different day, same story

It's just too hard to resist a big, open box of round orange toys. I am obviously not trying too hard to discourage her either.

raiding the orange box

Someone got caught sneaking oranges tonight.

I also caught her trying to stand up while holding onto the side of the orange box. That was completely unacceptable, obviously, so I didn't reinforce the behavior by taking a picture.

Jonah says

"All these things I see in books look so fun but are really so boring: building a house, flying an airplane..."

Jonah (reading): Mom and Dad had ten kids.
Me: That's a big family!
Jonah: Well, it's easier for a Mom and Dad than just a Mom with ten monkeys.

"Why are these called hard boiled eggs? Why not soft boiled eggs?"
When I explained that soft boiled eggs actually are a thing (and what they are), he responded with, "Hm. Well then I think these should be called rubber boiled eggs. These are really more rubbery than hard."

Jonah (When a friend and kids were going to come over): Who are they?
Me: Remember when we went to the zoo with them last year?
Jonah: Oh yes! Oh no, that was Jack.
Me: Well, we did go with Jack, but we went another time with these boys. Remember how..
Jonah (walking over with a heavy sigh to the wall of still-up Christmas cards): Which ones are they?

Not only did he make this house-castle himself, but he took his own picture. Love this kid.

our walk at this day*

If you are buried in snow right now, trust me when I say that I am not trying to rub it in. In fact, both Caroline and Jonah have recently expressed a desire to play in the snow. Two months from now we will be hiding in doors from the heat. But for tonight, we are reveling in the beauty that is Arizona in February. Here was my view from behind the stroller. 

Somehow we started taking a walk almost every day. I don't mind. We all sleep better and it makes up (somewhat) for the tiny backyard. 

*"At this day" is Caroline for "today," as in "Are we going to have donuts at this day?"

the dentist and some old habits back again

So we went to the dentist a few weeks ago and the kids did really well. Caroline was very interested in all the tools, and Jonah wanted to stand right next to her to see what the hygienist was doing and to make sure Caroline wouldn't be scared.

My favorite part about all these pictures is the way Jonah is standing. It reminds me of a much younger Jonah who also loved to walk with his hands in his pockets.

words of wisdom, Caroline edition

"Cake is very awesome."

Dear Dad,

I'm helping Mom with the garage sale today. Overall, it's been a good day. Last night, Todd came down and we swapped funny Dad stories. We talked about all your Eagle Scout sons and the way you wore your shirts with the sleeves hemmed/rolled up. Todd told us stories about working together and Mom calling on the radio because Quintin wouldn't go to school. We laughed a lot at that one because Jonah reminds us so much of young Q.

I'm tired today, though. I don't want to haggle over the price of your things with strangers. I'd much rather you be here to use them.

I miss you. 

welcome back

Welcome to no one's favorite stage: pulling up on the crib and crying through all of nap time because she can't get back down.

I say, "smile for the camera!"

First, Caroline sneezes:

Then, a decent picture:

Then, "No! I don't want my picture taken anymore!":

One out of three isn't so bad, I guess. This is the girl born with the angry eyebrows after all.

Miriam's new skills

She is so proud of her two new skills: pulling up to her knees and sticking out her tongue.