November Flashback: Dancing with Pappy

For this month's flashback post I just grabbed an unmarked photo CD out of the case, popped it in to see what might be on there and found these very sweet pictures of Claire and Pappy from last summer (2009). These were taken at Stone Hill winery in Hermann, MO.

"May I have this dance?"

"Where you goin', little girl..."

"Wheeee!"

Love that Pappy!

Love that girl!

Mama

The Tooth Fairy (Finally!) Visits!

Dear Logan,

Well, after a couple months of wiggling those two front teeth of yours, you finally had your big night! I had a feeling that at least one of those teeth was going to come out at last when you opened your mouth and it was sitting there practically horizontal!

wiggle, wiggle

Here's Dad going in for the yank!

"OW!"

At last, I had had enough. I asked you if you really wanted it out and when you answered in the affirmative, I grabbed a Kleenex and yanked that sucker right out of your gums!

Ain't that something?

For the record, the tooth fairy brought you $5. I guess she figured all those many days of wiggling were worth it. I'm guessing she's going to take a discount on future teeth though, unless you happen to lose a tooth in a very dramatic fashion...

...don't get any ideas.

Love,

Mama

Weekend at Pappy's

Kids,

Last weekend your dad and I went on a grownup campout, so we shuttled you off to Grammy and Pappy's for the weekend. By the looks of things you had a fun and busy time!

Claire finally got in the driver's seat, it appears.

And really.....only Pappy would buy Logan a cap gun, and then give him a hatchet to explode the caps with. I'm glad to see the addition of safety goggles and protective earphones, though.

Here's a little photo session of Claire climbing through the rear window of Pappy's truck.

This shot is one of my favorite Claire-pics of all time. Look at those peepers!

Logan....still hard at work exploding caps!

Grammy and Pappy bought a brand new horse swing for you guys this weekend. Looks like Claire enjoyed it!

Look at the size of Logan's leaf!

A little time-out in the hammock by the fire.

Snack break!

Off for a romp around the yard...

And Pappy saved up all his leaves for you guys to rake! Wasn't that nice of him?

Great job, guys!

Love you!

Mama

Kota Triceratops

Last week I brought up good old Kota Triceratops from the basement playroom. This was one of Logan's Christmas presents three years ago when all he wanted in the whole world was "the dinosaur that eats the leaf!" Sadly, Kota has been quite neglected over the last year and a half or so - out of batteries and sitting quietly against the wall, waiting patiently for this day to come.

I was pretty sure all the little guys would get a kick out of it - and I was right! Kota was a major hit, even if it took her a while to warm her batteries up. She was stuck in "chewing mode" for a few hours and I was starting to get a little worried....

I shouldn't have worried, though. It wasn't long before Kota was her old self again - roaring, sneezing, "purring" and yes, even snoring if you ignore her long enough.

It sure put a smile on Claire's face!

Love,

Mama

Maya's Princess Party

This month Maya had her third birthday and we were invited over for a princess party! I got Claire dressed up in her best party-wear and we were on our way!

I got lucky and caught this super-sweet moment between besties. Aw, you guys!!

Maya trying to get that stubborn candle out!

Claire inching in for the assist...

Maya holding court at the royal princess table!

Taking a moment to chase some bubbles outside...

Blow, Lisa, blow!!

"Hullo? Prince Charming? Can you come over?"

That's one sweet birthday girl!

Meanwhile....still keeping an eye out for Charming....

Happy birthday, Maya! I sure love these girls!

Mama

October Here and There

One day Logan came off the school bus with this nasty looking injury. I was so mad when he told me it happened because someone yanked his arm and caused him to fall into the seat, that I took this picture and was just about to send it off to the transportation department, along with a scathing email, until I asked a few more questions about it.

Turns out, Logan, you were crawling around on the floor of the school bus and messing around with another kid. While I believe you that the kid yanked your arms out from under you - what do you expect to happen when you make choices like that? Well, now we know, right?

Behave!

Wow, now that is a hug!

Let's try that again....

Much better!

Another self-portrait.

Claire coloring. See that crazy hair? Get used to it, kid. It's in your genes, straight from Mommy.

But, you're looking especially well-coiffed on this morning!

Love you guys!

Mama