Halloween 2010

Eva decided months ago she wanted to dress as Princess Alexa from Barbie and the Diamond Castle (one of her favorite movies). She even picked out the purple sparkle fabric. My mom made both their costumes again-thanks Gamma!! Dylan didn't understand the whole Halloween concept until we were actually trick-or treating. Then he really got into it! Many families in our neighborhood go all out with the spooky, haunted decor complete with fog machines and music. Last year, Eva wouldn't go near those houses, but this year she was loving it. Wasn't sure how Dylan would react, but he had fun. A few times he just needed someone to hold his hand. Eva has decided we need to decorate our house "scary", which I'm excited about since my family did the same thing when we were kids. Our haunted houses were always a fun, family affair. One year my mom was the Clown from "It" and scared the daylights out of my high school friends!! I don't think we'll be doing anything too scary until they're a little older, but hopefully we can carry on the 'tradition'.

Dylan's First Day of "School"

Dylan loved his first day at Son Shine School! Whew! As you can see in the photos he was actually excited this morning! We visited his classroom yesterday to get acquainted and his lip started quivering when he thought I was leaving him. So the rest of the day we really talked up the 'big boy' aspect of it. Last night, he was excited to pack his lunch and get his giant backpack ready just like Sissy, but I was unsure how he would react when it was actually time for me to leave. I was prepared to pry him from my legs... but to my pleasant surprise he was fine. A little shy, but overall I felt pretty good when I drove off. I didn't get the same report from him as I do from Eva, but he did tell me he had fun except for naptime. He even wants to return tomorrow, but he'll have to spend the day with mommy instead. Hope he's not too disappointed.

Eva was so excited to have her brother at school with her. She was a little hyper when I dropped her off at class. Turns out she was 'energetic' all day and also got her first 'yellow' (warning) for screaming in class. She and her little girlfriends can get pretty loud. Eva vows to never get a 'yellow' again. We shall see.

In case you're wondering....mommy was fine. I of course missed my babies and at first didn't know what to do with all my time. Then I remembered all the unfinished projects I have laying around. It's amazing what can be accomplished without interruptions!. :) It's so bittersweet-watching my babies grow up into confident and independent individuals. Sniff-Sniff.

Trip to Branson

(catching up today)
About a month ago, we took a trip to Branson with my mom. We'd never been and I figured it would be fun to try something different. We all had a wonderful time-it was definitely a nice change of pace!!

Some highlights of our vacation:

• Silver Dollar City- Dylan rode his first roller coaster with mommy! They didn't allow loose items so I don't have video like Keith has of Eva. Just as well-I'm sure I would've dropped the camcorder. He didn't express any emotion or answer when asked if he liked it. We got our answer when he asked to ride again the second day. Keith and I rode 3 different roller coasters in a row and a GIANT swing. While we still enjoy thrill rides, our bodies reminded us that we're in our mid 30's, not 20's!
• The "Fire-Water Show/Eva's Variety Act" at Branson Landing. Eva faced the crowd and danced during the entire show. At the end, she bowed. At this point I don't even try to stop her.
  
• The quaint flea markets and antique shops on every corner.
  
• Acrobats of China "New Shanghai Circus"-INCREDIBLE TALENT! We were blown away. Held Dylan's attention for almost 2 hours!
• Andy's Frozen Custard-YUMMY!
• Table Rock Dam and Fish Hatchery (where Dylan nearly fell in). We all enjoyed feeding the trout.
• The scenery, clean mountain air and hospitality!

Back to School

After a short bout with a summer cold, we're back into our 'school' routine. Eva missed her first ballet class, but she was able to go last week and loved it. Most of you know how much she loves performing for everyone she meets...but being a free spirit, I wasn't sure she would like taking direction- and not having the spotlight on just her (She's already asking when she will get to "dance ballet in front of all the people on a big stage"). Guess time will tell. Her teacher keeps the blinds closed to minimize distractions, so I didn't get to see very much. From what I did see (all the parents took turns peeking through the cracks), she seemed to be enjoying it. They're so cute!! The second photo in her ballet clothes, I asked her to show me something she learned and that was her pose. I said 'Wow, that's what you learned today?" She replied, "No, I just like doing that"


Eva still loves SonShine School even though some of her friends are in the other Pre-K class. Her teacher already commented on how energetic and enthusiastic she is...which I'm hoping doesn't get her into trouble later. She'll attend three days a week, with cooking and Spanish added this year. Between school, stretch-n-grow (a gym class) and ballet, she will be one busy little girl!




On a side note---while Eva was at school, Dylan and I were playing with the Thomas train set. He's having a great time linking all the cars together and having the track all to himself.

I ask, "Do you miss Sissy?"
He says "Yes"
I say, "that's sweet Dylan- you love her, don't you?"
He replies"yes, love sissy."
I ask.."so, are you ready to pick her up from school?"
He says, with a grin "No"
Of course, when it was time to pick her up, he was super excited. I think he figured out that playing 'monsters' and 'safari' with mommy wasn't quite the same as playing with big sister. ;0)

Best Buds

Some days it seems like all the kids do is fight. (now I know why my mom would ask for Calgon to 'take her away'....hee, hee). So when they're getting along, I like to snap a quick photo as a reminder that they do in fact love one another.

Capturing the Essence of Dylan

Ah, the joys of living with a 2 1/2 year old. Longing to be independent one minute ('no, I do it' is a constant refrain in our house) and seeking refuge in mommy's arms the next. (which of course I don't mind). Although Dylan loves to try our patience, he continues to amaze us, make us laugh and warm our hearts. His language continues to develop and improve and we are so proud of the progress he's made. The speech therapist says it won't be long before he is talking as much as his sister. (not sure that will be a good thing though..lol)

Dylan is all boy and reminds me so much of my brothers at that age, especially when he sneaks up on Eva, snatches her Barbie, runs away and then comes crying to me 'Sissy hit'. Brings back memories.

He still enjoys playing with cars, trucks, trains and planes. He loves books, pretend play with Eva, cuddling with any of us including the cats, dancing, climbing, playing with his new, overpriced Buzz Lightyear and having his back rubbed by mama or dada. (evidently, asking for backrubs is common for little boys- my brothers did the same thing and I recently learned that Keith and Alan did as well...sorry guys :))

Here are some photos of the many faces of Dylan...happy 30 months to our little man.

Karma?

I'm sure I'm being paid back for any time I caused my parents grief....just had to document the most embarrassing moment as a parent thus far. Took Eva to the doctor for an asthma consult (that's another story). The only appt available with the specialist was during Dylan's regular nap. We all know how much Dylan likes his sleep. But, I'm optimistic and pray that he can last and the visit is quick. -NO SUCH LUCK- We waited over 30 minutes in the exam room, and after reading every book twice, coloring, playing I spy and talking to Mickey and Ariel on the phone, they'd had enough. When the doctor walked in, you'd think my children were raised by monkeys! Eva starts laughing and jumping up and down...and naturally, Dylan follows suit. Then out of no where, Dylan throws his toy phone across the room. Dylan was put in time out -twice. While on the exam table, Eva who is wearing a dress without shorts underneath, pulls up her dress and kicks her legs in the air. Then the kids start fighting over a pack of gum that Dylan found while rummaging through my purse behind my back. All the while, the doctor was so patient. I'm sure she thinks I need Supernanny to visit my house. I of course comment that it's naptime and that's why my kids are literally bouncing off the walls. (so now I'm making excuses for my child's behavior). Finally, we're done and I try to hightail it out of there, but Dylan has a meltdown at the water fountain because he didn't get to push the button first. We leave with Eva crying because she didn't get a sticker and Dylan kicking and screaming about who knows what. Thankfully, they both took 2 1/2 hr naps when we got home, so I guess they really were tired...or it's payback. Surely, I was never that 'bad'. :)

More Water Fun

Took some pics of the monkeys drinking water from their shovels. (we washed them first...although they've both eaten dirt and sand before...) For some reason, Eva thinks it's hilarious to spit the water back out...lovely. Not very becoming of a "princess" in her rainbow sundress! My apologies for the extreme close-up.

Beating the Heat

The kids, especially Eva, love getting wet either in the pool, with the splash table, sprinkler or the water hose. I don't know why I don't just dress them in swimsuits every day. It never fails, they end up soaked. I snapped some photos last week of Keith hosing them down. Dylan got splashed in the face, and as you can see was not happy. Is it bad that I took a picture before comforting him?! I couldn't resist. :)