Logan had decided that he wanted to be Mickey Mouse for Halloween, which worked out perfectly for me since we had a hand-me-down costume that my Mom made for my nephew 11 years ago. He was 4 at the time and my other nephew who wore it last year was 4, so I thought it might be big. The jacket and head fit him perfectly. My SIL couldn't find the pants, so my Mom just whipped up a new pair. I affixed two white felt circles on his red pants and he was set to go!
Since Carter was Donald Duck (another hand me down) last year, he couldn't duplicate...but I do love a good theme, so I had my Mom make a Pluto costume. She got tan fleece and used felt sticky letters to spell PLUTO across his chest. She made an adorable hat with black, thin, floppy ears. I affixed a green collar around the top to be Pluto's collar. He was an adorable puppy!
Only one minor problem was that anytime the boys put their costumes on, Logan wanted to be Pluto. He was there the night my Mom made it and watched every step and pretended to be a dog the whole night. Thankfully I was able to reason with the almost 3 year old every time he had to wear it...which was a lot within a few days.
Thursday, we had a small Halloween party with some of the moms from our Moms group. The boys wore their outfits for almost the entire time. We managed to get a few cute pictures.
Friday morning we surprised Miss Wendy at the library. It was the day for the storytime kids to dress up...so we crashed on a great day. She nearly cried when she saw them...not only does she love my kids, but she is Disney obsessed!!! So Mickey Mouse and Pluto were perfect costumes to surprise her with! Friday afternoon we had safety trick or treat. In the small pretend town where kids learn to obey stop signs and crossing streets in a little community, each company/police/fire dept./library picks a house and hands out candy. It is a great trick or treating experience done in 10 minutes or less! Then they played at the playground.....and then we headed to the picture studio to get their professional pictures done - Logan did fantastic as always...such a ham for the camera! Carter did pretty well but needed extra encouragement and smarties to keep going. It was a LONG day!
Saturday at lunchtime we had a halloween birthday party for some of our friends...so on went the costumes again! Logan won for Coolest Costume and Carter won for Funniest Costume. Yay!!! That evening we went down to WillisTower and enjoyed a Monster Mash party on the 66th floor. It was very fun. The kids had fun and eventually warmed up to the haunted maze, they watched some Scooby Doo, played games and enjoyed some fun food.
Sunday....was a day of rest!
Monday...Halloween.....here we go! John got home early and we woke the boys up from their nap so we could trick or treat during daylight and while it wasn't too busy out. We went with just our little family...next year it'd be fun to go with some friends. We had a couple of cranky boys that he slid into their costumes. They warmed up once we busted out the wagon. They walked up to the first house (figures that the first house would have lots of spooky decorations, but they weren't too scared). They waited quite a bit of time after ringing the doorbell...to the point that Carter gave up and went back to the wagon...but Logan stuck it out! He said Trick or Treat and said Thank you. Very cute! We went around the block and they both got the hang of it and ran up to houses and then hopped back in the wagon. Then Logan didn't want to ride in the wagon, he wanted to pull the wagon. Then Carter bonked his head on the wagon and wanted Daddy to carry him. Shortly after Logan declared that he was done. I even bribed him by saying he could get more candy...nope, he was done. Carter still did a few houses as we made our way back. With some people sitting outside, I rolled Logan up to them. People still got a kick out of them in their costumes. Then soon after Logan wanted Daddy to carry him. So glad I brought the wagon...to hold nothing. We circled back to our house. Logan stripped off his costume as he came up the driveway.
They dumped out their candy and each got to eat a little bit before dinner.
Logan got to pick out 10 pieces to keep. The rest of the candy went in our bowl to give to others. At the end of the night, we still had some leftover. My friend Hannah's brother-in-law is in Afghanistan serving....so she collected 20 pounds of leftover candy from our friends and shipped it to him.
It was a great Halloween and a great first time trick or treating in our neighborhood!!!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Pumpkin Patch
Today my parents were coming up to drop off the boys Halloween costumes (my Mom made them; more on that later) and we decided that since it was such gorgeous weather (68 and sunny) that we'd hit the pumpkin patch. We have an awesome one only 12 minutes away.
After we got out of the car, Logan saw the big pumpkin that is on top of the building and screamed 'there's the pumpkin; it's so big; let's go get it!' It was so funny...and his excitement continued. Oh I love this age! When Logan saw all the pumpkins he went from pumpkin to pumpkin so super excited! We also had him stand by some cool character cutouts. He liked them all! (John had already disappeared to get some food and took Carter, so we didn't get him with the cutouts).
The boys checked out the pumpkins, climbed on the huge wooden tractor and firetruck. They ran through the pumpkin tunnel several times. Carter just ran from thing to thing - he just kept going. Then the ponies were spotted. Logan told Grandma - I need a ticket! You can tell he's been to a few carnivals. So Papa got both boys a ticket and then guys all stood in line. It wasn't too bad of a line, maybe 15 minutes and the boys did well. At first Carter didn't want to get on the pony, but my Dad plopped him on and he was okay. Logan has done this time and time again and loved it. They both would wave when they went by. It was cute. They then proceeded to climb on the train and run through the pumpkin again. It is just fun to watch them both running around and playing. For the last year and a half Carter has spent most of his time in the stroller. We honestly didn't even need to bring it in.
After they were done playing, we left. We didn't visit the expensive part *the corn maize and animal land. So it was good, cheap fun! The boys had a blast and we all enjoyed watching them have a blast. We didn't get any pumpkins because they are more expensive there. We will likely get one at a local store and carve it one of these nights. Yay!
We came home and my Mom made a couple adjustments to the costumes while I whipped up a homemade pizza. The boys tried on their costumes - oh they look soooo cute!! Logan is Mickey Mouse and Carter is Pluto. However.....Logan really loves putting on Pluto and pretending to be a dog. He crawls, barks, begs for a treat...it is pretty funny! I kept reminding him that during trick or treat and at parties....he is Mickey Mouse!
It was just a great family day! We took some great pics; I will post some hopefully tomorrow!
After we got out of the car, Logan saw the big pumpkin that is on top of the building and screamed 'there's the pumpkin; it's so big; let's go get it!' It was so funny...and his excitement continued. Oh I love this age! When Logan saw all the pumpkins he went from pumpkin to pumpkin so super excited! We also had him stand by some cool character cutouts. He liked them all! (John had already disappeared to get some food and took Carter, so we didn't get him with the cutouts).
The boys checked out the pumpkins, climbed on the huge wooden tractor and firetruck. They ran through the pumpkin tunnel several times. Carter just ran from thing to thing - he just kept going. Then the ponies were spotted. Logan told Grandma - I need a ticket! You can tell he's been to a few carnivals. So Papa got both boys a ticket and then guys all stood in line. It wasn't too bad of a line, maybe 15 minutes and the boys did well. At first Carter didn't want to get on the pony, but my Dad plopped him on and he was okay. Logan has done this time and time again and loved it. They both would wave when they went by. It was cute. They then proceeded to climb on the train and run through the pumpkin again. It is just fun to watch them both running around and playing. For the last year and a half Carter has spent most of his time in the stroller. We honestly didn't even need to bring it in.
After they were done playing, we left. We didn't visit the expensive part *the corn maize and animal land. So it was good, cheap fun! The boys had a blast and we all enjoyed watching them have a blast. We didn't get any pumpkins because they are more expensive there. We will likely get one at a local store and carve it one of these nights. Yay!
We came home and my Mom made a couple adjustments to the costumes while I whipped up a homemade pizza. The boys tried on their costumes - oh they look soooo cute!! Logan is Mickey Mouse and Carter is Pluto. However.....Logan really loves putting on Pluto and pretending to be a dog. He crawls, barks, begs for a treat...it is pretty funny! I kept reminding him that during trick or treat and at parties....he is Mickey Mouse!
It was just a great family day! We took some great pics; I will post some hopefully tomorrow!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Daddy can fix it
Tonight John opted to put Carter to bed and I, Logan (we switch every few nights). Part of Logan's routine as of late is getting to play some preschool computer games on the iPad for 10 minutes before bed. After he plays the games, we read a book...sometimes a book on the iPad, sometimes a paper book. Either way he helps turn the pages and pays attention. Well tonight was an iPad book. I clicked on the app button and it didn't do anything. I tried again and other buttons...nothing. I closed all the apps that were running and then clicked off. Turned it back on, nothing. Logan said 'we should go get Daddy to fix it'. I said hey, hey, now wait a minute...Mommy can do it!!! He had even started climbing out of bed! Little Stinker! I closed the iPad cover and then said 'Hocus Pocus" (just on a whim)...and then when I opened it up, it actually worked!
I just thought it was so funny that he was so ready to get his Daddy to fix it. Now he's the stinker!!
I just thought it was so funny that he was so ready to get his Daddy to fix it. Now he's the stinker!!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
John's Birthday
As a continuation to John's birthday, when I arrived home from our downtown surprise, John's parents came down in the afternoon. Dorene had just had her chemo treatment the day before, so we were amazed and touched that they came down while she wasn't feeling so great.
The boys were super excited to see Gram and Grandpa. We ate dinner in that night; I tried to replicate Olive Garden's Stuffed Chicken Marsala as that is John's favorite dish...and I have to say it was pretty delicious! The night before I also had an idea to make an ice cream cake. John loves ice cream cake (I'm not a huge fan) so I thought instead of buying one from Dairy Queen I would try to make one. My friend Jen had just made one so I took some tips from her on what she'd do different and such. It was very rich, but oh so good. John loved it, so my mission was accomplished. I put oreos and chocolate chips in the food processor and made that my bottom layer. Froze it. Added a layer of his favorite flavor, peanut butter fudge. Froze it. Added a layer of fudge topping and more crumb topping. Froze it. More ice cream. Last layer of crumbs. Froze it. Again, rich, but delicious. Next time, I think I would do a layer of vanilla ice cream as well to off-set the chocolatelyness....and to show the layers a bit better. I made this 'cake' pretty quickly and in a foil pan...next time I think I would make the ice cream layers a bit thicker. At this point I was just trying to cram it all in.
John got some great gifts including several Milwaukee Tools. It was a great birthday!
The next morning John had to go to work, but his parents stuck around for the morning. It was wonderful! They got to spend more time with the kids...and I got to do some running around and finish some projects. While they were playing with the kids, they also helped out. Bill raked leaves and fixed our mailbox while Logan helped him. Dorene folded some laundry and played with Carter. It was nice having them visit us. The boys were sad to see them go.
The boys were super excited to see Gram and Grandpa. We ate dinner in that night; I tried to replicate Olive Garden's Stuffed Chicken Marsala as that is John's favorite dish...and I have to say it was pretty delicious! The night before I also had an idea to make an ice cream cake. John loves ice cream cake (I'm not a huge fan) so I thought instead of buying one from Dairy Queen I would try to make one. My friend Jen had just made one so I took some tips from her on what she'd do different and such. It was very rich, but oh so good. John loved it, so my mission was accomplished. I put oreos and chocolate chips in the food processor and made that my bottom layer. Froze it. Added a layer of his favorite flavor, peanut butter fudge. Froze it. Added a layer of fudge topping and more crumb topping. Froze it. More ice cream. Last layer of crumbs. Froze it. Again, rich, but delicious. Next time, I think I would do a layer of vanilla ice cream as well to off-set the chocolatelyness....and to show the layers a bit better. I made this 'cake' pretty quickly and in a foil pan...next time I think I would make the ice cream layers a bit thicker. At this point I was just trying to cram it all in.
John got some great gifts including several Milwaukee Tools. It was a great birthday!
The next morning John had to go to work, but his parents stuck around for the morning. It was wonderful! They got to spend more time with the kids...and I got to do some running around and finish some projects. While they were playing with the kids, they also helped out. Bill raked leaves and fixed our mailbox while Logan helped him. Dorene folded some laundry and played with Carter. It was nice having them visit us. The boys were sad to see them go.
Happy Birthday Surprise
This past Tuesday was John's birthday. He didn't take the super early train so that the boys and I could have breakfast with him. I made him his favorite and pretty much the only breakfast item he eats....eggs benedict. We had a lovely family breakfast then we dropped daddy off at the train station.
Then we quick ran to Target to get some ingredients for his homemade ice cream cake I made him...ran home, dropped off the stuff and added another layer of the cake then went to a playdate. We only stayed at the playdate for 45 minutes as we had a surprise up our sleeve....we were surprising Daddy downtown for lunch!
Monday, I emailed a friend/co-worker of his to schedule John for lunch then to meet me at the bottom of Willis Tower at Noon. We got to the train station only to find out that they were redoing one of the parking lots so the parking was nuts! {Having debated which stroller to bring (double or umbrella), I opted for umbrella. While having both kids contained would have been nice....the double is too cumbersome to fold down and carry up the stairs of a timed train, with two toddlers in tow.} But here we were cutting it close to the train arriving and we had to walk....FAR....and FAST! Logan was such a trooper and ran pretty much the entire way and we made it with a few minutes to spare. Whew...so I snagged a picture to make it look like we had been there forever. :)
We boarded the train with ease and Logan raced to find us a seat. I put the stroller across our seat and they treated it like a gate - fantastic! They did very well and were amazed at everything...while our conductor was lame, Logan thought he was so cool. :) After 10-ish minutes, wanting to not get to the point of scrambling, I played Despicable Me on my iPhone (next time I will hold out as I don't want to rely on technology). The boys were hooked and Carter fell asleep for about 40 minutes. We pulled into the station and exited smoothly as well, though Carter did have to wake up in the process. Our train was delayed 10 minutes due to construction so we needed to rush.
With Carter in the stroller we went up two sets of escalators - Logan did well getting on and off without much assistance from me as I had the stroller situation to deal with. We walked quickly with Logan holding on to the stroller or walking by me. It was very busy walking across the river and I was uber on guard...but all was well. John and his friend were outside waiting for us instead of vice versa and Daddy was surprised. While his reaction was less to be desired, he was excited to see us. We decided to eat at Willis Tower. The boys were good and John's friend pulled a gold coin out of their ear....so cool. :) Then we went up to visit Daddy's area. He isn't very high up at the tower, but the boys still found it exciting to look out the window.
They also found it pretty fun "playing Daddy" in his cube.
Daddy had a meeting at 1, so we had to cut our visit short. We headed back to the train...and I had to pee like crazy! Unfortunately, I didn't fit in the regular stalls with both kids and the stroller and one handicap stall had a lady talking on her cell phone....yeah, that took forever. I wheeled the boys to the other restroom nearby and would you believe that they were closed for cleaning!?!? I wanted to scream....but I just held it and we boarded the train *after a quick stop to Mrs. Fields for some cookies to reward the boys for being so good. On the ride home, Logan was playing some games on my phone and fell asleep...so Carter and I entertained each other. Then we started on our super long trek back to our van. Logan had to be woken up and then had to walk all that way...but again....a real trooper.
It was a successful surprise. Next time we'll fill Daddy in so we can work around meetings more. {I just knew if I told John he'd be all worried about me on the train alone with the boys...and the stroller situation - I wanted to avoid extra worry.}
Happy Birthday, John!
Then we quick ran to Target to get some ingredients for his homemade ice cream cake I made him...ran home, dropped off the stuff and added another layer of the cake then went to a playdate. We only stayed at the playdate for 45 minutes as we had a surprise up our sleeve....we were surprising Daddy downtown for lunch!
Monday, I emailed a friend/co-worker of his to schedule John for lunch then to meet me at the bottom of Willis Tower at Noon. We got to the train station only to find out that they were redoing one of the parking lots so the parking was nuts! {Having debated which stroller to bring (double or umbrella), I opted for umbrella. While having both kids contained would have been nice....the double is too cumbersome to fold down and carry up the stairs of a timed train, with two toddlers in tow.} But here we were cutting it close to the train arriving and we had to walk....FAR....and FAST! Logan was such a trooper and ran pretty much the entire way and we made it with a few minutes to spare. Whew...so I snagged a picture to make it look like we had been there forever. :)
We boarded the train with ease and Logan raced to find us a seat. I put the stroller across our seat and they treated it like a gate - fantastic! They did very well and were amazed at everything...while our conductor was lame, Logan thought he was so cool. :) After 10-ish minutes, wanting to not get to the point of scrambling, I played Despicable Me on my iPhone (next time I will hold out as I don't want to rely on technology). The boys were hooked and Carter fell asleep for about 40 minutes. We pulled into the station and exited smoothly as well, though Carter did have to wake up in the process. Our train was delayed 10 minutes due to construction so we needed to rush.
With Carter in the stroller we went up two sets of escalators - Logan did well getting on and off without much assistance from me as I had the stroller situation to deal with. We walked quickly with Logan holding on to the stroller or walking by me. It was very busy walking across the river and I was uber on guard...but all was well. John and his friend were outside waiting for us instead of vice versa and Daddy was surprised. While his reaction was less to be desired, he was excited to see us. We decided to eat at Willis Tower. The boys were good and John's friend pulled a gold coin out of their ear....so cool. :) Then we went up to visit Daddy's area. He isn't very high up at the tower, but the boys still found it exciting to look out the window.
They also found it pretty fun "playing Daddy" in his cube.
Daddy had a meeting at 1, so we had to cut our visit short. We headed back to the train...and I had to pee like crazy! Unfortunately, I didn't fit in the regular stalls with both kids and the stroller and one handicap stall had a lady talking on her cell phone....yeah, that took forever. I wheeled the boys to the other restroom nearby and would you believe that they were closed for cleaning!?!? I wanted to scream....but I just held it and we boarded the train *after a quick stop to Mrs. Fields for some cookies to reward the boys for being so good. On the ride home, Logan was playing some games on my phone and fell asleep...so Carter and I entertained each other. Then we started on our super long trek back to our van. Logan had to be woken up and then had to walk all that way...but again....a real trooper.
It was a successful surprise. Next time we'll fill Daddy in so we can work around meetings more. {I just knew if I told John he'd be all worried about me on the train alone with the boys...and the stroller situation - I wanted to avoid extra worry.}
Happy Birthday, John!
Short stories
Yesterday Carter woke up in his typical 'I woke up too early and am not getting my way'. He wanted a glass of milk and I wanted him to have water. He screamed, threw the cup, ran in the other room....screamed some more. All out ridiculous. Typically he comes around and then drinks the water...or concedes to whatever the tantrum is about. As Carter is screaming by the couch, Logan went over to him and told him it was okay and that Mommy wants him to drink water and not to cry. Logan came running back to me and asked where the tissues were. I showed him. He plucked a tissue; paused to fold it a certain way, then ran over to Carter. He asked him to blow his nose and Carter did. Then he wiped his tears, told him it was okay and said 'now, let's go!'. And then Carter was okay. Oh, it was soooo adorable!!!
From adorable to kinda funny in an attitude kind of way...
At dinner tonight, Logan pooped and told me that he pooped and pointed to his butt. Okay...since John had a not so fabulous day at work, I offered (even though I was still eating) to change his diaper. Logan hopped down and then John kindly offered to change him. Logan said No Daddy, I want MOMMY to change my diaper. He then proceeded to stand up tall, cross his arms and raise his head as if he had put his foot down and this the way it was going to be. I said really?? Daddy actually offers to change a poopy diaper and the kid is going to reject him? Man...John must secretly be training them....
Logan's current funny phrase is 'You're a stinker!' and will do it at the right times....if I make a funny face at him or tickle him.
Carter's current phrase is 'pull, pull'. He wants to pull you to where he wants you to go. The refrigerator, outside, upstairs, living room, etc. Cute....but it gets old. Trust me.
From adorable to kinda funny in an attitude kind of way...
At dinner tonight, Logan pooped and told me that he pooped and pointed to his butt. Okay...since John had a not so fabulous day at work, I offered (even though I was still eating) to change his diaper. Logan hopped down and then John kindly offered to change him. Logan said No Daddy, I want MOMMY to change my diaper. He then proceeded to stand up tall, cross his arms and raise his head as if he had put his foot down and this the way it was going to be. I said really?? Daddy actually offers to change a poopy diaper and the kid is going to reject him? Man...John must secretly be training them....
Logan's current funny phrase is 'You're a stinker!' and will do it at the right times....if I make a funny face at him or tickle him.
Carter's current phrase is 'pull, pull'. He wants to pull you to where he wants you to go. The refrigerator, outside, upstairs, living room, etc. Cute....but it gets old. Trust me.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
No more raw carrots
So I recall posting last year when Logan wasn't quite 2. I gave him a raw carrot stick. He seemed to like it. He chewed it up and out it came.
Let us fast forward a year-ish later to today while at a playdate. Raw carrots were served. I didn't even see Logan take one....not that I would have necessarily stopped him, but I would've made him stand on the hardwood floors and not near any *brand new* furniture. We were the last ones to leave and were helping clean up while my friend Tara and I were chatting away. We both just happened to look over and out of the corner of my eye I saw it and Tara said 'he's throwing up'. Yup...on their BRAND NEW couch...seriously, just purchased 2 weeks ago when they moved in.
As soon as I saw it was carrot, I was relieved....at least he wasn't 'sick'. He said 'I spilled'. Yup, sure did. I made sure he was okay, made apology #1 of a million for my kid having puked on their brand new couch and took Logan to the bathroom. He was wearing a zip-up sweatshirt and only got it on that...and the couch...brand new, mind you... So I put his sweatshirt in a plastic bag, rinsed off his mouth and washed his hands....while making further apologies for the couch. Tara was very nice about it. I went back and wiped the couch down then proceeded to pick the tiny pieces of carrot out of the plush area rug (brand new also). She got some cleaner for the couch. She did tell me that they purchased the protection plan for it. So if any stain, including bodily fluids, doesn't come out, they will come replace the cushion for up to 7 years! That is a long warranty. I did feel better. Did I mention that it is a very light tan/ivory couch? Granted, there were no stains from the carrot. And thank goodness that his breakfast had digested fully...so it was just carrot and water.
My friend Kathy said 'could you imagine if he had red juice?'. I darn near hyperventilated with that statement...that would've been a nightmare and I would've cried on Tara's behalf. As Tara said, it was out of my control...and it is not like he took a marker to it...it was a 'bodily' function. Nonetheless, I believe some cookies and a homemade craft just very well may end up on her doorstep. :) And needless to say, raw carrots will just not happen in this household. He eats cooked ones fine, so I can't believe that he's allergic...I just think the texture does not sit well with him.
If you read this post around meal time....I send my apologies. :)
Let us fast forward a year-ish later to today while at a playdate. Raw carrots were served. I didn't even see Logan take one....not that I would have necessarily stopped him, but I would've made him stand on the hardwood floors and not near any *brand new* furniture. We were the last ones to leave and were helping clean up while my friend Tara and I were chatting away. We both just happened to look over and out of the corner of my eye I saw it and Tara said 'he's throwing up'. Yup...on their BRAND NEW couch...seriously, just purchased 2 weeks ago when they moved in.
As soon as I saw it was carrot, I was relieved....at least he wasn't 'sick'. He said 'I spilled'. Yup, sure did. I made sure he was okay, made apology #1 of a million for my kid having puked on their brand new couch and took Logan to the bathroom. He was wearing a zip-up sweatshirt and only got it on that...and the couch...brand new, mind you... So I put his sweatshirt in a plastic bag, rinsed off his mouth and washed his hands....while making further apologies for the couch. Tara was very nice about it. I went back and wiped the couch down then proceeded to pick the tiny pieces of carrot out of the plush area rug (brand new also). She got some cleaner for the couch. She did tell me that they purchased the protection plan for it. So if any stain, including bodily fluids, doesn't come out, they will come replace the cushion for up to 7 years! That is a long warranty. I did feel better. Did I mention that it is a very light tan/ivory couch? Granted, there were no stains from the carrot. And thank goodness that his breakfast had digested fully...so it was just carrot and water.
My friend Kathy said 'could you imagine if he had red juice?'. I darn near hyperventilated with that statement...that would've been a nightmare and I would've cried on Tara's behalf. As Tara said, it was out of my control...and it is not like he took a marker to it...it was a 'bodily' function. Nonetheless, I believe some cookies and a homemade craft just very well may end up on her doorstep. :) And needless to say, raw carrots will just not happen in this household. He eats cooked ones fine, so I can't believe that he's allergic...I just think the texture does not sit well with him.
If you read this post around meal time....I send my apologies. :)
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