Cate-Questions - Westminster Shorter Catechism

So it's not the best video. Louisa is squealing periodically and it gets cut off early. But it shows (well almost shows, again, it gets cut off) Rock is up to Question number 18 in the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Or, as he calls it, his "Cate-questions."

Two Parties

August 28th. Two parties.

The first one was for Linus and it was all boy and all baseball -- complete with hot dogs and peanuts and Cracker Jacks to take home.

Rock was excited to demonstrate his T-ball skills.
The second party of the day was for Yasmin (she's the one driving the pink Escalade).

This party was all girl -- complete with feather boas, tea cups, and sweets.

Rock was excited to demonstrate his slick dressing skills.

Noises

Somedays, all I want is a little peace and quiet. But I know I will miss this continual blabber one day when they are all grown up. So I documented a typical morning for you to watch if you want. Rock's putting away the silverware (minus all sharp knives which I handle myself!) and Louisa's demonstrating the reason why we call her "Squeally Wheels."

Trip to Florida: Mock Birthday

While we were in Miami, we celebrated my 23rd birthday. Oh wait, no. We had an early birthday party for Addy (who turns 2 on September 18th) and Rock (who turns 3 on September 18th).

Again, these adorable and delicious cupcakes were made by Bethany's uber talented coworker.

After a yummy meal of homemade pizza and the yummy cupcakes...

There were some great gifts for the birthday kids. A Lightning McQueen book for Rock to read.

And a Big Barrel of Play-Doh fun.
Addy got a farm puzzle and Winnie the Pooh bathtoys.
Louisa took it all in and expects messy red icing on all future cupcakes.
A big thanks to Juju for doing the gift shopping and planning this fun night for Rock and Addy.

Trip to Florida: The Barnetts

After all the driving and Disney World fun, we finally arrived at the Barnett Casa in Miami. And that's when the real fun began.

First off, Renzo was there. He and Louisa were like peas and carrots. Rock, on the other hand, had some issues with the canine in residence.

There was dancing around umbrellas...
We met Curious George at Story Hour at PBK...

There were lots of smiles from the smallest babe...
Lots of bouncing...

A few Thomas tattoos...

Hmmmmmmmm... What else?

Oh yes, fruit snacks and chalk on bathing suits...

Family floating in the pool...

Twister...

A Stella & Dot Trunk Show...

The best mango cupcakes I've ever had (perhaps the only mango cupcakes I've ever had?)...

And last, but certainly not least, a few dance parties. Thanks again to the Barnetts for a fun week.

Trip to Florida: Disney World

They say to "Celebrate Everyday." Or at least that's what Walt Disney World says. And since we were coming down to Florida anyway, Bethany suggested that we meet up in Orlando take our three kids (who are all under three and thus all FREE) to...

Walt Disney World's MAGIC KINGDOM!

We got there bright and early to catch the show before they opened the gates and planned to stay as long as the kids would last. And right about now I'm sure you are thinking we were crazy to attempt such a feat. Three kids under three and only four adults to help them beat the crowds, the lines, and the hot Florida sun?!

But you didn't know that we had a secret weapon. Bethany broke her foot right before we went. It might sound like a set-back but this ended up being PERFECT because it meant that she got a wheelchair and we got to go to the front of every line!

So, after taking in the show at the gates...

We took off on our Disney adventure!

Barnett family picture.

Fix family picture. You'll have to trust me that Louisa's in the stroller. Never wake a sleeping baby! Even for a family shot.

It was so fun to spend the day riding rides -- and not waiting in lines!

Addy and Bethany in Dumbo!

Rock in Dumbo!

Louisa sleeping in her stroller!

Everyone (except me and sleeping Louisa) getting ready to watch Mickey's PhilharMagic!

All of the kids took naps in their strollers at some point during the day. And the only major meltdown was done by the boy pictured above. Apparently it's majorly hard to try and eat a peanut butter sandwich when you are tired and it the bread is rounded instead of squared.

But he rallied to watch the parade. See how Addy is wearing the same brown and white outfit as Louisa (scroll back up, she's the one in the stroller that's not in any of the other pictures)? And Rock has on brown and white shorts?! Our matching outfits would have been a lot more impressive if we had gotten a picture of all the cousins together.

Rock couldn't believe he got to see the REAL Woody...

And the REAL Jafar! And so many other REAL characters! The princesses (Belle, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty) were all especially kind to Rock. Cinderella even told him a funny tale about how Mater had towed her carriage when it got stuck in a ditch.

Rock and Addy playing outside of The Haunted Mansion. Juju and I tried to called the lady with the floating head "silly," but Rock was unconvinced. He declared this ride and The Pirates of the Caribbean ride "scary."

Again, thanks to Bethany's toe, we were able to avoid the lines and stay until the nighttime parade! It was exhausting but super duper fun!
So the moral of the story is: If you have a broken toe or any other injury that prevents you from walking, GO TO DISNEY WORLD!

Trip to Florida: Driving There

When I agreed to drive to Florida with my mom, Rock, and Louisa, I was a bit worried that we'd be stuck in the car with two very sad kids.
But Rock and Louisa were excellent travelers. We filled the first day by eating lunch at Chick-fil-A, passing South of the Border, and looking at rainbow that appeared outside our car window. Trust me, it's there.

Louisa fussed some, but was also pretty well behaved (and easily distracted by anything that made noise or was teethable).
She also sat really still so I could do a few infant portraits.

Rock picked a lot of fun of things to do on the road. He colored, stamped, and stickered paper, watched a few movies on Juju's DVD player, read books, sang songs and entertained himself for much of the drive.

Finally, we arrived at the Barnetts (Uncle Kelly's parents) house in Jacksonville, FL. Although their grandparent names are Poppy and Nana, Rock started calling them Poppy and Barnett and the name stuck. Sorry Carolyn, you will now be known by your last name.

It was so great to have room to stretch out.

And play with Tigger and Pooh and all their fun cars. After we spent the night, the ladies went shopping while Rock and Poppy washed our car (and ate pancakes for breakfast and lunch). Then we drove on to Orlando to meet up with Kelly and Bethany and Addy.