The Warriors

I almost forgot to mention what we did last Wednesday, because I didn't take any pictures. The kids and I waited 3 and a half hours in line (Willy came for the last 1h) for free tickets to see the Terra Cotta Warriors at the National Geographic Museum. We were all going crazy near the end. The plan was for Luke to nap while Buggy and I played quietly, only Luke wasn't agreeable so we went with plan B. Isabella handled the change in plans with surprising maturity - she simply demanded the undivided attention of our neighbours. Which left me free to juggle Luke. Ha! No, I'm that ill mannered. Needless to say it was a little awkward until I pulled out the DVD player. When we finally got inside, Isabella had to go to the bathroom. Really! I love my girl, she keeps life so enchanting.

Overall our family enjoyed viewing the warriors and learning a little about the First Emperor of China. Willy was super enthusiastic about attending. He was the impetus behind the whole adventure. I wish I had done some reading in advance so I could appreciate the exhibit more. But that's easily remedied with a little post-museum study. It was worth the wait. This was our second try for the free Wednesday tickets. And after surviving this I'm convinced I can tackle anything with two babies in tow.
I've attached images of the postcards I bought. [HintHint: I collect postcards]

Wild Turkey Chase

After Stake Conference we went to Theodore Roosevelt Island for a family walk. It was great. Well, 'actually' it was sort of ugly and smelly out there on the Potomac. However points in favour of this adventure are:

• Not getting very lost trying to navigate Rosslyn and the Memorial Pkwy.
• Real live Cranes standing in the mud
• The fountains being still turned off, and everyone staying dry
• No viable poison ivy to accidentally stumble upon
• The wild turkey rumour (we didn't see any turkey. a joke on us maybe?)
• Plenty of Rocks to throw in the water, or collect
• A really excellent boardwalk, perfect for racing on

Right about now you're asking yourself: What happened to that beautiful girl and all her golden hair? This week she was attacked with a pair of scissors. And I'll probably do it again, until she gets wise and insists on having a professional take care of her beauty needs. Luke fared a little better, with some intervention from dad.

Willy started referring to Luke as Gandolf. And I admit he's pretty cute, in a wizened old man sort of way... only I don't think Gandolf held his staff with his pinky lengthened so daintily. No, by the way he was barking at all the dogs today I think he was channeling Cesar.


And a parting shot.

TTABC: Baklava

So far this year we've made: chocolate cake, pecan rugelach, and donuts

Willy says I don't clean as I go, and here's proof. Still it's a lie. I do clean the kitchen while I work, just not on Thursday baking nights. And for his impertinence I'm going to get another baking stone. Some clumsy person let my other two kiss the floor*. Oh - What heart break.

* I only dropped one. The other went from hot to cold rather quick.

Thumper's Motto

We had a difficult week being kind to one another. Luke has become a scrappy little fighter. He can kick, pull hair, hit, push, and bite. He can also issue commands, like "COME!" or "SIT!" He's pretty good at flouting parental will. And he's discovered that he can make a run for it when mom says "Time Out". Isabella can do all these things plus cry her eyes out. Honestly, she usually deserves it. Still this week has been pure misery for everyone. And to be honest, I was no saint either. Thank goodness for Fresh Start Mondays. Anyhow, by the weekend I was exhausted and really couldn't lift a finger to breakup this fight.

They were laughing, a little. So I took a few pictures for a change-up. It was something to smile about, until Willy flushed the toilet and took away the swords. He gave me a dirty look too. It said, "Aren't you an adult? Don't you know better than to let children hit each other with ladles? You're their mother for crying out loud."

ummm, I should confess that Willy wasn't actually mean to me about this last detour in good parenting. He didn't by word, or look, or deed make me feel like a bad person. I'd like to believe I wouldn't put up that sort of treatment, but saying so is unnecessary because he'd would never stoop so low. And my point is: I take a lot of liberties with the truth when it comes to this Blog. Really, I do. 'Actually' the word is hyperbole. Everyday, my children are angels, Willy is infallible, and I never have a harsh word for anyone. We're perfect. No need to contact CAS, honest.

Sunday Best

Last week I looked at my children and I thought... wow, these are beautiful people. So I took a picture. The jokester in me wants to take all the credit. But half of their genetic makeup does come from Willy, and he's got spectacular DNA. Plus, they are themselves. I just did the hard part.
Do you like that Elvis lip quiver? Luke's been doing that thang since birth. And Isabella is "actually" smiling in this photo. Actually is her word du moment, she uses it to start every sentence. Like the hard work I mentioned earlier, I just grin and bear it.

Pop Quiz

1. Why did Luke carry the stroller into the kitchen? (50pts)
2. What sneaky thing is that sly little boy up to? (100pts)
3. What level of fit did he have when mom collapsed the stroller? (50pts)

You can't guess? Well don't worry. It doesn't matter anymore because I caught him before he could reposition the stroller and bring into effect his diabolical plan.

First Offerings

Technically it's not spring and officially they're not for me... but here is the bucolic gift Isabella brought home to make things beautifuller around here.