Our First Trophies!

A Stroll

It was a perfect day for a stroll along the canal.

Just me, Kacin, and "teddy" (who may look like Winnie-the-Pooh dressed as a pumpkin, but has actually never been called by that name.  Since Kacin's great-grandma gave it to him, he has only been known as "Monkeyhead", "baby", and "Ryan").

For the record, we counted 3 grocery carts submurged in the water and 2 ducks swimming along top.

What I Know . . .

*Kacin loves his "cell phone" and "Ipod" (altoids tin and lanyard). Probably the favorite toys right now.

*Hiking in the Superstition Mountains is beautiful!

*Eric's spreadsheet of houses to rent was amazingly organized and helpful as we spent 3 days searching for a place to live.

*The sun does occasionally shine in Seattle.

*The Space Needle is tall. Talk about amazing views!

*Fish and Chips are good, but very greasy.

*We are really good at self-pictures, everywhere we go.

*Free hot chocolate to warm your hands as you walk the chilly streets is a must. And Eric should've been a hot chocolate model.

*Or maybe we both should've been rockstars.

*Eric's got a girlfriend. Her name is Hazel. Hazelnut. Hazelnut Garmin. He likes her voice, even though she's really just leading him on! (get it? haha.)

*Eric gets happy about fish and other animals. I am happy they were mostly on the other side of the glass and I only had to touch one starfish. I jumped back immediately.

Seeing Washington was helpful for me. I feel better about the move. Maybe even a little excited . . .we have a couple of good options for houses and I'm looking forward to moving there soon!

Chuckles

My conversation with a 3 year-old boy at Kacin's preschool:

B: Do you know my imaginary girlfriend's name?
Me: No, what is it?
B: Her name is Kelsie.
Me: So what do you and Kelsie do together?
B: I just do whatever she tells me to . . . (smart boy!)
B: Last week, I was at her house and she tried to kiss me and I was like, Oh No, That's too much!!!! (puts hands up to show how he blocked his face).

At home, we turned on Little Mermaid for the first time and all of the mermaids (sea shells and belly buttons) appeared on the screen . . .

Kacin: This is NOT appropriate. Satan must have made this movie!! 

6-54-90

Lots to celebrate today . . .

6 wonderful, adventurous years!

Eric is so romantic and planned an evening out.

We ate at Nielson's and saw The Phantom of the Opera.

No, I am not eating the ring box, just making a funny face while down on my knees offering Eric a new wedding band to wear since his ring size has changed a bit during 6 years of marriage.

My dad is 54!

And he's one cool dad and grandpa.

Grandpa Allen is 90!

Mamacita: Hugs, Kisses, and a Little Off-Key

It wasn't this way at first.

They would fall or get hurt, and just keep going.

If they cried, it was to themselves. If they couldn't sleep at night, they would lie in bed with wide eyes.

I sometimes regret the few moments in the beginning that I could have seized and built upon, but let slip.

Bonding and attachment are interesting things.

It just doesn't happen over night,

for either of us (the parent or the child).

That's why, this morning, when Kyler bonked his head as he was getting ready for school, yelled "ow", ran downstairs, realized it was just Kacin downstairs, ran back upstairs, met me in the hall, and melted into my arms, I was thrilled as I realized what it means.

He knows he can come to me and I care.

He knows that my hugs and kisses can make it all better.

I walked by their room tonight after they were tucked into bed.

I heard the sweet whisper of my name. He explained he was having trouble falling asleep and asked me to sing the "Lullaby" song.

The same song my mom used to sing to me.

Except the way I sing it is a little off-key.

He didn't care though.

So I sang and he relaxed.

He knows he is safe.

I went to volunteer in his classroom.

As I stepped through the door,

a few of the kids shouted out "Your mom is here, Kyler!"

He smiled.

As I got a little closer, he said "I love you, my mamacita!"

He knows he is loved.

He is happy.

Happy Halloween!

The night was perfect for a spider, Luke Skywalker, and the Mario Bros. to sip a little homemade rootbeer and do a little trick-or-treating.

But not before a Halloween party, a creepy dinner (mi madre rocks), and some fun with the family!

We played many cool Halloween games including . . .

"Bat, Bat, Vampire"

"Don't Eat Jack (the Jack-o-lantern)!"

Help! Jacqui is being attacked!

Luke to the rescue!