The 'Um Ya Ya' Hat

Long before we had Graham in our lives, I purchased a winter hat from the St. Olaf bookstore. I just knew that someday, we'd have our own little Ole to sport the black and gold that Jeff and I were so proud of. Graham wore the 'Um Ya Ya' hat when he wasn't even a year old. When he outgrew it, I shoved it to the back of the closet and kind of forget about it. Amelia was never a fan of hats (she's too concerned about her hair bows-yes, I'm completely serious!) so I had no reason to go looking for it. Imagine my surprise when Graham came out of his bedroom proudly wearing the St. Olaf hat that he wore at 10 months old!

4 years old

10 months old

Toddlers in Motion

Yesterday morning we had three toddler friends over to play. By the time I thought to whip out my camera, Brielle and Brayden were already on their way home, but I was able to get a few shots of Graham, Amelia, and Halle. This is what it looks like when we interrupt a fun game of "Let's chase each other!" and attempt a group photo. I think these action shots are pretty funny and cute. And yes, I will fully admit that we used s'mores as an "incentive" for them to sit semi-still long enough to get these shots. They are all such cuties!

Just keepin' it real...

Miss Amelia and her teenage size attitude is really giving me a run for my money lately! Several weeks ago she had a tantrum at Target that got so ugly she actually threw a dozen raw eggs at my feet. And yes, she was successful in making a huge mess all over my boots and the floor. Today, Amelia treated me yet again to a public display of frustration. I wouldn't let her lay down in the wet parking lot (I'm just mean like that) and she was already agitated that I insisted she wear her seat belt and ride in her car seat (mean Mom strikes again!) so Amelia unleashed an A+ toddler tantrum on me at Graham's preschool while we waited for him. While laying on her back, Amelia kicked the wall, and screamed so loudly a teacher had to come close her door. Thankfully, the people witness to this little show were all Mom's themselves so I didn't get a single dirty look, only smiles and knowing glances that said "I've been there!". At one point, a teacher leading her class down the hall had to march around Amelia. The teacher looked at me, winked, then loudly announced to her class "Boys and girls, please walk around the little girl who is choosing to be angry on the floor". Long story short, the tantrum went on for quite some time. It actually went on until we got all the way home. Only when Amelia walked into the kitchen and asked for a cookie, did she stop screaming. When I told her that cookies were a treat and that she couldn't have one, the tantrum started all over again. On.my.goodness. 2.5 year old attitude is serious stuff! I'm wondering if I need to be afraid of a 16 year old attitude...at least I have 13.5 years to prepare for it!

SNOW!

Remember that snowstorm I mentioned? The one that left us stranded at home for a few days? Well, this is what it left behind. Nice, huh?

"My Dentist, My Friend"

We're currently experience snowstorm #999, 999,999 of the season which means we're pretty much stuck at home for today and possibly tomorrow if the predicted amount of snow really does fall. Last week we were lucky enough to have sunny skies for a few days and temps that climbed up into the 50's...unbelievable for February really. It turns out that was just a cruel joke, because today we once again have blowing snow and howling winds. On a positive note though, being stuck at home gives me time to update the blog....

Last week the kids both had appointments at the pediatric dentist. They both went last year and it was a complete flop. Graham cried non-stop and hysterically refused to get in the chair. Amelia also screamed so loudly one would think she was being tortured. The dentist assured me that since the kids screamed so loudly with wide open mouths, that she was able to sneak a few quick peeks at their teeth, that everything looked good, and that we could try again in a year. So, a few months ago, operation "The dentist is soooo cool" was put into full swing around here! We read "My Dentist, My Friend" almost obsessively, talked about how their teeth would sparkle, and let them know that a few treats for bravery would be involved. Thankfully, the recent efforts paid off and we had two very cooperative, brave patients!

Sporting cool shades! The kids wear sunglasses so they aren't staring straight into the bright lights. Yep, that's Daddy Jeff off to the side. I was smart and arranged for back-up. After our appointment last year, I knew a 1:1 ratio was crucial.

Graham was intrigued by the tools and wanted the complete explanation of how they worked and what they'd be used for.

Success!

Success x 2!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day from our little sweethearts!

If You Give a Moose a Muffin

We took the kids to see the play "If You Give a Moose a Muffin" at one of the local children's theaters. That book has been favorite around here for a very long time, so when 6 months ago I heard that it was going to be performed, I immediately got tickets. 6 months is a long time to wait, and with the toddler version of the concept of time (basically non-existent) we kept the play a secret until the day of. The play was a great surprise for Graham and Amelia. They loved seeing one of their favorite stories come to life on the stage. As cute as the play was, I have to admit that it was just as much fun to watch the kids react with excitement as it was to see the actual performance. I love seeing things through toddler eyes!