Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Puppet Show

This morning I took the kids to one of the coolest performances- a glow in the dark puppet show! You are probably wondering why I even posted the below picture, but I felt like even with the poor blurry quality- that after I described what went on it would make sense. The show was in the church sanctuary where Tyler is attending VBS. Apparently, this traveling team of puppeteers from Florida (all teenagers) travel all over during the summer to put on a show for churches, camps, etc.

We arrived early and watched as they prepared the space. All windows were covered in a dense black cloth and the stage was also covered in black. All of the performers were also head to toe in black (even their hair was covered up). On the stage was a brick looking wall prop and a city backdrop. Everyone was asked to sit about 7 rows back because there were huge black lights taking up the first several pews. Basically it was a puppet show put to music. When the lights went off the sanctuary was pitch black and when the black lights were plugged in all of the backdrop came to life. Everything was a glow in neon coloring. The effects were so fun to watch. The cast ran around waving stars in the air, making giant caterpillar cut-outs come to life and dancing with life size dolls.

Tyler and Carson LOVED it. Due to the no flash rule and my lack of knowledge on operating my own camera- this was the only picture I managed to take.




There was one part of the performance I was not too thrilled with- the interaction with the audience. The cast had to stall in between songs to allow time for the back drop to be changed. While the lights came back on, I had to go to the back of the sanctuary to rock Ella (who at this time was 1 hour past much needed nap and starting to cry). Exactly when I was at the furthest distance from Tyler, one of the puppeteers came to the front with a mic trying to kill some time and asked if anyone in the audience knew any jokes. I heard a few kids telling some knock-knock jokes and then heard the announcer say "Oh, I am coming- you must have a good one". I looked up to see she was walking over with the mic to Tyler- who had his hand waving furiously in the air. My air caught in my throat (I know that Tyler does not know any jokes). Unable to shout "Don't hand him the mic- or, Tyler no!!!!"- I just watched helplessly, as did almost 100 other audience members.

Tyler grabs the mic and says: "Who ate the cookies in the cookie jar?"
The girl repeats and says with a big silly grin on her face,"I don't know - who ate the cookies from the cookie jar?
Tyler yells, "No one- because the boy peed all over them!" (Then cackled laughed).

Dead silence with the exception of my heart beating in my ear. Someone actually mumbled "Let's keep the jokes appropriate." Yeah. So that was the morning- 90% awesome, 10% crawling under the pew humiliating. Needless to say, Tyler got a talk on the way home about how he is never to tell a joke in public having to do with gas, pee, poop or burping.
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Friday, June 25, 2010

Ella Is 9 Months Old!




Always happy and always exploring- Ella is 9 months old today! Our one toothed wonder has the bluest eyes and blondest hair. She fiercely loves her brothers and loves to go on walks. Ella also has a certain affection for a cat named Morris. She is saying "Ma-Ma" and "Da Da" and will make a cat meowing sound if he is within reach. This week was huge for Ella, she dropped her late night feeding and has been moved to Carson's room (Tyler has a new permanent 2 year old roommate by the way). She is still sleeping and eating like a champ and has a particular fondness for carrots. Ella also was introduced to the pool this week and looked like a natural floating and people watching- she loves water (if it is not too cold). Ella, is it impossible to imagine our life without you. You will never know just how loved and needed you are. Happy 9 month old sweet girl!
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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Family Night At The Pool!

There are certain times when we really do feel outnumbered with three kids- and taking all to the pool at their ages is one of those times. We had a great time, but wow! Tyler was wanting to practice going under water in the big pool. Carson was wanting to either be held in the big pool or play in the kiddy area (totally separate area)- AND no floats allowed for Carson unless certified. No, his Dora float and wings are not certified. And Ella, Ella just was happy to float and kick back. This was her first time in a pool and she LOVED it! She grinned from ear to ear the entire time and kicked like crazy. Granted, the water was very warm, but she also loved people watching. I have never seen her look around and just be so content.


Tyler is taking swim lessons and is trying to get some extra practice in. He is scheduled to have tubes put in and his adenoids removed at the end of the summer due to the number of ear infections he has had in the last year. After his last swim lesson, he was complaining of water in his ear and it gave him a fit all night. I found kid ear plugs and they worked beautifully tonight.
Tommy and I took turns holding Carson in the big pool- C-Horse does not seem to be aware of how solid he is and wants to be thrown in the air over and over...and over. My arms might be feeling it tomorrow. We had a good time and I am hoping all sleep extra well tonight and sleep in tomorrow!
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Sunday, June 20, 2010

A Day At The Aquarium

On Saturday we met my mom for an impromptu trip to the aquarium in the Smokies (after we met up for lunch of course). The gang did pretty well- especially skipping a nap. Tyler said his favorite part was the penguin exhibit while Carson loved the sharks. Ella's favorite was being carried the entire day. It is always great getting to see your mom, but seems extra special when it is a last minute unexpected meeting.




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Happy Father's Day!

Tyler made Tommy a framed painting for his office at work, Carson gave him a fan for his office and Ella gave him a plant for his office...see a theme? After opening cards from all of us, we headed to church- then KFC and home. The real fun started after naps (I got one too, I think today was also Mother's Day). We packed a picnic and went to the river. Tyler and Carson floated and explored with Tommy while I stayed back with Ella and took pictures. It was gorgeous tonight! I wanted to post some pictures of Tommy on Father's Day, but he said his hair looked bad in all the shots. Regardless, hope you had a wonderful day, we love you!!!!!!!




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Friday, June 18, 2010

Gone Fishing

Tying a string to a stick is magical. Little boys become captains and hammocks suddenly become ships.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Swim Lessons Have Started!!!!

We all reported to the pool last night for Tyler's first swim lesson of the summer. The best part was being able to take Carson to the kiddy pool while the lesson was taking place. Tommy and I tag teamed the kids. Tommy took Carson and Ella to the small kids area while I took pictures of Tyler. Ty was so excited and is now convinced that after one 45 minutes lesson, he can swim.

The recap: floating on their backs, putting their heads under water- practicing breathing and blowing bubbles. Working on the kick board and working on their form.
We wanted to see if Ella wanted to dip her little fat legs in to cool off- as you can see she is not fond of cool water (she gets that 100% from her daddy).
After the lesson, Carson was thrilled to have his playmate back.
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Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Our nightly forms of entertainment have change quite a bit since the move. After dinner, we headed to the river to let the kids play. Literally, the river. While most tube or fish, the boys settled for playing in a shallow spot and throwing rocks.

Tommy was none to pleased be the one voted to get in the cold water to supervise. But he did manage to come up with an ingenious game that kept everyone entertained for some time. He threw a red plastic ring up stream and the Tyler and Carson tried to catch it as it caught the currant and rapidly came towards them.
If you enlarge the below picture, you are able to see the ring about 10 feet to the left of Tyler while he waits with his stick. I sat on a dry blanket on the bank with Ella observing the action and just took pictures.
We had a great time! Afterwards, we all went for ice cream. I think if every night followed suit like tonight, the kids would think their childhood was just about perfect.
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Wet And Wild




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Monday, June 7, 2010

Bow Heads

I went to WalMart last night and was extremely excited to find small hair bows. First I never saw myself with a girl and now that I have one all I am wanting to do is stick a bow in her hair. I can't explain it either. Ella only has about 4 blond hairs to her head with no length to speak of. Regardless, I found some bows and managed to get one to stay in. Very pleased, I ran to show the boys. Carson thought Christmas had come early. Being an accessory man, he immediately wanted one in his hair too- green was his color of choice (I would have chosen the orange one for him, but who am I to dictate his fashion and creativity?)

Now Tyler, that one was strongly suggested for the picture...and was removed about 10 seconds afterwards. But let's face it- I think Ella is going to have to play her fair share of sparing robots, alien blasters and dirt mania, the boy's can humor her for 2 minutes with matching head wear. (By the way- Carson was not too happy to have to remove his for nap today).
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Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Love For Power Tools


Only Tommy and I will fully be able to look back at this picture and appreciate the depth of Carson's obsession for any kind of power tools. He is nuts over anything that requires a plug or makes noise. He has acquired a blower, lawn mower and weed eater of his own to play with- not not mention a slew of hand held tools. He alternates between mowing our carpet and weed eating at our feet. His love for vacuum's got so out of hand that G-Ma had to give us her miniature Dirt Devil so that he could push it around the house. Tommy took this picture tonight- Carson in his usual mode of running around the house with the blower, only this time he found my sunglasses on his own to protect his eyes from blowing debris.
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Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Something To Smile About

Ella, why the face? Did you not hear?
You got your first tooth today! That's better. (Left center, on the bottom)
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