Lego Set

Finn is obsessed with Legos and is always wanting to get a new set to make some type of construction equipment. Today he presented me with a set of his own creation. While rooting around in my office he found a Lego inspired poster for a SMOB show in 1999 that was designed by Christian Patterson. In that deep old man voice of his when he channels Papa he said "I didn't know your band did Legos". He asked if he could have it and I said sure (I have a box full of them). Today he presented me with his freshly created "set" complete with a Lego logo on the side of the box (autographed by the artist), his sad robot logo which he puts on many of his creations and the set itself with assembly instructions included.

Last night we had dinner at the club to enjoy a children's book night. As you can see, our children had very different reactions to grown adults dressed in costumes.

Fun in the Sun(ish)

It's raining this morning so we are heading to the aquarium. Having lots of fun! (This was yesterday.)

Airlie Gardens

Having a great spring break in NC!

Breakfast

Finn was being awfully quiet this morning, and when I came down after showering he had made a full breakfast for himself and Tess--buttered toast and Cheerios with berries (and, I'm guessing, several tablespoons of agave syrup.) I feel like he's about ready for college as soon as he can separate whites from darks.

Arrrrrrrrr!

Finn and I attended a pirate themed party this afternoon.

Pigtails

Pigtails always make Daddy melt... 

Shamrock Moving Co.

Mimi appliquéd sweatshirts for Finn & Tess to wear to school on St. Patrick's Day. Ms. Tess' features a capital T with a shamrock (somewhat visible in the background of this breakfast shot) while Finn's, naturally, has a large truck moving a shamrock.

The calendar says March...

So it must be almost spring right??

little face

Taken on Saturday at a birthday party at Greek Peak. She really is the sweetest thing.

Finn's first spreadsheet

Andrew posted this on Facebook earlier this week but I thought it was too good not to share. I have a lot of catching up to do so will try to post more photos today or tomorrow...

This is Finn's first excel spreadsheet. He wants some esoteric accessory for one of his construction truck toys. First we did an audit of his piggy bank and he was able to count out pennies in twos and then group them into groups of ten (with help from Tess). He needed a little help with the amounts denominated by the bigger coins after counting them out. I explained how to perform calculations in the program drawing data from separate cells and, as a child who has grown up surrounded by modern technology, he totally grasped the concept if not fully the execution. We then proceeded to surf the web attempting to find the best price available for the item in question. Since he was $5 short of the lowest one I offered him a dollar to help me shovel and bless his heart he put in a good 45 minutes shoveling the entire Cedar St. and 4th street sidewalk plus helping me with the patio, which is quite a bit for a 5 year-old. When we came in he asked to update the spreadsheet and then look at the weather forecast because he is anxious to earn the other $4. Here's hoping it takes him a very long time.

HVD 2014

Finn is always good for a sentimental Valentine's Day quote. For example:

N (hugging): Happy Valentine's Day, buddy. You're my valentine!
F (hugging back): You'll always be my Valentine, Mommy, even when you're dead.
N: Aw, thanks.

And a few minutes later, he opened his card on the kitchen table and shook it. "Oh, I kinda thought there would be money in there." He was happy though, because his card had a penguin on the front.

Hugs and kisses to all of you out there!

Legos

Heard while lying in bed, 7:25 AM

After 10 minutes of bickering.

"Tess! I'm playing trucks! Oh! Do you want me to help you with your new Legos?"

"No! Leave them alone! Well, ok. Thanks, Finn."

"Caution"

The subtext is... If you're not careful and your head hits this corner while you are running around the house even though you're not supposed to, you might crash into the corner and it will hurt a lot.

snow day

These photos were taken LAST week during the snow day F&T spent with their grandparents. Today we got another 10" and school was out, so lucky for us, they are in Waverly again while we're working at home. Here's Papa's account of the day.

Uncle Jim got here around 9 so it was time for Finn and Tess to learn how to ice fish – drilling holes, baiting the hook, setting tip ups / ice fishing rods.  Only trouble was the fish did not cooperate – some nibbles but Uncle Jim fished until noon and did not catch anything.  Also did sled riding – including Mimi.  Some time after 10 Tess and Mimi went into the house and Finn and I went to the shop.  First order of business was to finish up the steps for Uncle Bob and Aunt Sheila.  Finn helped me drill holes and ran in the screws for the top step.  We then glued up the chassis of his own design excavator – think it is mostly design on the fly.  Finn then wanted to work with the engine hoist, chains, buckets – so he did.  Along the way he wanted to know if we could go to Shorty’s for lunch – Mimi said it was fine to get the two boys out of her hair.  So I called Jim Kinney and we met him – Finn wolfed down an hamburger (with ketchup and mustard), half an order of fries and chocolate milk.  Donna of course gave him a tootsie roll sucker and two other pieces of candy on the way out.  On the way home we stopped and paid our town and county taxes and as that is the old school house I showed Finn from the outside what was the one room school I went to when I was his age.  When we got home Finn wanted to come in and see Mimi and Tess.  He got a cookie that they had baked and as you can see Heather’s doll house made it out of storage and is being enjoyed by the next generation.

Ice fishing!

Sledding!

Building steps for Uncle Bob & Aunt Sheila!

Making stuff!

Playing with Aunt Heather's dreamy dollhouse!

Like Mother...

Why yes, she is eating mashed potatoes out of the mixing bowl!

Dinner

Finn and I made a gluten-free pizza last night, which he decorated with peppers and spinach in the shape of Penguino (his pillow pet, but you already knew that.) Quite a good likeness, don't you think?

It was also heartwarming when he said, "Mommy, I'll eat the dinner you make, even if it's a total failure." Nothing like a vote of confidence in the kitchen!!

Saturday morning

Bubble guppies and the last of my coffee is all she needs.

good idea

Focusing so hard on her pose.

This morning when we walked outside to the car, I said, "So this is what zero degrees feels like." Without missing a beat, Tess said (in rather disgruntled voice), "Let's go to Miami." The little one speaks the truth.

The above photo cracks me up on many levels. Her hair, her curtsy, her new dance outfit - it's all working. Winter hats aren't doing us any favors on the hair front but they're not optional this week!

He loves her so much...

... That he drew her a grader with a play on words! Xx