Van-isms

We are so proud of Van!

Yesterday, at his Rookie Sports awards ceremony, Van won "the curiosity award."

His coach said "well, Van likes to make lots of observations--then finds his own way to interpret the new skill." :)

While receiving his medal, Van interrupted the coach to say "I think I just heard something go BONK."

I want to record some of my favorite Van-isms. 

Van loves daydreaming about the day he can drive me to the chicken store (thats Chic-fil-a). He tells me that I will ride in the carseat and he will be big enough to drive.

He wants to take me to the chicken store near the ho-mart (that's Wal-Mart).

When we ask: "Van, would you like another baby sister or baby brother?" Van replies: "No, I want to keep Jeanie."

Me: Well, if you did have a baby brother or sister, what would you name him or her?

Van: How about Johnis? [insert lots of Van, mom, and dad cackles here]
..................................................................................................................................................

Van's preschool teacher pulled me to the side one afternoon to explain her astonishment with Van:

                           

 "I took them out to the playground today. It was so cold, there was ice all over the slide. I asked the kids--'where did all of this ice come from?' To which Van replied--'Ms. Cathy...ice comes from water.'"

 

 

Van is asking the Easter Buddy for a drum set. He is very specific that the drum set MUST have "a cymbal drum." I showed him a picture of a little toddler drum set and he said, NO mom. Not like that one. It does not have the cymbal drum like Con Henwey (Don Henley).

 

 

Lastly, per Pop-Pop's influence...

 

Van's favorite one-liner:

 

"You can check out any time you'd like,

But you can neh-nur weeve!" [insert ferocious air guitar playing here]

Little Doll

I can remember the joy of climbing into my baby doll's crib, and since I actually remember doing so--I guess I was probably a little too old for that game :) I used to drag the crib down the hallway into the den and curl up with my waffle blanky and watch cartoons.

Recently, Jean-Margaret has enjoyed independent-play in her room, a good thing for us! But instead of being productive, I like to spy on her. Today I found her rocking herself joyously in her doll crib. :) Too cute!!

The Fun Part About My Job

 

My kids are HARD.  I try my best to focus on and emphasize the good parts but that is not always easy. Evans was out of town for a week on business. I nearly lost my mind. We are constantly in search of fun and kid-friendly outdoor daytrips and we have become big fans of the overnight beach trip!

 

Van is definitely into music these days. If he had his way, he would oscillate between his guitar(s) and drum set (my up-turned pots and pans) while watching the Eagles, Jack Johnson, Van Morrison, and Eric Clapton (over...and...over...) on YouTube. Instead of getting frustrated with him, I decided to dig in and pull out my violin. I nearly forgot that I was an adult nerd who took violin lessons 2 years ago. While I only remember 2 songs, this was a hit! Van was impressed. (Be glad you cannot hear the picture...it was not an ear-friendly scenario).

 

 

 

Bottoms up!

Jean-Margaret's First Birthday Party

Ironically, it snowed while we were in the hospital (February 19th, 2012) and it snowed again today on Jean-Margaret's first birthday party! What a beautiful day for a beautiful little girl. We had so much fun celebrating her first year of life. I cannot believe our little lady bug is one year old. We love you baby Jeanie!!

Jean-Margaret recieved some fun gifts and we all have full-of-sweets bellies. Happy Birthday!!

Everyone Needs...

A spontaneous beach trip!

 

 (even if it requires huddling into a hotel room with 2 adults, 2 kids, and a dog).

 

 

We didn't put much thought into preparing for this trip...just hopped in the truck with the essentials to celebrate Evans's birthday! (Note: Van's guitar is clearly an "essential" these days:)

Its a good thing we forgot to pack baby food because Jean-Margaret decided to swipe Van's grilled cheese sandwich which I am positive she found more satisfying than pureed peas :) Van had a blast collecting sea shells for show-and-tell and Sophie looked like a puppy playing in the sand and ocean. What a fun time!

After visiting with some awesome friends, we came home and Evans had to head right back out of the door to travel for work -- so we occupied ourselves with tent building, birthday cake making, and soccer practice. (I am not sure if there is a competitive bone in Van's body but I am not complaining...)

Go Van!

STAY WARM!!

Hard at work!

 

 

Van missed some cool bands along the way--sleepy fella!

 

With Jean-Margaret's first birthday right around the corner, Evans and I decided it was time to catch up on some things we neglected more than usual throughout the past year! (Cleaning, exercising, cooking!!) Just as life seems to slow down for a second, a new adventure arrives. We are gradually adjusting to this life and wouldn't have it any other way. The ease of instagram has slowly defeated the difficulty of blogging :) I am still trying to capture main events though!! Happy 2013!!