Noodle Necklace

Ian made a noodle necklace at school, and let me tell ya, he was proud. It is for the entire family to share. Fair enough. A couple of days after this came home, he brought one home that his classmate made and gave to him. The conversation went like this.

Me: Ian, did you make another noodle necklace at school today?
Ian: No, Amara made it for me.
Me: She did? That was so nice.
Ian: Yeah, it was. What a gal.

Eli: Fashionisto or Fashion Victim

I have no words. All I know is Eli is completely fearless when it comes to dressing himself.

Is that a runway pose, or what?

Railroad Days 2012

Railroad Days have come and gone again. This year was DEFINITELY warmer than last year, and there was no rain this year. Hurray! We also had an additional little passenger this year. Our niece, Sidney, came and rode the train with us, along with Cole's mom and step-dad. The boys loved having their cousin for the day, and Cole and I adore any day that we get to spend with Sidney. And it was great to see Marc and K-leen too.

Sidney is Cole's sister's daughter. Isn't she the cutest?! She owns Uncle Cole's heart.

They rode in the little look-out thingy of the caboose.

Ian loooooooooved the model train

Someone was EXHAUSTED. Eli has never been one to sleep anywhere but in a bed.

Downtown station, waiting for the last train ride of the day

Look at these cutie pies!

It's really hard to get a good picture of three children all born within 16 months.

Someone had had enough fun for one day

Summer 2012

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Ian's Lucky Day

I met up with 2/3 of my sisters, my mom, and my niece for a little shopping yesterday. I was on the hunt for jammies for Ian as he has outgrown all of his 4Ts. How is this possible? 4Ts should not be clam diggers!!! Anyway, yesterday I hit the motherload. I found SIX pairs of "space jamas." I was in heaven!

I got home and told Ian about them. He responded, "Mama, I'm so proud of you to buy my space jamas. I'm so proud of you!" He loved them all, and today he even let Eli borrow a pair so he could have some too.

On Eli: Old Navy

On Ian: Baby Gap

Cooking with Ian and Pierre

All I have to say is "Who wants to help me make....." and Ian is making a mad dash for the kitchen, dragging a chair to stand on. Tonight we are having chicken pot pie for supper, and since it is SO easy to make, I thought it would be a great meal to invite Ian and Eli to help me prepare. We all donned aprons. Eli got last pick, hence the flowers on his and a frosty mug of beer on Ian's.

After three seconds The Prince of Leisure decided he didn't feel like helping. That didn't bother me in the least; I was just glad he actually said he didn't feel like helping instead of his usual excuse: 'I'm too shy,' which, in his mind, applies to ANY situation. But, Ian, my Busy Baker, LOVED helping (as always) and just stirred and stirred and stirred those ingredients together, while Eli Pierre made "frowning noises" the entire time.

Look at that focus. The mess on the counter top resulted from laying down his rubber spatula. He kept ALL of the ingredients in the bowl while stirring.

This cracks me up because the blur makes it look like he's moving at the speed of a Kitchen-Aid stand mixer. While efficient and focused, I assure you, he's no match for small appliances.

We (Ian and I) got the pie assembled, and while I turned to the sink to rinse the filling bowl, both boys decided to gouge their fingers all over the crust leaving it to bear a striking resemblance to the surface of the moon. My frustration quickly dissipated because, for me, nothing can ruin the taste of a scrumptious pie crust. :)