I want to ride my bicycle.....

Michael and Emily got new (to them) bikes for their birthdays.  They are small two wheelers with training wheels.  It is hilarious to see them hop up and ride.  Especially with the helmets, that really completes the picture.  I was happy that they took to them right away with no hesitation.  Here's Michael looking like a pro:

I was helping Emily balance, so it was harder for me to get a still shot of her, but here is a brief video of her attempt to navigate the culdesac.  The difficult thing about our street is the slope of it, even our driveway has a slight slope that will spell disaster for a new rider.  We will have to take them to a flat area to really work on turning and braking skills.  That's as much for them as it is for me, makes me nervous when they get up too much speed....

 

Here's another one of Michael, he was apparently telling me about some trick he did on his tricycle, but I wasn't paying attention to that, as evidenced by my surprise at the end.  

Halloween Happenings

We had a great Halloween this year.  I was never really into it as a single adult.  I did enjoy it more once we moved into our house, handing out candy was a lot of fun.  In fact, I've been handing out candy to these 3 since they were toddlers.  And look at them now!  I remember when they wore costumes like Simba from the Lion King, or Thomas the Train. I did think it was funny that they are in 7th-9th grade, and they were waiting on the doorstep for me to get home from the neighbors so I could give them candy.  The guy in the middle is our babysitter, the kids LOVE him.   

Once again Terry did a great job with the kids (or maybe I should say despite the kids) on the pumpkins. He has each of them draw the face they want him to carve, then he tries his best to duplicate that. I may be biased, but I think he is pretty talented.

Oh, you probably want to see the kids too, right? Here they are, Batman, Blue Pixie and Pink Skeleton.  Thank you Kathleen and WalMart.  

It's becoming our tradition to forgo the neighborhood pizza chaos and go instead to Michel and Sylvia's for pre-trick or treat chili and other yummy stuff.  This year our new friend Malin (just moved back from Sweden) brought some witch's brew, which the kids and adults thought was really cool.  Apparently it didn't taste great, but they didn't care, they were more interested in seeing the smoke. 

Our neighbor Alex decided to be Robin once he heard Michael was going as Batman.  They were cute together. We are so glad to have him on our street, he will be going to K next year with my guys.  More bus buddies!

I actually got a friend to take a picture of me and Terry, have to start doing that more often.  Thanks Sylvia for loaning me the cute pumpkin headband. 

The crew right before heading out, they were chomping at the bit at this point, there was much yelling involved to get this photo. 

Michael and Emily lasted about 40 minutes trick or treating.  Michael took several spills with his cape and after the last one, told Terry he was done.  They were very happy to help hand out candy, and even called out to the kids, "Hey, trick or treater, come and get your candy!" 

Who could resist these two? 

Nine is nifty, but still sometimes not so nice.....

Yesterday was Sophie's birthday party with her friends.  When we were planning it, I knew I did not want to spend a lot of money, and was racking my brain to come up with something that would still be fun.  We decided to try The Picture Show, which everyone I know refers to as "The Dollar Movie Theater".  This could be one of the best ideas I have had in a long time.  The price was so much less than any other "party place", the staff was great to work with, and the girls had a great time.  We met in the party room an hour before the movie, Sophie opened her gifts and the girls had cake and ice cream.  Then each of them got a kid's pack (small popcorn, drink and candy) and we were off to our reserved seats in the theater to see Toy Story 3, which was great.  (Even though I did miss the last 10 minutes because one of our guests could not hold it.  But I'm not bitter.)

Sophie was a great hostess, making sure all the girls had what they needed.  She was also impressive opening her gifts, she took the time to thank each girl, and had them come sit with her for a photo op.  The enthusiasm and genuineness of girls of this age is something to witness.  There is no cattiness, no hierarchy.  They all really like each other and that is nice to see.  

With friends Caroline, Natalie and Lauren

Wanted everyone to see the sweet card

Ann Amelia and Soph

Cool peace sign purse, filled with more fun stuff

Emily sneaking in some help with the candles

The only glitch in the day...Sophie's birthday presents are all currently in my bedroom closet.  She will earn them back one by one as she demonstrates respect and kindness toward her siblings and her parents.  After arriving home from the party, there were, shall we say..issues around letting our siblings see what we got, and attitude, selfishness and complete disregard for others reared it's ugly head.  Am hoping this will make an impact.  That will make being the mean mother all worth it.

Random-ness

Not really in the mood for a big long post, but did want to share these random photos that I just downloaded from my phone.  Terry surprised me with a new phone about two months ago, it is very early Christmas and birthday present.  Combined.  Which he knows is not allowed, but in this case, I will make an exception.  The phone is great, I can check email on it, surf the web (although quite slowly) text MUCH faster since I now have a QWERTY keyboard....all new stuff for me.  Plus the camera is as good, and sometimes better, than my regular digital camera.  Sophie loves it as she is able to take pictures and video ALL THE TIME.  If it is missing, I know who has it.  I love it b/c being able to check my email from the phone is a huge time saver.  Any activity that I or the kids are involved in does all their communication over email.  Being able to stay in touch without having to be at home is great.  Now when I do get home after school, I don't have to run upstairs to check my email, it's already done.  

OK, so maybe I did have a bit to say.  Those who know me are not surprised.  

Papa Bill's Shopping List, a Saturday tradition.

At Roswell Area Park, this was in September.

Pole slider

Favorite new neighbors, Hanna and Hailey.  Sophie falls right in the middle of them. 

Redneck fun in the backyard.

My dad made this stool for Sophie's teacher, it is a beauty, and she loves it. 

One of her many self portraits

Green Iguana

First time on a school bus, on our way to the Fall Festival at Timber Ridge.

Did you want some??

7:30 am art project, it's never too early for a little glue and scissors in Emily's opinion. 

Michael, you are TOO heavy!!

Sophie's bday lunch at school.  

Back in Business!

I haven't posted since July, just pitiful.  And when I did come back to finally post, about a week ago, Blogger locked me out, b/c I couldn't remember my password.  Even more pitiful. 


Anyway, a lot to catch up on, but for today, just a few photos of Soph from last nights marvelous birthday dinner.   

Sophie starts opening her gift, which is wrapped in a shoebox from Terry's last new pair of sneakers.  It didn't occur to me that she would assume that's what her gift was, but she did.  The look on her face was priceless.  She looked at me and slowly said, "Sneakers....my gift is sneakers?  Really?"  She was trying so hard to be happy about that, but still incredulous that this was what we would get her. 

Of course Terry and I had to run with it.  He immediately said, "Well, you needed a new pair, didn't you?"  I chimed in, "Times are tough, I think new sneakers will be very useful."  She got quiet and kept on tearing the paper, and lo and behold....
 

Wii Mario Kart!  Just what she wanted, imagine that!  We all had fun playing that last night, and we also played tonight after the kids were in bed.  Think I'm getting better.  

A very happy birthday to my one of a kind daughter.  I am so glad I have had these nine years with you, and look forward to seeing you grow and change in this year to come.  Can't imagine what the future holds for you!