Trapeze bar

I must warn you the below video does contain an toddler falling, however I should not have turned off the camera, because Chloe May got up and laughed and ran right to me - very happy and proud at how well she did her gymnastics.

Besides Chloe May's great moves on the trapeze bar downstairs, what I love is hearing Matteo's laughter.  

Haircut

Though I have told her repeatedly, Chloe May insists on wearing her sunglasses upside down.

And on this day when I went for a walk and trusted Matteo to stay home and cut out his shamrocks (his own project) quietly while I took Chloe May for a walk (Daddy was inside working) - Matteo decided to take matters into his own hands....his barbershop hands that is.  That's right, about 4-6 weeks ago a good number of times Matteo told me he wanted to cut  his own hair as a few other children in his class had done...some very noticeably :-)  So when I came back home, asked Jules how things went.... and then went to Matteo he burst out crying saying he wanted to experiment and cut his own hair (as we are very big into experiments presently).  He said he thought I would be upset, I wasn't, and rather than have our scheduled cold cereal for dinner, I would make him eat chicken soup (..thinking I am more upset over THAT comment than the hair).  Anyway I told him as long as he didn't do it again AND tell his sister what he had done we could forget it.  Kind of funny if you ask me, though Grandma assured me it was dangerous. 

Frosty reading

My heart is full of joy, so happy I was able to witness the below video.

And finally today we ventured up to Nanny & Poppi's house where we enjoyed not only Sunday dinner (which I helped to learn to prepare), but also, Poppi finished put the handles on our pantry (the garage one) and Jules fixed his mom's computer.  It was on this trip as well that Uncle Rocco taught Matteo how to play Chess - something Matteo has been wanting to learn for quite some time now.  Matteo's thirst for knowledge is so breathtaking to watch, I love it. 

Grandma

What a wonderful treat - today Grandma and Gramps came for a visit.

Chloe May enjoyed much one-on-one time with Gramps as He read to our Dolly.

 

Not to be outdone, Grandma read Matteo's b-day present Encyclopedia to him.

And of course you didn't think Grandma would come empty handed, did you?  She surprised us with the below stuffed animals which are a huge hit - as well as (thanks to Matteo's phone call not to bring candy, etc.)- many pounds of apples, oranges & grapes.  Our good sugar level is sure to be elevated this week thanks to Grandma and Gramps' generosity! 

And yes, goodbyes are always the hardest part of any visit - especially when the party is as wonderful as our Grandma and Gramps.

Love is abundent

If I live to be 100, 

I will never be able to get enough of Matteo & Chloe May's brother/sisterly love! 

Above pic Matteo is wearing Chloe May's coat and Chloe May is donning Matteo's shoes!

Frozen in time

I thought if I snapped my camera this simple moment might be frozen in time...

it didn't work, but I have a great memory :-)

And wanted to share a photo with you from yesterday of me & My Dolly!

I love it.

New New

Today being Ash Wednesday, we all enjoyed 8 AM Mass, as well as ashes on our forehead.  However once back in the pew after receiving her ashes, Chloe May started getting up.  I asked her what was wrong and she said "it hurts me."  So I asked her what hurt her and she continued to get pouty, etc.  So I again asked her what hurt her and she pointed to the ashes on her forehead.  Well needless to say they didn't last long.

After a few minutes she informed me to "take yours off"as well (I did not).  And so Jules & Matteo then went ice skating for two hours (second time this week) - and well what are Mommy & Chloe May to do but make some dinners to freeze and take photos of our dog Spotty.

What is smeared all over Chloe's face is the reminents of her PB&J sandwich - which I just had to memorialize because it was there for about 35 minutes - and I'm thinking "oh to be a kid because no way would a grown up 1) eat a sandwich in such a manner and 2) allow it to remain on their face for so long."  Loving seeing the happenings of those 6 and under!

And finally I took the below movie - again to memorialize - that "new new" is the new "it" word in our house.  That's right, the kids often call each other "new new", or an object or just say it to crack up laughing.  however don't be mistaken, given the right (or wrong setting) it can also make one (chloe - which is odd because she invented the word) break into tears.

 

Upon returning from ice skating I showed Matteo the above movie - which I don't find overly funny - and let me tell you if ever I saw him roll on the floor with laughter, it was now.  Reminded me of when he saw the smurfs.  His face was red and he was just laughing.  Two great memories with one simple action.  

Spinning

The kids spent about 35 minutes with Daddy today while I had to run out.

 I always feel like Daddy is such a creative genius - the above pic just proves my point.  Not sure what he built, I just know when I came home I witnessed him sitting there spinning and spinning it....and dare I say oblivious to his children in the room :-)  haha.  Oh Daddy, if  you've seen it spin once, you've seen it spin one hundred times :-).  Thanks for snapping the above photo for me Dear.

Back Home

Just adding some finishing touches to the kitchen:

I picked up the below saying in Kohls "Enjoy the simple things" - i sometimes think that is my motto in life.

And always trying to eat together - esp with Daddy working from home - "The fondest memories are made when gathered around the table." 

No tv or radio on when we are eating -I try to talk to the children, discuss Daddy's work day, comment on the outside, etc.  Sometimes I play this game with the kids at the end of the day at dinner "tell me two things that happened today and one thing that didn't" - we enjoy playing it.  usually Matteo's one thing that didn't is something we didn't get to, or something he wanted to do but couldn't, whereas my "didn't" is more like "there was an elephant in our front yard."

And we spent the better part of the day unwinding from our weekend trip, unpacking, laundry and just settling back in to life on The Lane. 

It's great to be home, but we do miss Amy & Katelyn.

P A R T Y

Seems like awhile since we have enjoyed a brother/sister photo!

All dressed up and ready to p a r t y!!

After Amy tried about 4 dresses on Katelyn, Katelyn decided to wear last years party dress and well, since it was Katelyn's party she should decide on her own attire.  Well picked my Dear Katelyn.

 

Not too often I get a picture with my two Darlings - thanks for snapping same Amy.

I am the kind of Mom who is always thankful when the pinata is filled with more than candy.  Special thanks to Granny for adding those special touches to Katelyn's day.

Getting ready to blow out the candles on her own personalized cake (yes, Amy baked 3 cakes - the last of which was a personal one for Katelyn).

Like Matteo's party the last photo of the party was of Amy & I.  People used to say we looked alike (expect I tower over Amy), both with long blond (it's gone now) hair, 100 watt smiles and personalities that matched.  Yes I do still see the resemblance - gorgeous.

And after seeing a picture of Jules on Amy's camera from way back - I decided that it was time to head back home - so we did a half day earlier than expected.  No worries, I anticipate being back to Amy's house in March or April - so stayed tuned for more fun times :-) 

In the meantime Amy, we miss you, love  you and thanks for being such a great hostess.  Truly being at your home was like being home.  Relaxed, easy and fun.  Till next time chicky *kisses*.  e. 

Hiking

With this winter being milder than usual, you know once at Amy's we had to visit the local park.  This park was great, complete with a small playground (though there was no complaining by anyone), a baseball field, tennis courts, a skate park, and about a .7 mile hike.  

So first things first.  

Lining the playgroud were these gorgeous woods complete with larger than life rocks (small exaggeration).  However Matteo quickly took to the rocks and wanted to climb same.  So we all did (minus Chloe May who was swinging) - and I was able to snap this great photo - playing "King of the Mountain."

Next we took a hike into the woods in search of a rock that was a slide Amy told us.  Well we hiked for about 5-7 minutes and then came across this beautiful waterfall that turned into a stream.  Upon closer examination we found the rock slide!

Matteo, Amy & Katelyn were all to eager to go down - I on the other hand didn't think my yoga pants would last such a venture - but next time I know to bring my burlap sack! 

And what did you expect after such a day filled with fresh air and hiking - nothing short of a slumber party.

And while Amy was most helpful in making Matteo's 5 year old eyeball cake - I on the other hand laid down with Chloe May to get her to go to sleep - and feel asleep until 11 PM - only to wake and see Amy was just about done with the below masterpieces.

Since the theme of the party was "Max & Ruby" - Amy made a Ruby birthday cake.....

 

and for the "max" part of the theme, she made a "worm" cake - complete with "worms" and "dirt".  Gross you are thinking but in hindsight, I am kicking myself for not bringing a slice of this delicious 3 layered cake home!

And then the good friend like I am went back to bed around midnight when Chloe May woke up.  Sorry Amy - but you always woke up to a sink full of clean dishes and one day to a crumb cake!  

PS - thanks to amy for indulging this chicky again with a mushroom burger!  I think I want to marry you simply for your mushrooms :-)

Amy

With everyone waking to a headache today - Matteo mainly - I was contemplating whether we would in fact stick with our weekend plans and go visit Amy & Katelyn for Katelyn's 4th birthday party.

Then as  the morning progressed and our headaches seemed to still be there I decided a change was in order if we were to ever get rid of these headaches.  Mommy's intuition was perfect - best decision.  The kids and I hit the road shortly after lunch time and I put on a story in the car and though we ran into the highway being closed (thanks for the detour Daddy - he stayed home to work but navigated me on the phone) - we added an additional 20 minutes to our trip - which wasn't bad at all at a little under 3 hours.

Arriving at Amy's house - which we had never seen since she moved in almost 18 months ago - was a treat.  Mind you now, Amy is my BFF since 4th grade!!  Fourth grade - there I just dated both of us :-)  though neither of us would care.

After settling in, we made a small trip to the local supermarket - which if you know Matteo & Chloe May - the below picture is a true treat for them as I avoid the below shopping cart!  But with Amy all things go and so we picked up our mushrooms and burgers and were back home cooking, laughing and it's like the kids have known each other all their life versus this being their second time meeting.  Amy is as easy to get along with and love as the day is long.  I am so privileged to not only be included in her family celebration, but also to call her "friend."  

And props to Amy for the best mushroom burger I have ever had (and the only one).  My mouth was watering for a second, though I didn't dare!  :-) 

speech II

"Brillant"  - that is the word the teacher used to describe Matteo after today's second one-half hour session.  Needless to say this brought tears of joy to my eyes - the speech teacher said Matteo's answers far exceed most his age.  Is this the same boy who rolls with laughter over silly words??  Anyway, still not himself, though better than the last two days, we went home today and enjoyed a quiet day in our pjs with board games and listening to magic tree house tapes.  I also treated matteo to some tv time today - and all 4 of us are getting back to normal, though I think some quiet time is well deserved.

On a seperate note, a very Happy 4th Birthday to our gal Katelyn.

And speaking of Katelyn, one word comes to mind "ROAD TRIP" - that's right our bags are packed and I think a change of climate/scenery and pace is just what the doctor ordered.  So tomorrow we are playing hookey from school and heading north.  Weekend pics to follow.

speech I

I took Matteo up to the Kinder school today to be evaluated for speech - after spending one-half hour with the speech teacher, they came back and the teacher told me how very bright Matteo is.  She said it's doubtful he qualifies for speech, however to come back tomorrow for another one-half hour session when she will know for sure.  The kids and I then went home and veged in our pjs as Matteo still was not feeling well - hence no school today.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day was lovely here on the Lane.  The kids each woke up to an M&M little man (filled with - obvoiusly M&M's) - however had more fun with the toy and dare I say the M&M's remained untouched.  I wanted to do something extra special with the kids, so I took them to a bounce house - which was fun and lasted about 2 hours, however hindsight is that it wore them both out and whatever was bothering them over the weekend is rearing its ugly head again.  Matteo was in bed at 6:15 PM and Chloe followed closely at 7 PM.  No peeps all night.  And if you think Valentine's Day ended there with two sleeping kids in bed....you're right.  Poor Daddy is on overload with work.

Valentine's Day Party

I do believe the motivating factor behind Matteo feeling better was his valentine's day party at school - complete with ice cream sundays (six children are out with some sort of sickness - so yes, Matteo's class really is large).

...and she's out!

Now you didn't really think Chloe May was going to escape this flu-like bug that has the rest of us down did you???  (I suppose a gal can dream).

On the semi-positive side by close of day Matteo was himself - though I had to remind him countless times in a minute to be respectful of his sister who wasn't feeling well.  Not sure if having Matteo & Chloe May sick at the same time would have been better, though I am thinking so.

Finally Friday at school there was a vomiting incident with one of the little girls in Matteo's class- - - I give it a week to 10 days until I consider our little ones out of the woods.  Though part of me says "if you're coming come soon - we don't want to miss Katelyn's party!"

Only the strong survive

And so we are...

all with our own sickness (matteo with fever and chills)

left in the hands of Chloe May.

Help us all! :-)

I do believe they are quarantining our house today.

Mystery Reader

Daddy went to school today to be mystery reader and arrived home an hour and a half later (that was some book Daddy!).  Apparently there was a vomit and a bite incident (2 seperate) which had Daddy going from Mystery Reader to Teacher's Helper.  He clearly didn't sign up for all this, though I am sure was appreciated by the teacher being an extra adult in the middle of what seemed to be a little circus.

And Matteo's haircut today (after 8 weeks and him starting to look a bit like a sheepdog) has us knowing where NOT to go.

2 1/2 year check up

Having gained 3 lbs and grown an inch in 6 months, Chloe May's doctor appointment well very well today.  

Death's door.

In case you have been wondering where I have been - on death's door.  Honestly since Monday night (I almost didn't make my brainrot tv show) - I have been in bed - dying.  My whole body has been aching, Monday night I had fever with chills, Daddy has given me countless countless back and head rubs. Though despite this, I did get out of bed long enough Tuesday to take the kids to the park for 90 minutes.

So let's see Tuesday I got out of bed at 11 and went back to bed at 4 - the kids ate PB&J for breakfast, crackers for lunch and Daddy was in charge of dinner (i cannot confirm dinner was consumed).

Wednesday Daddy insisted I needed a bath - so he gave me one.  That's right a full on bath - Matteo & Chloe got a kick out of this.  That gave me some strength to muster the day until 5 PM then right to bed.

And somewhere there is a saying that when Mom is sick EVERYONE is sick - or affected or something because judging from the mess of a picture below, yes indeed the house suffered.

My little rag-a-muffins.  WE NEVER EAT IN THE BEDROOMS- never!!!!  I'm telling you, I was on deaths door - or so it seemed.

DAddy's laughs when I tell him how sick I am.  But meanwhile, when he was sick back in December, he took a day and a half to himself....me I just got a couple of hours extra in bed.  Matteo was so happy - he got a few extra tv shows that he normally would not get. 

I think I'm rallying - - though perhaps another bath is in order by Nurse Jules ;-) 

Blue take II

This Valentine's Day Matteo picked out princess valentines.



To be honest - as is my policy - I did suggest about 4 times he might want the toy story (i.e. boy) valentines, but - - - he wanted the princess. He informed me the girls would really like them (though I pointed out we will be giving them to boys as well). Also, his hair is so long because he wants to grow it long like repunzel (no we are not). But if you look super closely you will notice apparently I didn't do a good enough job bathing him last night because his hair still has a shade of grey/blue in it - even Daddy noticed this. Though by the time I noticed it we were too close to school time for me to do anything about it. Well anyway, GO GIANTS! :-)(So not a superbowl fan, just in it for the food).

 And below on his first day of "brown bagging" it - TWO lunch boxes - one of which contains his show and tell and the other his mac & cheese with peas lunch.

 Matteo's shirt says it all "super" indeed he is!

Superbowl

Superbowl 2012 - and yes everyone enjoyed blue hair.

Ice Skating

Remember those skating lessons I told you Matteo was taking.  See a small movie of how Matteo is doing below.

Matteo doing a full lap:

And always one to make a friend, below Matteo is telling stories to four new friends he made.  Daddy said these girls stayed with Matteo the whole 90 minutes of free skate. 

 

Daddy is very excited for us to all skate as a family, so I say check back in another year or two :-)

School

When we were away on Wednesday - Matteo asked me about school and if it was going to be on that day.  Of course I told him well in advance he would miss one day from school - but on Wednesday he got teary eyed thinking about missing his friends and teachers.  Well today when I took Matteo to school and dropped him off, I learned that starting next week he is required to BRING his lunch to school and eat it there.  AUGH!!  I feel so sad over this.  I'm going to miss eating lunch all next year with Matteo and now slowly they are taking him away this year too!  Who's going to say grace with me and eat soup with me???  To be honest, it makes me really sad.  And now no PB&J - - - one of our favorite foods???  It's a good thing Matteo loves school so much....because please don't ask this Mommy what she think :X. 

Last day

Last day today - below are some pictures from the hotel lobby. 

The fireplace where many guests sat around and enjoyed their newspapers (do those still exist?), ipods/pads, etc., crossword puzzles and conversation.

Remember the clock tower I told you about the first night?  A bit blurry, but lots of animals and children (all fake) sing and tell a story there.

In order to play the game with the wand, the hallways were decorated like the below photo shows. 

That's right folks - even in February we don our Halloween costumes (and yes, I feel justified paying $25 for Matteo's - we certainly got our use out of them).

Hope to see you February 2013 Great Wolf - thanks for the hospitality.

And on the way home Daddy treated Matteo to his first car ride through a tunnel in the City that never sleeps (though it was only 8:30 PM).  A treat for all - except those that are clostrophobic (ahem - Mommy).

Day II

This little wand caused my Dear Matteo both extremes.  The first of which were tears, as I could only afford the wand and game, not the additional wizards hat and cape (which broke my heart when he told me he wanted it to be like Morgan from the tree house books he reads) - and the second extreme (hours later) was pure joy at playing this scavenger-hunt like game around the hotel floors for about 2.5 hours (and he still didn't finish).



So after that morning meltdown - we enjoyed more hours at the water park.  Though Mommy & Chloe didn't last as long, Daddy & Matteo simply made the most out of the water slides and tubes.  It takes a lot to keep up with Matteo, so props to Daddy!

And I like t call the below I consider "leap frog Matteo." 

 

 

Jules & I both feel like Matteo is such a sport and trooper - loves the water and speed.

After a dinner out at the local diner (you would not believe the prices $3 for a delicious burger!) - we arrived back at the hotel suite around 8:30 and, since it was so warm in the room, we all got in our underwear and watched the smurfs.  Chloe May not too thrilled with the smurfs, she was happy just tooling around, but boy I watched Matteo laugh out loud with sheer joy and delight - well worth the $12 we paid for the movie (Daddy is still recovering from that bill).

Despite a rough patch early on - I am glad that the day ended on such a grand note. (Though to be honest I still feel bad not getting Matteo the hat and cloak to be a real wizard).