Popcorn and a movie

This afternoon MiMi and I 

took Griff on a date 

to see The Muppets at the movie theater.

I thought that he was at a point to enjoy a movie on the big screen.

It should have been an indication on the way to the theater

when all he talked about was getting some "pa-corn" and going to see the Wiggles.

Griff handing our tickets to the ticket attendant.

Waiting patiently for his pa-corn.

Griff and MiMi ready for the movie.

Griff guarding his pa-corn.

Rookie mistake.

I should have gotten him a LARGE

to entertain him a little longer.

I can't say that the movie was a success.

Once his pa-corn ran out....

so did we.

When we got back to the car I told Griff that he owed me $30.

He looked at me with that sly grin and said,

"dats enough Mommy."

Next time I will take the 30 bucks,

buy a new DVD,

a bag of popcorn,

and call it a day!    

Happy birthday Big Poppa

We celebrated Big Poppa's 61st birthday with him.  

In typical birthday party fashion the celebration involved

cupcakes and cool birthday hats.

Happy birthday to you.

Baby Bear or Baby Parrot enjoying a cupcake.

Do they love the party or is it really about the cupcakes?

Once Tio John and Miss Erika arrived we had to do it all again.

Baby Bear stunnin' like his Tio.

Potty time

Baby Bear has mastered the potty.

At any given moment you may find him in the bathroom.

He lets himself in,

bellies up to the potty,

lifts up his shirt,

stands there for a second,

then flushes.

Makes you wonder what goes through the mind of an 18 month old...

Baby Bear at the potty.

All done and time to flush.

A little of this and that...

The month of October through the beginning of November was jam packed.  I will admit that I over extended myself primarily on causes that I volunteer for.  I knew the month would be intense.  I powered through knowing that it was only temporary.  I was looking forward to now.  My favorite time of the year.  Holiday season!  From now until after Christmas I take time to simplify.  I don't get wigged out on shopping, gifts, and obligations.  My family holds the top spot and we do what we "want" to.  This is a time to spend with our family and closest friends.  I am not an over the top gift giver.  I have some gifts bought, but I am primarily giving hand-made heart felt gifts this year.  

I have worked extra hours so I can take 2-3 weeks off from my pharmaceutical job around Christmas.  Satch will be finished school on December 3 for about a month.  We really enjoy a solid month of Christmas cheer.  I am talking walking down the street holding hands and singing Christmas carols.  Why?  Because it is my favorite time of the year...

In the meantime here are a few snapshots of what we have been doing over the past few weeks.

Step 1 of life simplification:

I introduce to you....

Rosie 3.0

This is our 3rd Roomba robot vacuum cleaner. 

Satch was begging for another. 

I resisted as long as I could.

I had the house under control.

You know vacuuming no less than 3x a week to keep up with the dog hair.

I caved the other morning.

The dog had has gotten the best of me.

Welcome to the family

Rosie 3.0!

How I love you so!

(you are working while I sit her and blog)

The Griff... Stunnin' like his Daddy.

"Calm down Mommy, Calm down!"
Hard to get mad at an irresistibly cute kid.

My world... 

We must not forget about Uncle Al.
My 4 boys.

Baby Bear, AKA The Dude.
This kid loves to play.

Sick Baby Bear.
Not to big to cuddle while waiting to see the Doc.
Baby Bear gave it a good run.
This was the first time that he has gotten sick
and it broke my heart...

This photo reminds me of a Norman Rockwell.
Baby Bear was grabbing his clothes to get the heck out
of the Docs office!  

Gross... sitting on the floor in the Docs office.
The horror!
This was actually after he touched the bio hazard garbage can.

AWESOME brother hugs.

Catching up on a little reading.

Serious belly laughs.

Smiles that melt me.

Enjoying a good book.

Eyelashes any woman would kill for.

This is what I have been up to!!

Halloween.Treating.Treating.

I'll be honest.

Last night started out a bit rough.

Griff was running around like a wild man.

He was running away from a "talkin' to" and busted his chin.

Yes.

Blood.

Gash.

The works.

Real life gory Halloween stuff here folks!  

Once he settled and recovered from his injury

we tried to load him into the trailer for a hayride with all of the neighborhood kids.

3rd year in a row-

hay ride was a no go.

We jumped on plan B.

Load the boys in the wagon and walk along side the hay ride.

It took the boys about 2 houses to figure the

trick-r-treat thing out

and then...

it was smooth sailing.

I'm happy to say that we all had a great night!

The Super Family

Super Griff~ Super power- SPEED

Yes...did someone call for Super Roman?
(insert deep manly voice)

Super Roman~ Super Power- KILLER BABY BLUES

Speaking of Killer baby blues. :)

Griff showing off his super speed.

Super Roman- let's get this show on the road!

Super Griff about to ditch the hayride.

Super Roman- armed with an empty bag and ready to roll.

Plan B- our trusty wagon

Here are our Super Heroes warming up on the first house.

Super pros a few houses later.
Ridiculously cute...

"Treating treating."
I could not get enough of him saying this at every door.
Just for fun I had him say it about 1000 more times today.
Also to note he would not walk away without saying the sweetest "tank you."

Super Roman did not miss a single house.
He got out and walked up to every door.
His bag was loaded down he had to drag it.
Super Satch tried to lighten his load.
Super Roman put every piece of candy back.
He also picked out his candy if given the option.
He was all smiles when he walked away with handfuls of suckers.

Halloween 2011 was AWESOME!

We all had the best night.

I love sharing these special memories

with my Super Heroes...