boy, he is nice...

I have often praised the kindness of Eli on this blog. He has a huge heart and almost always puts others before himself (almost always... come on, he's 3).

Isobel is easily his favorite person in the world. I am convinced if you asked him the three items on a deserted island question, his answer would be Isobel, blankie and whichever backyardigan stuffed animal is in favor that day. Although they have the typical sibling squabbles and I occasionally hear an "I hate you" escape his lips, he is happiest when he has Isobel's undivided attention.

He also has an extreme sense of fairness. He is convinced that if he has something, so should Isobel. When he gets a sticker at the doctor’s office, he asks for one for Isobel. When he gets his lollypop after speech therapy, he asks for one for Isobel. If he has something, he is convinced Isobel should have one as well.

Saturday, we decided to fight the crowd and take a much needed trip to IKEA. As we exit the elevators we see some kids walk by with balloon animals. While we have seen the people making balloon animals before, we have never gotten one. We always missed the workers. That day, we were not going to miss our chance.

Isobel, Emmy and I stood in line while Jon and Eli went to the bathroom. There were two kids in front of Isobel and she anxiously awaited her turn. As the woman was making her pink flower Eli and Jon joined us. Eli then got a blue monkey (super neat) and Emmy a red butterfly (Isobel chose the color).

This morning, as Emmy, Isobel and Eli watched cartoons in the playroom, something tragic happened. There was a loud pop and the flower was instantly gone. Isobel was sad, as can be expected. Eli, forever the fairness expert, looked at Isobel and popped his monkey. He just didn't think it was fair that Isobel's balloon had popped and his hadn't. So he remedied the situation the only way he knew how.

a rebel yell...

The Thursday before Halloween Isobel came home more than a little upset. She was furious because I had told her she could wear her costume to school and her teacher told her she could not. It never even occurred to me that this was a possibility. Jon, who is ever the hero dad, ran out to Target to try and find a holloweeny shirt. He came home with this awesome skull shirt, but it was way too big. This meant that he had to go back to Target and get a smaller size, which he did willingly. Isobel loves this shirt and wears it on a regular basis, even though "it is a boy’s shirt".

This is Isobel's attempt to look dark and rebellious.

I think she fails, but I imagine she will figure it out before she hits the teen years.

Seriously...

Emmy is such a ham!!!

While I have always known this, today it was insanely apparent. She is sick, I mean 101.9 temp sick. She has been whiney and sleepy and extremely mellow all day. However, the second the camera is pointed at her she perks right up. Here are the pictures of my sick child...

Does she look sick to you?!?

Disappointment...

I have been at such a loss for the words to express my disappointment in California. I should have known that Keith Olbermann would have those words.

Thanks to my friend Kara for sharing this video. If you haven't visited her corner of the web, you should. She is wicked smart and always has something interesting to say.

Smile...

I am sure I have mentioned this before, but it is worth mentioning again... My husband is fantastic. He is a fantastic husband and an even better dad. Whenever I see one of these pictures that he takes of himself and the kids, I smile. Here is my smile for this moment...

Seriously, how lucky am I?

Election Day!

There is something about election day that I just love. It makes me feel hopeful, almost giddy. Jon calls it my Superbowl. 6:00 will be here before we know it. I hope everyone has voted!

End of the Season...

Last night Isobel had her end of season party for cheerleading. All of the squads in the program were there and they all did a routine followed by the presentation of the trophies. Isobel has always wanted a trophy and was thrilled to get one.

In case I haven't mentioned this before, her coach was fantastic! She gave all of the girls’ gift bags full of amazing gifts. As many of you may have noticed, Isobel's name is not spelled in the traditional American way (it is actually the Scottish version, which we fell in love with), so it is difficult for her to get things with her name. It tends to make her sad. Last night, in her gift bag there was a bracelet with her name made out of beads. It has a little megaphone charm and it was the Knights colors (What's your favorite color Knights? Red, Blue, White). She was thrilled!!! Isobel is so excited about next season.

Although the program seemed a little disorganized at times, it was well worth it. Isobel had a great time. I am really impressed with the way that they integrate the younger girls with the high school activities. Isobel cheered at a high school game, walked in the Homecoming Parade and attended some camps put on by the high school cheerleaders. She is already a true Knight fan and she is only in Kindergarten. They absolutely know how to build school spirit in this district. Another check in the pros column!

Trick or Treat...

Another Halloween has come and gone. It is always amazing to me how much energy goes into planning for Halloween vs. the amount of time spent actually enjoying Halloween. Jon took all three kids out trick-or-treating this year. Emmy seemed to really enjoy herself. Of course, after the first few houses she came back home to help me hand out candy. We had a few more visitors this year, but not enough to make me happy. One would think that since we live in a neighborhood full of young families, we would see a lot of kids, but we do not. Jon has told me that the middle of the neighborhood is much more active, but I am not sure I believe him. I guess I should give him the benefit of the doubt.

I have to say, this is the first year I have been jealous of Jon being out with the kids. Normally I love to stay at home and hand out candy, but this year I found myself longing to be out with the rest of the family. Maybe next year I will just turn out the lights and enjoy the festivities (of course I won't because I would feel guilty the entire night and not enjoy myself at all).

Without further ado, the reason you all visit this blog, our beautiful children.

Isobel was a Mod Girl. It was much more difficult to get the eye liner on then I expected. She really didn't like having it applied, of course she didn't like the way it looked after it was on either. Jon had to bribe her to take off her sunglasses after it got dark with a glow stick. I think she looked fantastic.

It was difficult to find a costume for Eli this year. He really wanted to be a Super Spy (just like Pablo), but it is not easy to find a white tux jacket for a 3 year old. So, Jon took him to the Halloween store and he came back as a Storm Trooper. He was happy, so we were happy. Emmy was one of the cutest butterflies I have ever seen (Isobel being the other)...