Marathon weekend

Our friends from the cities were in town last weekend so Chris could run the in the St. Louis rock n roll marathon. As a bonus, he brings my best friend and their kids when he comes for running.

They arrived Friday afternoon and we just relaxed and had some dinner.

When Saturday morning rolled around, we hit up one if the kids' favorite places : the magic house!

Gemma Kicking

Boeing family day

Every few years, Boeing opens its doors for a family event. The whole family is invited for a day of looking at airplanes and viewing all kinds of airplane production stuff. We also got to see John's office.

Several months ago, when the date for the event was released, we invited John's dad to attend with us. We were so pleased he was able to make the trip and join us for Family Day!

We wandered around for a long time - the kids surpassed my expectations of their tolerance. There was a lot of walking and lots of technical explanations occurring. Even Gemma was on her best behavior, forgoing two naps and delaying her eating times without complaint.

After 4 fun hours, standing in the sun and wind, this mama decided meltdowns were imminent and we headed home.

Sadly, no photography is allowed during the event for security reasons. So the only picture I have to share are part of William and Amelia's fleet of paper airplanes inspired by the family event.

My girl

Hold my hand mom.

Oh my big girl Amelia. She has had a year of hard changes in our family. She's not the baby. Her best buddy, William, started kindergarten. Mama is distracted by the demands of a new baby, working and keeping up with household responsibilities. I'd be lying if I said its been easy. We've been working through a rough patch with her.

Yet, when I step back and look at all the change and upheaval in her life, I can't blame her for being a little more demanding than usual. A little more stubborn than usual. A little more sassy than usual.

So yes. Yes, I'll hold your hand big girl. Now and always - as long as you want me to. Just to remember the sweetness you are capable of.

Fall party!

William had a fall party at school on Thursday and we were able to arrange our schedules for the mama to attend! Two days in a row at school for the big boy made for a happy mama!

Gemma tooth 1 &2

I've been able to feel the little ridges in her mouth for about 3 days and today I can see them without use of a flashlight.  It is official: we have teeth!

Gemma's 1 &2 tooth: 10/10/12

F word

Grandpa and Grandma were visiting this weekend and on Saturday morning John and Grandpa were hanging around with the kids while Mama and Grandma scored some deals from our subdivision garage sale.  This story was related to me by Grandpa and confirmed by John.


The kids were playing when William suddenly piped up to announce "I know the F word!!!"

Amelia: You do??  Tell me!
John: (mentally) Uh oh....looks to father in law
Grandpa: (mentally) Uh oh....so glad I get to play the grandpa on this one


....the silence continues....

John: (mentally) think of something!  Distract him!


William: "It is......"

John/Grandpa: Oh no, oh no, oh no.....


William: FELIPE!!! FELIPE starts with F!  Isn't that great Daddy?  Grandpa?

John: Huge relief

Grandpa: ??What??