Christmas Recap, Year-end Review

Well, this is it! Tonight we bid farewell to 2009 and ring in a whole new decade!

I have spent the week of Christmas (and, frankly, every other week in December) sick as a dog...so this is a late post-Christmas recap.

This year, Christmas was a little more low key than usual - because of this crazy sickness, whatever it is. Christmas Eve was beautiful, we had Chinese for dinner (an annual thing...) and went to the beautiful mass. McKinley was so good sitting through the hour long service, and as usual, he loved going up to receive communion with Cary and I. This time, he even REALLY got into kneeling! It was so cute.

After Church we came back home for some egg nog (for McKinley) and coffee (for me and Cary) and drove through Deming Park's annual Christmas in the Park display (along with everyone else in Terre Haute). The LONG wait in bumper-to-bumper-at-a-crawl traffic was made magical by McKinley's audio book of 'The Polar Express'. It was wonderful.

We made it home just in time to finish decorating Santa's cookies. So we set out Santa's plate and cup (complete with those yummy cookies and milk) and threw in some PREMIUM M&M's for the reindeer. Do you know that the reindeer ate ALL of those M&M's? Santa ate everything too...clearly they were all hungry! Santa only left a few crumbs! We read "The Night Before Christmas" as we do every year then sent McKinley off to bed so Santa would come to our house! The bearded-one really came through. McKinley scored!

Plasma Car, Power Wheels Jeep, puzzles, DVD's, games for his clickstart computer, Shake n Go Race Cars, a guitar and microphone, an RC car...there was so much I can't even name everything! Soon, Nonna came over to visit and we were all playing the Wii. We spent the day being low key, which was so nice, and ended the day with the most precious Christmas Concert performed by McKinley. He played his new guitar and sang into the microphone a myriad of Christmas and Children's Classics: Jingle Bells (with a very rock and roll twist), ABC's, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and The Itsy Bitsy Spider to name a few.

I'm sure McKinley had wonderful dreams of Santa and his reindeer delivering all those wonderful presents. What a lucky boy. What a beautiful day to spend with my family.

Merry Christmas!

This time, my year end review is pretty simple. I'm still not feeling well and I've got much to do to get ready to send off '09 in Vernon Style. So, this year I just want to say how amazing it has been to be a wife, a mother, a daughter and a friend. I am thankful, so very very thankful, for everything and everyone who touches my life. This year our family has grown and changed in wonderful ways, met obstacles head on, and grown to love one another even more - if that's humanly possible.

I look forward to what a new decade brings our way.

Farewell 2009!

Lynn

Merry Christmas!

Celebrations & Santa

Tonight we had an impromptu Christmas GTG (get together) with our good friends, The Semmler Family. We always have so much fun with them and when Savannah and McKinley are involved no one can have a bad time!

The kids were on their game tonight! We learned that neither Cary and I nor Robin and Rick can share with our children any future plans to get together. If we do, total chaos ensues. I love that Savannah and McKinley enjoy being together so much and look forward to nuturing their friendship as the years go by.

This evening we started out at the mall with a BANG! The kids went to see SANTA! Both McKinley and Savannah had already spent some time with the jolly old elf (we've even got TWO pictures already!), but this time was even more fun because these two characters were together. As we stood in line, McKinley & Savannah leaning on the 'fence' to get a better view of Santa, McKinley stepped down, walked closer to Savannah and put his arm around her waist! This may have caused some heart palpitations for Rick, but it was a good laugh for everyone. It was just McKinley's sweet little way of being affectionate - something Cary and I are thankfully on the receiving end everyday.

After Santa we hit the famous mall money-suck...THE RIDES. I think the kids rode that merry-go-round 4 times total. Each time they switched their method of transportation between the boat, the train and the DOG-cycle (???). Each time they would make a pass around the parents they would giggle, smile and push their horn button things a zillion times. It was hilarious!

Later we went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse...a nice LOUD establishment. PERFECT! I particularly enjoyed watching McKinley share his stickers with Savannah, then Savannah sharing her with McKinley, who immediately (and strategically) placed them on my sweater. They were perfectly matched to my sweater and looked like a little corsage! These two sure do play well together.

After dinner we exchanged gifts and took some pictures. I meant to take one of all six...er 7 including Baby S...but got so caught up in the utter cuteness of the kids that I forgot. Regardless, we had a great time with The Semmler Fam!

Lynn

Time to bake the cookies!

As a little girl I looked forward every year to baking and decorating cookies with the women in my family. I can remember those cookie cutters, the dragees we used (which are like trying to find a needle in a haystack these days...because they're METAL! lol), I remember how my Grandma's kitchen smelled and how much I truly enjoyed everything about that tradition. I've missed that so much over the years.

So, this year McKinley is SO ready! Today we donned our aprons (my super cute Christmas 'Kiss the Cook!' apron, courtesy of Jodi, and McKinley's funny little 'Baker in Training' apron) and we set out to make us some yummy good sugar cookie dough. I stepped out of the box a little and opted for Martha's famous sugar cookies instead of my Grandma's. Maybe next year, I wanted to see how good this would be! I'm proud to report that as the time went on, we made two batches of dough and McKinley was a pro at adding the ingredients right along with me! His favorite part was my own pride and joy --- my coveted KitchenAid stand mixer. I remember the day we registered for that thing on our wedding registry...oh, I digress, but I so love that thing! It made me feel all grown up!

Anyway, clearly it does the same thing for my son as he ADORED all of its functions. Hilarious! We mixed and measured and sifted and sugared and soon we had four discs of dough resting and cooling in the fridge.

Later, I rolled and cut them (by this time, McKinley was napping) and we will decorate them very soon! Unfortunately, I am quickly becoming very sick...for the 2nd time this month, so I'm not sure if we will be able to finish the cookies. Instead, we may make a fresh batch. For now, I have some pretty cute pics, two flour-covered aprons and some fun memories with my boy.

Here's to our own traditions!

Lynn

Christmas at the Zoo!!!

We've just gotten back from an awesome night at the zoo. Man, I love that place! We all do! And much like Zoo Boo, our beloved zoo again did not disappoint!

Cary was privledged to have the entire weekend off (a nice rarity) and we had been itching to find time in our little packed schedules to make a wintry trip to the zoo. So today, on a whim, I boldly suggested we head that way --- and so, we did. Much to my surprise, as we were finalizing plans, Cary discovered that actors from my favorite little guilty pleasure, Days of our Lives were going to be there hosting some special events. Even better!

Soon we were on our way, with a car load of extra items to bundle us up for our cold venture. Even in the daylight the zoo was seriously something to see, you could just feel the warmth of Christmas in the air. But when the sun set...WOW. Magic. Obviously, McKinley's favorite thing was riding the train, and again the zoo had it goin' on with the attractions. There were gorgeous light displays through the entire ride - elephants, little houses, giant snowflakes, even the tunnel was dressed as the most gorgeous castle. It was stunning. I held McKinley close to me as we wrapped up in our blanket (the same picnic blanket used for our fall picnics, and the same one we all huddled under to keep warm at the midnight Toys R Us Black Friday sale! That thing seriously comes in HANDY!), our ride was nothing short of magic. And McKinley grinned from ear to ear the whole time!

Though most of the animals are vacationing for the winter, we still got to see the seals, sea lions and polar bear, who obviously thrive in this weather. The indoor animals were fun, and a really great way to warm up too! And bless those male seahorses...they were still there, giving birth!

Aside from the small number of animals we could visit, the zoo again provided some cool things to do, as always so age appropriate! In Santa's village we wrote a 'wish' on a red ribbon and a 'blessing' on white and tied them to one of the beautiful live Christmas trees. We purchased a sugar cookie just waiting to be decorated - which I must say that Cary and McKinley did a bang up job on the decorating. Heck, Santa was even there to visit and take pictures with all the children!

Santa's Village also played home to the two actors from Days of our Lives, who were so happy to sign autographs and chit chat with fans. I had fun standing in line with some great people and enjoyed meeting the two actors who play Chad & Melanie on Days. They were very kind and even offered to take a picture with me. Rock on! McKinley and Cary sat this one out, though I still say McKinley would have stolen their hearts. I'm not sure who has the Days of our Lives connection in Indianapolis, but someone does because a Days actor is almost ALWAYS at the Indy 500 and making other appearances. I always admire a celebrity who takes the time to be with the 'little people' and is still gracious and kind. That speaks volumes.

We wrapped up the trip in the warm refuge of the White River Gardens, which were breathtakingly beautiful decked in the flowers of the season. There were so many varities of poinsettia and narcissus, and others I wasn't familiar with but were SO gorgeous. We played a little scavenger hunt (provided by zoo and gardens staff - for which we got a cool color changing pencil for finishing) and we even visited a real reindeer!

I cannot say enough about the zoo, it's such a gem! We had a wonderful time, but we were seriously famished so we headed out to Buca Di Beppo...yum! The wait was forever, the crowd was insane and we were all so tired but it was well worth it when that bruschetta shimmied up to our table. OH YEAH! I think McKinley's favorite thing there was no doubt the adorable little gelato cone - in chocolate, of course! It was by far the yummiest way to end this awesome day.

I love days like these, beautiful sights, my favorite company and a happy ending!

Merry Christmas, Zoo!!! Oh my, how we love you!

Lynn

Those 'Little' Moments...

Gosh, those little tiny moments get me every time. We've had a lot of those lately. Not sure if it's the time of year, the fact that I'm headed back to work, or the fact that our son is just so stinkin' sweet. Maybe a combination of all of the above! Lately these moments have rendered me pretty speechless as McKinley's speech expands further into full, recognizable conversations and thus making for some cute sayings and sweet little things he does that just make us smile.

On that Black Friday jaunt (see Thanksgiving post), Cary and I purchased a beautiful Christmas Train with TWENTY feet of track. This thing truly is huge, but it's intended purpose was to adorn the bottom of our Christmas tree for years and years to come. We knew when we opened it that McKinley would be beside himself, and he did not disappoint! McKinley ran around the house saying, "There's the TRAIN!!! There's the CHRISTMAS TRAIN!!!!!!". Once it was set up beneath the tree, I walked into the living room to find McKinley sprawled on his belly watching the train go round and round, Christmas Carols and Train noises to boot. He was in complete awe. Cary had the lights turned down so only the tree lights and the big train headlight were seen. I love this picture.

Below are a few more that 'get me'...baking cookies together, our holiday tradition of 'The Ugly Ornament Throw', and our boy sporting Mommy's boots and looking like a pirate! Special times!

Lynn

Four Years...

Today marks the four year anniversary of my Dad's passing. I'm feeling sad of course, but also reflective. I'm reflecting over many things...my childhood and funny moments with Dad, my adolescence and mending our relationship, my adulthood and how he enjoyed being with me and Cary, being with Dad as he died.
I'm also reflecting on how my life has changed in these four years since...how I rode that roller coaster of grief, and perhaps only now am I really seeing just how deep my hurt and anguish was. I'm still picking up pieces from things I broke...and learning. I'm so beyond thankful for what I still have - a beautiful family, extended and related by blood. I'm am wordless in my thankfulness for having McKinley, how he has blessed our lives and enriched it further than I could have imagined. Today I am thinking of what I have learned, how I've grown and how I've grown UP. I relish in the fact that I had 27 years with my Dad, yet I feel unbelievable pain in the fact that my son, nor my other children will ever have my Dad on Earth to share in something as simple as a dinner together, a high five, or birthday cake.
As I look back today on the last 365, where I was at the 3 year mark, I think I've come to understand and appreciate how different my big, yet-never-together-in-one-place family is and how we love one another. I also recognize that I've come to learn these things in the face of Dad's death. How he truly taught me that each day is precious, unpredictable and a gift from God...all taken away in a short time. This makes me savor each and every moment with McKinley - yes, even the two-year-old-tantrums...and thirty-one-year-old-tantrums as well. I also think this past year has made Cary and I into kids again, in an adult manner, if you will. We enjoy all the new things we are fortunate enough to introduce to McKinley, and we see them much in the same light.
And in this last year, as McKinley has grown by leaps and bounds I was forced to make a decision (something I desperately NOT good at) as to how to bring Dad to life...to McKinley's life. I don't even know what Dad wanted to be called as a Grandfather. It was something we rarely spoke of...he knew he wouldn't be here, and I did too, I think I just never wanted to face it. So as McKinley's speech developed like wildfire I knew I had to come up with something. He was used to seeing this man's face and perhaps used to me telling him that this was my Dad and his Grandfather...but who WAS he??? I did some research, not really finding a good fit for me...then one day, not very long ago, it came to me; we keep doing what we've been doing. THIS is what works for us: celebrate Dad's life on his special days, bring the pictures back (the pictures that were all too painful to see for so long), keep him as a permanent fixture in McKinley's life and he will come to understand the truth. I began calling him Grandpa Z. I don't know how Dad would feel about that. He LOVED being known as The Z Man, so I know I've got the Z part right. However, I called HIS Dad Grandpa Z and the two were absolutely nothing alike. I'm not fully committed to the name, maybe it's just a matter of McKinley finding his OWN fit, I'm not sure. For now, my Dad is loving referred to as "Grandpa Z in heaven" during our nightly prayer, lead solely by McKinley. I adore that.
So, on this evening, despite a few tears and lots of sadness we will celebrate my Dad and his life. Cary, my wonderful, thoughtful, kind husband suggested we go to Carosi's tonight...in memory of Dad. It was his very favorite place to eat, a place where we shared many meals together with family when I was a child, and with my Dad and my husband later in my life. It was perfect. Hopefully, a new tradition. Thank you, Cary, for suggesting something right up Dad's alley. You are a rock.
To my Dad, I miss you so very much. I miss you for McKinley too. I cannot believe I've made it four long years. Four long years ago this day was unfathomable.
I love you.
Lynn

Thanksgiving & Black Friday Recap

WHEW! We are E.X.H.A.U.S.T.E.D.

What a week it has been! Cary has been on vacation and we stayed really busy. Thanksgiving came up on us quickly. We celebrated at my Godparents' gathering with my Mom and lots of other friends and extended family. It was a lovely day with delicious food and great company. McKinley had an awesome time with all the older children (ranging from 12 to 2 1/2), and he ran right with 'em!

As the day came to a close there were visions of craziness in my head. We had big plans. Involving long lines and crazy people --- ourselves included. Earlier in the week we booked a hotel room in Indy so we could hit Black Friday in a big way. Thankfully, Mom offered to stay with McKinley because there was simply NO WAY we would ever consider keeping him out all night long to shop. So, off to bed they went...off to Toys R Us went Cary & Lynn.

I kept calling Cary my little Black Friday Virgin, or BFV...well, Black Friday Virgin no more! He quickly got the hang of it and dug in to score lots of goodies for our boy. Some things on the list we must leave for Santa, but we did our best to get plenty from Mommy & Daddy...we know the jolly old elf will not disappoint! I'm most proud of Cary's find at Walmart (yes, we were THOSE people...at Walmart at 5am). He scored the very last Power Wheels Big Jeep in the entire store. He was practically tackled, I believe, but it's ours! Well...um...McKinley's. lol

Cary and I did not sleep on the night of Thanksgiving...not a wink. We sure do have some great war stories though...in our mile-long line at Toys R Us, we were fortunate to stand by some really great people. Dr. Bill, the shrink and his wife, the professor. Lauren, the nurse and Mike, the carpenter. We all shared our stories and for whom we were shopping. We also shared our beloved picnic blanket as we huddled under it, seeking refuge from the frigid and unexpected wind. If I could have found them after we were finished I would have invited them to a celebratory breakfast. We laughed together, shared stories of Terre Haute (where the professor had attended college) and Bloomington (where Dr. Bill had attended college). We talked about our kids, our jobs, the other idiots in line, the complete morons who had an INFANT in a carrier out in this horrible weather. They made it a great experience and think we were all so relieved to not be standing in line with the nutcase wielding a weapon for a zhu zhu pet. We bid farewell and wished one another a Merry Christmas, but not before laughing about sharing that blanket and Mike poor, numb thumb sticking out of the blanket to hold it up while the professor wore her mittens. Good times!

Our schedule was as follows:

Toys R Us - midnight

Stand in line for four hours (two to get in, two to check out --- though I did happen on dumb luck and got right in the check out line as we entered. Cary shopped and I waited in line to pay...for two hours)

Break for coffee and snack

Walmart - 4am

Stand in lines for an hour, split up so that we could have a better chance of getting what we came for (and we did...all but that dang Cars Guitar).

Break for more caffeine
Target - 6:30

Stand in line for about 30 minutes to pay for our purchases

Drive back to Edinburgh, where we were staying, near the outlet mall

Coach and a bevy of other stores that we were far too delirious by then to tally - 8am

By 10 we were back at the hotel, picked up a well-rested Mom & McKinley (jealous!) and headed back to the outlet

Break for lunch

Pack 'er up and head out!

My Mom drove home (obviously by this time we were holding our eyelids open with toothpicks), she was the only one with any room. No one could see out of the back, Cary could barely peer over the luggage to see McKinley sitting next to him...and me...well, let's just say it took me almost 5 minutes to get out of the car on our pee break. Ha haaaa! I was holding smaller purchases that wouldn't fit anywhere else, a coat, a scarf, my purse, our diaper bag, a small piece of luggage, McKinley's drink, my drink and the crystal cake plate that I'd taken my German Chocolate Cake to Thanksgiving. I wish now that we had taken a picture with my camera...but that too was buried somewhere beneath my legs.

Can I just say how worth it this was? Awesome. Thrilling....a little scary...loads of fun. I had a serious good time with my husband. We were a great team! Anything for our boy! Anything! Sleep? Who needs it???? Hooray for Thanksgiving & Black Friday!

Lynn

Big Changes, Bigger Blessings

Tonight I rocked McKinley to sleep.
Yes, he's two - nearly two and a half. I don't care. Not long after McKinley was born a family friend told me about how she always rocked her boys to sleep until they were probably 'too old' to be doing it. She told me how she never has regretted it because those are times you just don't get back. It was then that I decided to throw all that stuff I was reading about how "if you do that you'll pay for it later" out the window and do what Cary and I loved and what we felt our baby needed. So, Cary and I rocked McKinley to sleep as often as we could. Soon, he wouldn't have it - hahahaha - he requested to "Go lay down in bed?", so we complied. I had not rocked him to sleep in FOREVER and I don't know if I'll have another opportunity, or if McKinley will be just tired enough to give in and lay his precious head on my shoulder, so why not? Matter of fact, this was probably the last time I will rock my son to sleep as a Stay-at-home-Mom.
The title of my post is "Big Changes, Bigger Blessings", appropriate for the week of Thanksgiving, even more so of my life right now. I feel beyond blessed that God has given Cary and I this amazing little boy, even more blessed that we have had the opportunity to have me stay at home with him thus far. Now, I've been blessed again by getting a job in this less-than-desirable economy with a company who is so family oriented and understanding. A company that allows me to still be home with my son more than most working mothers. I'm scared to work outside of our home for the first time in 4 1/2 years (I have changed so very much since then!), I'm eager to bring home a side dish to Cary's bacon, if you will. And I am pumped to be doing something for a company who's main goal is to help families stay in touch and grounded---much less the opportunity to see my full potential in a 'real' career job and do something for myself. I'm also a little sad...okay, um...maybe a lot sad. Change is always different and I'm happy to see where this change takes us, but it is a role change. That is what is sad to me.
It's been an amazing run, this housewife turned stay-at-home-mom thing. One that has left me stronger, braver, and more knowledgeable than any degree will ever give me. I've also learned to never ever again discount the role of ANY stay-at-home-mom. I'll be the first to admit that I NEVER thought it was a credible job. I stand thoroughly corrected - AND THEN SOME! Truth be told, putting that beloved title (SAHM) on my resume was exactly what caught the attention of this company. The company's recruiter actually told me that in 15 years in Human Resources she had never ever seen SAHM as a job title with job descriptions, and most certainly never known anyone ballsy enough to put it in the current job position! Guess I'm ballsy...
This role in life has led me down a path of getting to know what it's like to have your heart walking around outside of your body (that's our son...). I believe McKinley has had this amazing effect on my life (and Cary's too, no doubt) and he and Cary both continue to amaze me every day. I literally thank God for blessing me with Cary and McKinley, and I consider it a wonderful privilege to be wife and mother for, respectively.
I'm so thankful for this family we've grown, and I'm thankful for finally understanding and truly appreciating the rest of my family too! Maybe it's little things like rocking your son to sleep that put something so monumental into perspective, or maybe I over-analyze the beegeezus out of everything...or both? I don't know, but I do know that wherever this next road takes me it's gonna be a good ride.
I'm going to miss the flexibility of our days and simple things like spending an entire day in your P.J.'s (just did that last week!), but I have so much to add to my resume now. Plus, I can still go to Wee Read, schedule play dates galore, AND play a mean air guitar -ugly guitar face and all - to John Mayer with McKinley & Daddy. Most of all, nothing can or will ever teach me as much as the last 4 1/2 years has taught me! That's life experience...and then some!

Thank you, McKinley, for letting me be your stay-at-home-mommy. I've enjoyed every second!

Love,
Mommy

Another Great Project!

Today I took McKinley to our very first official Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic. Since our first project was from Zoo Boo (FrankenSTRING Project, see post below) and it was too crowded, we brought it home to finish. This time, we signed up very early for the clinic and secured our place in line.

McKinley and I got all settled on the floor with our little carpet square, put on the adorable apron and safety goggles, laid out all of our supplies (everything is provided!) and set out to build a nifty garage, complete with car and Jimmie Johnson decals to boot.

Truth be told, I was a bit worried at first. I am confident that I can do a lot of 'handy' things, but I was concerned about having to concentrate on reading instructions in the midst of banging hammers and many, MANY kids and adults doing their own projects. Thankfully, these projects are truly built for little hands; everything was so easy to figure out and complete. McKinley got totally lost in building his garage (including garage doors! His favorite!), he enjoyed it so much. On several occasions he looked up at me with those gorgeous, dark brown eyes of his and smiled from ear to ear - showing me every tooth in his little mouth. That was a face of pure joy. It warms my heart...and yes, makes me cry. lol

I've decided whomever came up with this idea for Lowe's is a GENIUS. Seriously. I mean, not only are the projects current with colors and trends, they're fun, they provide a nice challenge while still being easy enough to thoroughly enjoy (uh hem...easy enough for parents too), and they are totally free. And we certainly can't forget the famed Lowe's apron and safety goggles that come with - these people even thought of patches and certificates you are awarded with once you have completed your project! I sent the patches and apron home with Mom today, she'll sew them on for us and I can't WAIT to see McKinley's TWO patches of completion on his apron!

Without being all down and depressing, obviously the economic downturn has changed a lot of things for people, communities, companies and just about everything else around us. Somehow Lowe's has continued doing these projects, plus they're actually doing a total of FOUR clinics this month. It's nice to see such a large company doing something that can make ANY kid smile - no matter their income bracket. That's pretty priceless these days. I'm so impressed.

McKinley has yet another fun toy for his playroom, but this one took a little effort and learning. I know he'll play with it for a long time and will truly always know that it this garage is something WE made together. Add that to the long list of beautiful lessons learned!

Lynn

Veterans Day Parade

Wow. Today was touching, to say the least.

Cary had the day off and wanted to attend the Veteran's Day Parade, so on this brisk morning we headed downtown to find a spot with a good view of the parade.

Leading the parade was the funeral procession of a local fallen soldier, who was returned home just the day before. It was heart-wrenching. I did not know him, though I know many of his friends, but my heart aches for his family...especially his mother, whom I could not get off my mind as the herse carrying her son's flag-draped casket slowly drove by. I couldn't help but shed a tear, and I was not alone. Soon, in the procession came a local chapter of high school R.O.T.C. kids. And I mean KIDS. I stood there in total shock, I couldn't move, my heart was aching again for the mothers of these children - SO YOUNG! I could not picture my McKinley out there, I don't think my heart could take it.

On a happy note, the parade was a rousing success for McKinley. He adored the marching band and has been talking about them since. He got to see LOADS of motorcycles (the honorable freedom riders), buses, police cars AND a firetruck. He was all about it! When the somber stuff was going on, he had a good idea that it was a quiet time, he could feel it as everyone else. But when that band was playing, he was waving his flag and jumping up and down!

I feel like we did a good thing today. We helped honor a local hero, MANY local heros - and maybe we are teaching our son how important our freedom is and how we must be thankful for everything we have. That's a big lesson for a two year old, but one worth continuing for sure.

Lynn

You're a Good Boy, Mommy

Lately we are all noticing rapid changes in McKinley. He's truly come out of his shell, openly asking questions to strangers (yikes, gotta work on that whole 'don't talk to strangers' thing soon...), and chit chatting with EVERYONE. The random elderly woman, seated on a bench at the mall was quite taken aback when McKinley paused as we walked by to announce to her that, "I pushed the elevator button!". She had no idea what to say. Another woman at my Mom's office actually missed her elevator because she was also so caught off guard by McKinley's quizzing, "Do you like elevators? I LOVE elevators. I like to push the button."

Our server at Applebee's the other night was officially GOBSMACKED when McKinley asked him to play the guitar on the wall. The guy dubbed him "one-cool-kid" and wished for him to learn to play guitar someday.

We learned that McKinley's buddy, Savannah was not feeling well. When we mentioned it to McKinley he promptly requested to call Robin (Savannah's Mommy) to check on her. Okay, I did! I left Robin a message (we were all wondering how she was), and when Robin called back, McKinley started pulling on me to get the phone. He took it and said, "Robin? Is Savannah sick? Is she better?" I could have cried! So sweet!

This week, while I was working around the house I heard McKinley padding down the hall saying, "Mommy! LOOK!!!" I turned to find my ham wearing his Easter pail (now used as playroom decor) on his head.

Later that night it was time to take out the trash. McKinley requested to go with Daddy, who obliged. McKinley was literally squealing with joy at the thought of performing a big boy task with Daddy. He even made sure to come tell me, "Bye Mommy, I taking out the tash with Daddy!" Had to snap a picture of it!

The other night, post bedtime stories, while cuddling a bit before bed, McKinley started his usual routine of kissing various facial features (and I in turn kiss his...I will miss this terribly when I am old and gray. He will say, "Kiss eyes?" then kiss my eyes, "Kiss nose?" then kiss my nose, etc. When he has run out of features he puts his hands up and says, "Hmmm! What else?!"). He paused to tell me, "Mommy, my eyebrowns are tired". Eyebrowns being his word for eyebrows...I worked so very hard to not let out that giggle bubbling up. I took him very seriously, especially when he asked if MY eyebrowns were tired.

My favorite goofy saying of McKinley's, as of late, is this; today I was manning a slight fit at Nonna's house (my Mom). I leaned down to correct McKinley and picked him up. He hugged me, started playing with my hair and said, "You're a GOOD BOY, Mommy."

I melted.

My sweet, sweet boy!

A gorgeous fall afternoon with my boy...

Is this not the quintessential picture of a happy toddler????? I LOVE THIS!!!!!

Earlier today (um, okay technically it was yesterday because I'm up late again and just now taking time to update), upon realizing that it was GORGEOUS and WARM outside I asked McKinley if he would like to go to the park. Duh, like I had to ask. Then I asked if he would like to have a picnic. Again...don't bother asking! So I packed a quick lunch, ran a few errands, picked up a couple of extra things for our impromptu lunch and we finally arrived at the park. I chose a parking spot and McKinley set out to find our special picnic spot, which was just the perfect sunshine-laden spot between two bare trees with a view of the little train garage, train tracks and the playground. I set off to fill our pitas (or is it pita even when plural??? Have to look that up to be sure) with the yummy hummus we picked up on our way to the park and cheese along with a mish mash of other healthy goodies, and we chowed and chatted. It was perfect. I had a great time sharing my pita with McKinley and we even munched on a little cookie.

I noticed some birds chirping, then heard that tell-tale sound of knocking, and I got to introduce McKinley to a small group of "WOODPEPPERS", as he so fondly refers to them now. He kept saying, "Mommy! See Woodpeppers???" I laughed and laughed!

Then, a ladybug landed on our blanket (a long-time favorite of mine). McKinley went in for a closer look, held it in his hand and when the ladybug flew onto his pants he was so excited that 'she' wanted to stay by his side. Pretty soon she flew away, and he watched as she moved locations.

Soon Nonna stopped by (since she lives right beside the park) and did their annual 'walking of the train track' (Note: this is not a real train track...it's a ride-on train that has been around for AGES - since I rode it as a child, at least!). When they returned, McKinley handed me a pretty silk flower he found on the ground along the way - obviously left over from the previous weekend's fall decor. How sweet!

I think we all ate today up - it won't be long before there's snow on the ground and a real chill in the air. I'll miss all the spring/summer/fall nature, so it was nice to give us a brief Indian Summer to enjoy - short sleeves and all!

Lynn

Trick-or-Treat...Part I, II, and III

Happy Halloween!!!!

This evening we started out a night early by visiting Jodi & Dave. McKinley had SO MUCH FUN ringing the doorbell and saying, "Trick or Treat!!!" McKinley scored a super-cute Halloween counting book, a bat ring, some cute finger puppets and a little bit of candy. He loved it!

Update: Friday night (first night of official city-wide trick-or-treating) was blah! Rain, rain, go away! That's okay though, we stayed in, got some take out and had family night. We'll do some more damage tomorrow...

Update II: Saturday night has arrived, it is HALLOWEEN!!!!!

McKinley and I started out the day by trick-or-treating next door to Gayle & John's house. John is a fellow USPS employee and seriously appreciated the costume. Neither of them could believe what they were seeing! Next, it was off to my Mom's house. Yes, it was daylight and very early, but McKinley sure didn't care! He loved surprising his Nonna, who LOVED her little mailman. McKinley got a great new movie for his growing collection, Nonna picked "Horton Hears a Who". He loves it.

The three of us (me, Mom, McKinley) piled in the car and headed for Toys R Us for their trick-or-treat parade. Quickly, we were over it and left before the festivities were. Let's just say it was an interesting crowd...we probably won't do that again. In hindsight, I wish it had been more publicized, but our local library had a trick-or-treat parade at the same time and they were giving away Halloween books! That would have been SO much better. (Note to self: Hit the library next year, nix TRU...) We ended the afternoon with a t-or-t session at our Sears, who was giving away a small toy to children who were in costume. McKinley got the cutest Hot Wheels ice cream truck, he's toted that with him everywhere since.

In the evening, we first headed off to t-or-t Brenda, where we all participated. McKinley, our adorable mailman and Mommy and Daddy as his envelopes; one priority, the other first class. That was a given....hahahahaha! Just kidding.

Next we met up with the Semmler Family where we visited their friends, the Phegley's. McKinley and Savannah gave us all a show with this new fun game of rolling on the floor together, then we jumped, then we cheered. Wish I could bottle their energy!

Soon we were off to trick-or-treat Judie, my cousin, where McKinley scored an awesome blinky, faux pumpkin. He's still asking about it even though it had to retire for the year.

We ended the trick-or-treating at Kay's house where we visited with Kay, Chrissy & Reagan. Reagan joined in on the McKinley/Savannah antics with more jumping and even some piano accompanied singing for everyone to enjoy.

To close out the night the six of us (okay, technically seven since Robin is pregnant!) headed to Applebee's. We were STARVED! Again, the kids had a ball jumping in the booth and running laps around the restaurant. It was funny how all of the adults took turns chasing the kids --- they wear us out!

We had a wonderful Halloween, a fabulous time trick-or-treating with the Semmler Family, and so much fun spending time with everyone we could get to this year. We missed a few, so there are soon to be updates about the post-Halloween trick-or-treating.

UPDATE III!!!!: More trick-or-treating!

Today (Friday, Nov. 6th), Cary's Mom & Dad came for a visit from Btown and McKinley could hardly wait to trick-or-treat them! They were bowled over to see him in his costume and laughed and laughed! It was GREAT!

McKinley said, 'Tick or Teet!' and got a fun CARS book, a set of Thomas bath squirters and a Diego puzzle. He loves them all so much and hasn't put them down!

I think we're done...though the costume is too precious to put away, so it's been added to the dress up collection. It was an awesome Halloween for us all, a great reminder to Cary and I of our fun childhood, and so good for the soul to see McKinley get so excited about everything surrounding one of my very favorite holidays.

So glad we got all of that taken care of before Thanksgiving!!!!!

Happy Halloween!!!!

Lynn