The Longest day EVER: The effects of a time change

My kids have never really had trouble with the time change. At least not until this one. The day began before the sun came up. The hour of 4 am should be seen by no one under the age of 18, least of all an 18 month old. Yet, there we were. Wondering what to do. Not to worry, it wouldn't be long before Mack would peek her head into my room, where Mason and I were begging the sun to rise. We played every game, we filled time with movies. We climbed on couch cushions, we played with  nearly every toy.  Finally, nap time. We could all rest! Or...one of us could lay in their ( ahem, his )  crib , babbling, then whining and finally, full out hysterics, begging to be done with nap. Or " nap" as we refer to it.  Even still, three days later, we are still trying to recover from the time change of Fall  2013....

Oh! And we took LOTS of silly pictures on this long day

Wearing daddies hat and having a bit of "binky time" to ward off those " Woke up at 4 am , skipped my nap" grouchies.

Couch climbing!

When the sun FINALLY set on that long day, it sure was a beautiful sight!

Purely Pathetic ( and Precious) Pooches

These two couldn't wait for Mack to leave for school so they could take over her bed! She had pulled all her stuffed animals down , which made a comfy pillow for the pooches. Ellie is so snuggled in, you can barely see her!

Halloween 2013

Halloween 2013 came and went! Here's how ours played out:

Mackenzie was set on being a star fish and Mike was all set to make the costume when Cass mentioned that her mom had a mermaid costume that Cass had worn in elementary school. All talk of the star fish costume halted after she feel in love with this costume. This is Mackenzie on her way to PTSA Trunk or Treat at school

Mike and I both helped out at Mack's school party. Mackenzie was so  proud of her brother at school. He was so tickled to be sitting with all the big kids.

Chowing down!

Mike cut out Mack's lizard jack-o-lantern and she painted it

Mason is ready to go!

Off we go!

By now, Mackenzie is an old pro at trick or treating. Showed Mason the ropes. After the first house, Mason had his own trick or treat style- once the door opened, he'd greet the neighbor with a " Hiiiiii." followed by a " TEETZ!" Seems he figure out the important word first.

It was a clear night so once the sun went down, the temps dropped. Gunner kept Mack and Mike company. He never moved or barked, even when people tried to pet him or we wearing masks! The only time he moved is when his first mommy, Kristi, and the boys showed up to say hello. He recognized her before she even got to him and his tail started wagging and he jumped down to great her and each of the boys.

Brewmaster, Mike

 Mike's pretty impressed with his latest batch of beer! I am just in love with the perfect amber color he created.  Mike continues to love brewing beer and hopes to brew even more this coming year. His hops plants did well over the summer but didn't yield any hops. He's hoping to brew with his own hops next year.

Play ball!

Last week, the weather was beautiful and Grams and the kids took advantage of it by having an impromptu baseball game.

Mackenzie , ready for her turn at bat after getting a
lesson from Grams first.

After the game, everyone was ready for a snack- it was the perfect time to partake in the annual tradition- caramel apples! Some enjoyed their apple more than others:

And the day ended with a beautiful sunset!

Time out triumphs and trials

Time outs abound here of late for our boy. Sometimes he seems happy to be there: 

Other times he finds it less than impressive.

I don't know that he even understands sometimes but the fact that he sits there for one minute is a big change. I have noticed a modest decrease in the amount table climbing and toy tossing . 

This weeks shenanigans

Ho, hum. Just another day as the little brother.

Peek-a-boo lunch

We have been able to remove the baby gate at the bottom of the
stairs so Ellie has reclaimed her favorite spot.

Why not pull up a seat and stay a while?

Brooklyn and Mack playing Ring around the Nosey

Moon over farmland

Mack brought out every last scrap of art supplies to complete a
project at the table. She was not so happy when clean up
time came. It actually lasted longer than art time did!

Mack brought her field journal on our walk.

Mackenzie greeted me wearing these one morning before school.
Good morning, sunshine!

Looking handsome in his fall vest.

Two sleeping boys, both snoring.

Let's go, Grams!