The Most Expensive Nap...

I was so excited when Friend Pen suggested we take the girls to see The Nutcracker. I decided to bring Alek, too, as I thought he'd be very interested in watching the athletics of the dancers.

They were both excited to go. Happy to get ready. Giddy and dancing around beforehand.

We took our seats. Before it started Nora let go with one of those rude, loud yawns. Great.

It started. Alek is interested for a few minutes.... Nora says, "When are they going to talk?" Clearly, I've not explained this properly. Alek says, "When does it start?" I say, "It is started. What are you talking about?" He says, "They're just dancing." And, well, that about sums up my children's attitudes toward the ballet.

Nora squirmed, yawned, whined, proclaimed her hunger, and ended up on my lap before intermission. Alek was better, but had the chin in hand looking resigned. He was not impressed when I told him that no, we wouldn't be leaving at intermission.

So, during intermission they ran around, acted silly, and I thought maybe would make it through to the end. Nora was in my lap and OUT COLD about 7 minutes into the second half. Alek lasted a little longer, then rolled up his jacket, used it as a pillow, and INTENTIONALLY went to sleep. I have to admit... the second half was much more enjoyable for me. Should have suggested they nap from the beginning.

But of course, Nora was perfectly willing and eager to stand in line to get autographs.

Kate, by the way, behaved like a lovely young lady and watched every minute.

I Saw Mommy

So, we have begun listening to Christmas music in the car.
"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" came on. Alek listened for awhile and then said, "This is a really weird song. I mean, why would anybody even think of this? I don't think you would be kissing any man like that."


I really had no way of responding to this in any detail. Suggestions anyone?

So, this is Nora's "Portrait of Mommy." This was done today while we waited for Walt's Well Check visit at the doctor. I was even made to pose with a "nice smile."

Very flattering, I think.

Excellent Nora and Kate Moment...

Me: Nora, where is the rest of your toilet paper holder? (Noticed it missing tonight while tucking her in and straightening up in her bathroom - you know, the spring cylinder that actually holds the roll.)

Nora: Ummmmmmmmmm.... on the stairs.

Me: Why?

Nora: I don't know.

(I go check, surprised I'd missed it. Nope, nothing on the stairs except half a plastic yellow Easter egg.)

Me: It's not there, Nora. Where is it?

Nora: It might be in our Mermaid Garden in the back yard. (She and Kate were calling the back corner of the yard this today.)

Me: Why would you have taken your toilet paper holder out of your bathroom and outside?????

Nora: (Said with a distinct, "Duh"-like tone), "I was curling Kate's hair."

Tomorrow, when the sun comes up, I guess I'll be poking around the yard for a toilet paper holder. Great.

Ode to Coco

Nora brought a monkey home.

Coco was it's name.

She said its name so many times

It quickly rose to fame

Now Walter doesn't understand.

He don't know what it means,

But now when he desires an item,

"Coco" is what he screams.

Nora brought home the class pet, a stuffed monkey named Coco. For days it was Coco this and Coco that. Coco, Coco, Coco. Now Walter thinks Coco means anything good. Points to his cup, "Coco." Wants to play outside, "Coco." It's all about the Coco.

Nora's LAST preschool Halloween Party (can you hear my heart breaking?)

Pumpkins 2008

Alek did his ON HIS OWN!!!!

Walt was interested, but he could not be convinced to put his hands in the pumpkin guts.

Ready for Tricks and Treats! Shadow Ninja, Candy Corn, and Minnie Mouse! (We had to "practice" being a candy corn for several days as Walt was initially NOT interested in wearing his costume. Cookie bribes are miracles.)

The haul.

Walt, it's time to put the candy away and go to bed....