Wednesday, July 22, 2009

The sound of....

I am fairly certain that whomever said "Silence is golden" did not live with a three year old.

Sometimes silence can mean that mommy will be very busy cleaning in the very near future.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Big N is becoming a big kid

Last Saturday was the day out with Thomas at the Northwest Railroad museum near snoqualmie falls. It was a bit of an early morning trek and the kids really didn't want to get out of bed until we mentioned who they were going to see. We managed to get on the road about 20 minutes late and made a mad dash for the train ride at 9AM.

Big N and little N did fantastic on and off the ride.



We have noticed big change in Big N's behavior lately. Big N has really taken notice of those around him, in particular smaller kids. He is also much more conscience of what we say and seems to listen more. Just like any kid, he has his good days and his bad days. However, Saturday was a great day.

The train starts at the depot at the Museum and heads towards the falls. The ride takes you past the top of the falls and stops with a spectacular view above the falls. The trains stops for about 5 minutes to let everyone enjoy the view. Big N notices a younger boy, perhaps 2, and asks me if he should share his seat with him so he could see the water.



This was one of those proud momma moments, where my son went out of his way to be considerate of another little boy. The boy was shy and did finally come over with his dad to peak out the window.

After the ride, Big N dragged us towards the front of the train. We managed to talk him out of the gift shop for the time being and got towards the front of the train, where Thomas was. At this end of the train was a bounce house. We opted to skip the line to get the photo op with the big number one engine and both kids waited patiently outside the bounce house. It didn't hurt their patience that the man near the door was telling the kids inside that their time was up.

I reminded both kids to be careful around the littler kids in the bounce house and both kids clamored in. Watching the kids, Big N had listened. He slowed down around the littler kids and moved to the other side of the bounce house. He did, of course, do somersaults since it is currently summer. He asked, "Is it still summer?" before tumbling.



Two proud momma moments in one day!



After the bounce house and the ride we found ourselves with both kids inside the tent full of train tables for open play. Even in here, Big N managed to watch out for smaller kids, not grabbing as he would have in the past. It did help that we were at the museum early enough to be part of the smaller crowds.





I'll keep the end of the day description a little shorter. Leaving the gift shop tent did not end as nicely. Big N had some significant crying when we did not buy more trains for our house. However, the good parts of the day out weighed the tantrum.

Both kids did well. They really only had a tough time when we had been there too long after forgetting their water bottles in the car. Both kids had a mood improvement after lunch, as did their parents.

It was really a good day for the kids and their attitude and maturity made it great for us.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Little N's big hair cut

Little N is very particular about her hair. If she has a pony tail in, it will be out in 20 minutes. The hair will also be in her eyes and she will not be happy. It appears that long hair is not something she appreciates all that much.


Before:


After

Saturday, June 6, 2009

May Photos


Little N climbed into my bed and hid under the covers.


Grandma and Little N during a recent visit


Running from the sprinkler


Apple buds


Big N's beautiful eyelashes.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Big N and his telescope

We've had some plumbing issues lately. Really, Pete has had plumbing issues, because I leave the pleasant surprises for him once they go beyond my level of capabilities.

Aren't I a wonderful wife?

More than once, we are surprised by a mass that will not flush. It has been discouraging to try to figure out what is going on. My poor daughter has suffered most of the blame due to the timing of her learning how to use the facilities and the timing of our issues. Little N is counting sheets of TP for each use.

I've started saving for her therapy later it life, really I have. And still, the plumbing issues persist.

Pete had to invest in a heavy duty snake with a very long cable. If you are not aware of what a snake is for, as far as it relates to plumbing, count your blessings.

This evening, Big N walked into the hall with a very concerned expression. In his hand was an empty roll of toilet paper. I helped him find a full roll and then reminded him to be careful with the amount he pulled off the new roll.

"But, Mommy, if I use the entire roll, I get a new telescope."

I sat there in silence for a minute, deciding how to address his telescope and thinking of the reoccurring incidents of major plumbing catastrophes. He proceeded to open the bottom drawer in the bathroom, which held 2 telescopes and showed me that it was empty of fresh rolls.

We worked on how to count sheets. We're working on counting up only as many as he is old.

Hopefully this works, for Pete's sake, but mostly for the sake of my bathroom floor.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Apple Blossoms

Our trees are blooming... They are beautiful and a reminder how fast the winter has flown by. The days are getting warmer and longer. We are once again able to enjoy the lingering sunshine on the back porch after dinner.

About two weeks ago, on one such evening, the kids were playing on the slide and I noticed the blossoms. The light had a pink cast to it, warming up everything in view. I immediately ran inside to find my close-up set and my favorite lens (85 mm). I think taking photos was in the back of my mind after talking with Mica when I recently ran into her.

This summer, I promise to not let the months fly by so fast. I need to take more photos. I need to do that for myself as much as for the kids. I am horribly out of practice, making mistakes that I notice on the screen and would have noticed through the lens in the past.







Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Springtime in Central Washington

Wordless Wednesday after a long hiatus of life just being too busy.





Time to find the lens hood. Oops!