Lessons From a Big Brother

Where would Chloe be without her big brother? 

She learns so much from him, and he loves to pass along his knowledge.  Their backseat conversations in the car are some of my favorite.  I've chuckled as he has taught her about solar flares, forest fires, construction sites, speed limit signs, the evils of McDonald's food.... I giggle quietly while they chat.

Lately I've taken to running and grabbing a notepad to write down his lessons for her and have found them to be just perfect for a weekly blog post idea.


Big Brother Lesson #364:    (While watching Star Wars together)  Chloe, "disguise" is when you put on an outfit that was someone else's.... so that you don't get killed.

Tag-Alongs

My sister and her husband (affectionately known here as Aunt Bryce and Unk) are house hunting for a permanent dwelling to raise their family in.  Bryce has asked me to tag-along as an extra objective pair of eyes on her adventures, and the kids come too, of course. 

Today's house was awesome, and we are all pretty excited.  There was even a playground in the backyard with a mini tire swing perfect for cousins to hang out on.

Maybe we'll visit this special spot again someday.... it was truly magical :-)

Hungry Snakes

I walked in on this lovely art fest last week:

What do we have this time?

Hungry snakes. 

Behold:

I'm not 100% sure who drew each, but my guess is the top two are Evan's and the bottom one is Chloe's since there is a random horse on the page.

Among the hungry snakes I found snakes-that-are-longer-than-my-entire-backyard.

Behold:

I think the top one is Chloe's and the bottom is Evan's. 

This treasure of artistic creations sure beats the last pile I discovered, all folded up in piles from passing "notes" to each other from bunk to bunk in their room.  Every page was covered with concentric circles depicting their favorite funny thing:  butts. 

I will spare you photos of those gems. 

Weren't the hungry snakes fun??  :-) 
I'm glad they've sort of moved on.....

Big Tractors

When we picked up our milk this week, these big old tractors were parked out in front of the cheese-house. 

How could they expect kids not to climb on them, right?  So up they went.

{Ajay was there too!}

Cut Outs

After years of putting this off because it always seems so daunting, we finally made sugar cookies together. 

And they turned out just fine. Why am I always so intimidated by baking?  I don't know, but at least these two will grow up feeling confident in the kitchen :-)

A Ponytail

Evan's hair is finally long enough to get it all back in a ponytail.  He's hoping this new look will clear up some confusion for strangers about him being a girl or a boy.  That really bugs him.  He's getting used to how it feels to have his hair pulled back, and even though he prefers it down, this is a really nice alternative.  I think he looks completely different without all that hair covering his face.  I like it :-)

Bits & Pieces :: Outside

The first half of October was so sunshine-filled and even warm, 

so we soaked up every minute of it.

** The kids throw mud meatballs at the back of the shed. **

** Goldilocks heading for the leaf pile. **

** These two swing sideways together and belly-laugh the whole time. **

 ** This katydid liked jumping into Evan's hair, which he thought was pretty cool. **

 ** Chloe handled it so tenderly and brought it back every time it jumped away. **

** If Dad's lap is available, Chloe is in it. **

 ** If Roy (our kitty) is sleeping somewhere, Evan is right there with him. **

** If Todd is laying down, Chloe is laying on him. Always. **

 ** A pile of horses on a blanket is Chloe's idea of a good time. **

** Cuddling on a blanket in the sun is Evan's (and my) idea of a good time. **

What beautiful days!!!