Lucky Me!

I don't mean to brag, but I am so lucky! Dylan is nurturing, hillarious, smart, and so much fun! Over the past two weeks, Dylan's vocabulary has exploded. He now takes cars and races them on the walls, along the furniture, and makes the noises to go along with it.  And... drum roll... he says "I love you"!  Love that little boy!

I love sweet boys.

When he is ready to leave, he will bring shoes to the "slow person".  The slow person is normally his Daddy!

All evening, Dylan kept sneaking to the computer to play.

Oh Ellison! 4 Year Check Up

First thing this morning, "Mom can I go dance in the rain?"

Ellison had her 4 year old doctor appointment this week. Unlike her previous well visits, this visit tested hearing, sight, "stranger danger", safety knowledge, and speech. I am happy to say that she aced them all, well kind of... 

The doctor asked Ellison about girl parts and boy parts.  You probably know the conversation... "you are the only one who should be...."  Ellison knew her stuff... phew!  The doctor then began to name groups of people and ask Ellison if they are ever naked around her.  To the question on neighbors, Ellison responded,  " I don't why he loves to be naked."  The doctors face became very concerned .  I began to panic and could feel my heart pounding. 

Ellison proceeded with, "Yeah, I don't know why boys never wear shirts? I always see them outside without shirts. Hmmm, weird. They should really cover up."  Complete relief on my part (and the doctor smiled)!

About that height... off the charts as usual.

Ellison was channeling Patti... dressed as a Gator Cheerleader for Monkey Joes.

Memorial Day 2012

As soon as the boat is anchored, Dylan falls fast asleep.

"Modeling"

 

Maybe they do look alike.

Hard to believe these boys are all grown up!

Ok, I know that from the look of these pictures, it appears I have forgotten to lock myself away to study for the Bar Exam. Don't worry, I focused all last week and every extra moment over the weekend studying.  It was those in between moments that were enjoyed to their fullest - with friends and family.  We took a short trip to Delray Beach to visit the Whitemans and enjoy a barbecue with friends.  The kids and adults played well each other :) Good times had by all!

Trial Run

We will just call the last few days a trial run.  It all started on Friday when I cut the work day short and enjoyed the afternoon with my two children and my niece, Olivia.  It was my first time with all three, alone, and for an extended period of time. Let's just say at the end of the day, I was ready for another one... actually, not so much.  That evening, I stopped by my office on the way out of town and thought to myself, "when was I last here?"  (um, I was there 5 short hours before... ouch) I do blame my children for that, however, and not the additional child... Olivia was a breeze!    

Let's Eat Dirt or not...

There could have been several problems with our decision to bring Ellison and Dylan last night to kickball. First, the sport of kickball when you are an adult involves pre-parties, post parties, and oh yes, an actual game. Second, there is a lot of dirt.  Third, your children can not actually play the game.  Try explaining this to a 4 year old who thinks it would be cool to play and a 1 year old obsessed with balls.

While Aunt Ashley and teammates kept Dylan on the sidelines, Ellison made a new best friend forever, Patti.  I was informed last night that Patti is cooler than me and I agree.  After all, I can do a somersault and cart wheel, but my ability to do a handstand and back flip does not exist.

E and Patti.

I am extremely happy to post that we left the field with happy kids that only ran onto the field once during the game.  Oh yes, and I can not forget. . . the only one who ate dirt, was me. Apparently I have issues with running and like to trip over my own feet. 

Last Day at All Saints

Ellison's Last Day of School outfit.

Today was the last day of an amazing school year. 

From Day 1, Dylan enjoyed every moment surrounded by his teachers and friends.  After an entire summer of worrying over my decision to choose school over a nanny for my infant, my fears, worries, and tears were calmed immediately.  (Panic Room, anyone? I think Graham thought about checking me in, seriously!)

Ellison was a different story.  To say Ellison does not like change... well that may be an understatment.  I know who she gets it from (Aunt will remain nameless, but she know who she is).  The first month at Ellison's new school was rough.  However, after a few school conferences and discussing how we could work together, Ellison loved her new school.  I remember the turning point, we walked in one morning and her friend Anabella walked up, gave her a hug and said, "you are my best friend".  Just what my socialite needed.  We never looked back.

This year has been a blessing for our entire family.  Ellison and Dylan have blossomed this year and have learned so much. Thank you All Saints for an amazing year.

Ellison drew this picture for Ms. Carol.  She drew ladybugs because Ms. Carol taught her how to draw them. Warmed my heart.

Fringe Fest with Daddy

Looks like Graham and Ellison had a fun daddy and daughter outing to the Kids Fringe Festival.  While Dylan napped and Mommy studied, they played dress up, worked on some art and hung out with fairies. 

And after 4 years of only wanting Mommy to put her to bed, the evening following Fringe Festival, Ellison had a simple request, "Can Daddy sleep with me?" 
Of course, Daddy's heart was warmed and mine was slightly betrayed. (Only slightly joking)