Piercing (Ears)

For the past month, Claire had been talking about getting her ears pierced.  She even went so far as to ask for earrings for Christmas, but was quick to say that Santa couldn't pierce her ears while she's sleeping.

So...Saturday-- after lunch-- we took her to "Claire's" to get her ears pierced.  As we walked down Main Street, she was visibly nervous and wouldn't let go of my hand.  Once we got into the store, her grip got tighter.  When it was her turn, I sat her up on the chair... clenched to me, I had to say, "Claire, if you don't want to do this... you don't have to."  She was adamant that she wanted to have her ears pierced.  The girl cleaned her ear lobes... "Ugh... that's stinky."  Then held up the little earring guns to her ears... snap... and a shriek that pierced my ears...

"That's a new one." said the Claire's employee (as the others nodded in agreement).

Before she could even finish her words, Claire's tears started flowing.  She cried and she cried and she cried.... she wouldn't look in the mirror and then she wanted them out.  Her pleads almost convinced me that it would be easier to take them out than to listen to her in pain.  Moments later, she calmed down.  We went about our afternoon with little whining, but she didn't look at her ears until just before dinner.

Days have passed and she's so excited about her ears that she's started pulling her hair back from her face-- this my friends is a Christmas miracle ;)

She's happy with her pink daisies.

A Side of Lil Wayne??

After school today, the kids and I headed to Tidal Creek to pick up a few things that I needed for dinner.  We were in the middle of talking about what we were going to eat for dinner, when out of the blue... Claire asks, "What's Lil Wayne?

I responded, "Lil Wayne?  You know, Lil Wayne."

She stayed quiet... trying to figure it out.

I said, "Claire... are you serious?  Lil Wayne... you know Lil Wayne."

And she goes, "OH Yeah... Lil Wayne." Then she laughs (seemingly at herself) and says, "But how do you cook it??"

I paused.

"OH... Lo Mein."

Santa's Lap

Chase, Henri and Claire with Santa on Friday, December 11th.

A Weekend Unlike Any Other

This weekend started off like any other, but along the way... something happened.

Saturday morning, I had a manicure and pedicure scheduled.  So Friday night, I made my waffle batter so I could make a quick, but very good breakfast.  Saturday morning, the kids ate and were playing while Aaron was vacuuming when I left.  I got home 2 hours later to find a perfectly clean and quiet house.  After Aaron and the kids got home from running some errands, we all set off to find me some boots (no luck), find Chase and Claire new bikes and to see Santa.

The kids were so excited and SO nervous to see their yearly friend.  Henri was quick to say that he "didn't want to do this" and Claire couldn't help ease his nerves because she herself was "too nervous".  But when they got up to Santa and he asked their names, Henri blurted his out first.  And then when he said, "What would you like for Christmas... Henri began jumping up and down in excitement saying, "Bumble Bee and Ice Cream Transformers!!!"  Claire hesitantly told him that she wanted "earrings and a bike".  While Chase spouted off a list of Transformers.  The visit went well and all three are excited for what is sure to come in the next couple of weeks. After a quick picture with Santa, we left the mall and headed out to an early dinner.

I really wanted to go to one of my (old) favorite restaurants-- Eddie Romanelli's.  We hadn't been there in about a year... maybe longer... ever since they switched owners and the menu changed-- how do you take fettuccini alfredo and manicotti off an Italian restaurants menu???.  Anyway, we went in to find they had completely remodeled.  No biggie, right?  Wrong.  As I got comfortable, I looked at the menu...  I flipped, flipped and flipped.... where was the pasta??  I looked at the kids menu... no spaghetti and meatballs.  The waitress informed us that they were no longer Italian. HUH!!??  As Chase says when he doesn't like something "Boo!".  I'm left wondering why they didn't change the name of the restaurant. We promptly grabbed our coats and left to go to La Costa and traded the hope of Italian for Mexican.  Fried ice cream has the ability to make everyone happy ;)

Now... here's where the weekend changed.  We got home after dinner and I started getting the kids around to watch "Bolt" while Aaron put up the chickens.  The phone rang.  It's Aaron and he says, "Something attacked the chickens."  The yard was covered with feathers, 2 chickens were missing and one had a gash on its head (right by its comb).  After surveying the yard, he found one of our newest girls in the flower garden.  It wasn't good.  We went to bed wondering what happened to the other hen and assuming that it had to have been a fox.

This morning,  I told the kids what had happened (sans details).  Henri told me that next time, he will grab his tools and "hammer the fox".  We decided that in order to thwart any threat on our chickens that a dog needed to be outside with them.  Tyler was chosen because of his size and his bark ;)  Aaron was outside doing some things, when I got a call, "Do you want the good news or bad news first??"  He found the missing chicken (one of our black ones...Yay, good news!), but another one just got killed and he knew what it was.  It was a hawk.  Chase says that we need to get a tranquilizer gun (like in Madagascar) and put the hawk in a cage... to live forever.  (Somehow that just doesn't seem right, I told him.)  We've spent our Sunday morning hawk proofing the chickens' pen area.  We've taken netting and created a "roof" for the area and while they won't have free range of our entire acre property unless we're outside with them... I'm taking comfort in the fact that at least they have this new safe haven.  Hopefully, anyway.

Update:  We went out to lunch and left the chickens in their newly covered pen area.  When we got home they were squawking up a storm... we assumed they weren't happy about their confinement.  But on further inspection... there was a HAWK sitting on our fence just staring at the girls.  Our 2 youngest chickens (the only 2 left out of the original 5) were huddled together under the coop, while the older girls were making a ruckus.  After the hawk getting three of our chickens, we can only imagine how scared they must have been,.... but thankfully scared was all it was this time :)

And while I know that it's nature's way and that we can't protect them forever... we sure can try.

Words of Henri: Cocky

Having gone to get my nails done this morning, I didn't get Henri dressed.  When I saw him and Chase standing next to each other, I said, "Henri, you and Chase match.  Your pants."

He looked down and smiled, then... as he was walking away... he stopped and patted his pants and said, "These are called cockies."

Huh? Come again.

"Ohhhhh, you mean khakis."

Cent(s)??

When I was in college at UNCW, I had a roommate that was from Garner, NC.  A southern girl 100%.  She said "pee-can", was convinced that BBQ was and could only be pig amongst many other things.  She, my other roommate (from LA), and I would get into debates all the time over her "Southern" ways.  One of our biggest debates was about how to use "cent".... or "cents" for that matter.  Catherine and I would try to explain to her that it is one cent, but anything over that is cents... emphasis on the "S".

Today, I was reminded of my first Southern friend as I handed Chase some change and he goes, "Sweet, I have 46 cent."

OMG... he didn't just say that!  

I corrected him.... repeatedly.  And as I explained to him that it's 46 cents... he told me that's how they teach it in school and I was wrong.  

I suppose this is what happens when you're born and raised in the South.  My old friend would be proud of my 100% Southern boy :)

Christmas Surprise

When we got home from a quick run to the grocery store, the kids and I noticed a package at the front door.  Of course, they were SUPER excited because they knew that Mémé was sending out their Christmas gifts.  They all rushed to the front door, grabbed it and started inspecting.

I asked, "You looking for a name?  Look it says, 'Danielle'."

Immediately they said, "But who's is it???"

"I'm not telling.  If I tell you won't have a Christmas surprise."

Chase continues shaking, Henri is standing by.

Claire tells me that she doesn't like surprises and that she'll forget what I told her by the time it's Christmas... so it was OK for me to tell her.

"You will remember, I'm not telling you."  I insist.

She goes on and says, "I forgot to tell you something."

"What was it??" I ask.

She replies,"I don't know... I forgot.  See :)"

Conversation on Water

More often than not, I choose to blog about the things we do or the most FUN funniest moments.  It seems my kids always have words that are flying out of their mouths that make me laugh and realize how naive they are.  But then they have moments, when I see their optimism for the future and think "why can't everyone think like them??".

Yesterday, after school I took the kids to Panera Bread for snack.  We ordered almost everything in the bakery section-- a brownie, carrot muffin, cinnamon roll and two chocolate chip cookies.  Along with our treats we had hot chocolate and waters.  We sat and talked about lots of stuff-- mostly school related-- then Claire says, "Every house has a bathroom."  I paused to think about what I needed to say.  I always tell my kids the truth to give them a broader understanding of the world and how it works.

I told them that, unfortunately, not every house has a bathroom because not every house has running water.  Chase responds with "well they have porta-potties."  I smile at the thought, and say that it is a possibility.  Then-- after the kids refill our water-- the conversation shifts.  It's been raining since Tuesday... thanks to the remnants of Hurricane Ida.  Puddles line the streets and parking lots.  Still on the bathroom conundrum, I insist that it's true and say, "In fact, not every house has running water."  They're intrigued.  Chase having a confused look on his face quickly chimes in and says, "That's impossible.  Everyone needs water.  Water does good things for your body."  I can only imagine that my constant pushing of "you need water to live" comments are running through Chase's brain.  He's thinking the most about this, I can tell by the comments he's making.  He's digging for a hole in my story.  What about washing hands, showers, baths, drinking, washing dishes/clothes???... he knows that water is essential to our lives... and it's evident that he doesn't understand how someone could be without.  His list goes on and on... I have to stop him and explain to him that in other countries there are people who get their water by taking a cup to a puddle in the street.  They all three, in unison, say, "That's disgusting."  Words are flying, "You can't do that... you can get sick... that water is dirty..."  At that moment, Chase stops the prodding, and starts trying to figure out a solution-- that's what he does.

He then says, "What about building them a well??"

And there it is... optimism for the future.

Words of Claire

While sitting at the table eating our freshly baked Monkey Muffins, Aaron tells Claire that he's using one of her pictures in an advertisement.

"My little model." he says.
She quickly replies with, "I'm not a model."
I, of course, tell her that she can be anything that she wants to be.

With a huge grin, she says, "I'm a unicorn."  I'm left speechless.

Aaron says, "Well, you did say she could be anything she wanted."

St. Louis to 64W

Saying goodbye isn't something that comes easy.  Especially when I don't know when the next time I will see someone.  But, after a week in St. Louis, we were ready to be home.  Now don't take it wrong... we had an amazing time (aside from the weather being gloomy and wet)... everything was wonderful.  

While I would love to write about every detail of our trip... I honestly would be here forever!  So here are some day-by-day highlights:

Saturday:  Since there aren't many trees that loose their leaves here, on Saturday, the kids helped my mom rake leaves.  They ran, jumped, dove and hid in the leaf pile.  Later that afternoon, we went to visit Aunt Lindsay, Uncle Adam and baby Raegan.  After dinner (in Kirkwood), we walked a few blocks to "ColdStone".  My kids, of course, picked up litter along the way!!  I'm thinking of calling them "Litter Patrol".  They held on to what was recyclable and found a trash can along the way and put the litter where it belongs.  They make me so proud!!!

Sunday:  We went to a family reunion at Aaron's parents house.  As usual, the kids had so much fun.  Claire and Henri worked past their fears and rode Omaha for the first time.  The kids went "fishing" for toys... Claire snagged a hula hoop and had a major meltdown!  "That's not what I wanted!!" she cried.  Her Uncle Adam has this on video ;)

Monday:  Took the kids to the STL Science Center.  Chase was bummed (ok, mad and pouty) because he just wanted to go to the Magic House.  No matter how much we explained to him that the Science Center was amazing... he didn't believe us until we stepped inside.  The kids built an arch-- Henri destroyed it before I could get a pic.  They learned how to make bridges... Chase, of course, was enthralled with building the different types of bridges.  Oh, and the Dinosaur section they have 2 life size dinosaurs (T-Rex and Triceratops).  They moved and made sounds, which absolutely terrified Henri, so much that he kept saying, "I wanna get outta here."  I was able to take Chase and Claire to look at them, but even they were fearful.  So, to whoever created those Dinosaurs at the STL Science Center... Bravo!... my kids are convinced they are real!!

Tuesday:  Chase has became a fan of Mario Cart on Wii, Claire likes to run on Wii Fit!  We met Grandpa Bill, Grandma Pam, Lindsay, Adam and Raegan at Chevy's for dinner.  Henri slept almost the entire time... waking just in time for dessert.

Wednesday:  After a slow start, we made it to my Grandparents for lunch.  It had been months since we had been there... and the kids (except for Henri) ran in like they had just been there the day before.  Their toys are so simple (old, broken-in), but the kids love them.  After talking for hours, we then took the kids to their favorite place in St. Louis-- the Magic House.  We've actually been there so many times, that I've lost count.  This time we mostly played in the old section because the boys didn't pay attention to their bodies and peed their pants!  Aaron had to take an hour long (round trip) drive to my mom's to get the boys new clothes... and I was left to keep the kids occupied-- which was quite easy ;)  For dinner, we met up with Brian and Jenna and their two kids... I suddenly turned into that "old person" that says, "I can't believe how big you've gotten and I remember when....".

Thursday:  I helped my mom make her very first cheesecake!  Coming to STL, we had grand plans of walking through Stuckmeyer's pumpkin patch, going on a hayride, corn maze and playing at their wonderful farm...but with the rain still hovering over St. Louis, we picked out 3 pumpkins and headed to Aaron's parents.  The kids drew their designs on their pumpkins and Aaron quickly carved out 3 jack-o-lanterns.  The rain let up just long enough for the kids to go outside to feed Omaha, fall in the mud and have shoes filled with water.  No change of clothes, the kids had to strip down so we could wash their clothes.  2 hours later, we went to Shannon's house to hang out.  Her kids are 10 and 5, so it was craziness!  The kids hadn't seen each other since they were babies... but they hung out like they were old friends.  Maybe it's ingrained in them from being inside me ;)  We stayed there way past the kids' bed time and by the time we got to my mom's house the kids were still all jacked up and didn't go to bed until 10:30!!!

Friday:  Grandma's 80th Birthday!  I was able to talk my mom into letting my sister stay home from school-- my kids and my sister were, obviously, thrilled!  My mom spent the day cooking my Grandma's Birthday dinner, while Aaron and I packed and the kids played with their Aunt Audrey.  We spent hours talking to my Grandparents and had a wonderful dinner (thanks MOM!).  My Grandma absolutely loved her photo video (that my friend Mary Claire made).  While watching it, she reached over and held my hand, squeezed tight, and smiled.  I love holding hands.  I love making my Grandma happy.  After many hours, my Grandparents said good-bye.  Having a 15-16 hour drive ahead of us we too, said our good-byes to my Mom and Audrey (yes, I teared up) and hit the road around 6:30 PM.  With the rock slide on I-40, we had to take a new route that led us threw Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia and Virginia.  I would've liked to have seen it during the day... maybe next time.  After watching Dumb and Dumber, I fell asleep somewhere in the Virginia mountains.  Aaron, on the other hand, drove all night, making little stops to refuel-- not only the car but himself.  I woke up briefly as he pulled into a rest stop... mostly asleep, I let him know that I was not opposed to getting a hotel room, then closed my eyes.

Saturday--It had rained the majority of the drive and when I woke up from my slumber it was day (but still gloomy).  We stopped at a gas station to get some breakfast.  It's so embarrassing what our kids ate... that I just can't even write it.  Needless to say, next time I will pack breakfast.  From the gas station, I took over driving the last hour of the trip.  The rain had subsided and the kids were wide awake full of sugar ;)  As we drove down the highway to Wilmington, I could see the blue skies welcoming us home.  We finally pulled in our driveway around 11 AM.  And even though there was so much to do...

Dorothy is right... There's no place like home :)

1000 Miles

As we packed up the car, for our 1000 mile road trip to St. Louis, my stomach was in knots.  Having never attempted to drive back to STL with the kids... I imagined the worst.  Stopping every 45 minutes, fighting, whining, "are we there yet?" a thousand times.  I, obviously, had no idea what to expect and quite frankly... I calmed myself by packing the car full of a bunch of "just in cases".  It's better to be over prepared than underprepared, right?!  Needless to say, I was beyond over prepared with a bag full of snacks (from the healthy cashews to bubble gum and chocolate covered pretzels).  Lots of games and more movies than I care to admit.

Usually, the kids have to take a bathroom break 20 minutes into the trip... but this time... we made it all the way past Raleigh (over 2 hours) before the kids even mentioned it!!  The kids were absolutely AMAZING!  We only watched 2 movies (Cats & Dogs and Transformers 2), and we played lots of games, including Road Trip Bingo.  Another game we played was Rubberneckers.  To play the game... there are cards with things you have to do to get points, such as: find someone picking their nose, find a bus, etc. And then there were others called "share the road" with things like give someone the peace sign or get a trucker to blow his horn.  We chose "wave to someone and see if they'll wave back."  When I was a kid, this would've been easy.... but it really was hard to do.  We found SO many people to be on their cell phones.  Chase was absolutely embarrassed, Claire gave up... and Henri and I... with perseverance.... finally waved at a guy AND he waved back.  I was 100% reminded how much fun road trips can be.

After about 15 1/2 hours in the car, kids sound asleep in their sleeping bags... we arrived in STL at 4:30am  CST.  It was such a LONG drive and I'm horribly tired... but I am SO happy that we didn't fly.  We had such a great time... saw things-- mountains, tunnels, firework stands, you name it-- that we would've never seen had we flown.  So now that I'm over the fear... I know the trip home will be even more fun.

Words of Henri: Fancy Girl

Henri was sitting on my lap and as my hair was down, he naturally started playing with it.

As he touches my hair, he says, "You look like fancy girl."

Completely flattered and surprised, I say, "A fancy girl."

He tells me again... and I love it.  It absolutely makes me smile.  Me fancy.  Then, I say, "I'm a fancy girl?"

He then replies, "Noooo, you just a mom."

Same Scenario, Different Boy

4 years ago, Chase came to me in despair.  While trying to get the balls out of a toy, he got his arm stuck in the plastic tube.  I, of course, felt bad for him... but could not stop laughing.  Rolling with laughter, we thought we would never be able to free his arm.  I took the following picture.  And I'm so glad I did, because today I heard Henri's footsteps and as he come around the corner... I couldn't believe my eyes.  I immediately started giggling.  The same toy that Chase had gotten stuck on his arm, 4 years ago, was now on Henri's.  He had the exact same look of desperation and I had the same feeling of trying to hold in my laughter while prying the plastic from his arm.

Now, we wonder why Claire never did this?  Maybe girls are just smarter.  I'd like to think so :)

Missing

For the past few weeks, Bell Tate-- our Weimariner rescue-- reverted to the dog we adopted over a year ago. She began tearing up things... and even going so far as to eat a loaf of bread and bag of chips off of the counter. Of course, she did all of the damage while we would be gone and every time we would come home to a house torn apart. So we started putting her in the backyard when we would leave. What would she do? She'd jump the fence (4 ft in that section)...even with her underground fence collar on. No matter what we did, she kept jumping. The other night, as we were turning into our neighborhood, Aaron noticed a sign: Female Weimariner. Underground Fence Collar. We put her in the back yard. We drove down to get her... and there she was standing behind a chain link fence. Why she didn't jump? I suppose we'll never know. When we got home, Aaron took her down to where she jumps and reminded her of the underground fence.

So yesterday, we had a few hours of errands to run. We put her in the backyard. But when we came home... she wasn't there. We called for her and Aaron drove to surrounding neighborhoods and asked neighbors if they had seen her. Nobody had. It's strange, because as much as I love her... I have said to myself, "It is what it is." Maybe because she used to do this all of the time and I would get so worked up...and then she'd show up... and I just can't do it anymore. Chase went to bed last night bummed. She's his cuddle buddy.

Unlike our missing chicken... I really thought that I would wake up this morning and she'd be here... but she's not. Hopefully, she'll turn up as the day goes on... otherwise... this could prove to be a pretty rough week.

Flying a la Henri

As Henri stood on the edge of my bed looking at the floor beneath him, he said, "I think I want to jump." I told him to go ahead and then he said, "But I think I sceered."

"Ok, not a big deal, you don't have to jump."

Then he said, "But it looks like so much fun." With that he spread his "wings" and said "These will help me fly."

Mom Gave Names to All Her Children

I've always said it, "Bob Dylan is an amazing song writer, but I just can't listen to him sing." Claire's new favorite song is "Man Gave Names to all the Animals," of course, redone by Jason Mraz. If you don't know what I'm talking about check it out here.

So yesterday, Claire was taking an after school nap on her floor. Trying desperately to wake her up after about an hour, I started singing a new version.... which of course, she thought was funny and drove her mad at the same time. So here it is...

"Mom saw a girl laying on the floor

She slept so much, that she started to snore.

Couldn't see much, just a lot of hair.

She said, 'I...... I think I'll call her Claire.

Mom saw a boy sitting on the ground,

had so many toys that he couldn't be found.

She tried to get him to look her in the face.

She said, 'I..... I think I'll call him Chase.

Mom saw a boy that was super cute.

He liked to eat vegies and lots fruit.

And on his backpack was Bumble Bee.

She said, 'I....I'm gonna call that one Henri."

Camping: Sparta, VA

Early Friday morning, Aaron woke Claire up for school. Even though we were going camping, she had been insistent about going since she has Music class-- her fav-- on Friday. She had been back and forth the night before, but as soon as she opened her eyes... she had her heart set on packing her backpack with all of her "camping necessities". The kids all got around and by the time we got everything packed... we were out the door and on the road around 10:15. Then stopping for the kids to go potty only 20 miles into the trip. Mid-way through the drive, Chase was wiggling his loose tooth... then before we knew it... there he held it high in his hand! Lost tooth count: 5

Now camping isn't anything that I ever saw myself doing, but it seems like we've been going a lot lately. And strangely enough... it's growing on me. This time we went camping in Sparta, VA for MAR (Mid-Atlantic Rally)... it's a Rover thing. Anyway, Aaron and the kids LOVE it. Our Friday, was spent setting up the tent and me cooking dinner. Typical, of the kids... as soon as the tent is up... they become little tent monsters. Jumping, spinning... you name it... in the tent. One day, I just know that the tent will collapse. Until then, they'll keep doing what they do.

After a long night (thanks to some trashy 23 year old yapping until 4 am), the kids woke up around 8! YAY! I make pancakes and sausage for breakfast... AND they were SO good. I'm totally throwing out (ok, donating) my non-stick griddle in favor of my cast iron griddle. After breakfast, we took the kids up to look around at all the different Rovers and visit with friends. Their buddy, Big Mark, brought his 9 year old daughter-- Bailey-- and the kids had so much fun. We went on a brief 4-wheeling trip... just long enough to see the result of a D-90 that rolled and another Rover get stuck-- a highlight for the kids!

While I made lunch, the kids hung out with Bailey in her tent. She dolled the kids all up... lip-gloss and had the boys smelling like cheap hookers! We kept telling Chase that Bailey thought he was cute and wanted to marry him... I've never seen him so embarrassed. It was hilarious watching him blush ;) As I was getting dinner ready, the kids were still playing with Bailey. Aaron went to get them for dinner and he discovered the most amazing thing. Henri must have gotten tired and was on Big Mark's lap. He was falling asleep as Mark rubbed his back. Luckily, Aaron got there before he was completely asleep. Later that evening, we took the kids on a night 4-wheeling trip... only to come across Rovers that had been stuck for hours. Aaron had to back up in the dark... no reverse lights... and find his way out of the forest with no map. It was adventurous and I wasn't worried. My 2 sleepy heads were in their PJ's... Henri's sleeping head held up by me as we bumped and jumped around on the trails. And, in case you're wondering... yes, we made it out.... and quickly, too. Aaron has some kind of super power when it comes to knowing where he is and which direction he needs to go.

Sunday, we woke up to a very cold day and very dewy outside. Luckily, it wasn't raining. We packed up and the kids said their good-byes to their new friend. It was a great weekend... of no TV, no computers... just family and friends.

Different Perspectives

After I picked up Claire and Chase from school, Claire asked why Henri doesn't eat lunch at his school and began a conversation about why Henri should want to go to school. With that came 3 very different opinions on school.

Claire-- "School's FUN!!"

Chase-- "School's boring."

Henri-- "School STINKS!"

2 Reasons to Cry

According to Claire's behavior yesterday, there are 2 really BIG reasons to cry about school.

1. P.E.: Tennis shoes are not cool and neither is being told that she should wear them. Running around is fun, but in the setting of P.E.... she's just not digging it. So yesterday morning-- in tears-- she asks if we could write her a note so that she can just sit and watch P.E.. Who knew that could start SO young? High school is going to be rough.
2. Opening the car door: When I pick Claire up from school, the teachers always open the car door for her. Yesterday, she gets in the car and immediately starts crying. The problem? "They opened the door for me... I can do it myself."

The things a 5 year old girl can make a disaster!!

Picture Night

Yesterday, late afternoon, we went to the south end of Wrightsville for our family pictures. We were supposed to get them taken today, but thanks to my Mom's constant weather updates (and impending rain), we were able to switch our appointment!!! AND I'm so glad we did!! It was SO gorgeous.... everything was perfect... high tide.... so there were a long stretched out tidal pools for the kids to run and play in. So, typical, of our family pictures the boys got soaking wet. And we all had so much fun...

Walking back through the sand dunes to the gazebo, I found a piece of a glass bottle and a Styrofoam cup and with that... my little litter picker-uppers began their hunt for litter. As usual, it wasn't hard to find the litter... lots and lots of cigarette butts. As I picked up a candy bag, Claire said to me, "Mom, why are people so trashy??". "I don't know... I wish I knew." Having to walk several blocks because we parked at Casey's... when we finally got to the car, Chase says, "Can we go to Kohl's?" Aaron hadn't eaten dinner yet and thought it was a great idea... and I-- loving Kohl's custard-- decided that hip hop could wait until next week. Sitting outside eating our ice cream, hearing the ocean, the boys soaked with salty water, and sand all over us-- could life be any better?? I think not.

It's Over

Well, it's official. Friday was Henri's last day of his 3 year old preschool class. After a weekend of deliberation and his reaction as we went to leave for school this morning... we made the decision to withdraw him from preschool. While it's not the child I expected to want to stay home... I guess I'll be homeschooling after all.

Heartbreaker

Since Henri started preschool, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday have been the same. He always asks me "Where we going?" and as soon as I tell him "school".... he starts crying and telling me about how he doesn't want to go to school. Of course, I try my hardest to comfort him and tell him about all of the fun things he's going to do while he's there and even reassure him that I will stay for a little and play with him... but nothing I say or do helps.

So today, for the 6th time, I took Henri to school. He stays pretty close to me and keeps an eye on what I'm doing. I watch him play play-doe and help him get situated, but then there's the moment when he realizes that I'm going to leave. He suddenly becomes very clingy. I hold him and love him and tell him all the things he needs to hear. As I attempt to leave...Holding him, I try to pass him off to his teacher... only to have him hold tighter. Arms around my neck crying... "I don't want go school." I pry his fingers apart and hand him to his teacher. Screaming and crying... arms reaching for me... he looks at me in despair and desperation. I give him a kiss and tell him I'll be back.

I cry because I don't want to go... I don't want him to cry... I want to take him with me... and make it right. Only thing is... I'm not sure what is right.

Who Did It???

As we were getting the kids ready for bed last night, I walked into Claire's room to see Henri standing next to Claire's refrigerator holding a green marker. Her refrigerator had green marker ALL over it.

I say, "Henri! Did you do that? Who did that?"

Henri replies, "It no me, Chase."

Of course, with him holding the marker in his hand, I say, "Don't lie. Who colored on Claire's refrigerator??"

Again, he says, "I didn't do it. Chase."

With that, I called Chase into Claire's room (Claire is standing by quiet this whole time.). "Chase, did you do that?" I ask knowing full and well that my 7 year old knows not to do that. Of course, he answers while in shock of what he's seen, "No."

I turn around to blame Henri again then I see marker on the top of Claire's dresser. I'm beyond livid and at the time can't believe that Henri hasn't fessed up. THEN, I sit down on Claire's bed and see the side of her dresser. Now I should've taken a picture... but I was in the moment.

I said, "Claire!?? It was YOU!!! Why would you color all over everything???"

Her response, "Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!"

The whole side of her dresser was covered in words that she could write like: mom, dad, chase, and lots of "Claire hieroglyphic letters". After using baking soda and remembering that days earlier I went against my eco-ways and bought Magic Erasers... the marker finally came off.

The Tooth Fairy Returns

For the past several days, the kids have been crazy! Last night before bed, they were wrestling and being "animals" (figuratively speaking). All of the sudden Chase runs out-- hand held high-- and says, "Look, Claire knocked out my tooth!!"

Lost tooth count: 4

Words of Henri

Henri: "I found a best friend!"

Mom: "You did! Who?"

Henri: "You, you my best friend."

Two First Days

This morning, Henri had his first day at preschool. We've been talking about it for awhile and the past week, I tried to "prep" him as much as I could for what was going to happen. Before we left the house, he told me that he was "scared". I stayed with him in his class for about 20 minutes and had to leave to take Chase his snack at school. Henri wasn't ready for it. He cried and cried.... it made my heart break. After about 15 minutes, I called to check on him. They said he was calming down. Thank goodness. I, then, for the first time in years went shopping by MYSELF. It was nice. When the time came to pick up Henri from school, I got on my bike and rode up to get him. He was the first one out and he looked so whooped. He was happy, but he just looked sad in his eyes. We hopped on the bike and he said, "Don't go too fast for me.". At that point, I'd do anything he asked... just want my happy, P&V Henri back. We had lots of fun on our bike ride and he told me "I love you" a million times... which hasn't stopped all day.

After Henri and I picked up Claire and Chase from school, Claire had dance. Based on how she ended dance this summer (bad attitude), I was nervous whether or not she would take the classes. I was happily surprised to see her walk right into the class and participate with great enthusiasm!! After her ballet and tap, she asked if she could stay for the jazz class. The boys (well, mainly Chase) were spent after 2 hours of being at the dance studio. But, Claire had lots of fun dancing with Miss Christy and meeting some new friends.

Friday

A New Outlook on School

Talking about school with Chase, I ask, "So... Chase? You really like school?"

He says, "I don't just like it, I love it."

"Seriously? You're glad that Dad wanted you to try that school?" I say

With a huge smile he says, "Yeah, I probably won't be home schooling."

New Day, New Attitude

Waking Chase up for school went just as it always has: SLOW. He's not a morning person... well at least not when it has to do with getting up for school. After many attempts to pry his head out from under his blanket... I succeeded in getting him off to his first day of 2nd grade at his new school. On the way in, Aaron said that he was quiet and that he felt bad leaving him because he just looked kind of sad. We worried about him all day.

Then at 2:45, I picked him up in the multi-purpose room and saw a different Chase. Turns out that he had an awesome day... from building with LEGO's (his favorite) to chasing girls on the playground with all of his friends... there's nothing that wasn't fun. Shoot, his teacher is even "funny"! He didn't have one negative thing to say about his day... well, except for his enhancement: "Spanish, I wasn't looking forward to that...". Little does he know that when he can speak Spanish and we can't... he'll LOVE every second of it!!

So when asked how he liked school, his response: "It's GREAT!!!"

2009-08-26

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2009-08-25

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BIG Day!

Yesterday, I woke up Claire at 6:40 am to get ready for her first day of Kindergarten. She was so cute... tired, but so excited. Never once did she complain about being tired or have to be pushed to "get moving". Aaron said that she talked his ear off the whole way to school and was even ahead of him walking in!! When they got to her classroom, she pulled Dad in-- not from nervousness-- from excitement.

So our bossy girl only has one rule for her teacher: with another Claire in her class...she's just Claire, not Claire R..

The day was strange without our Claire Bear. The boys and I went to the barbershop, and to Target (yes, again!) to pick up some forgotten school supplies. That afternoon, the boys and I parked and waited outside on the benches of her school. Henri-- so used to going inside-- was bummed that we weren't walking inside to get her. From the moment we saw Claire, she was so happy. She walked with a hop in her step and kept talking about Chester the Raccoon. Her class-- like Chase's when he started Kindergarten-- went on a "search" around the school for Chester (he leaves clues all around the school... and in turn the kids explore without realizing they're touring the school :) ). So, her first day was a success and she can't wait to go back on Friday to meet all 18 of her friends!!

Once we got home, the kids and I went on a bike ride and took the baby chicks (now a week old!) in the backyard. Now, I wish I could say that the rest of the day was just as perfect as everything that preceded the evening... but it wasn't. After dinner, all of Chase's pent up emotions-- anxiety, fear, disappointment, anger-- about going to school poured out of him. He was a mess...so much so that it was like a 2 year old throwing a temper tantrum. He was so mean and bossy... but I know he didn't mean any of it. Claire helped cheer up the moment by saying, "Mom, I told Henri that we're on Mom's team." Thank goodness they recognized what he was doing was inappropriate. Thankfully, once we got him around for bed, read some books and cuddled... and after many BIG hugs... he calmed down.

While we were putting Claire and Chase to bed, Henri said that he wanted to sleep on his floor (just like his big sister). I told him "ok" and to grab his sleeping bag. After he didn't return, minutes later, I decided to check on him only to find him on his floor, in his sleeping bag... sound asleep. We all had a big day...

Another Weekend Update

Friday morning, the kids and I headed out on a mission to find Claire a lunch bag for school. I've been putting it off because Claire keeps saying that she doesn't want to go to school... and I'd be OK with her not going. Our first stop: Wal-Mart. Claire's reaction again, "What's Wal-Mart???" We never go there-- it's the largest on the East Coast, always busy, and SO trashy-- and I'm quite OK with her not knowing. Unfortunately, our trip to Wal-Mart was a wash... so we headed off to our trusty Target. Thankfully, they got a new shipment since our last visit-- only 3 days earlier! So she picked out a Disney Princess lunch bag and got a Hello Kitty Sigg water bottle. She's warming up to the idea of school now!

Saturday afternoon, Chase had a birthday party to go to. It was the first party that we've ever dropped Chase off at. Originally, we thought that he might be a little nervous getting dropped off at a friends house that he had never been before... but that wasn't the case. Aaron walked him up and before he could say "bye", Chase was off playing. So we left Chase at the "boys hangout" and we headed off to the car wash, shopping and Mellow Mushroom. After a heavy down pour (thank you Bill) and several hours later, we picked him up. He had lots of fun and now knows about Star Wars!!

Yesterday, Aaron had to make an emergency trip to Charleston for work. We were supposed to plant our fall garden, so he had Ryan come over and help me. Chase and I hoed and raked a bunch of weeds and Ryan tilled. Once Ryan finished tilling, he went swimming with the kids while I planted 3 types of lettuces, spinach, broccoli, and green beans. By the time I was finished with that, I was extremely worn out, so I didn't get finished with planting the entire garden. Luckily, the kids tired out at the same time and we headed inside to watch Curious George the movie. Really cute movie, btw. After dinner, the kids had to get all of the toys out of the pool. Henri was leaning over to get a toy and fell in. Chase jumped in-- clothes on-- to rescue him. Thinking that swimming with all their clothes on was a cool thing to do... all 3 kids jumped in fully clothed!! They had so much fun swimming and then rode their bikes sopping wet. During all of this, we took the baby chicks out into the freshly tilled garden. It's really amazing watching them jump for insects, scratch the dirt and give themselves dust baths. Watching them do all of those things, I thought about how amazing it is that they know how to do it all. No one teaches them... we got them the day after they hatched... they've never seen another chicken do those things... they just know how. Absolutely amazing.

Don't Want to Miss a Thing

Last night-- like so many before it-- when I put Henri to bed, he says that he's "not ready go bed". I tuck him in several times to have him come out of his room. He must fear that he's going to miss out on something. So, last night, he climbed into the chair and fidgeted for a moment. Then, I looked over to find this:

August 18-19, 2009

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Words of Henri

Lately, the kids have been playing cops while they ride their bikes and scooters around the driveway. Last night, Henri was riding his bike and he dumped it. He was laying on his side with the bike on top of him. I saw him look around and was waiting for him to start crying... but instead he said, "That... pretty cool trick. hehh."

Tuesday's Fortune

Whenever we go to the mall at lunch, it's inevitable that we eat Chinese (and Chick-fil-A for Claire and Henri). Aaron and I have become accustomed to giving our fortune cookies away to the kids. More than the cookie they get excited about the little piece of paper inside. This time even more so, since they had fortune cookies on "The Penguins of Madagascar".

Now whatever Chase and Claire's fortunes were... I can't remember except for the fact that they both said, "I don't get it" and "that doesn't even make sense."

But then I read Henri's to them: The night life is for you.

And they both responded, "Oh, yeah. That's so true."

August 14-15, 2009

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Henri on School

Discussing Henri being 3 and going to school, he says:

"I might not go to m&m school, it pretty far from Blockbusters."

Just Like Marzipan

For the past several days, the modeling clay has had a home at our breakfast table. Henri really enjoys smashing it, but Chase and I are having so much fun creating little creatures. So far we've made: Pig, penguin (I made Private and Claire turned him into Skipper by flattening his head!), chickens & coop, cat, whale, dogs, turtles... you name it... we can make it.

Where'd Farmer Chase Go?

For as long as I can remember, Chase has always wanted to be a farmer. Now, the type of farmer that he's wanted to be has changed, but he's never strayed from wanting to be a farmer when he grows up. However, today that changed.

"Mom, instead of a farmer... I think that I want to be a LEGO Power Miners designer."

Although his comment took me by surprise... it really shouldn't have. We've talked about this moment and figured it would come. And with his love for building things and drawing "inventions"... I suppose that I shouldn't be surprised at all.

Now, I just wonder if and when he's going to replace his John Deere tractors....

Chase's Tooth

While eating his chicken nuggets at Chick-Fil-A, Chase says, "What is this??"

I looked and almost said, 'Bone'... but I looked again and said, "It's your tooth!"

Aaron says, "Great, Dr. Bryan will be by tonight." The running joke is that our friend and dentist is the tooth fairy. Chase gave Aaron THAT look and smirked... knowing full and well that the tooth fairy isn't Dr. Bryan.

Lost tooth count: 3

Sprinkle Sprinkle

Growing up with no pool, my brother and I constantly played with the hose and sprinkler. Drenching ourselves to cool from the hot summer days. My kids-- having a pool and living near the ocean-- don't depend on those things to make summer more bearable. But today, they drenched themselves... clothes on and sopping wet...

2009-08-09

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Charleston

Just like last weekend, we packed up the truck and headed out of town. This time we headed south to Charleston, SC. Aaron had to go there to pick up a Rover that he bought... and being only a little over 3 hours away... we decided to make the most of it and stay all weekend. Now, we've both been to Charleston before, my last time was while I was in college and Aaron's with my friend Catherine on one of her 3 week stays.

On the way down, we stopped at Birds of Prey in Mount Pleasant. They have over 100 birds there... owls, eagles, vultures, hawks, you name it... that have all been rescued. It was a nice detour... kids got to stretch their legs and learn something at the same time.

Coming into Charleston was definitely a different experience from what I remember. There used to be this OLD bridge across the river... to keep it clean... it freaked me out! Before bridges were falling down, I always imagined the Charleston bridge collapsing or somehow driving off the edge (it was SO high and super narrow). Now, there is a nice beautiful bridge and for once going into Charleston... I felt safe :) However, Claire couldn't understand why she didn't get to see the "freaky" bridge and no matter how much we explained to her that she was born in 2004 and the bridge was torn down in 2005... she just didn't get WHY she didn't get to see it.

At the aquarium with the "new" Charleston bridge in the background.

When we got to our hotel (Indigo Inn), it was wine and cheese hour. Our joke was that we brought the "whine" and all we needed was cheese ;) Once we got settled, we walked over to the market in search of dinner. Chase said that he only wanted crab... so Charleston Crab House it was. And it was SO good. Of course, we all ate way too much. But Ben & Jerry's was calling. I skipped, because I knew the kids would never finish theirs... good call on my part. The day was long and it seemed that everyone was whooped... EXCEPT for Chase. At 11:06 PM, I heard him say, "I'm bored." Night owl, he is.

Saturday morning, we walked to the SC Aquarium. It was a HIKE for the kids (ok, Claire and Henri) and they were not having fun. We got there with Henri on Aaron's back. We spent a few hours exploring all of the aquatic creatures and those linked to the water... like a bald eagle... they even had 4 penguins. The kids were convinced that they were "Skipper", "Private", "Rico" and "Sworksy?"... the Penguins of Madagascar.

Henri and Claire loved the baby sea turtle so much that they had to give it a kiss.

Outside, there was a wishing well that had steps leading into it. We told the kids they could put their feet in. Next thing we knew, Henri was waist in and then laying down. It was hilarious and he was having so much fun. With Henri soaking wet and us dreading the walk back to the hotel, we decided to take a Pedicab (it's like a Rickshaw). The poor biker... I can't imagine how heavy the 5 of us must have been!!

Check out the "Please Stay Out of Water" sign.

For lunch, we ate at a bar that used to be a church! It was so strange, but very cool to be eating lunch in a church. We did a little shopping in the market, then started our walk to "Cupcake". Another LONG walk, that could not be taken by the little ones. Claire had a meltdown when she learned that the bouncy house and slides were closed... she fell on the brick pavers and skinned her elbow. I think all of Charleston heard her screaming.

We ate our cupcakes and then we hopped on another pedicab back to the hotel. Thank goodness for Pedicab... they're lifesavers... or maybe mindsavers. With worn out kids, we decided to drive into Land Rover... Aaron has this new thing with collecting shirts... some people do Hard Rock... he does Land Rover. The kids and I picked out a couple of convertibles while we were there. The kids really liked the Porsche... to them it's "Sally", but her "back seat" was a little tight for them. But I found my car... I'm now in love with the convertible Jaguar. On the way back to the hotel, Henri fell asleep. He took his first nap in months... had to wake him up for dinner. After dinner, we took a horse drawn carriage ride through Charleston. Amazing the things you see when you're not wrestling 3 kids or in a car. After another long day, we headed back to the hotel and watched "Finding Nemo".

Waiting for the carriage ride.

We turned out the lights at a little after 10 and then Chase said it, "I'm bored." I said, "You're such a night owl. Maybe we should build you a barn." Then Aaron added, "Yeah. And we can build it with boards (boreds)." Chase thought that was pretty funny... so we all went to sleep giggling.

Sunday morning, we all slept in. We got the kids swim suits on and headed down to the Charleston Waterfront Park. There they have a couple of fountains that are up to pool standards so that kids (and adults) can play in them. The kids had so much fun... and I'm sure it was the highlight of their trip to Charleston.

Butterflies

As I was clearing off my camera for our trip to Charleston tomorrow, I realized that I forgot about the butterflies.

4 years ago-- when we first started growing our own parsley-- we found caterpillars devouring it all. From that moment, we got a terrarium and would take the caterpillars and feed them parsley until they got so big that they stopped eating. They hang in a "j" and form their chrysalis. We wait and wait and then one day a black swallowtail butterfly emerges. Each year, we do the same thing... and it's just as exciting the 50th time as it was the 1st time. We had over 20 butterflies our first year... so no doubt we have seen at least 50.

So on Monday, a butterfly emerged from its cocoon (our 6th this year) and the kids set it free. To flit and flutter... to lay more eggs on our parsley... so that we can do it all over again.

Spinning

Last night, as we tucked Chase in for bed, Henri started spinning around in circles. He would stop to feel the dizziness and sometimes he would fall. He was so focused... almost like he was seeing how many times he could go around without falling. He, along with us, thought it was hilarious. Claire, never one to miss out on some fun, started spinning as well. Bumping into each other they fell to the floor laughing.

R.I.P

This evening, while I was cleaning up the kitchen from dinner. Aaron called me from outside. He said, "Soiree is dead." Of course, I thought he was joking. She was our biggest... I called her Big Mamma, the leader and best egg layer out of the four. But he said to me, "Why would I call you to joke about that." Out the back door I went, and sure enough... there she lay by our compost bin. Telling the kids went a lot smoother than expected. Chase responded, "Whoohoo... now we can get a rooster!" I couldn't believe it... in February when Sweetie Pie passed... he was in tears and writing something for her burial. A lot sure has changed in the months passing. Aaron took the kids and Soiree down to the "meadow" and buried her. I still can't believe it... down to 3 chickens. Chase and I wonder, "Who will be the leader now?"

Our Weekend Update

Friday morning, we packed up the truck and put the Rover on the trailer and headed to Virginia for ROAV (Rover Owners Association of VA) event and camping. It was about a 6 hour drive and everyone's first time in VA (well, besides Aaron). The kids kept busy in the truck with movies, road trip scavenger hunt and Where's Waldo books. Aaron and I played the "Great State Plate Hunt". The ride there went fairly smooth... navigation took us on what was supposed to be a main road... but we ended up winding around all of these 1 1/2 lane roads.

Once we wound up the mountain (VA Smokies), we come up over a hill and Aaron says, "See, Dirty Dancing." And there it was... if I had seen Baby I would have thought I was walking into a movie.

Then we passed all of the buildings and headed to the hotel's conservation area, where we would be camping. Up a steep muddy hill... four wheeling already. Once we reached the top of the mountain... at an elevation of 4000 feet (yes... we were in the clouds), we set up camp. Realizing that we forgot to pack a few things, we decided to take a ride into town (Pearisburg?). While we waited for our pizza at Pizza Hut (worst Pizza Hut in the world, btw), Aaron and Henri walked to Save-A-Lot to get our forgotten items. After dinner, we went to Wal-Mart to finish getting our forgotten items. Again, Claire had a Wal-Mart comment, "I hate Wal-Mart." I'm with her all the way. Although, it was quite the experience... small town... Friday night... shoot... that's the mall. By the time we got back to our campsite, we got a fire going and in no time the kids were ready for bed.... after, a jump around the tent!

View from the old stone clubhouse... the camp ground was a golf course that hadn't been used in over 30 years.

Saturday, I woke up to Henri, "It's morning guys. It's light." We got around and went 4-wheeling. Unsure of what the new Rover would do... we just went on the fire roads. I was happy about that... just mud and water. We went 2 times that day, and even had muddy water come up over the hood of the Rover. I think the kids were inspired by all of the mud, because when we got back to camp... Chase wanted to ride his bike through the mud. We obliged... big mistake... because then the next thing we know... we look over and all three were playing in the mud. Livid... Aaron and I were. No showers, no nothing for the kids to get cleaned. Luckily, it rained and we were able to clean them up... for the most part! After the rain cleared, we went on a walk. The day went fast, and we were all tired... so as soon as we ate our s'mores... we hit the (air) mattresses.

Early Sunday, it started raining. It was raining so hard, that I could barely sleep... the kids must have loved it... because they seemed to sleep forever. Packing up... it poured... and never once let up. Even on the drive home... we had small breaks in the rain. When we stopped for lunch, I said to Aaron, "Is this the same Wendy's that we ate at on Friday?", "No." He says. Then, like me he realized that it was the same exact Wendy's that we ate at 2 days earlier. Strange. The kids played "Road Trip Bingo" and Aaron and I finished our "plate hunt"... found 30 out of 50 states (yes, I even found Alaska!!) plus Ontario and Nova Scotia.

When we got home, we unpacked just in time. Then the rain finally caught up with us. The kids rode their bikes and chalk painted on the driveway.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Being bored and wanting something "junkie", I decided to make chocolate chunk cookies. The kids played together and waited for the hot cookies to come out of the oven. When they were done, we all sat around the table discussing why we liked them. I, of course, like the "crisp, buttery edges". Chase likes them because they are "junk and they taste SO good." Claire says they're good because "you can take them to school and they're good." Henri... well lets just say he was a bit confused by the question.

After dinner, we got the kids cleaned up for bed and then had a cookie for our after dinner snack. Claire says to Aaron, "Dad how do you make chocolate chip cookies?" He says, "With chocolate chips." She says, "But what else." Aaron's response, "With chocolate chips and then you add cookies." Strangely enough, Claire was satisfied with that answer... could be because she knows how to make the cookies and didn't want to torture her dad :)

Piss and Vinegar

Yesterday was one of those days. Chase woke up to find the only 2 donuts left were kinds he didn't want. Then he told me that he wanted to take a break from horse riding lessons... before we even went. After having one of his best lessons to date, he still wants to take a break. Aaron had a weekend devoted to US Air (his flight should've gotten home at 8 am, but it was cancelled, so he didn't get in until 2:30am), so he wanted to go someplace quiet for lunch. We decided on Panera Bread-- it's just like STL Bread Co. Well... Miss Claire (or should I say Miss Diva) decided she didn't want to eat there and had a meltdown. I was this close to leaving, but she got over it and we had a really nice lunch... and the rest of the afternoon was really great. Until... Henri peed on Chase's floor with his big sister cheering him on to do it!! What the heck!! Piss and Vinegar... that's what Grandma would've said.

But then the day took another turn, Claire asked me to braid her hair (I had mine braided). If you know anything about Claire, it's that she doesn't like her hair messed with... to get a clip in her hair is a miracle!! So I did a french braid and pig tails. She was so cute and actually wanted to show her Dad!!

2009-07-25

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July 21, 2009

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Old and New Friends

Last week, I got an email from my childhood friend (Dawn) about making an impromptu trip to NC. I immediately got her on the phone and learned that she and her husband (Jeremy) had a week off of work. I was overly excited for the possibility and wasn't let down.

Monday, the kids and I went to Jungle Rapids water park for a sort of "Kindergarten Kick-off". But really we just met some friends there and played on the different waterslides for 3 hours. Chase even went up one of the tallest (the "toilet bowl") with just a couple of friends. We made our way up also... the first time, Henri was NOT digging it... but once he went down... he was ready to go again. The time seemed to pass all too quickly and before I knew it, it was 2pm. I then had to wrangle the kids up to leave so that we could go to the airport to pick up Dawn, Jeremy and their two kids-- Dean and Dustin. As soon as the kids saw each other... it was like they've known each other forever-- maybe they kind of have.

Tuesday, Aaron took off work early so that we could take the boat out. It was so gorgeous-- as usual. The kids had so much fun playing together and Claire immediately took to Dawn. It didn't matter what was going on or where we were, we'd find Claire with Dawn. She even got Dawn playing cards!

Chase touching a skate that Jeremy found swimming around him.

Wednesday, while Aaron was at work, we went to the Battleship NC. Our kids had never been there, so I thought that they would be super excited. Henri wasn't really thrilled about it all. Not really sure what his deal was, but he had some sort of "fear".... not to mention that he denied a hand stamp, then decided that he wanted one once we were already inside! Indecisiveness... ugh! Typical of the Battleship... it's really nice outside, then you get on it and it's somehow scorching hot! We only stayed about an hour... with 5 kids... that's pretty good! We met Aaron for lunch at Elijah's downtown on the riverfront. Trying to show Dawn and Jeremy Wilmington in 3 1/2 days is a task! It's small here, but there is so much to see and do. After lunch, we came home thinking that we would have a little time to hang out and eat a quick dinner of leftovers before dance-- Dawn and I grew up dancing together and she was going to take my 2 dance classes with me, which I was super excited about. However, dance got cancelled. So we just spent the afternoon in the pool. Chase was having a blast with Jeremy throwing him in the pool. Chase is at the age where he likes to be dunked, splashed and thrown!

Thursday, we (minus Aaron) packed a picnic lunch and went to NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Now, we've been there what seems like a million times, but it's the only place that the kids don't go "ugh, not there again". They always get super excited and know what they want to see and always see something that they didn't see before-- I guess that's what happens with moving fish :) After the aquarium, we took our picnic lunch to the "leaning trees" at Fort Fisher. The trees look as if they are leaning away from the ocean... it's so beautiful... and it makes for a perfect picnic location. Once we had stuffed ourselves, we changed and headed to the beach. We spent almost 2 hours playing in the sand, surf and waves. We'd never been to the beach at Fort Fisher (ok, we went briefly when Audrey was little, but without proper attire... so for me it just doesn't count!). Henri kept digging up these little crab-bug-things... they burrowed themselves down into the sand... crazy cool. It was so much fun... especially having the extra eyes and hands with the kids. Chase always likes to go out in the waves and Jeremy was so great taking him out-- protecting him and holding on to him when a big wave crashed around them. Should've brought the boogie boards! Claire and Dean played almost the entire time together... jumping waves never seemed to get old! Unfortunately, we had to leave. On the way home, I took minor detours to show Dawn and Jeremy (ok, more Jeremy) a couple of houses that are used often in movies/TV (most notably Dawson's Creek, Summer Catch and Domestic Disturbance). They're big and beautiful, so they're worth the drive-by anyway :) Later that evening, we all went to Coldstone for ice cream-- have I mentioned that I really miss Kohl's Frozen Custard :( . Then they (D&J) needed to go to Wal-Mart, so I took another detour to show them part of the UNCW campus. Claire asked where we were going and I said, "Wal-Mart." She responded, "What's Wal-Mart??". Yes, she was serious. I had an immediate flashback to Paris Hilton saying that. So, we all went into Wallie World-- yes I was scared, but I was really hoping that I could get my chocolate milk and eggs (all organic) there. Wrong! Oh well, it was interesting nonetheless.

Friday, we took the boat out for about 3 hours, then everyone had to leave. Dawn, Jeremy, Dean and Dustin were heading back to St. Louis and Aaron to Vegas... all on the same flight out of Wilmington. It was a really great visit... I'm so happy that they came. The kids all played so good together... and for me, there's something "touching" about watching my kids play with the kids of a friend that I've had for nearly my entire life.