Tellus Science Museum

Today I took all four kids to Tellus Science Museum. And I lived to tell about it.

Peter the Patient

This week Peter had his inaugural visit to the emergency room. He was running down the hallway with a brother who shall remain nameless (and dessert/television-less after this incident). That brother gave Peter a hard shove, and Peter's chin was sliced open on the corner of the wall. Of course it happened just as I was getting ready to put the kids to bed, so Peter and Daddy had a late night in the emergency room. Peter was a model patient though, and he did not even cry when they stitched up his chin. And all he talked about when he came home was the orange popsicle they gave him.

Frances takes her first steps!

At 11 months old, Frances Anne took her first steps (while nekkid and covered in drool/dinner, of course). Not one of her brothers walked before they were 16 months old. Just after I took this video, she skipped down the hallway to their room while singing, "Anything you can do, I can do better!"

"How big are you?"

So big!

Frances is 11 months old!

Likes: Using everything in the house as a walker (barstools, chairs, the garbage can, my brothers), standing without holding on to anything for a long time when I'm distracted, eating my favorite foods - cheese, beans, and applesauce (all day, every day), holding my own sippy cup, clapping anytime someone starts singing or shouts "yay!", raising my arms when someone asks me, "how big are you?", reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear every night before bed, playing catch with my brothers (I love to fetch), dancing in my highchair while I'm eating, throwing my food on the floor when I'm all done, eating trash when Mama isn't looking (my brothers call me a raccoon), and rubbing my sleepsack or Mama's shirt with my left hand when I'm sleepy.

Dislikes: Eating breakfast (I like to nurse in the morning, but I don't like to eat real food), not being held the second I want to be held, walking or standing up with socks or shoes on, and wearing bows (Mama is bow training me, but I still rip them out every chance I get).

Growth: I weigh 21 lbs, 6 oz., and I am 30 1/4 inches tall. This puts me in the 75th percentile for weight, and the 95th percentile for height. I eat three hearty meals a day, and I only nurse once a day now. I have 7 teeth that can chew a steak, so it's time to wean.  That doesn't mean Mama isn't sad about it though.

School Lunch

"Mama, I can't decide what is more exciting - you coming to school to have lunch with me, or that the mushy green beans are the vegetable of the day!" - Henry Makris, 6 going on 86.

1 Mexican Restaurant, 2 Suburbans, 6 Car Seats

Carly and her kids, Hayes and Mary Lyle, were in town last weekend, so we met for dinner one night. The last time Carly and I ate at La Parilla was 16 years ago. We pulled up in a '96 Saturn Coupe. Bone Thugs N' Harmony was blasting on the radio. Tonight was a little bit different. But just as much fun.

Luau in Perrydise

We went to Nanna and Pa's house over Labor Day weekend for a family luau. The boys were excited for three things: Cousin Reagan, the pool, and treats. And they got their fill of all of those. Nanna, Aunt Mary, and Aunt Elaine certainly know how to throw a great party. There is always plenty of food, too much dessert, and lots of theme wear. Even Frances had her own hot pink grass skirt, handmade by Nanna of course. At the pool, Pa and Uncle Bobby made sure the supply of water balloons never dwindled. The boys looked like raisins when they finally came out of the pool. Frances preferred to be passed around, and no one seemed to mind holding her. Uncle Kevin gave Frances her first taste of a (pink) solo cup. He made sure to drink all the Sangria in it first. Thanks to everyone for a wonderful family party in Perrydise!

Warning: Proud Mama Moment

Everyday Henry brings home from school a bag of books.  He was tested at school, and he is reading at a fourth grade level. And I guess John is too.