The Magic of Duck Tape

My nieces are amazing with duck tape. Yes, you just read that correctly. For Christmas, they made all their aunts and uncles duck tape wallets (and they actually work folks!). They can make a mean flower that attaches to the top of a ball point pen. And the youngest of the 3 girls, Lauren (almost 7), just made Charlotte her first duck tape headband. It's adorable. I think these girls need to take this show on the road and get registered on Etsy! 

And the winner is...

Check out Max as he models his favorite Christmas gift. 

I could barely catch him in a photo he was darting so quickly around the house being a superhero [Superhero name is: SuperMax]. 


And later, he teamed up with his cousins on Christmas day and they shared their excitement in all getting a cape and mask for Christmas. Hooray for Etsy, hooray for the PeanutPop Shop.  

Faux Hawk Frenzy

Max's long locks are history. We decided to give Max and a couple of his cousins (Eli and Gabe) a sweet faux hawk haircut before family vacation 2010.

I have to admit I wasn't so sure about the idea. But, with Sam's encouragement and advice that "it's just hair, why not give it a try?" we decided to join the faux hawk frenzy.

And can I just say I am so glad we did! The boys look ADORABLE.

P.S. Pics are photographed in our backyard. Thank you Carrie for coming to our house and giving three little toddlers a haircut. We realize that is no small feat!

The BEFORE photo.

Max sitting very still.

Max getting bribed by a dum-dum to sit still. :)

All done!

Max makes this faux hawk look goooooood.

An attempt at an AFTER photo.

Max Gives a Shout Out to his Cuz

Why Is It So?

Today, Max and I had the pleasure of hanging out with two of my nieces, Abigail and Lauren, and my nephew, Gabriel. I won't bore you with all the details of my SIL's dislocated shoulder [yep, that's right. Kristen fell, dislocated her shoulder, and is now doing all functions with only her left arm]. I thought it would be a nice and welcomed relief to have some of her kiddos hang with us today.

Since I strive to win the "Aunt of the Year" award, I pulled out all the stops. Art projects. Board Games [you play a mean Hullabaloo, Gabe!]. Baking. Snacks. Treats. Cartoons. A delicious pot roast dinner.I think you get my point. One would think I would have this award in the bag.

One. Would. Think.

That is, until, Uncle Sam walked in the door. How easily the children forgot the Rolos I offered them spontaneously. You know, a "just because" treat. Or, the two cartoons I let them watch back-to-back. Or, allowing them to take every single stuffed animal out of hibernation and tuck them in Max's crib. Every. Single. Last. One. And, oh by the way, I found all three children in the crib [at the same time] with these said animals.

Again, one would think I have this award in the bag.

So, why is it so that children just love their daddies and uncles?

I give you

Exhibit A: The Ball Pit War

and

Exhibit B: Ride the Bull

You will know exactly why Uncle Sam won the coveted award today.

Sam,

you are one incredible husband, amazing father and fun-loving uncle.

You deserve the title.

Congrats.

Cousins

This was an afternoon play date with Max, his cousins, his aunts and his grandma!

What a great looking bunch of kids, huh?