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.

Let It Snow

I feel that I am being reminded, more than ever, of how fast our little boy is growing up. Last year, around the holidays, he was just learning to crawl and was quite content to lay or sit in one spot. He barely noticed the big green tree in our family room. And he certainly didn't touch any of our Christmas decorations. This year, well lets just say, he is fully aware of all the holiday cheer sprinkled throughout our house!

We had our first snow day this weekend. I couldn't resist showing you then and now pictures. What a vast difference a year can make.

THEN:

NOW:

Enjoy the holiday week ahead! May it be Merry and Bright as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Feliz Navidad

To get into the Christmas spirit, Max and I participated in a holiday party at a local art studio. It was an hour packed with music, crafts, snacks, and of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

The attentive student

Max did not enjoy his meet n greet with

Santa Claus

Craft time

Music man

And for your listening enjoyment. Max on the bongos to the tune of Feliz Navidad. Enjoy!

Mama's New Shoes

A girl's best friend: shoes.

Or is it diamonds?

Well, just to be safe. A girl's best friend is shoes and diamonds.

Today I will be talking about one of my best friends: shoes. Doesn't every girl love a new pair of shoes. Well, I received a box from Piperlime.com [ahhhhhhhh] this afternoon and couldn't wait to rip it open.

**On a sidenote, isn't this so funny? I mean, I already knew what was in the box. I ordered it. Myself. Just the other day. But, when the glorious box shows up on the doorstep [thank you UPS man, I heart you], I get that giddy feeling all over again. Please tell me you can relate.**

OK, back to the story at hand. My little sidekick, Max, is also excited to see what is in the box. O little man, it is shoes, sweet shoes. I know my love of shoes has definitely rubbed off on Max. I am certain I have shared that with you before. So, much to my delight, Max squealed with excitement when I opened the box and pulled out a brand.new.pair.of.tennis.shoes.

Now, I only buy a new pair of tennis shoes once every other year. So, I labor over the purchase since I know I will be wearing them for a longtime to come. These shoes? They did not disappoint. [Mizuno's...in case you are wondering.]

And can I mention that these shoes were worth every penny. Every. Penny. And I haven't even worn them yet.

Why, you ask?

They kept Mister Max's attention for 45 minutes. Yep, that's right. Forty-five minutes. Just in case you didn't catch that. He played and tried on my new shoes for 45 minutes [I am pretty sure that calculates to like 3.5 years in dog years]. He was.Totally. Completely. Captivated. And who could blame him?

Here is a short clip of him concentrating to put them on and tie them up.

And one photo of him successfully getting both new shoes on at the same time! Well done Max. You made mommy proud!

Here Comes the Ring Bearer

Max and I were honored to be a part of my cousin, Marie's, wedding day.

It was a fairy tale wedding that included a stunning bride and adorable little ring bearer.

Congratulations to the newlyweds!

Marie and her girls

Max the Ring Bearer

There's a smile!

Time to call it a night

Mommy and Daddy stayed late

and cut a rug on the dance floor

Paradise

Sam and I just returned from paradise in Riviera Maya, Mexico. We spent 6 glorious days and 5 glorious nights pretending like we were on our honeymoon again. It was pure bliss.

We celebrated my 30th birthday in style. Our lazy days were spent by the beach and our evenings at romantic dinners. What a way to celebrate a birthday!

While we were away, Mister Max was well taken care of by his Grandma and Papa. We emailed daily with the little guy and he seemed to get along just fine without us. Here are a few excerpts. I am sure they will bring a smile to your face as they did ours every time we read one!

11/12: Day 1 of Trip

Hi mommy and daddy,

I hope you had a fun afternoon at the pool/beach. I was soooo good all day. I got
to play with Eli all morning and Maddie watched us and took us outside in the back. It
was great fun. We then had a delicious lunch (I'm wearing a bib for grandma) of grilled
cheese, tomato soup, etc.

I didn't nap very long, maybe one hr. and then talked and coughed a little for another
hr. Grandma got me up and I was very good and happy. We left for home at 4.
Papa played with me lots while grandma finished dinner and cleaned up. I ate
all my spaghetti, some peas, yo-gurt, raspberries, pretzels. I did good, huh? and milk.
Well it is after 7 so I know they will say it's bedtime soon so I guess I better go and
play with them a little more so they won't be sad. Maybe read them a book.

All is well and I am happy. Have fun and don't be sad at all.
I love you, Max

11/15: Day 4 of Trip

Okay I'm telling on Grandma. She slept til 7:30 this morning. Papa got up and moved the monitor and
shut the door so she could sleep. Papa and I had a great early morning time together.
We looked at books and he gave me some dry cheerios and a drink to hold me til breakfast.
He loves to hold me when I wake. Me and my baa baa.

We went to church and I went to the nursery. Aunt Becca and Uncle Chris were in there.
I stayed in there til 11:15 and then they took me back to Gma. Becca said my nose was
running and I coughed on kids. Whatever! Don't tell I told or Gma will get in trouble.

Church was great. The Lord was moving. Worship lasted til noon again and then Pastor Jim
said to get your kids and come back up front if you want to. We left and went to Jersey
Mikes with Uncle Luke, Aunt Bethany and cousin Claire.

Home for nap. I slept not quite 2 hrs. Then books, played outside etc. My favorite -
Gma sat me in her lap and we checked out all the blogs. I loved it and didn't move for
20 min.

Lauren came at 4 and we played, outside and in. I ate the biggest dinner - spaghetti,
kiwi, and frozen yogurt and milk etc. Delicious! Lauren and I are now watching a video
before bath/bed. What a great day here at the Ritz. Uncle Tom and Beth are stopping by
at 8:30 to show us her engagement ring. I guess I'll be in bed:-(

I am wearing a bib at every meal. I even tuck it in behind the tray. Gma has these
great cotton bibs. Plastic sucks!

I love you and miss you but I am doing so great - real bonding with these old folks.
Love, Max

11/16: Day 5

Hi mommy and daddy,

I'm counting down. 24 hrs. or less. I miss you. I had a great day. Lauren played with
me this morning. Then we met Auntie Kristen and kiddos at Mc.D's for lunch and we took
Lauren to school.
I slept and slept for my nap. After 2 and half hrs. Grandma turned on the hall light,
15 more minutes and she turned on the bedroom light. I finally roused at almost 3 hrs.
Whew, I bet I grew sleeping so much.

We ran a couple errands and went outside. It is so nice here, the weather has been good.

O.K. it is 8:30 pm and I am jabbering up a storm in my bed. I stayed up til 8:15. Papa got
home from his elders meeting and I wanted to spend some time with him. I go from Grandma to Papa without hesitation. Hope I don't hurt her feelings. It's a guy thing.

See you at the airport. I'll be the little guy with beautiful blue eyes and blond curls
grinning ear to ear.

Love, Max

Keeping the Tradition Alive

I love sharing then and now photos. And here is a winner! Sam recruited his trusty sous chef, Max, to assist him in baking a pumpkin pie again this year!

Pumpkin Pie Cook-Off 2008

Pumpkin Pie Cook-Off 2009