A Princess Party

Friday, Lucy went to her first Princess Party. One of the girls from church invited her to celebrate her 4th birthday. Lucy was in absolute heaven with so many girls dressed up doing girly things. I loved watching her delight. She said the highlights were eating cake and getting her fingernails/toenails painted. Very fun.

I guess the boys would have enjoyed the party too. The next night we came home from a date and found that all four children had makeup on. Should I be worried? :)

Science City

Saturday, Brad and our darling scouts, Spencer and Sawyer, spent the day at Science City. It's located at the historic Union Station in Kansas City, MO. Our boys really wanted to wear their scout shirts and Spencer was careful about keeping his tucked in so he could show off his scouting belt.

I thought that was pretty amusing, because keeping regular Sunday shirts tucked in has never been on his priority list. In fact, early on, I decided to make things easier for all of us by having them wear sweater vests to church each week. So, I know, I'm partly to blame for their delinquency in shoe tying and shirt tucking. But, it has made for a smooth ten years in that department. And, we moms have to take the "smoothness" where we can, right? The boys had a blast and made some new friends. Brad is Spencer's Webelos leader in cub scouts, so I'm sure they're in for some great adventures.

Where will she sleep tonight?

Lucy has a bad habit of not staying in her bed at night. If I'm still awake, she'll find me and want to be near me. So, last night, she ended up on the nice comfy floor of the computer room. She was exhausted, so I don't think she even noticed how hard it was. It will be a glorious day when this girl finally embraces her own bed.

When I put her to bed, we do the routine, and talk about staying in her bed, etc. But, as soon as I leave, she starts the whole, "I don't want to sleep in Lucy's room, I don't want to sleep in Spencer's room, I don't want to sleep in Sawyer's room, I don't want... until the only option left is mommy's room. And, I'm telling you, this girl can repeat herself like no one I've ever met. At that point, my patience has usually run out and I call for my beloved backup, Brad. Then, I go into my room and lock the door- otherwise, she'll be right there with me.

She's been staying in her room until early in the morning, when she wakes up with a bad dream. Then she usually drags her blanket in and sleeps on our floor. I'd be fine with that if she was quiet and still. But no, she's constantly moving, and inherited the having scary dreams gene from me and frequently yells out orders to whoever she's dreaming about. So, it doesn't make for a great nights sleep. But, it is a few steps up from getting up with a newborn. Although, Lucy was a really easy baby, so maybe we are digressing. Oh well. These years are passing quickly. There's always going to be some part of parenting that's hard. I can handle this one.

Spencer's Night Out

We've started having regular date nights with the kids and it's been great. Although, Sawyer informed me not to call it "date night." He said, "I don't want to have a "date" with dad." So, I just call it their night out (which is actually more fitting- it's a night out or away from the chaos). So, last week Spencer and I headed to the mall in search of video games for his beloved Nintendo DS. It's actually the family DS, but he was going to buy his own game with birthday money. So, being my son, he wanted to get a good deal. We went on line and found the game he wanted for half price at Radio Shack. But, there was only one left (they probably just say that to get you into the store) so he really wanted to go that night.

He actually ended up buying two games and I threw in a giant gumball. Spencer is one great kid. He's interesting, creative, loud (still working on that one), and lots of fun. And, I love being with him. Especially when no one else is competing for my attention. He's a great traveler too. I love how aware he is of his surroundings and the observations he makes- that is, when he isn't reading a book. But, I love that about him too. It ties in with the "being interesting" factor. I sure love you Spencer. You're one great kiddo.

She's my girl

I saw this long hair at the dollar store yesterday and had to buy it. It brought back memories of my complete infatuation for long hair when I was young. I never had long hair, but I remember clipping some crocheted long ringlets onto the top of my head regularly. I just loved the sensation of flipping them over my shoulders. So, seeing Lucy's same love of long hair, dressing up, makeup, and fingernails polish, is making having a daughter even more sweet. I just wish we had wigs that didn't tangle up so much and look scraggly. But, what can you expect for a dollar, right?

Charlie's Wart

Poor little Charlie is prone to plantars warts. They don't really hurt him, but they look disgusting. I remember being totally grossed out by a boy who sat by me in elementary school who had warts on his hands. He'd try to cut them off with scissors; I'd just cringe. But, now that Charlie has them, they don't seem as gross. The day before we moved, our podiatrist friend came over and took care of this big honker on Charlie's foot. He did a great job, because there's no sign of it now. Hopefully, this will be the last of them for awhile.

Arkansas

Over Labor Day we headed 3 1/2 hours south to visit family in Arkansas. We celebrated Spencer's 10th birthday there with some of our favorite people. Here are a few random pics of the weekend.

Enjoying some down time

Brad decided to show off a little for Kurt while biking and ended up biffing it. Because he's still on Coumadin, his leg immediately started swelling. So, the ride was cut short. He came home and started icing. Several days later, his ankle is still black and blue.

An enthusiastic crowd gathered for scripture study

Sunday afternoon walk with another thoroughly enthused group of kids. (That was sarcastic).

The pool was obviously a huge hit. The kids enjoyed racing, and everyone got in on a little volleyball and water polo.

Enjoying Krispy Kreme donuts for Spencer's birthday. Quirks and all, I'm so grateful he ours.

Labor Day hike. Everyone actually had a good attitude on this one. Daniel's enthusiasm rubbed off on the others. (That is, until the hike was over.)