Another Day, Another Dollar..

It seems like just yesterday Aubree lost her first tooth.

(it was)

Well, Saturday was a 2-fer, Aubree lost both of her bottom teeth!

3 Things in 1 Day

Normally I like to post one occasion at a time, so as not to overwhelm or make others jealous of our family's constant state of excitement.

But, after yesterday's thrill ride of a day, I couldn't pick just one thing.

We have been happy to have Ryan's parents and Grandma visiting from Worcester, MA (Pronounced Woosta. Or, for all those west-coasters, Boston.) this past week and we have all loved having them here!

They have been very hot for some reason, I mean, it's like only 101, that's nice weather!

Monday morning Aubree was downstairs eating breakfast with a jacket on because the a/c was too cold for her. (set at 74) It's funny what your body gets used to.

Friday was 9/11 and the kids got to wear patriotic clothes instead of their uniforms to school. Ryan's Dad asked if it was Boston Red Sox Day at school.

I don't think they have that in Nevada, but they should!

This is the best picture I could get of Karson because it was after he was told he was grounded after school for having to be told 5 times to get dressed.

The next excitement for the day was Aubree lost her first tooth! It's been hanging on for dear life for about a week now.

Then, exciting thing number 3 for the day, we went to the Silverton Lodge where they have a gigantic fish tank..........

....And Mermaids!

Conversation with Leo & Aubree in front of the tank:

Leo: Aubree, are you going to be a Mermaid like her when you get older? Aubree: Um, no.
Leo: Why not?
Aubree: Because, I'm not a mermaid, I'm a human. (Look of concern for his mental health)

Thanks again to Leo, Mary and Jackie for coming to visit, we loved having you!

Girls & Sports

Yesterday during a work meeting, one of the guys had to take an important phone call from his wife. He did a lot of soothing and reassuring her of her happiness and general ability to enjoy herself at will.

It was a strange phone call listening to it one sided, and most of us were concerned for his wife's well being. Looking at our worried faces, he explained he was trying to get his wife through her first NFL game, that they would be attending this weekend.

Seriously lady! How much of a fancy pants priss are you!

Gheez!!
Ok, so I LOVE sports! I love to play them, watch them and "talk" them with the guys. And this is nothing compared to the love Ryan has for sports, So it's no surprise that Aubree too is interested. She has expressed her desire to play soccer, baseball, karate, volleyball, basketball, football or being a dinosaur (believe me, to her it's a sport) or whatever else she sees, but with money and time constraints we have not yet signed her up.

So, in the meantime, she spends her spare time going through baseball cards with Ryan, picking out the very best players.
Go Sox!

Evolution of Homework

Homework has infultrated our peaceful, loving home again.

Just when you think you have nice, helpful children, the teacher sends home math homework. Grrrr. My own mom knows all too well the result of helping your child with math homework.

Here is our evolution of homework:

1. Eye rolling

2. Complaining

3. Erasing really hard until the paper rips

4. Yelling

5. Crying

6. Younger sibling boasting of their superior knowledge

7. Yelling at sibling

8. Dad yelling from downstairs

9. More crying

10. Note to teacher apologizing for ripped, tear stained, 3/4 complete math homework.

Back to School

Both the kids got to start at a new school this year.

After their lengthy 2 week summer vacation, they started back today.

Karson started 3rd grade

Aubree started Kindergarten.

She would like everyone to notice her beautiful purple shoes.

Tomorrow they get to ride the bus. Normally the thought of the school bus brings memories of terror to my mind, Heather knows what I mean, but my kids love it, so good for them!

Cats & Dogs

After almost 2 weeks of dog-sitting a big dumb happy dog, with 2 very irritated wacked cats, I was recently reminded of one of my favorite emails.

I've incorporated pictures of our own delightful animals, just to make it even more realistic.

WHAT PETS WRITE IN THEIR DIARIES.....



Excerpts from a Dog's Diary.....

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary...


Day 983 of my captivity...

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now................

She's Baaaaack!

Aubree returned home to our loving arms on Thursday! She was immediately greeted by Layla, a 1 year old black lab we are dogsitting for 2 weeks.




She had a wonderful time with Grammy and Grandpa Dan!