Here are some of the photos I never got around to posting in October.
These were taken at a local pumpkin patch. It was a beautiful day and we had lots of fun riding on the little 'pumpkin train' (incidentally the seats in said train were NOT designed for adult bottoms!) and walking through the corn maze and the spook house.(Miss A insisted we go through like, five times. One of the times as we were about to go through again a boy who looked to be about 8 came out crying. I couldn't help but wonder why it didn't bother A.) A tried out the miniature zip-line, which of course, she loved... adrenaline junkie.
Pumpkin cleaning. Mostly she just spread the "guts" on the outside of it, giving the pumpkin a "bath". A's red eye is often so nuts that I can't get rid of it.
These are pictures I took the day of A's Halloween party at preschool.
This is a picture taken at work on Halloween. It is the reason I left my camera there and didn't get any of my kids on Halloween night. Boo me. Oh well. My friend took a couple when we were at her house trick or treating. I was a 'Mod' girl, in case you were wondering. I was asked several times that day "Who's Maude?"
I am such a blog slacker. I think it's coming from my inability to balance my time. Also, I am freaking out a little because last week I started going back to work on Fridays. This means several things. It is the first time I've had to leave my baby with a sitter for the entire day. I have to get up early TWO mornings instead of just one, regardless of the amount of sleep I get. And when I say get up early I mean, get up early and have to get my butt and the small butts in gear and out the door. It's going to be an adjustment. The only positive that I can see is the added cash that I'll be making. I'm finding the whole 'baby at the sitter' thing a lot easier this time because her big sister is with her which I'm sure will make it less traumatizing and also because I LOVE the sitter we have lined up. I am fighting the urge to be pessimistic and think that it's too good to be true...
So. Here are some photos I've been wanting to post but I've been too lazy to get around to posting. They pretty much catch you up on the goings on of our family this summer.
Bathing Beauty
Miss A aka Fish
Ready to Bike!
Miss A never fell asleep in the highchair once. B does it frequently.
When wall climbing is easy, do it backwards!
Happiness is...
What I did on my summer Vacation
The Zoo
Riding Bobbi the Pony (led by an extremely unenthusiastic boy)
We are home from our Coldplay adventure. I call it an adventure because it involved a lot of jumping through hoops to get our kids settled and happy with their respective caregivers. Those hoops mostly involved packing and traveling since both girls LOVED who they were with. I feel satisfied and content today which is nice because it is common for me to experience post concert depression. (That may be Cure related) It may just be because I'm older now.
Where to begin? Our seats. Our seats we decent. Any of you familiar with the size of a hockey rink would understand the distance. While the band played where one net would sit we were sitting behind the net on the other side. If it had been a hockey game the seats would have been excellent. As it was, they were too far away to see facial expressions with the naked eye. Thank heaven for the screens. I was fascinated by the fans. Perhaps because I am used to this and the majority of the people at this concert looked like this only dressed down a little. Seriously it was the weirdest mix. There were A LOT of guys/men, for some reason I wasn't expecting that. There was a wide range of ages.
One thing almost everyone had in common was the desire to consume alcoholic beverages. I myself am not much of a drinker but I can solidly say that if I was I would abstain so that I could absorb Coldplay in full without the hindrance of intoxication. I mean, really. I think I can understand drinking at say, an ACDC concert or something. That kind of makes sense to me. Perhaps it lubes the joints for headbanging? But at a Coldplay concert? Is it really necessary? I don't think it is. By the end of the concert there were people stumbling (dancing) around in the floor seats and I am certain that they missed a great deal of the awesomeness.
The opening bands were Howling Bells and Snow Patrol. Howling Bells were AWESOME! I especially think Bon, AM and Beth would enjoy. Check this out! They unfortunately did not get projected on the screen so I had to rely on youtube once I got home to really see them. They did however have exaggerated rock star moves so that helped. Their sounds was kind of goth I thought which of course ranked them #1 for the opening bands in my book! Snow Patrol were good, not so much my thing, but undeniably talented. During this song which I'm most familiar with I kept expecting them to project images of Meredith and Derek making out or something. Even though I didn't totally dig them the lead singer (who looks remarkably like Jamie Kennedy) had this terrific smile which kinda melted my heart and made me like them more than I actually did.
Then it was time for Coldplay. The energy in the room was tangible. Electric. I wish I could remember every song they played and in which order but I can't so I'll just tell you about the most memorable parts... The crowd of course went nuts when they came on stage and they were even more amazing live than they sound on their albums. In fact, though admittedly I think that Viva La Vida is their weakest album and my least favorite, hearing them play songs from it live really turned me (and Peter, who I think actually used the word hate to describe how he felt about that album) around. We are both convinced that they have begun to write songs/albums that are meant to be played/heard live in a large venue. The album just doesn't do them justice.
I was very grateful for the screens which allowed me to appreciate the band and their mad skilz. (Those guys are ridiculously talented, it's no joke.) Sometimes the guys in charge got a little crazy though and the images flashed and changed so fast you couldn't really take them in. There were also lasers and other effects. If I happened to be susceptible to seizures I think I'm pretty sure I would have had one. They also had these really neat globe like screen which they also projected stuff on. It was pretty cool. At times when everyone was singing together it reminded me of soccer chanting. I remarked to Peter that there must have been more good singers than poor ones because everything sounded pretty good. I looked out into the sea of people and was frequently astounded.
Some of the high points... Yellow. It was completely dark and then as the song started yellow lights exploded on and they brought out a dozen enormous yellow balloons which the crowd began to bat around. (I found the balloons a tad annoying, um excuse me, I can't see Chris Martin!) I was astounded by the amount of energy that Chris Martin has. I'm not sure if it's an act but he seems pretty uncoordinated too so he sort of flails himself around the stage and I was honestly concerned for his safety at some points. I really hope he does yoga or something to stay limber otherwise he's probably really sore the day after a show. They played a really bizarre set where they played a medley of songs from 'Parachutes' 80's style. There were also times when Chris would play his piano and get into these David Helfgott moments very similar to what you see here at 2:27 only minus the cigarette. Basically, he seemed a little nuts. And yet, for some reason, this made me love him more.
Are you ready for the best part? Are you? Is anyone still reading??? About an hour and a half into the concert I am nudged by my friend who is excitedly pointing off to the not so far distance. I follow her finger clueless and shrug, thinking "What could be so important that you have taken my attention from the stage!" And then she shouts "A microphone!" Oh! There is a microphone and they are taping off a small area, like 12 feet from where we were. A few minutes from then they began to run down off the stage and up towards us and the next thing we knew there they were, close enough to spit on. It was completely surreal. Seeing someone you've only ever seen in videos and interviews on television, standing right there in front of you. I just kept thinking, "Wow, he's a real and actual person and he's standing right there, breathing the same air. God, he has beautiful eyes." Among others, they sang this song, which I have always said was written about me. (totally flattering!) I also found myself thinking about his wife and his family and how they were so far away. It made me feel so grateful that my husband wasn't a rock star, that he was standing right there with me, holding my hand.
Something I anticipated was this part but I had no idea how it would make me feel when it happened. I don't understand why seeing a million little paper butterflies floating around that made my heart hurt but it did. This is probably the best quality video that best represents what it was like to be there, oh except for the Jay Z part. It was worth every penny and if I ever have the opportunity to see them again I would do it in a heartbeat.
Yesterday I walked 5K with coworkers, friends and strangers. I raised $435 for WaterCan. That amount will provide roughly 18 people with clean water for the rest of their lives. My fund raising goal was only $250 so I was thrilled to have surpassed it by so much. It was a great way to spend Earth Day and a rewarding event to be a part of.
So on Monday Miss A had her first dance class. I was so glad she was in school during the afternoon so I didn't have to constantly answer "No, it's not time to go to dance class yet." repeatedly. When we were leaving she was all "BYE DAD!!! I'M GOING TO DANCE CLASS!!!" which amused us both greatly. When we arrived 'Angelina Ballerina' was playing on a television in the lobby.
I was very pleasantly surprised to find that two little girls from her preschool class are in her dance class. Thrilled would be a better word to describe Miss A's feelings. The class was pretty small which I was pleased about. I watched through one way class as the three young instructors led the 'warm up' and the rest of the class. Miss A did amazingly well listening and following instructions. Unfortunately she tended to like to follow when some of the other girls flaked out and just ran around. I'm not sure the young instructors have been equipped with the skills to handle these situations very well. When things get out of hand class comes to a halt while all three girls try to rein them in. I think it would be better if one of the girls continued to teach while the other two get everybody back in line.
I had to listen to this very intense woman complain about this fact. Her granddaughter was one of the older girls (5) in the class and she was very perturbed about how she was missing out because of the ones fooling around. While I could see her point I had a difficult time not laughing in her face because she spoke with such intensity as though the girls who were goofing off were destroying her granddaughter's chances of becoming a professional dancer. She went on and on about it, talking about how it's too expensive to be fooling around etc. I wanted to say to her "Lady, look at what they are doing! It's not rocket science." Sheesh! I kept my lip buttoned for the most part but I did point out that the instructors were young and should be told what to do in those situations and reminded her that they were just kids after all.
I think I made a mistake in telling Miss A that dance class was like school in that she had to listen to what her teacher's said and so on. A mistake because after only a half hour when the class was finished she was devastated. Perhaps because she thought it was going to last as long as school does? And also all the students have a card which they get a sticker on at the end of class. They didn't have a card prepared for A and she was heartbroken despite all their assurances that she'd get one next class.
It was a bad scene when we left and in all the insanity I left my camera behind. I only discovered this yesterday morning and then spent the remainder of the day worried sick about it until I could call and see if it was actually left behind. I clearly have no faith whatsoever in the goodness of people because I was certain that someone would have taken it home. Thankfully, that was not the case, which gave me even more good feelings about this place. I'm thinking next week can only be better. All I have to do is avoid the grumpy lady and I should be good to go.
(Warm up. Crappy picture because it's taken in the reflection of the mirror)
So Christmas is over for another year. We traveled to Peter's Mom's place and stayed for two nights. We had a marvelous time. This Christmas was A's best yet. She was really able to understand what was going on and had a great time. I still don't think she's fully recovered from all the excitement but unfortunately we never really captured any on camera. I filmed the present opening fiesta so it's captured on video at least. This is the best of the bunch.
These are the photos we took on the way home.
We try to get pictures of Miss A of the rare occasions when she crashes in the car. We find this one particularly cute.
And of course Baby B always sleeps and is cute.
This is Peter being afraid of me driving and taking a picture at the same time.
But he really thought it was funny.
And Peter took a picture of the good winter driving conditions and the traffic.
And when we arrived home she opened her 'bigger' gifts. The one's we didn't want to pack up and have to drag home. We bought her a Barbie house and some accessories. She loved it. And I was happily surprised because I was ready to be disappointed in it once it was opened. I was worried when I bought it that it was going to be cheap and fragile. It's not. And not only that but it packs away to a tiny size which is perfect for our small house which is slowly being overrun with toys. Here are some humorous photos of the Barbies enjoying their new home and Miss A enjoying her gift. Can I just say that the washing machine and dryer actually spin. How cool is that?? (Yes, I'm living vicariously through my child!)
So anyway, now to get back into the regular swing of things. Which will likely include playing a lot of Barbies. :)
My ears are ringing. I just arrived home from an evening of dancing. My old school friend/DJ was in town doing a gig at a local boutique/eatery (weird location). I would just like to say that I am officially old. Don't. Don't argue with me. Because my body would like to tell you otherwise. My back is stiff and aching (I don't even want to think about what it's going to feel like tomorrow), my knee is hurting as is my ankle which also got stiffer and stiffer the longer I danced. I suppose I shouldn't be too hard on myself. I can't remember the last time I danced for about 3 hours straight.
I went by myself and not one of the people I invited were able to make it. I ran into an acquaintance who invited me to dance with her which I did, the whole night. She is this drop dead gorgeous Czechoslovakian woman and I was staring at and coveting her cheekbones all evening. The music was superb but the crowd was irritating at best. The following would be my personal messages to some of the characters I was surrounded by.
To the girl with the hooker boots on that ended up in bare feet by the end of the night - Those boots aren't very practical for dancing. They aren't really practical for life actually.
To the two eighteen year old amorous couples - I could do without seeing you grind each other on the dance floor. This is not a club. People like you are specifically the reason why I decided to come to this event and why I avoid clubs. Please take your dirty business elsewhere.
To the drunk woman with the sparkly shirt - Please stop bumping into me. Your shirt is giving me road rash every time you touch me. If you are too intoxicated to dance perhaps you should sit down. Or another novel idea would be, go home, sleep it off and rethink that shirt.
To the guy with the 90's Matchbox 20 hair - You are not cool. No one is attracted to you. I know you were a stud once and could probably get any girl you wanted but those days have long passed. Now you are just a short, drunk guy with an outdated haircut who everyone is trying to ignore.
To my Czechoslovakian acquaintance - Why must you be so beautiful? You are very nice and I love listening to your accent but you are making me look bad. Also, I can't stop envying your cheekbones.
And this is what several people were probably thinking about me.
To the lady in the pigtails - Dude. Don't you think you are a little too old for pigtails? Why don't you get a cute short haircut like that gorgeous Czechoslovakian woman you're dancing with? You dance like someone who doesn't get out much and what is with your boobs? You totally look like you need to go and feed a baby or something.
*I think my title is inspired by my new favorite show which also happens to have the best titles ever.
Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year but Halloween is putting up some tough competition. I know some people would have a real problem with that but frankly, I don't care because we had the most glorious Halloween ever this year. I mean, can a Christmas tree compete with this?
And then there was this costume. Which I managed to find second hand and fit her to perfection. When I asked her what she wanted to dress up as several weeks back the first thing she'd said was a pumpkin. Then she had said a spider. So I bought a giant spider that I was going to use in the event that she didn't wear the pumpkin costume. The spider ended up being decoration. See right hand corner of photo.
She was so cheerful and agreeable about everything. I could say "Put your hands up in the air and smile!" and my wish was her command.
She has recently discovered the amazing joy of ringing doorbells. And then with the trick or treating - so many doorbells I can ring!
We only walked a block but I think she could have gone for hours. She was so well behaved, holding my hand and walking up to the doors while I took pictures. There was some pretty amazing decorating out there. She enjoyed it all immensely and only looked curiously at the fog machine at one house and laughed hysterically at the rather scary 'evil laughter' noise detector at another.
Even after we arrived home she was very proud of her haul and also very agreeable about my candy rationing. I admit I was rather nervous about her waking in the night having dreams about scary masks and so on but I worried for nothing. Who knew? This is a kid who tells me about her 'bad dreams' every. single. morning. So far so good.
I have always been a lover of Halloween but I think I have finally discovered the magic of how your children can make holidays even more enjoyable than you have ever experienced before.
