When do the playoffs start?

I was eating lunch while Lila played in the living room. Then I heard the TV turn on, so I went into the living room to find that Lila had crawled up onto the chair and turned the TV on using the remote. She was watching Sports Center. And clapping.

It's called Shoe Obsession

and it starts young. I had ordered a few pairs of shoes for Lila and they came yesterday. She put them on last night and wore them around until bath time. This morning when I got her up she pointed over to her closet; she normally does this because she wants to a read a book right when she wakes up. Well, today we went over to her closet and she pointed at her boots instead and wanted to put them on. So, she has been wearing her boots with her pajamas all morning.

New Friends

Lila and I have been taking a toddler music class on Fridays and last week two of the moms from the class invited us over for a little playgroup with a few other moms and kids. We went yesterday and had a lot of fun. The kids were all pretty close in age and seemed to enjoy playing around each other. One of the other girls took a toy from Lila which caused Lila to have a VERY dramatic break down. Otherwise, everything went smoothly and it was great to get to know a few more people in town.

The Park!

Ian had a half day of school last Friday, so the kids and I tried out a new park. We had a lot of fun!

Lila has a new fascination with the handicapped swing. Apparently it is much cooler than the baby swing.

The park had a toddler sized play structure which Lila loved, especially the slide.

Ian likes to climb all over the structures.

New Crocs

Erin has been wanting to get Crocs for Lila since before she was born. Lila has been wanting Crocs since her shoe obsession started over the summer. Her feet are finally big enough for Crocs so Erin sent some to her and they came today. She LOVES them!

When I asked if she could say "Crocs" she pointed to her shoes and said "this!".

She was also giving her Crocs hugs and kisses.

Thanks for the Crocs, Auntie!

It was a joke, people!

If I have learned anything this week it is that I am not funny. Not even a little bit. The "puppy personal ad" post was supposed to be a joke. We are not really trying to give our dog away. If we were, obviously this blog would not be the place to do it, since I am pretty sure I have 5 readers on a good day.

To sum up: The picture is funny. I am not. Lucy is staying here.

Ian and Dr. Drake

Tonight Dr. Ernest Drake, Dragonologist (http://www.amazon.com/Dragonology-Complete-Book-Dragons-Ologies/dp/0763623296) did a reading and Q&A session at Borders. Ian and I went so that Ian could meet his idol and have one of his books signed. Of course, during the reading Ian realized that he didn't have one of the Field Guides so we "had" to buy that one and have Dr. Drake sign it.

Dr. Drake
Ian having his book signed

Ian and Dr. Drake

Puppy Personal Ad

Small white shih tzu poodle looking for a new home. I am affectionate and enthusiastic. I even do victory laps when company comes to visit.
My owners have made some lifestyle changes that I don't agree with and I think it is time for me to move on. I will make a great addition to your home. Please help me!

Just look at what I'm forced to deal with!

--Lucy the Dog

Backyard Fun

Lila and I played in the backyard for awhile this afternoon and enjoyed the beautiful fall weather!

I'm outside!

Checking out the herb garden.

Yay! Mommy set up my table!

Two cars!

Yes, that's right, Chris's car that was picked up in California on August 19 FINALLY made it to our house today. I don't know how families with only one car do it! So, we will finally be able to get into a more normal routine now that Chris can drive himself to and from the train station.

Oh, and for an added dose of irony, while I was on hold with the auto shipper yesterday the song (the actual name and singer are eluding my Google skills) "I'd drive all night just to get back home to you" was playing. Nice.

A werewolf in the house?

Ian had library day at school yesterday and checked out a book about werewolves. According to Ian, the book contains a chant, that if you say it, you will be turned into a werewolf.

Last night, before I went to bed I found a pro/con list that Ian had made to try to figure out whether he should turn himself into a werewolf.

Pros:
1. I'd never have to go to bed.
2. Two selfs
3. I'd be more muscular.
4. I'd be warm in the winter.

Cons:
1. I'd be short-tempered and mean
2. It would be hot.

I'm sure Ian would be embarrassed if he knew I was posting this, but I laughed so hard that I cried so I thought it was too funny not to share.

5th Grade!

Ian started 5th grade today at his new school. His teacher seemed nice and Ian didn't seem too nervous. He only has a half day today so I will hear about his day in just a few hours. Hard to believe he is in 5th grade already!

Finally some furniture!

We closed on the house on August 22, but our furniture didn't arrive until August 31. We were able to paint and do some other home improvements, but that is a long time to go without many toys for the kids or anywhere comfortable to sit.

The movers came on Sunday with our stuff and all of us were happy to have our things.

Ian and Lila checking out the bugs in the backyard. These were the chairs we watched the entire Illinois vs. Missouri football game in. Not comfortable!

Lila was so happy to see her table! She kept giving it hugs and pats while she helped Chris put it together.

Ian going through the boxes in his room.

Lila watching Noggin for the first time. Moving is a good excuse to have her start watching TV, right?