Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Every once in a while, Brad and I really pull something off. Yesterday was one of those times!

It was Brad's birthday, but he was a conference in Florida. We have known about this one for a long time, and we knew he was going to be gone Friday until Wednesday. But...last Thursday he found out he was going to be able to come home on his birthday instead. We decided not to tell the kids.

On their own, the kids decided we should decorate the house. Just because Daddy wasn't here didn't mean we shouldn't celebrate. So...we decorated:
Issa did this all by herself:

Look at those proud faces:

Evan was very proud of this idea:

Then the magic happened. About seven o'clock, look who walked through the door unannounced:

We had some super happy kids! Evan declared Daddy, "neaky."

They had also picked out their own gift:

Yep...that's beef jerky.

And I had one more surprise; I had tucked away a pumpkin pie I made earlier in the day:

To end the evening, Issa read us a story:

She read the whole story. I'd say that was a very happy day all around.

Baltimore...also known as a blissful weekend

You might want to grab a cup of coffee; this is a long one. The kids and I had the most perfect weekend in Baltimore visiting Aunt Shannon and Uncle Jeff. The only way to do it justice is just start at the beginning.

I picked the kids up Friday afternoon, and we headed straight to the airport. We had been talking all week about how we were going to do this since Daddy was at a conference, and they knew the plan. They actually told me the whole thing. We pulled in the parking garage, and no one moved until I had everything unloaded. Evan rode in the front of the double stroller, his carseat rode in Issa's seat, Issa walked, and I pushed the stroller and pulled the suitcase.

This is where it gets amazing. I had been praying for a smooth trip because I was more than a little nervous about flying alone with two small children. Not only did God answer that prayer, but He also did it in a huge way! To my dismay, they are redoing the airport, so we had to walk outside a lot longer and then cross three one-way roads. There was a group of businessmen in front of us, and they generously (along with numerous others) offered to carry something for me. I thanked them, but we were alright. When we came to the first road, I was telling Issa how we were going to cross, when one of them looked back and said, "We've got this." Those strangers made a single file line and walked--at Issa speed--between my kids and oncoming traffic for all three roads. When we got inside, they insisted we go first so they could follow us through security in case I needed extra hands.

There's more: when we got to the ticket counter, my suitcase was a couple of pounds over. When I offered to take Issa's booster out and check it separately, the lady said absolutely not--close enough. (That never happens!) When we got to security, I started to fold the stroller, and TSA told me not to bother and took it through the special gate. When we got to our gate, we sat beside a group of grandmas headed to Batimore for a girls' weekend who were thrilled to talk with Issa and Evan and celebrate every plane that we saw as much as Evan did. I didn't know that gate-checked strollers need a printed tag, and the Southwest gate agent noticed I didn't have one. Instead of telling me to go get one, she came over and took care of it for me. When it came time to board, we were allowed to board even earlier than expected, the plane landed early, we were at the closest gate, and our luggage arrived just as we walked into baggage claim. And...the kids' drinks came with lids on the plane. I will never fly anything besides Southwest again. Every person we interacted with went above and beyond.

All the while, Issa and Evan were perfect travelers. Not a single fuss or whine or why. When we arrived, I was so relaxed and so proud. I would take them anywhere. If that's not an answered prayer, I don't know what is.

Uncle Jeff and Aunt Shannon came and picked us up at the airport, and we headed back to their place. They had pizza crusts waiting, along with a beautiful view of the harbor. The kids actually fell asleep watching the lights on the boats while we adults talked.

We got up Saturday morning and headed out to the aquarium. Issa loved learning about all the sea creatures:
I really think she liked playing with the touch screen, but she did learn a lot.

Evan wanted to be sure I put this on the "bog":

He's a zebra shark and Evan's favorite.

The tanks were just amazing, with some of the biggest fish I've ever seen:

I love this picture:

Thanks for taking us to the aquarium! These two deserve a medal. They did more lifting to see fish and bouncing from tank to tank all to make the day perfect for my kiddos--love them.

Poor Uncle Jeff. He must have lifted Evan up and helped him jump down a million times.

All with a smile on is face. And look at that smile on Evan's face!

We got to see the divers feed the sting rays:

They are volunteer divers, and they are amazing! They really interacted with Issa and made her a part of the feeding, even if she was on the other side of glass.

The crowning glory was the dolphin show:

We headed out to lunch and then back to put Evan down for a nap before we girls headed out for some dress shopping! We may have found the dress, and Issa got to try on dresses, too. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share that with my sister. It's one of those moments I will never forget.

We headed back for an amazing Italian dinner, followed by cupcakes and more boat watching.

Sunday morning, we enjoyed a lazy morning playing. The kids took a bubble bath that can only be described as astounding. The bubbles were inches above the top of the tub, and we had to put them in the shower to get the bubbles off after the bath.

Then, we headed out to feed the ducks:

You can't see it in this picture, but there were a ton of ducks and pigeons. The kids loved feeding them, and I am almost breathing again. I just knew one of them was going in that canal.

And I will be forever grateful for the kind stranger who offered to snap this for us:

We ended our trip with tacos, a trip to the candy store, and a mad dash to the airport. (Imagine me literally running through the airport pushing the double stroller with both kids inside clinging to their stuffed animals for dear life. We literally walked right on the plane, but we made it!)

It truly was a perfect weekend. It was such a quick trip, but we were able to make so many, many memories. And I am such a proud mama. I could not have asked for better travelers. They were patient, minded their manners, and rolled with the punches...and I love them so very much.

Thank you, Aunt Shannon and Uncle Jeff. We love you.

Randomness

This has been one of those weeks that has been full of randomness, so I thought I would share.

1. We had Issa's parent observation night yesterday for ballet. It's amazing to see how much she has learned since last year. This class is more than a small step up, and I can't wait to see the recital!

2. Best Daddy Ever:
3. The best daddy ever is building me bookshelves--complete with a window seat:

4. Bubbles rock:

5. We did our boo-ing last night! The kids were so thoughtful about what they put in their buckets, and Issa delivered one all by herself. I helped with the other, and I almost bit it running down the very steep driveway trying not to get caught. I could never be a criminal; I am way too clumsy.

6. Evan likes to pretend he's the bad guy:

That's his bad guy face. He's tough...and scary...and really funny.

7. Issa spilled her entire class of juice on herself after she was ready for school. Dress...leggings...socks...all drenched. It required a wardrobe change. The world almost ended. The world was saved by a most unusual outfit consisting of her first day of school dress, purple leggings, and a cream chunky sweater. She was happy and warm; that's all that matters.

8. I am writing this from my office because I had to meet a student early and I have a department meeting in a little bit. My office is freezing. I should be grading, but the temperature would greatly affect the outcome of those grades because it is making me grumpy.

9. I submitted my revise and resubmit this week! And...I only yelled at the editors a few more times. Now we wait. The waiting is no fun.

10. How is that for random? That is all.

We've been Boo-ed!

Last night, the doorbell rang and we were boo-ed! The phantom had left us a basket full of goodies, and we had two very excited kiddos:

Boo-ed is a neighborhood tradition. I have no idea who starts it, but around Halloween time it begins. The doorbell rings, treats are left, you hang the sign, and then you deliver two baskets to two neighbors. It is big fun! Issa has already decided who we are delivering to tonight, and giving is more exciting than receiving. Why is ringing a doorbell and running so fun?

This year, being boo-ed was a wondrous thing. Poor Issa had a rough morning. We were supposed to go on a field trip to the pumpkin patch, and the only thing worse than a cancelled field trip is a cancelled field trip when you are only a half mile from your destination. It started pouring shortly after we left the school, and the pumpkin patch in the rain is no fun. I had four sad little people in my van, and Issa was still pretty sad last night. Being boo-ed certainly lifted her spirits.

Although I may occasionally mutter about the HOA and the trials of suburbia, I am so incredibly grateful my kids are growing up in this neighborhood. I love the traditions, and I know this is one of those little things they will always remember. Boo!

Year in Review

Just as I did for Evan after his birthday, I finished Issa's Year in Review yesterday. Although the physical changes weren't as dramatic as in years passed when she was tiny:

I was amazed by how much she has grown up, and I was also reminded how much a picture doesn't capture. And so...just as I did with Evan...I wanted to capture some of my memories--a Mother's Year in Review:

For my Issa:

Sweet girl, you have grown so very, very much in a year, and I have loved watching who you are becoming. Here is a list of the highlights, but please know it only scratches the surface of all I have learned about you this year:

1. You taught me fabulousness has no limit. If two bracelets are good, three is better, and there is no such thing as too much sparkle. I love that you have the confidence to go shopping dressed exactly as you see fit. I will never forget going to Walmart in a little black dress and onyx because you decided we should both be fabulous. We were the best dressed there--you in your boa and Easter hat. I was so afraid you would get self-conscious, but you never did. You were proud, and you were fabulous. You always are, and I hope you stay that true to yourself always.

2. You are the most creative little person I know. You always have a project going, and while the mess might make me crazy, I love watching you work. That creativity is starting to spill into music, and I can't wait to see what talents you choose to develop--you have so many.

3. This year, you took the leap into the world of hair and nails. From your first pedicure to your self-styled haircut to your choice to get bangs for big girl school, you grew up. I love sharing those girly moments with you, but I am also grateful it doesn't define you. You're just as happy digging in the garden, and I hope you never say no to an adventure for the sake of your nails. You're more than that.

4. You discovered the ocean this year! I will never forget your tiny self standing on the beach yelling at the ocean because it knocked you over last fall. This fall, you stood in the ocean and marvelled at its size and the roar. Never forget how small we are, and never let the bigger guy knock you down. I have a feeling you won't.

5. Speaking of, you are fearless. You took every new step in stride. You danced your first recital without a single nervous spell, went to a new school full of excitement, and tried so many new things. You inspire me to try something new and step out in faith--thank you.

6. At the same time, your heart is so big. For the first time, this year in review had pictures of your friend. I love watching you make new friends, and I love watching you think about them very purposefully. What would they like? How do they feel? It's a gift.

7. You are an even better big sister than friend. The love the two of you share is palpable. You are patient and kind and giving. He adores you. Remember you two are a gift to each other--and that is a gift to me.

8. You are also your daddy's girl. One of the highlights of my year has been capturing the moments the two of you share: walking hand in hand, snuggling, flying through the air. When he walks through the door and you light up, my heart still melts.

9. Your first year of life, I was ready for the milestones. No one prepared me for the fifth year, though. It was your first ballet recital, first time saying goodbye to friends as you started out on a new adventure, first day of big girl school, first reading...it was a year of big firsts. Your first year, I was braced; I knew those moments were bittersweet and anxiously awaited each one. This year, I wasn't as prepared, so they felt more bittersweet. You are just getting so very big, my angel. With each first came a new sense of pride. Certainly I felt it, but so did you. You are becoming more confident, more aware, and more anxious for life's adventures. I love you so very much, and I can't wait for the many, many more years of adventures with you. Thank you for letting me tag along for the ride.

Growing Up

He's not my baby anymore: This big boy peeled his orange all by himself last night. (He also chose that pumpkin without a stem, but we'll deal with that in a couple of weeks.) Doesn't he even look bigger? Over the past couple of weeks, this big guy has made some big strides:

1. He can now put on his own socks and shirt. Sometimes they are both backwards, but we're getting there. (It has to be uncomfortable walking around with the heel on the top of your foot, but you can't tell this guy that. In case you are wondering, he is very stubborn. I have no idea where he gets that.)

2. He is all about taking care of his frogs and Viv all by himself. He gives Viv her medicine every morning, and he now reminds me when it's time to feed the frogs and what day it is (pellets, flakes, or shrimp).

3. If you call him anything besides Evan (little monster, buddy, sweetheart), he'll respond, "No, my Evan Bower." He is very proud that he knows his whole name.

4. He is suddenly my big helper. He loves helping with laundry, and he beams with pride when his toys are all picked up.

5. He's also a chatter box. We're talking paragraphs here--and they make sense. I suddenly get whole stories about his day at school. He also has a wicked sense of humor and great timing. I find myself laughing more often than not these days.

6. He looks so much bigger. He's stretching out, and that baby face is disappearing. He's getting to be a big boy, and he's full of adventure. I can't wait to see where that spirit leads him--and us.

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday! We have a busy week lined up, so we took yesterday as a home day. We did a few chores, Daddy worked on the bookshelves, and we all enjoyed a high quality nap. Suffice it to say the blog material is low...but that's reality. And because of that, we are all ready to jump into a new week filled with appointments, field trips, and parent night at ballet. Buckle up--it's going to be a wild ride!

Pumpkin Express

We headed out to our museum yesterday to ride the first ever Pumpkin Express! Before our train, we spent a little time with the dinosaurs:
Which of course leads to digging:

Needless to say Evan came home with a few more cool rocks.

Please pay close attention to Issa's hair:

Orange tie with a green clip for a leaf. She believes in dressing for the occasion.

Do you think the kids were a little excited to ride the train?

When the train stopped, we found the "pumpkin patch":

Issa was proud to display the perfect pumpkin...

...which became Evan's perfect pumpkin and she found a different perfect pumpkin. Evan was way more interested in the train than the pumpkins.

When we got back to the station, there was face painting:

And treat bag making:

And popcorn ball eating:

Evan was only interested in the eating.

Evan's idea of the good life:

What a great daddy!

We then had a perfect picnic complete with fall Chex mix:

(Those are pumpkin spice marshmallows--yum!)

And Pumpkin Rice Krispies:

(These looked cute but are a mess to eat!)

We could have painted our pumpkins at the museum, but everyone was getting hungry and I was envisioning disaster trying to carry wet pumpkins home. So...we painted at home yesterday afternoon:

Evan wanted a bat on his pumpkin, so I got to do some painting, too!

It was a fun day! We ended up getting a couple of big pumpkins for carving somewhere else, but we're waiting to carve until Halloween weekend!

The Difference

I remember when I was young and naive, I would hear people talk about the difference between boys and girls; I didn't buy it. It was all a cultural phenomenon. If they were just raised the same way that stereotype would fade. Boys aren't naturally louder and rougher. I just could not be convinced. Then I had one of each...

Last night, both kiddos decided they wanted to work on puzzles:
Look at how peacefully Issa puts her pieces together:

She looks and thinks and gently nudges them together.

Look how Evan puts a puzzle together:

Yep...he punches the pieces into place:

KAPOW! That puzzle is together!

I just have to laugh. Same home, same toys, same parents but two totally different kids. Evan's world happens at six million decibels; Issa spends half her life with her hands over her ears. Evan falls and jumps right back up; Issa falls and needs an icepack. There is a difference between boys and girls...and I love them both.

Sweetness

A couple of weeks ago, we heard Issa scream, "EVAN! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!" and then the tears started. I went flying towards the tears, and I saw a very confused Evan and a devastated Issa. Then I saw the torn paper and the empty notebook, and I knew.

Issa had a notebook that I had given her. It was nothing fancy: plain white paper in a pretty, floral cover. She had very carefully colored on only one side of the pages. Unfortunately, it was one of those books that looked the same frontwards or backwards...and Evan picked it up backwards...and saw plain paper...and ripped out a few sheets for a project. He kept saying, "Sorry, Sissy, sorry, sissy," and rubbing her arm, and she was still crying. As I held her, she sobbed, "Those were all my best ideas."

I know it is small thing drama, but it just broke my heart. Everyone should have a place to capture their best ideas. So...I promised to replace it, and we finally found a proper replacement this week. It's just a simple lined notebook, but when you use the magic pen it writes in different colors. It is a safe place for all her best ideas, and Evan knows he is not allowed to touch it. She spent some time capturing ideas to solve all of the worlds problems:
Evan very patiently watched and listened as she narrated. Then, I saw something magic happen:

Issa offered that he could write some good ideas, too:

She helped him hand-over-hand his name, and they laughed over some great scribble scrabbles, as Issa calls them. Sometimes...when they share like that...and laugh like that...and love like that...you just know you're doing something right. It's a good day.

Look Out World

Little did I know when we cleaned off the window seat that it would become a stage for the Bower Band:
Issa wrote her first chorus last night:

Silent Night

by Issa Bower

Just because I didn't say it

Doesn't mean I have to say it.

Just because I never did it,

Doesn't mean I need to do it.

Such a sweet chorus! We have to get a video of her singing...and of course the big finish:

Now if she could just find a more attentive audience:

Someday....

This is How We Roll

Lest you think our life is all fun outings and organized rooms, a small dose of reality:
Does that roll look a bit odd to you? Perhaps it's because it is hanging on this:

Because of this:

Our holder took a plummet. I'm sure it can't have anything to do with a certain little monster who thinks it looks like a great place to hang out--literally. It's on Brad's short list of things to do, but for now I think our system works quite well...even if it's not too pretty.