What a Difference 20 Minutes Can Make!

The weather was magnificent this afternoon, so we decided to go for a walk. Hunter wanted to ride his bike, great idea! Hannah did not want to ride her bike; no big deal, she wanted to walk. I took a stroller for the return trip - little legs get tired quickly. Not five minutes after leaving, she wants her bike. She proceeds to throw a monster tantrum for her bike. Since her behavior was so crazy, I took her home and Pete continued with Hunter. We get in the house and she is still screaming. I put her in time out for a chance to calm down. She takes her shoes off and throws them. Finally, she stops screaming and tells me she's all done. I ask her to apologize and she says, "For what?" I was speechless! I talked to her for a minute and she apologized for screaming. I ask her to pick up her shoes and put them in the basket. She says, "I don't know how!" Really? She puts her shoes up everyday. She proceeds to start another fit over her shoes. Back to time out she goes. Then she tries to make a deal with me, "I'll get one shoe and you get the other." Um, NO, you threw both of them you can pick them both up. Still more tears. Finally, she apologizes again; she gets her shoes and puts them in the basket. I was sitting on floor beside the basket. She then sits in my lap, gives me a hug, and says, "Mom, you're my best friend!" I am still speechless. I had to blog it to make it seem real. That has to be the craziest myriad of emotions packed into one 20 minute period. I love being her best friend, but couldn't we have accomplished that without all the drama?

Playtime at Grandma's

The kids had plenty to keep them entertained. The hardest part was getting four kids to agree on a movie - Hannah wasn't interested!

Hot Dogs and Smores

We drove to Missouri to visit the Peterson Farm to see cousins and enjoy some special family time. The cousins haven't been together since Hannah was 5 months old, so we had lots of catching up to do. We enjoyed a week of fabulous fall weather which spoiled all of us! The kids loved having a roasting hot dogs and smores - my kids had never had smores before! Lots more farms posts to follow!

An Archer in the Making

One of Pete's NOLA friends gave him this children's bow for Hunter. Since hunting season is just around the corner, Pete's been practicing his skills. Hunter wants in on the action too. So, Pete gave Hunter his first archery lesson. I think this will be something the boys enjoy for a long time to come.

Note: Hannah was sleeping while they were practicing. She had a turn later and seemed to love it too. I'll get pics of her next time:)

Sesame Street LIVE: Elmo's Green Thumb

I've taken the kids to see Elmo and friends for the last two years. When I found that Sesame Street was coming to TN and it was one we hadn't seen yet, I decided to treat them to a little surprise. Hannah LOVED seeing all her favorite friends from Sesame Street. She was dancing to the music and waving to each character as he/she appeared on stage. This was Pete's first Sesame Street experience and I think he even enjoyed his evening with all of the furry friends.

Budding Gymnasts

In an attempt to help Hannah acclimate to her new surroundings, we found a gymnastics class that Hunter and Hannah can do together one morning a week. I knew Hunter would love flipping and jumping and swinging, but I wasn't sure how Hannah would do. She actually loved it more than Hunter the first day. She's practicing handstands on the walls and trying to hang upside down from the bar on the treadmill. We literally have two little monkeys living among us:)

Bikin' Buds

We promised Hannah a new bike when we moved to our new house - she didn't forget! We made good on the promise and both kids love riding.

First Day of School 2009-2010