Holiday Prep

We watched "Elf" for the first time

We love having Austin over on Tuesdays- which he calls "Russell Day". It usually falls on their "Garbage Day" and both events are thrilling for the boys!

Russell's best little 3-year-old buddies are Dominic McKinley and Austin Joyce. Austin is already 4 but it looks like they'll be in the same entering grade at the local elementary school in 2 years. Fun! Austin's Dad, Glenn, is one of JT's co-workers. Russell is all about friends (like Lydia, especially). When I asked if he wanted to begin his school career, he said "Yes." I asked him "why?". He thought for a moment and then said, "because there are more friends over there than there are here" (we were at home alone).

When Austin was over for a play date this week, Russell heard that I had offered to give Austin a clean shirt (he had dripped some chocolate milk on his). Russell really wanted for Austin to change his shirt so he said in his most parental voice, "Austin Thomas... you need a clean shirt!" Apparently, "Thomas" is a universal word that means BUSINESS! A few days later, he tried to get my attention by stating emphatically: "Mommy McCain Thomas!" He has also been known to gain my attention by tapping my arm, saying "Hello... is there anyone in there?" and turning around my swivel desk chair.

Tatum was a nice last-minute addition to our tree-shopping crew!

Russell and Austin, Baseball, Elmo Event, Lydia's Diagrams

Three-year-old buddies Russell and Austin ask to play together daily. They plan to grow up and play professional baseball together. We'll be there cheering for 'em! Below, they got a chance to run the bases together following a Grasshoppers game.

Austin sits with his parents, Jenny and Glenn (J.T.'s co-worker).

Daniel, Ross, Tyler, Lydia and Gracie (friends from our local school).

Lydia likes to write things down and draw diagrams. Above, she decided to write a "To do" list on the white board in her bedroom. Items include: Make bed, do homework, do piano, do clothes, go to soccer (Tues. and Thurs.), eat food, and watch T.V.

How did Lydia respond when J.T. declined to cut up a peach for her, saying that he doesn't eat peaches and doesn't know how to cut them up? She reappeared with this note for J.T. (it's a top-down view of a peach).