Pajama Day Panic

Today was Pajama Day at Max's school. At least, I was pretty sure it was Pajama Day. Until I was in the carpool line.

I was about 15 cars back and watching the line to see the kids in their cute pajamas. Only, no one was wearing pajamas. After about the tenth kid, I began to panic.

Is was totally possible that I got the day wrong. My mind started racing from how fast could I go home and get back with real clothes, to how much this is going to cost me in therapy when he gets older. Five more cars unloaded and still no pajamas. Finally it was our turn and I was totally sweating. I was so embarrassed but I managed to ask, "Isn't today pajama day?"

Much to my relief they told me it was. I just happened to be behind a lot of 3 year olds and they weren't having Pajama Day today. My relief was palpable. It's not that I expect to remember everything or make life perfect for my kids, but come on, showing up to school as the only one in your pajamas would be pretty bad.

So here he is at the end of a great day.


From now on, I think I'll start writing stuff down.

Scary, Spooky Sugar Rush

Trick or treating was truly a treat on Saturday night. I boys are at such fun ages, we had a blast just watching them.

Luke was a Star Wars character (forgive me, I don't know which one), and Max was, of course, Scooby Doo. Here they are in getting into character for the big outing.


Even Scout got in on the action.


Ready to take on the neighborhood.


They had such a hard time waiting for people to answer the door.


The best part was after we got home. They set up shop by the front door and waited with candy in hand for someone to show up.


Of course, Max couldn't resist sampling the goods.


And then they were out.

Spooky House

This year, I thought it would be fun to decorate a gingerbread haunted house. So Max and I went to the store and picked one up.

As we were beginning to decorate it, I noticed a piece of the top was loose. I told Max not to touch it because I could glue it on with icing. However, as I was mixing the icing I heard the "uh oh." I knew before I even turned around.

He said it was an accident, but I think he really couldn't resist taking a taste of the house. After determining that I couldn't fix it, I just let him have at it. When brother got home, he got in on the action too.




As it turned out, the house was much scarier than if we had put the decorations on it. And tastier too.

State Fair

One of our family traditions is the State Fair. We didn't make it last year, so we really wanted to go this year. But, as the days went by and the rain seemed endless, it didn't look good. Finally, on the last weekend, the rain stopped, so we loaded up the kids and headed out.

After an hour and a half in traffic and a questionable parking spot (thanks Texas/OU) we made it. And because everyone was watching the game, we had the park to ourselves. So off we went for our Fair adventure.

For the past few weeks, all Max has talked about has been riding a roller coaster. So when we saw this, we grabbed him up and put him on. It was the first ride of the day and had I stepped back to really look at it, I probably would have made a different choice. The poor kids was terrified. When he got off, all he wanted was to go home.


Thankfully we found something a little more his speed.


I love that Luke is still entertained by bubbles.


Luckily for Luke, his mom loves the scary rides. M won't ride them with me so I'm glad to know I'll have a roller coaster partner in a few years.


Finally, we found the ride Max had been dreaming about. It went about five miles an hour and was perfect for him. He loved it and would have stayed on it all day. Luke is there too, but don't ask me why he is so far back.


To make the day even better, we went to one of the best petting zoo's I've ever seen. The giraffe is Max's favorite animal and it just doesn't get better than this.


Until the giraffe decides to start eating your shoe and licking your leg. I thought he would begin to cry but he was reveling in the giraffe's attention.


Luke got in on the action by bonding with the baby goats. He's never shown much attention to animals, but all he wanted to do was pet those babies. I love seeing his sensitive side.


To complete the day, we stopped by the cotton candy booth and indulged in some of the best I've ever had.


Max liked it so much, he licked the stick. If that stick was made of candy instead of paper, I'm sure he would have eaten that too.


And then it was time to go home. Despite the traffic and craziness, we had a great day.


And then we all went home for a nap.

Max's Turn

Now it's Max's turn to start school. He seems so lonele on the bench by himself. We definitely miss having Luke around.




Max likes his class so far. It's small, five girls and one other boy, but he's having fun. It's hard not to feel nostalgic when I know next year they will both be in school. I have to tell myself to enjoy the year and not go around thinking this is the last Donuts with Dads, the last preschool open house, the last...

First Day of First Grade

Wow. I can't believe I have a First Grader. He got so big over the summer.

Virginia Water Sports

Merk went home early, so Dad and I were left to our own devices to keep the boys entertained.

Our first attempt was fishing. Dad's girlfriend Karen lives on an awesome lake and let us use her boat.

Max was more interested in the tackle box than actually fishing.

I know it's hard to believe, but there's a fish on that line. It must have been two inches long. We threw it back.


This one's a keeper!

The next day we took the boys sailing on the Potomac.

It was a picture perfect day and the river was gorgeous. I grew up sailing with my dad so it was great to be on the boat again. The boys were a little scared and were more interested in the bugs than being on a sailboat. All in all, it was a great trip and I can't wait to do it all again next year.

Virginia Camping

Towards the end of the summer, we took the boys to visit my Dad in Virginia. We always do a lot of outdoor things there and the boys love it. Of course, they always love hanging out with Grandpa Joe. Here are some highlights from the camping part of the trip.

Max helped Grandpa Joe do everything. He was a little shadow the entire trip.


I still can't believe he fell asleep that way.



We went hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I love it there. It is definitely on of my favorite places.





I don't know if he was just tired or if he wanted to make sure we didn't forget him.


All tuckered out.

Summer Fun

I know, I know. It's been too long. But what's the point of summer if you can't take some time off?

Here is a not-so-brief recap of our summer so far. Enjoy!

Water fun in the backyard.




Naps!


The loss of a first tooth.


Hiding in a closet during a storm and a dramatic change in our landscaping.


A trip to the beach!!!







Me and my honey!


A visit to the Blue Angels. It was 100 degrees that day but nothing could keep us from the air show.




Luke at his Little League All Star Game.



Fourth of July Parade.



Building Legos. We do this almost every day. At this rate, I think I may qualify for Master Builder status soon.



And that brings us up to date. Only one month left until school starts. By far, this is the best summer we've had and I'm loving every moment, despite the relentless heat. Thank goodness for good friends, swimming pools and slip-n-slides.