it to you. First dibs go to Kayli and Tiffany who played along before. Then anyone who lives in driving distance since the thing is pretty heavy and I wouldn't want to pay to ship it. Sorry about the lameness of our giveaway trial post. We're lame but the prize is not. Oh and I should mention that the gold coins have lead in them or in the paint or something so it's not for kids to play with. Here's the loot:

Ezra's first pet!

Ezra found a beetle outside which he promptly picked up, carried around and announced his love for so we let him put him in a cage and keep as a pet. (Do beetles have a long shelf-life in a cage?? Let's hope so!) Ezra does not like to name things, he thinks cats names are kitty and dogs names are doggies and so on--so guess what the beetle's name is? Yep, it's Beetle. Can you tell by Ezra's face he is excited. 

Side note: Ezra's favorite book right now is Franklin's new pet in which Franklin wears down his parents into letting him pick out a pet at the pet store. He picks out a goldfish and all are happy. I'm pretty sure he thinks he's living the dream right about now. :)

P.S. Ezra really wants to know what Grandma and Grandpa thinks of his new pet.

The wheat grinder(s).

Jonathan and Ezra were using the wheat grinder this morning. It's sad but true that we have had the wheat grinder for a year and a half maybe and this is the first time we've used it. It's so easy to use (not to mention being cheaper and healthier than store bought white flour), that I don't think I'll buy regular flour again! Plus, I have a very tough wheat grinder who will always be willing to help. Now I am on to the journey of trying to make decent bread! (The above flour went into cookies. Ha!)

These days we are working and planning very hard to try to get all of our food storage needs. If anyone has any advice or tips on where to get what or best things to get for a three months supply or anything like that please email me or leave a comment! We feel a little clueless!

First swim day of the summer

I cannot believe it is already warm enough to do this. It seems like just yesterday it was winter. So crazy. The kids had a wonderful time playing outside with Dylan in the water. 

By the way, this will probably be the only time you get to see Annika in a bikini. Her daddy almost past out when he came home and saw this. What can I say? It was a hand me down and I had to try it on her! She looked pretty dang cute!