"The Essentials" as Dictated by Kyra

Q: What would you have taken with you on the Mayflower if you had been a Pilgrim?

A: pizza, games, marbles, colors, rug. I would also like to bring my care bear.

Trick Or Treat 2009

Just a few pics from this year's festivities.
The Blue Man
The Butterfly
"50 Cent"
The Hot Dog
Gasp! Everyone looking at the camera!

It's that time of year again!

Time for the Fall 50 in Door County. The Scrappy Runners kept the team intact this year and returned for another go. We changed up the legs a bit and I would say today our stomach muscles hurt just as much from the laughter as our legs hurt from the running. I'll share a few pictures, but what happens at the relay stays at the relay ;)

And like dominoes they fell . . .

As of last Monday, you may recall Ian's tale of woe with the "ick". Now, I will admit since he was already five days into his illness, I was prayerful that rest of us had some sort of super immunity. Unfortunately. . .

. . .my hopes were dashed when Rich returned from a business trip on Wednesday complaining of similar symptomatology. Of course, adults with the "ick" are a little less needy than young ones and, since Ian was on the mend and Kyra was as chipper as ever, I figured 50% of the household wasn't bad. Until . . .

. . .the cry in the dark somewhere between Wednesday and Thursday morning. Yes, the princess was confirmed sick with the ick. Alright, well it could be worse: one on the mend and going back to school, a responsible adult though ailing but capable of caring for a pathetic princess and a germ-free office for me to escape to. Surely I could outrun the bug. But . . .

. . .there was no escape to be had. By Thursday evening, I knew what fate had in store for me. Yes, by Friday morning, Kyra and I cuddled up on the couch watching endless princess movies. By Saturday, Rich and Ian were doing well enough to escape the sick girls. I took the opportunity to nap when Kyra napped. Now . . .

. . .one may think that this tale of woe is over. But sadly, no, we shall not forget our beloved four-legged friend, Mel. You see, while I napped on Saturday, Ms. Mel climbed up one of the dining room chairs and helped herself to an entire tray of Hartman's cookies (and for those of you who KNOW about said cookies, I heard that gasp!) I'd like to think that it was only because they were cat-shaped and purchased to support a local cat rescue that she ate them out of spite, but it just goes to prove that no one can resist their powers! Now, having consumed enough cookies to equal at least the volume of two-days worth of her chow, you would think the "darling" would have stopped there. Oh no! Not my little slink! She also helped herself to an entire box of graham cracker bugs! Needless to say, I was none too pleased when I woke up from my nap and discovered the "evidence" (or, shall we say, lack thereof) of Mel's handywork. So, that night as we were getting to bed, Mel assumed her usual spot between us. All of a sudden we started hearing very strange sounds coming from our precocious pooch . . .

. . . and, yes, by Sunday morning, even the dog was sick!

Of course, now we are all on the mend and slowly but surely on the path back to "normal." At least we can one day look back at this and laugh.

Stay healthy, my friends! (and keep those cookies high!)

Poor Little Man

Sometime in the middle of the night between Thurday and Friday (I'm a little fuzzy on the time; I don't function well when woken from a deep sleep), Ian came down and told us he was "hungry" except it wasn't hunger he was feeling but a severely upset stomach. Needless to say, the past few days have been anything but pleasant in our house. Ian has been a real trooper but this bug has just wiped him out. He was actually looking a little better last night and was excited about returning to school today.

Well, his hopes were soon dashed this morning when the bug reared its ugly head again. I did end up taking him in even though I knew it was viral and nothing really could be done and it just had to run its course. Nonetheless, it gives me a certain piece of mind to have him checked out. The doctor recommended that he stay home from school through at least Wednesday. I've notified school and his teacher will prepare a homework packet for me to pick up.

I feel so bad because Ian is really enjoying school this year and I could tell he was disappointed when the doctor told me how long to keep him home. Please pray for the bug to exit (both Ian and this house).

Post-Vacation Overload - Day 2; Part 2

Oh dear. Life seems to have gotten away from me and I desperately need to get some of these vacation photos on here so I don't forget anything. So, I will try to be better in the next few days.

After spending a good part of our first full day at Hollywood Studios, we caught the bus to Epcot as we had dinner reservations at The Coral Reef. I wish I had some video of the kids' excitement over this restaurant. Our reservations were early enough that I we were able to request and receive a table smack dab in front of the giant aquarium.

These pictures certainly do not do it justice and if you notice, both Ian and Kyra were practically climbing on the table to get a closer look. Honestly, I don't think they would have cared if they had anything to eat because all they did was watch the the tank. Their favorites were the rays, the sharks and the sea turtles.


After dinner, we stayed in the Coral Reef area. The Disney people have really done a great job revamping the old "The Seas" exhibit. They turned it into a Nemo themed exhibit complete with a ride in a clam shell.


During Turtle Talk with Crush, Ian got to ask Crush what turtles eat. Crush then asked Ian what his favorite food was (answer: mac 'n' cheese) and then asked if it caused him to "get the bubbles"; yeah, that got him laughing. Nothing like a little potty humor from an animated turtle! They also played in this shark area except Kyra was a little frightened of the oversized sharks. She always had to be with someone for a picture.


Now, you would think that would be enough for our first day, but as you'll see in the next segment, there's always more . . .

First Day of School

I interrupt this series of vacation phots to bring you "first day of school" photos. Kyra started preschool on Monday. She can hardly contain her excitement about school. It's amazing that I got any pictures as she was all energy!


This is her "princess" backpack. She had been coveting this baby since she first laid eyes upon it at JC Penney's. I gave it to her on Sunday night and she carried it around until she went to bed.

There was definitely no separation anxiety for this girl. She marched right into school, found her cubby and got right to work.


Tuesday was Ian's turn! I can't believe I am a mom to a 5th grader! Even though I see him everyday, I can't believe how much he's grown from last year.
Obviously, you don't get as many pictures on the first day of school when your child starts growing up. Kyra had to get in on the action this morning but I think it turned out pretty cute.

One change this year is that I will be taking Ian to school since it is on the way to Kyra's preschool and they start close to the same time. Ian gets theadded benefit of a little more free time around the house, but then again, he had to put up with his paparazzi mom this morning.

We're hoping for a great year all around!