Only Big Smiles Allowed: December 2007

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year from two kids who really couldn't care less about 2008, except for the Rose Parade which will, most likely, be watched in this house every single day until the next Macy's Day Parade...or until someone accidently deletes it (I really am sorry!).

Movin' On Up

Amelia went into a big girl bed at 20 months because Leo was moving in 2 months later. We were going to try to keep Leo in his crib until his friends in Kindergarten started teasing him. From the shananigans he has been pulling during his time-outs in crib lately, Leo might be getting his new bed earlier than we had planned. Oh, and thanks Miss Bonnie for all of those gymnastics lessons!

And the winner for the most patient woman in America goes to...

Well, just ask the customers of Michaels, Linens N Things, Joann Fabrics and Barnes and Noble! There may very well be a picture of me and Leo on the outside of those stores with a big "DO NOT LET IN EVER AGAIN" along the top. There was alot of screaming, running, hiding, dragging and that was just me! When I signed up Amelia for Winter Camp, I was looking forward to running around with Leo and getting errands done. Leo did agree on the running around part, but it seems that we have different ideas of what that means! It was pretty horrible for the both of us, but the best part is, it totally stumped yesterday's shopping experience. As much as leaving Leo home and never having to shop with him again sounds oh so tempting, I feel the need to conquer this pattern. I just need to do it in cities far far away, like I did today :)

So, back to the reason for the insanity in the first place - Winter Is Cool Camp at the Morton Arboretum. When I got the information in the mail, I knew right away that Amelia would have a blast. We left the house before 8am and drove the farthest a normal person would drive for 3 hours of camp, but when I dropped her off with Miss April and got back in the car, I knew this was going to be a day to remember for Amelia.

In our travels through the parking lot today, Leo noticed a train in one of the windows and it turned out to be the All Aboard Diner. I asked Leo if he wanted to go there for lunch or just eat the peanut butter sandwiches I had prepared for the car ride home and, after a long pause to think about it, he enthusiasctically screamed "traiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin" and continued to do so until we picked up Amelia and drive back to the restaurant. We waited 30 minutes and were there a total of 1 1/2 hours and, strangely enough, I seemed to be the only (crazy) parent who was there with kids by themselves. We were lucky enough to be squeezed into seats by the counter and the kids loved the whole thing and so did I!
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This poor truck had to drive in reverse in front of me because it is a one way road all the way to winter camp!

Amelia and the treasure box she made at winter camp.

Amelia's cool nametag! and Leo...

I guess they missed each other...a little ;)

Amelia leaving a message for Daddy...he called back a minute later and the first words out her mouth, "Why didn't you answer the phone when I called a minute ago???"

The train...and other cool things at the restaurant.

This saves the waitresses some work! Why didn't they have these when I worked at Bakers Square??

The problem with seeing everyone's food is that you see everyone's desserts also...hence, the cupcake for dessert.

Wooooohoooooooooooooooooo!

Amelia probably wont sleep tonight, but the quiet I had for 30 minutes and that little bit of Steven Page...it was all worth it.

These Kids Know How to Party

Amelia's good friend, Race, had his birthday party at the Rainforest Cafe today and it was a blast. Exhausting, but a blast. We stayed at the mall afterwards just to wear everyone out 100% for the rest of the night.
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Getting ready for the day...

Amelia, enjoying the party with her friends...

Leo was a good sport, he went back and forth from the party to Uncle Gary's table, depending on which side of the restaurant had the least scary sounds...

Amelia Kitty Cat...

Not sure why Amelia is cracking up or why Heloise is so darn shocked!

Cheetah Ari...

=

Chillin' out in the GAP dressing rooms...

Amelia's true "cat" coming out...

The merry-go-round, one of those ideas that looked really good to Leo until it started to *go-around*...

Today was 17F and WINDY - I did not want to leave the mall!

Juicy

We have a new tradition on our house during dinner. About halfway through the meal, Leo declares his love for me ("Mommmmmmmmmy") and hops on my lap for some kisses and hugs. Leo isnt really concerned if I am still eating or if I havent even started yet. This is *his* time and not much will change his mind. Not much, with the exception of peaches for dessert. These kids gobble up canned peaches like they are chocolate dipped M&Ms and I couldn't be happier since I buy them from SAMS Club!

Fun Times

Since Winter Break starts for everyone next week, I wanted to beat the crowds and get to the Kohl Museum today. This morning, I wasn't so thrilled about going because I wasn't sure how much Leo would participate and how much he would just RUN. It turned out to be a wonderful visit. Leo listened pretty well and had a great time with Amelia, holding hands whenever they went from room to room. Everytime I go to the Kohl Museum or anywhere with tons of kids, I am always proud of my children and how well they behave with each other and those around them. I am go glad that they not only have a great time because the place is so much fun, but because they are enjoying it with one another.
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Amelia being my favorite helper...

The fun begins...

After the museum, we went to take Leo's pictures for his 2nd birthday. To say that I hate that whole experience would be an understatement. We got cute pictures and we were out of there in less than 2 hours and, most importantly, noone was hurt...too badly, anyway. Here is how the session started...and Amelia posing better than anyone at that place. Let's hope she remembers how to do that in February!