The day after our Williamsburg excursion, I went on Savvy's first field trip with her. We went to a farm and she got to pick her own pumpkin and do a hayride and all that fun farm stuff. Yee haw!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Good pick!
The day after our Williamsburg excursion, I went on Savvy's first field trip with her. We went to a farm and she got to pick her own pumpkin and do a hayride and all that fun farm stuff. Yee haw!
Make new friends, but keep the old!
A couple weeks ago, my friend, Mandi (of 20 years!) was visiting up north, so we met up in Williamsburg for an afternoon. It was a blast. Our kids our so close in age, and just had a ball together. It was a little surreal - we kept saying, do all these kids really belong to us?! No way! Thanks for visiting us, guys!!!
The planning committee - hillarious!
Sydney and Savannah had fun singing in the church in Williamsburg
The planning committee - hillarious!
Sydney and Savannah had fun singing in the church in Williamsburg
Sunday, October 28, 2007
MR. Mom Part II
Friday
Well after surviving Thursday Trevor came in about 7:45am Friday morning and got me up. Savannah was still sleeping so I quickly put together his lunch on a leftover hamburger bun and threw in a banana on the edge of ripeness. I threw Savannah over my shoulder and headed to the school. I walked Trevor to the door with Savannah still half asleep on my shoulder. She reminded me later that she shouldn't have to wear shoes outside because I had taken her out earlier in the day without them. Savannah and I returned to the house both still in our pajamas and headed straight back to bed. I slept for the next hour while Savannah had control of the remote. I finally got out of bed ready for Brooke to be home.
I dialed into a conference call and it was so interesting that Savannah and I re-organized her entire doll house. After I finished she was inspecting the placement and said "you do a much better job than Trevor" I thanked her for the compliment and we played for a while longer. We ate lunch and then picked up Trevor from school. Trevor was struggling with some Asthma so I was checking him constantly. Finally I was able to talk with a nurse and she provided some needed help. He slowly got better throughout the day. We made dinner and then headed to church. We attended the baptisms for two new members of our congregation. The kids were so reverent despite almost 2 hours of talks. They sat by each other sang the songs together and were really great. I was so proud of them I told them I would reward them with Slurpees but it would have to wait until Saturday. We came home and I put them to bed. To top off the day the realtor called to tell me someone would be showing the house Saturday between 2:30 and 4:30. I could hear Brooke's voice in the back of my head as she flew out of town "please take good care of our kids and make sure the house is as nice as I would have it look if I were here" did I mention thats a tall order. So I was up last night getting the kitchen ready.
Saturday
We got up this morning made green colored pancakes and then started the cleaning process. Trevor was a great help, he vacuumed the entire house while singing bomboleo and other selected Spanish tunes on the ipod. For some reason both of us really get motivated by strapping on the nano. His sister also cleaned up her room while I cleaned all the bathrooms, shined the hardwood floor and mopped the kitchen. It has rained for the last 4 days so we abandoned the fence project. We left the house at 2 and headed to the Purple Cow (A burger joint that serves purple ice cream)for lunch. Then we headed to the Aquarium. The kids played in the submarine section and Trevor was finally brave enough to touch the live stingrays. Savannah walked around the entire day with her pink rain boots and only one sock. She claimed that due to a small laceration on one foot it needed protection while inside the boot. She seemed fine with the set up and even walked through a few puddles to test them out. Our evening was uneventful following the Aquarium. Baths, dinner, and then bedtime routine. I watched the 3rd game of the world series and now I am so tired and ready for bed. Only two more days. I will keep you posted.
Well after surviving Thursday Trevor came in about 7:45am Friday morning and got me up. Savannah was still sleeping so I quickly put together his lunch on a leftover hamburger bun and threw in a banana on the edge of ripeness. I threw Savannah over my shoulder and headed to the school. I walked Trevor to the door with Savannah still half asleep on my shoulder. She reminded me later that she shouldn't have to wear shoes outside because I had taken her out earlier in the day without them. Savannah and I returned to the house both still in our pajamas and headed straight back to bed. I slept for the next hour while Savannah had control of the remote. I finally got out of bed ready for Brooke to be home.
I dialed into a conference call and it was so interesting that Savannah and I re-organized her entire doll house. After I finished she was inspecting the placement and said "you do a much better job than Trevor" I thanked her for the compliment and we played for a while longer. We ate lunch and then picked up Trevor from school. Trevor was struggling with some Asthma so I was checking him constantly. Finally I was able to talk with a nurse and she provided some needed help. He slowly got better throughout the day. We made dinner and then headed to church. We attended the baptisms for two new members of our congregation. The kids were so reverent despite almost 2 hours of talks. They sat by each other sang the songs together and were really great. I was so proud of them I told them I would reward them with Slurpees but it would have to wait until Saturday. We came home and I put them to bed. To top off the day the realtor called to tell me someone would be showing the house Saturday between 2:30 and 4:30. I could hear Brooke's voice in the back of my head as she flew out of town "please take good care of our kids and make sure the house is as nice as I would have it look if I were here" did I mention thats a tall order. So I was up last night getting the kitchen ready.
Saturday
We got up this morning made green colored pancakes and then started the cleaning process. Trevor was a great help, he vacuumed the entire house while singing bomboleo and other selected Spanish tunes on the ipod. For some reason both of us really get motivated by strapping on the nano. His sister also cleaned up her room while I cleaned all the bathrooms, shined the hardwood floor and mopped the kitchen. It has rained for the last 4 days so we abandoned the fence project. We left the house at 2 and headed to the Purple Cow (A burger joint that serves purple ice cream)for lunch. Then we headed to the Aquarium. The kids played in the submarine section and Trevor was finally brave enough to touch the live stingrays. Savannah walked around the entire day with her pink rain boots and only one sock. She claimed that due to a small laceration on one foot it needed protection while inside the boot. She seemed fine with the set up and even walked through a few puddles to test them out. Our evening was uneventful following the Aquarium. Baths, dinner, and then bedtime routine. I watched the 3rd game of the world series and now I am so tired and ready for bed. Only two more days. I will keep you posted.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Mr. Mom
WEDNESDAY
Brooke left for Texas Wednesday at noon and I was given full responsibility for the care and feeding of the kids, maintenance of the cars, shopping for the meals, and all the other things that Brooke usually does when she is here that I am in no way qualified to execute. I enjoyed attending Ballet and Tap class with Savannah while Trevor had his first solo field trip (the first one without his mother). He was excited while Brooke had anxiety all day. He had a great time and I discovered that he also committed his first felony. While on location he decided he would pocket a souvenir from the Francis Land House. I found the treasure in his pocket and started asking a few questions. He quickly realized I was asking because "stealing" isn't something we practice. After our discussion he decided he would take back the stolen item. Everyone had a bath after working in the yard during a rain storm. We got ready for bed and I was reminded of my shortcomings by both children. Both were crying and expressing displeasure with my parenting as well as a desire for the return of their mother. Finally they both went to sleep and I settled into to laundry. I was up all night with Savannah whining. Brooke usually gets up with the kids so that I can sleep. At about 2:30 in the morning I too was crying and expressing my desire for Brooke's return.
THURSDAY
The next morning I quickly learned that Tuesdays and Thursdays are the busiest days for the kids. (While most of you will consider my day easy, it is not for a rookie) First you have to get both kids up and dressed. There are additional requirements that include matching shoes, socks and hair accessories for Savannah, Trevor has to quadruple-knot his shoe laces because triple knotting doesn't quite work all the time. This simple process without hiccups takes at least 10 min. Yesterday after about 9 min I realized we should already be in the car and that I had missed a step. I decided I would do Savannah's hair in the car when we got a chance. We quickly ate breakfast and then loaded into the car. It has been raining since Brooke left so we had to use umbrellas for all transit to and from the car. After Trevor directed me on the plan of the day and I had dropped him off I proceeded to Pre-school. After I turned on a road Savannah didn't recognize I hear a voice from the back seat say "do you have the GPS"? I said "no, your mom took it to Texas". Silent pause and palpable anxiety that Dad probably can't figure out where he's going. I quickly tell her I have a built in GPS and that we will be just fine. She's unsure but has no choice. We finally make it to preschool after only one wrong turn (the internal GPS put us in the wrong lane). We decide to do her hair while sitting in the parking lot. She doesn't last 3 brushes before she is begging for Mom who apparently does it softer than I do. I drop her off successfully and I am ready to celebrate only I have more items from "the list" that I have to complete.
I head over to the Car dealership, they do the necessary maintenance while I worked in the Lobby(I love free wireless internet). I headed into work for a few minutes and then back to pick Savannah up. She is waiting for me at the door with a big smile. She jumps in and tells me all about her day. (I found out later she saved all the good stuff for her mom on the phone). We decided on Sonic for lunch. She got a corndog and a cranberry limeade. She was in heaven. I dragged her back to my work and she got some cookies from the directors admin assistant. We left in time to pick up Trevor from school and then headed home. We played some games and then went shopping for some food. Both kids wanted to sit in the cart so I ended up with two carts one with each kid. Since we only needed 3 items and two carts I couldn't push both of them. I decided to have one kid hold onto the other cart and I would pull them both. This created a shopping cart train. The problem was we took up twice the real-estate and I was unable to keep an eye on both kids. Half way through our experience both kids are giggling and I am oblivious I just think they are having a fun time. Then I realize after a quick scan of the cart that I have additional items (A fish rub seasoning, some Halloween cookies) and they are loading more things. We put them back (Trevor is going crazy because I put them back in different spots because I couldn't go back to where they lifted the items)and then check out. Back at home we make spaghetti and then get ready for bed again. I am exhausted at this point and Trevor says Dad I really need my school T-shirt for tomorrow. I tell him I don't think I can do any more but I will try. I end up folding all the laundry from the night before and falling asleep during the world series. What a day. Brooke we love you and we are all looking forward to your return. We hope you have a great trip with Kim and the Lady bugs.
Brooke left for Texas Wednesday at noon and I was given full responsibility for the care and feeding of the kids, maintenance of the cars, shopping for the meals, and all the other things that Brooke usually does when she is here that I am in no way qualified to execute. I enjoyed attending Ballet and Tap class with Savannah while Trevor had his first solo field trip (the first one without his mother). He was excited while Brooke had anxiety all day. He had a great time and I discovered that he also committed his first felony. While on location he decided he would pocket a souvenir from the Francis Land House. I found the treasure in his pocket and started asking a few questions. He quickly realized I was asking because "stealing" isn't something we practice. After our discussion he decided he would take back the stolen item. Everyone had a bath after working in the yard during a rain storm. We got ready for bed and I was reminded of my shortcomings by both children. Both were crying and expressing displeasure with my parenting as well as a desire for the return of their mother. Finally they both went to sleep and I settled into to laundry. I was up all night with Savannah whining. Brooke usually gets up with the kids so that I can sleep. At about 2:30 in the morning I too was crying and expressing my desire for Brooke's return.
THURSDAY
The next morning I quickly learned that Tuesdays and Thursdays are the busiest days for the kids. (While most of you will consider my day easy, it is not for a rookie) First you have to get both kids up and dressed. There are additional requirements that include matching shoes, socks and hair accessories for Savannah, Trevor has to quadruple-knot his shoe laces because triple knotting doesn't quite work all the time. This simple process without hiccups takes at least 10 min. Yesterday after about 9 min I realized we should already be in the car and that I had missed a step. I decided I would do Savannah's hair in the car when we got a chance. We quickly ate breakfast and then loaded into the car. It has been raining since Brooke left so we had to use umbrellas for all transit to and from the car. After Trevor directed me on the plan of the day and I had dropped him off I proceeded to Pre-school. After I turned on a road Savannah didn't recognize I hear a voice from the back seat say "do you have the GPS"? I said "no, your mom took it to Texas". Silent pause and palpable anxiety that Dad probably can't figure out where he's going. I quickly tell her I have a built in GPS and that we will be just fine. She's unsure but has no choice. We finally make it to preschool after only one wrong turn (the internal GPS put us in the wrong lane). We decide to do her hair while sitting in the parking lot. She doesn't last 3 brushes before she is begging for Mom who apparently does it softer than I do. I drop her off successfully and I am ready to celebrate only I have more items from "the list" that I have to complete.
I head over to the Car dealership, they do the necessary maintenance while I worked in the Lobby(I love free wireless internet). I headed into work for a few minutes and then back to pick Savannah up. She is waiting for me at the door with a big smile. She jumps in and tells me all about her day. (I found out later she saved all the good stuff for her mom on the phone). We decided on Sonic for lunch. She got a corndog and a cranberry limeade. She was in heaven. I dragged her back to my work and she got some cookies from the directors admin assistant. We left in time to pick up Trevor from school and then headed home. We played some games and then went shopping for some food. Both kids wanted to sit in the cart so I ended up with two carts one with each kid. Since we only needed 3 items and two carts I couldn't push both of them. I decided to have one kid hold onto the other cart and I would pull them both. This created a shopping cart train. The problem was we took up twice the real-estate and I was unable to keep an eye on both kids. Half way through our experience both kids are giggling and I am oblivious I just think they are having a fun time. Then I realize after a quick scan of the cart that I have additional items (A fish rub seasoning, some Halloween cookies) and they are loading more things. We put them back (Trevor is going crazy because I put them back in different spots because I couldn't go back to where they lifted the items)and then check out. Back at home we make spaghetti and then get ready for bed again. I am exhausted at this point and Trevor says Dad I really need my school T-shirt for tomorrow. I tell him I don't think I can do any more but I will try. I end up folding all the laundry from the night before and falling asleep during the world series. What a day. Brooke we love you and we are all looking forward to your return. We hope you have a great trip with Kim and the Lady bugs.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
DC and Boston
A few weeks ago, we went on a road trip! My in-laws met us in DC for a White House tour. It was in the evening, so the pics aren't great, but here are a few. It was really neat to see the oval office, and we loved seeing the press briefing room (which was MUCH smaller than I had guessed it would be). I also liked that there were current photographs of the pres. and vice pres. up and down the hallways. They change them out often to show the recent events. The fresh flowers were also gorgeous. How fun would it be to be the florist for the White House!? Thanks to Ashkii's parents for this great opportunity!
From the White House, the six of us piled into the Pilot on an adventure to Boston. Ashkii's sister, Daija and her hubby Jonathan, recently moved there for dental school. It was a fun trip. We are still laughing about how Ashkii's dad was tired of sitting and so he turned around on his knees in the passenger seat. There are a lot of toll booths on the way up north, and one of the booth attendants was a little surprised to see Grandpa's position as we pulled up to the booth. He is too funny. We had a lot of "Goldy" luck with traffic and the trains in Boston. It was actually funny how many things kept happening . . . a fire on the train line, a medical emergency on the train. Then, on our "Duck" tour, our duck wouldn't start, so we had to switch. My dad has passed his curse onto me, apparently. Boston was BEAUTIFUL - I loved the city and Daija's place was so charming and fun. We ate dinner outside at a great seafood place - Ashkii and his dad loved the lobster, and Trevor was intrigued with it as usual. We all loved the Duck tour - amphibious vehicles you tour the city on by land and water. Trev got to drive for a minute and loved that. I also loved seeing Jonathan's dental school lab. It almost made me want to go back to school. We (of course) fit in a game of settlers and oh, and the picture of me in front of "Cheers" is for you, Dad. The fall foliage was beautiful, and we had an amazing time! So, thanks D & J for showing us around Boston and letting us crash your pad. We look forward to more fun times in bean town!!!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Trevor's poem
Trevor came home after the first few weeks of school talking about how much he loves "poms." I finally figured out that his cute teacher has a slight southern accent, and Trevor meant poems. Each week his class works on reciting a poem together, and this is his favorite so far.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Priceless
Black camisole leotard: $17
Pink dance tights: $9
Tap shoes: $2 (score!)
Ballet shoes: on loan for free (thanks, melissa!)
Savannah's face for a full hour of dance class: Priceless!!!
She has been a few times now, and counts down the days until each Wednesday. She literally just grins and waves at me from the studio the entire time. Then she "practices" all week and "plays" dance class, where she is the teacher and student simultaneously, which is really entertaining to observe! There is never a dull moment with Savvy. Here are some pics with some of her dance buddies.
Pink dance tights: $9
Tap shoes: $2 (score!)
Ballet shoes: on loan for free (thanks, melissa!)
Savannah's face for a full hour of dance class: Priceless!!!
She has been a few times now, and counts down the days until each Wednesday. She literally just grins and waves at me from the studio the entire time. Then she "practices" all week and "plays" dance class, where she is the teacher and student simultaneously, which is really entertaining to observe! There is never a dull moment with Savvy. Here are some pics with some of her dance buddies.
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