Spelling Words

Patrick and I are studying for his spelling test on Halloween words. I asked him to spell jack-o-lantern.
"j-a-c-k python o python l-a-n-t-e-r-n."

I'm guessing this is a new theme for this year's holiday.

We ran errands after school today and it was so neat to keep running into other kids from school in their cute uniforms. At the first place we saw a little boy who approached us all excited "you are from All Saints?!?! We are too!!!" and hit it off with Emma and Patrick. The next stop was the library, and as we turned a corner, Patrick suddenly threw himself on the floor. I turned to see what was up, and heard this sing-song voice say "Hiii, Paaatrick!" When I finally got him standing, he responded to the hello (after much prodding) from the girl from his class with a bit of a red face. She came by and did that at least 4 times (without any comments from her mother), and we all started to answer her hellos.

I always think it's so funny to see how the kids are so surprised when we see other school kids outside of school.

Tell me I am not the only one who gets lost in a parking garage. Please.

Columbus Day Zoo trip

We are so lucky to have the National Zoo nearby, and on a school holiday we took a trip with the Iveys, and had great weather for it.
Cutest dinosaurs ever!

I love this shot.

Our first time we ever got to see the orangutans on the O-line at the zoo. So cool!

There's the baby gorilla!

Patrick, the budding scientist, just wanted to read everything. This is in the new elephant area, and he is checking out what's making the elephant sick by looking in it's poop. Naturally.

Look! The lion is awake! I missed a good front shot, but it was so neat to see him awake.

My stinkers.

And the Chic-fil-a cow.

Temptation and a two year old.

A box of halloween cookies + a very curious toddler = a mess.

The part that makes me laugh is when I ask why he dumped the cookies, and he answers "I sneaked the cookies." I love that he nods his head as a yes instead of trying to talk with his mouth full. I missed his nod until the end, but it is so cute. Also, be sure and check out the older brother who is more than happy to sneak in there for some as well. LOL

Fuzzy Wuzzy was, or wasn't she?

I have always been called Fuzzy. When I was a baby I had fuzzy hair, and the name just stuck. I never thought I would have it this long. I always figured I would go back to my "grown-up" name one of these days: when I go to work; when I get married; or when I have my first kid; etc. Each time I had a new milestone in life, I just couldn't let it go. My boss liked that I had a memorable name, and I think it fits with my funny voice. (I'd like to think that my voice has changed, but I am just fooling myself.) Even at my wedding, Father called me by my nickname. When I was a Pampered Chef consultant, I wanted everyone to remember me, so I was happy to use that name. It just hasn't left yet. Even with my big 3-Oh I am not ready to stop being "Fuzzy." My kids are now in school. I am introducing myself so many times, and each time it feels odd. I am starting to wonder if it's time to let it go. What has changed to make me feel this way? Am I rusty in the friend-making department? That initial eyebrow raise and "excuse me?" that comes when I say my name seems to be happening more, but is it just because I am starting something new? But then again, I want to have an easy name, and I like to be remembered. I don't know. This is such a year of transition that I was just wondering if "the time has come" to make some other changes.

To be honest, I think it's too late. :) It's stuck. I'll be a grandma with this name. You watch.

On my fridge..

is Emma's latest drawing.
Have you figured it out yet? Here's a hint: the height differences are intentional.

I blinked...

And my kids grew up. Where did the time go? They look so old!
Patrick 2nd grade.

Emma Kindergarten.