Changes...

6 Years ago today, Luis moved to the US. Since then, we have:

~been married
~gone through 8 job changes, one layoff, two periods of unemployment
~moved 4 times (5 for him, if you count him moving here!)
~had 6 different cars, and one car accident
~had 3 children, and one puppy
~embarked on a great college quest
~bought a house

and countless other, smaller changes. I think that is probably enough for a six year span. Challenging, for sure, but I wouldn't have it any other way, or with anyone else.

Annual Tradition

Every year on December 3, I like to take an hour long hike in the woods. Followed by an hour or so playing in the back yard. In a tank top. So that is what we did today! Pictures to follow, if I ever find the cable to connect my cell phone to the computer...

Whose What, Huh?

Taye has recently taught himself to wake up the computer, click on the internet icon, open Firefox, and search for PBSK...then click on the PBS kids website. It is not uncommon to walk into a room and find he has hijacked the computer. Yesterday he was in the office using Luis' laptop, and noticed that Luis was getting ready for work. He asked Luis, "Daddy, are you taking my computer to work with you?"

Hard Work

We have a handheld massager, and today I was using it on Luis' back. Darius asked me why Luis' back was hurting, and I said he was tired from all his hard work. He stood there with a gingerbread cookie in one hand, and scooping the frosting off the cookie with the other. After a moment he said, "All this eating sure is making my arms hurt!"

This is a game I used to play with all the kids when they were tiny babies. It always made them laugh, Taye says it tickles. He started playing it with Mya yesterday, out of nowhere.

This video is months old, but so worth watching!

Couch Potatoes

Mya has reached a new milestone...the one where she asks to sit on the couch with the boys and actually pays attention to the movie on the TV. Also known as, the milestone whereby I am sometimes able to have the ability to use both my arms at the same time (for about 5 minutes).

I think he likes it.

So pretty.

Quotables

Belly buttons, as you know, are made for tickling. It's pretty much their sole function once the cord falls off. My kids like to flash their belly buttons at me, and then quickly pull their shirts down and run away when I try to catch them. We were playing that game the other day, and both boys stood together across the room. Taye said: "Look, Mama - two belly buttons! It's a double feature of belly buttons!"



At the vet's office the other day:

Lady (to Darius): Did you name your puppy Frog?


Darius: Yeah, we have them in our backyard!


Taye: Um, no, actually. We don't have water in our yard, so we have toads instead.

New Buddies

Last Friday we went to visit Katie and Brooke. We hadn't seen them in almost a year and a half, so it was like finding whole new friends! The Dorsey's came too, Taye said it was a party. It was at least that much fun. There was lots of goofing around...


and snuggly, lovey, gushy stuff...

and showing off new walking skillz (not to mention a super cute, custom ordered "Made in Peru" shirt)...

and even cookies to decorate.

Oh, and toes.

Meanwhile, in the living room...


Even Frog got to come along to play with their new puppy Zoe. The dogs seemed to be having the most fun of all, and Frog was so low key the rest of the day, it made me think he needs a friend (ain't gonna happen though!)

Is it spring already?

Oh, nope...still fall. Darn. But we did have a few really nice warm days this week. A tease...the warm before the snow. We took full advantage and played in the giant sand box, and new swing set.

Exploring

Yesterday we found a nice new river to explore. Luis had seen it last week, and we decided to all go check it out together. The boys thought it was pretty cool.

Not far from the river, we noticed a huge tree that had fallen partly over, and the roots were exposed. We went over to see what was underneath. It was pretty much the coolest fort ever.

The best part of all? I took this picture from the river bank, and that green house is ours! I can't wait until summer, and splashing in the river.

When we were done, we went back to the yard to finish assembling the new swing set we picked up from the Grinleys. And to climb onto the roof of the minivan.

Halloween

This Halloween we went Trick or Treating (or Crick or Creating, if you're Darius). The kids wore costumes, and we got candy! Then we went to Nana's house. It was the best Halloween ever.

Room for one more?

Nope, no room left in here!

The things I miss...

by sleeping in. Another busy weekend morning.