Boys Don't Grow Up

Their toys just get more expensive...

Joe has been asking me to post some pictures of his new dream car. It's a 2002 Lexus IS 300. He is forever tinkering with it in the garage. Or washing it. Or tearing around the neighborhood in it. Both our girls start asking for "revs" as soon as they are buckled into it. I don't really get it, but then - he doesn't get my thing for Baby Gap either. =)

Volunteering

Miss. Natalie has become the youngest volunteer at a "living history" museum. She and I give our time once or twice a month to represent a family of 10 that lived in a little 15X16 ft. cabin back in the 1850's. We tie on our work aprons and do our chores. Ali is great! The kids that come through are captivated by a little person their own age telling them what life was like over a hundred years ago. She is so enthusiastic - the kids really relate to her. We've become rather popular at the museum...

Ali is learning valuable lessons about history and the importance of volunteering and participating in her community. I am amazed at her level of retention - she remembers how the butter churn works, how to grind the coffee, gather the eggs, and facts about our historical family after not having been there in weeks. And we really have a lot of fun!

Ali grinds buckets of coffee. It's her favorite chore. When I asked her what her favorite chore is at home, she said she doesn't have one. Go figure!

This is the other chore Ali really likes. My favorite chore is sitting in the old rocker and supervising the kiddos... If you were hoping to see a picture of me in my pioneer dress, you'll have to be disappointed. I know why pioneer women always look so serious and unhappy in photographs - they knew how unflattering their dresses were. I choose to maintain some dignity.

Sink or Swim, Momma!!

I am reminded of that scene in "Finding Nemo" where Merlin says to his son, "You think you can do these things Nemo, but you just CAN'T!"

That was me today. Joe is out of town again so I thought we'd get all our playdatin' done. When he's home during the week it's difficult to have friends over because it's NOISY. And Daddy works from home...

So we invited Audrey and Natalie over. And then cousin James because his Mommy had errands to run and I thought, "what's one more?" I'm a crazy person.

The Princess Brigade and Prince Eric

The "Big Girls" working in the play kitchen and sharing their favorite recipes for chocolate cake and boiled eggs. (You didn't know there was a recipe for boiled eggs, did ya?)

Discussing princess matters...

The "Little Girls" being fairies. Natalie was "Pinkerbell" and Mia was "Monty" (? I don't know...)

Prince Eric's fancy shoes. Don't tell his Dad.

A Good Story

Just another morning... Ali is feeling a little under the weather so we are staying close to home today. She has spent the morning writing in a little journal and drawing pictures. She lined Mia and I up on the couch to read us her story which featured characters like "Sleeping Beauty Ali" and "Cinderella Mia". I was impressed until we got to the part where "Icky Witch Mommy" rode in on her magical broom and stole away the magic moraccas and nobody had fun ever again. I know every good story must have a villian, but.... Anyway, my favorite part by far was the ending, "And the kingdom, the power and the glory was theirs, forever and ever. Amen."

Ali is sharing her very long story...

Mia's preferred dress in the morning... is unique

Last night after bath they became a two-headed monster.