Canada

I have told my children we are going to Canada in 2 days.  We are taking them out of school, so we can go see Daddy at work - and in Canada they only have spicy food, with lots of sauce.  I am the meanest Mom ever.

We are actually taking them to Disney World.  At what point do we tell them the truth?  Or, do I just enjoy this torture for a bit longer?

Someone pointed out to me that I am missing out on a good bargaining chip.  We are not going to go to Disney World if…  But we all know we will still go to Disney World, so I don't think that necessarily works for our family.

I have also said that you should never surprise your children about a trip to Disney.  Disney has a lot going on, if you take your kids there without prep it is like 0-60 and does not end well.  All of the sudden they are thrust upon lines and no naps, and lots of colors and candy and everything they want and commerce.  They need prep for this.  I am hoping that since we went just 11 months ago, they will remember and be prepped?

I just wanted one time to have that magic moment where we surprise them with a trip to Disney and I record it on the camera.  Pretty soon they are just going to expect the trip - or just plain know they will get to go again because we are DVC members… so this is our chance.  Let's see what happens!

Mall of 'Merica

Meant to post about this one too.  We took James to the Mall of America in Minneapolis.  My only impression here - it really wasn't as big as I thought it would be.  Maybe that is because I had the Palisades Mall which was pretty big too. I guess the amusement park in the middle was impressive.  James loved it.  The aquarium in there was pretty nice too.  Actually, I was kind of annoyed that Joel Husband wanted to waste a day on our trip at a mall - and in the end, it was the perfect place for our 3 year old.  He went on rides, learned about fishes, touched a crab, ate a great lunch and walked around the whole time (I was so proud no stroller, he did great!).  On the way home, in the train he even fell asleep in my lap.  Loved having this fun time with my little guy.

Sculpture Garden and Museum Mini Golf

I meant to post about this as part of our trip to Minneapolis, but did not…  So, in a few brief sentences I will say - that if you go to Minneapolis and have kids of any age, you should make it over to the Walker Art Center.  The sculpture garden is free and beautiful and a great place to take some awesome photos of the little ones, and then afterwards stop by the artist-designed mini-golf.  We had an excellent outing, two entertained and happy outdoors little ones, and four happy adults, for less than $50.

Corn Maze

Yesterday Joel Andrew and I went through the Corn Maze at Scammon's in Stratham, NH.  I had no idea this was even there - it is aMAZEing.  No, but seriously.  The thing is huge.  Joel Andrew and I spent a good 1/2 hour just the two of us trying to get around, and it was quality time for sure.  I neglected to bring my camera, and my phone was in the process of being upgraded.  I was completely unplugged and it was just me and him time and I was loving it, and so was he, until he became frustrated by the maze.

Just as he and I were giving up…  Laurel came along with Bryce and Heather and saved the day!  We tried the maze again, which involved Heather and I trailing after the kids who were going through that thing with speedy determination.  We made it out, with Bryce's great guidance, in about 30 minutes.  The lady at the stand told us that was the quickest she had ever seen!

We will need to go back and bring James.  Who knew this was even on the Seacoast?  What a huge treat!  They also have a mini-hay bale maze which is free, and a bouncy house too which is free, tons of pumpkins grown on their property for sale, as well as the usual fall treats.  It must be a mob scene today.  We are usually Applecrest peeps because they are around the corner from our house, but I am so glad that Heather tipped me off to this awesome attraction just down the road!

Quick Post

Proud Mom.

We had company tonight.  While we were at the fire with the company, and after the boys had played outside for 2 hours and ate dinner, I put on one show (Kratts, from PBS, boys love it!).  I told Joel Andrew, BEFORE the show…  when the show ends you and your brother go upstairs, put your PJs on, and then come outside and say goodnight.

THEY DID!!!!

I just tucked them in.  Read Joel a small passage from his animal book.  Balloonfish.  I asked him if he knew what enemy was.  He told me it was something that trespasses.  

Can you believe that?

Mom gloat moment.

Vikings Game

Before children, each year Joel Husband and I would try to get at least one away game of the Patriots in…  This meant that I would get to enjoy my traveling, eating and visiting new places and he would get to see a Pats game, sometimes for a ton cheaper (in terms of actual seat price, obviously not when you add in airfare!).  This was a tradition we loved.  We have seen games in San Francisco, San Diego, Miami, Jacksonville, Nashville, and Atlanta.  Then we stopped…  It was only because my parents lived there - and my Dad worked very hard to get us awesome seats, that we added Chicago to the roster when I was pregnant with James.  Then we stopped again.

NOT anymore people!  We are back at it, and we have 23 more stadiums/teams to go.

This weekend we conquered seeing the Minnesota Vikings.  I haven't yet really set the rule, so this may or may not count.  I think the goal is to the Patriots play each NFL team, in their home court.  Which would make this weekend qualify, since we were in the Vikings home court.  Of course, it was not their stadium though as that is currently under construction.  We were at the U of M stadium, which was actually really nice. I was shocked.

So, things I want to remember about my experiences in the games (and I wish I blogged about them sooner, may have to repeat previous visits!  though I think I did blog about Chicago!)- are the following:

1. Atmosphere and People. The people were really, really, really, really nice here.  Like so nice.  We walk around in our Pats jerseys and I have been assaulted in some places (Miami), made fun of in other places, and in general get small quips and comments here and there.  It is all part of the fun and I expect it.  I am kinda terrified when I go to a Raiders game, but for the most part everyone is just having a good time.  However, in Minnesota - they are so nice, they have no idea how to make fun of you.  I literally got a ton of: "Oh boy, the other team… (then quick look of sadness and need to apologize)… Thank you so much for coming to visit our city!"  No joke.  Everyone thanked us for visiting.  Multiple people commented on my Troy Brown jersey.  "What a great and classy player."  WOW, Minnesota, you guys are awesome.  (Maybe they felt the need to identify with my classy player as one of theirs, Adrian Peterson, was just caught beating his child…!)
2. Entertainment and Team Theme.  They are all viking here.  They have a Skol band, not to be confused with Skoal Band, which I did.  I was horrified when they started talking about the Skol band and assumed the team let dip fund some music.  Skol is a viking term, and this was a band of rhythm instruments that had side-line things happening and a 1/2 time bit.  It was very nice once you realized dip was not involved.  They also had a man blowing a large horn of some sort.  I didn't really pay attention to their song too much, I just remember thinking it was less annoying than Miami's, nothing is more annoying than Miami's.  In other news, their cheerleaders changed outfits 1/2 way through the game.  Does this happen everywhere? Joel Husband says he didn't notice, right.
3. Food and Drink.  Miller owned this place, and I couldn't really find too much local beer.  I really shouldn't comment here though because they are not in their stadium and are just guests in the U of M stadium.  Similarly, I was glad that I ate a ton before I showed up and did not feel the need to get food.  It looked like normal stadium fare though there were some "delicacy carts" with cheese curds and such for sale.  I love cheese curds.  They also had "Drew's Popcorn" - better believe I took that tub home.
4. Tailgating.  We totally missed this in favor of brunch.  Plus, not sure they really have any with the temporary Stadium setting, though I am sure they probably did.

Good times were had.  We went with friends who had never been to a football game before and they loved it and want to go back again and again.  Price was not cheap, $190 per seat!  And, we had to pay for James!  But he generally loved the game and had a great time.  

Pats won.  By a lot… It was kinda sad actually, and made it a bummer.  We like a good nail biter!  James also was swept away in the crowds response and sadness, and could have been heard chanting Minnesota, Minn-e-sottta!  Over and over again in the stands.  It was cute.  We almost bought him a Vikings jersey.  

Till next time!  I wonder what game we should hit next?!

James as an Only Child

This weekend we spent time with just James in Minneapolis, MN.  This was needed, fun, relaxing and a great, great vacation.  Don't get me wrong, we missed Joelly.  But something happens when there is just 1.  The one child left becomes well-mannered.  They are a joy to be around.  Whining is cut down almost to nothing.  The child is a dream.  They become an only child!  (all only children are dreams!)

No, but seriously (of course I only said that because I am an only child)…  James was the best, and I am told so was Joel based on my conversations with my parents.  They watched him the entire weekend and loved it.

None of us had ever been to Minneapolis before, and we went to visit awesome friends.  We toured the whole city, went to a Patriots game, ate way, way, way too much food - dining at 5 star restaurants (yes, with kids in tow), visited sculpture gardens, the largest mall in our country - rode public transportation, walked the sky walk - and all without a stroller!

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I refused to bring a stroller and boy was that the correct decision.  There was only one time where it was absolutely necessary for me to carry James and that is when he fell asleep on the public transport.  He would not have fallen asleep if he had been in the stroller all day - he was exhausted from the walking! There is so much I can post about for this fun weekend, I am going to try to separate them out so they are searchable later, but in this post enjoy our pictures.  I loved it there so, so much I kinda want to move there.  We will be back again and again!

Letter to the Kindergarten Teacher I Wanted To Send

Dear Mrs. Middleton,

It's been almost two weeks and I thought I would finally check-in in regards to Joel Andrew in your class.  Our little guy started off Kindergarten feeling a bit under the weather.  This week he has rebound in full force and comes home - cannot stop talking, daily.  Thank you for making this transition for him a smooth one.  He loves everything about Kindergarten!

I'm not sure if all the parents have written you yet, and I am the last one.  I'm not sure if this is even appropriate however so much of my son's life is now in your classroom and I think two weeks of not having that quick check-in at the end of the day like we had with Daycare has gotten to me, so I thought I would just share some small tidbits and open the door for you to let me know if he is being snarky!

Also, I should let you know this experience has been fun, kind of like detective work.  I have had to put on my creative hat in order to get info. out of him like nothing before.  Putting my fundraising and management skills to the test.  So, here is what I have gleamed thus far:

There is a color code system.  Green is you are doing good.  Yellow means no recess.  Red means you go to the Principal.  When asked if just he heard this conversation, or if this was shared with the entire class he noted - everyone heard it.  But, he had so much detail, so many particulars about colors, the Principal's name, made me think that this was a conversation just meant for him.  Please clarify.  Joel Andrew is a delight and generally a rule follower, but he can and will lie his pants off.

Whatever the cinnamon things are that are at snack on Wednesdays are his new favorite things on earth.  I hope he eats at lunch. My boys eat a ton.  Yesterday he came home and ate 15 chicken nuggets.  I wonder if this is because of all the energy expelled, or if it is because he does not eat in school because he can't focus on it.

He is having pre-marital issues with his best friend and future wife Laurel.  His future mother-in-law and I talked this over yesterday.  It is very hard for us you know.  We have plans!  (plus, how could we watch our little guys - who have been like peas and carrots - get so upset over each other?  really heart wrenching!).

We think it was a huge misunderstanding involving Joel's desire to play Ninja Turtles and Laurel's desire to go down the slide that escalated quickly into broken engagements that made them both upset.  I told Joel Andrew that the toughest thing about Kindergarten is being able to juggle all those pretty awesome friends - and he needed to be more sensitive.  Joel seemed to want to ignore that he played any part in making Laurel break the engagement.  As I explained to him, women only get mad for a reason and that reason is usually something the men have done-- so boy, what have you done?  Further conversation enlightened both Joel and myself, and he is prepped to go in today and give Laurel a hug, tell her that her new haircut is Beautiful, and let her know that she is always welcome to play with him - no matter who he is playing with.  He told me that this conversation would have to wait until recess though, as line-up is serious business.  You can't talk at carpet time and recess is the only time to chat with friends.  Tight ship, Mrs. Middleton, I like it!

He keeps referring to one boy who "doesn't listen."  I hope that is not him in third person.

He talks a lot about Avery.  At first he referred to Avery as "she" but we quickly figured out he had his pronouns wrong.  Hopefully this Avery character is a good upstanding citizen.

Do you know why he is on the bus for an hour each morning before he gets into school?  Our town is like 5 square miles.  There are 200something kids in the entire K-8 school, and 4 busses.  How is it possible that it takes an hour for his bus to get to school?  When I was in high school I designed the middle school bus routes as part of my Engineering class senior year, perhaps I can help.

Oh, and I should tell you.  We are going away for 5 days just about the time when you will have your classroom and routine settled for him and you.  We will rip him out mid-day on a Wednesday and not return him until the following Thursday, the day before a 3-1/2 day holiday weekend.  This is sure to bode well for all.  Don't worry…  It is not for a family emergency or event - we need to go to Disney World!

I just wanted to say that we are thrilled and so excited that Joel is loving school.  I can only hope that he is being as good as we hope he is being for you everyday.  If not let us know - no more Octonauts for a week!

Sincerely,
Joel's Mom

Foot in Mouth

Those of you who know me know that I can sometimes say the most wrong thing - without meaning offense (for instance, I have too many roosters in my kitchen…fast forward two minutes later when I open the brand new rooster salt and pepper shakers from the person I was just speaking to - and by the way, those S&P's are still front row stage in my kitchen, thanks Bobo!).  I can also over analyze and worry too much.  When the two things come together, it is a bad, bad thing.

Yesterday I sold one of my things to a girl on my Baby Troop Facebook page.  She came to my office to pick them up and had a little one, about 10 or 11 months old in the bucket.  The Mom had one of those band aid things on her arm, as if she had just been to the Dr's office which I notice, but did not think of.

In casual chatty conversation I asked if she had any more kids and she replied "Not yet."  Like a moron I went on and on.  (husband, do not use this against me later).  I said I have two - they are 21 months apart and it was a nightmare!  Take your time!  She continued to speak as well.  Telling me she has a lot of friends with kids 17 months apart.  They are crazy I yelled at her!  Nuts people!  Enjoy the one you have now.

I get home from work and for some reason the band aid is sticking in my head and then it hits me.  This woman I was just speaking to came from the freaking Drs where she was getting tested for that pregnancy test.  Quick math, it is right for her to have a kid that would be 17 months apart from her current kid.

I racked my brain all night.  I probably really upset her.  She is probably freaking out right now.  She wouldn't care what I think, right?  What if I ruined her whole day?  Ah!

This morning I type an email noting that I hope she likes the thing she bought, and I rethought my earlier stance when I saw my boys playing together this afternoon.  Two so close is wonderful, at times hard but really great and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Ahh.  Feel better, right?  Making all right again for this poor lady who I am a moron to.

Then, she responds to my email with… I wanted to have them close together but just lost my second baby to miscarriage a few weeks ago.  I will keep trying and hope they can be close together.

Just Shut up me.  SHUT UP!