Kids and Canines: 365 days of playing, growing, and learning

Wednesday Catch Up

2013-01-09T21:52:00.001-05:00

It's a busy back to school week for us all. Vivienne has been having a rough time teething and Jackson is busy being two- all the good and the bad. Since it's already late tonight, but I didn't want to go another day without a post we'll make it just pictures tonight. Here are some pictures from the last few days.

Oops!

2012-11-28T21:56:00.001-05:00

So between this year's blog and last year's blog I used all of my storage so I will be starting a new blog, a less structured blog. It will be under a new email so hopefully it'll last a while! You can continue to follow the entertaining lives of Jackson, Vivienne, joe and Bernie please go to munchkinsandmutts.blogspot.com

Play time

2012-11-21T22:33:00.000-05:00

We had a fun morning taking pictures, then we headed to Totter's Otterville where everyone had a great time. Then we had a fun evening playing with bri and Jenna. Here are a couple pics from Otterville.

Travel day

2012-11-20T20:18:00.001-05:00

Today we ran errands around town, visited dad at work and then took off for mamaw's house. The kids were excellent on a very long trip. We were happy to arrive so they for to stay up a little later playing.

Day 310- Sunday night movies

2012-11-20T20:13:00.001-05:00

I was lucky enough to go out to the movies and Jackson and vivienne were spoiled rotten with love and attention while I was gone. When I came home we watched Sofia the first and had a fun TV dinner.

I didn't get many pictures today since I spent all morning cleaning and packing, but here are a couple I grabbed this evening.

Day 309- Merry Christmas and a Happy Halloween

2012-11-17T22:08:00.000-05:00

We had an exhausting day today. We started with a fun photo shoot with Amelia and Morgan- Jackson didn't want to leave. Then, we had fun with Santa's Workshop in the downtown businesses, then went to the Halloween event at the Y and ended watching the Polar Express load and take off. By the end of the night, Jackson was tired and dropping to the ground in protest often. We did make it back to the car in one piece and he was even in a good mood, just tired. I have a very busy day of packing and tomorrow so I'll keep this short and get my rest so that I have the energy to get it all done before my movie date :)

This is what he did instead of story time at Main Line books

Lunch break :)

Making pictures at Hopscotch

Working hard to make a bird feeder at Good Energy Foods

Watching the train at the welcome center

Vivienne enjoying a nap

Mom- it's a big diesel

Jackson and the Polar Express

It sure is a big train Mom

Playing with the Elf on the Shelf at Old Brick Playhouse

Making a train ornament at Artists at Work

Playing games at the Y's Halloween party

entering the coloring contest

Let the silent protests begin

Vivienne enjoyed the lights

Checking out one of the light shows

Writing a letter to Santa

mailing it to the North Pole

Playing with Joe Dog

It's just a little mess Mama

Day 308- Light Queen Takes Over

2012-11-16T22:52:00.002-05:00

Jackson and Vivienne spent the evening fighting over the shake and go lightning mcqueen, while watching cars- again. It's late so I'll just share some pictures from today. I'll try to get some more pictures from tomorrow- we have a full day of fun planned!

Licking the rice he dropped off of the table

She likes rice too

She wasn't interested in the tractor he gave her

Trying to get Lightning McQueen back

Help mama, I want to play light queen

Oh this toy makes noise too!

I got him all to myself!

Then, of course, he realizes that Vivienne is playing with his toy and he must claim it back

Day 307- Future Rockstar

2012-11-15T21:42:00.000-05:00

We had a fun evening with Ms. Jannet coming to visit for dinner and then was nice enough to stay and help with bath time. Vivienne and Jackson had fun being spoiled with attention. Tomorrow is Friday and we can't wait! I'm so sleepy from Jackson's late night parties so I'm hoping his sleepy look means he won't fight me too bad when Cars is over in a few minutes.
Since I was enjoying my visit, we didn't get a lot of pictures taken, but here are a couple :)

Day 306- Wordless Wednesday

2012-11-14T22:34:00.001-05:00

Day 305- Messy Night

2012-11-13T20:32:00.001-05:00

Well we've cleaned up spaghetti, hair, and poop. I think I'm done for the week. We had spaghetti and meatballs for dinner, which is always a favorite for the kids, then we gave Jackson a haircut and then he pooped on the floor. Yup, pretty much sums up how awesome this night has been. I still have a lot of paperwork to do so here are the pictures.

Whoa Mom, did you see my brother?

Mmmmmmmm meatballs!

I told him to smile and show me his haircut, hmmm

He insisted that "everybody wear bunny ears"

Not so sure about her new style

She's off again

Most patient dog ever

<3 Joe Dog

2 little monkeys jumping on the bed

Day 304- Trick or Treat take 2

2012-11-12T21:41:00.001-05:00

Vivienne is standing every chance she gets and is quickly moving to standing one handed. She is moving much more quickly than Jackson did at this age and I fear my days of leaving her and finding her in the same place while I do some quick task are over. As a first time mom I wanted to hurry Jackson up to reach all of these milestones. As a second time mom I want to slow her down. You don't know how good the sit and play stage is until it's over! Now the pull up stage full of bumps and bruises where I fear for her teeth.

Jackson get's funnier and funnier, you never know what's going to come out of his mouth. Today Russell pulled his milk away and he looks at him and says "hey Dad, what's the big idea?" Where on earth does he get these things.

Trick or treat was eh. He had fun for a little bit, but the waiting in line/ no nap led to a lot of "I don't want to _________" From trick or treat we had to go wait at Game Stop so that Russell could get his special ticket for the midnight party for the game release tonight.

Then we hit up Burger King for dinner since 5:30 snuck up on us and we didn't have time to get dinner before and we didn't expect there to be such a line at GameStop. Jackson and Vivienne had a great time being the only kids in the play place.

Now Russell and I are watching the Steelers, Jackson is watching Thomas the Train Misty Island Rescue on the ipad and Vivienne is asleep. Back to school tomorrow. I really hope this week flys by. There is so much fun planned for this weekend and next week!

Playing with toys together aka destroying the playroom

Enjoying a truck, much to Jackson's dismay

Playing with his racetrack Great Grandpa Hoffman made him

"Reading" "Once upon a time there were trucks, they got dirty, the end"

So proud of herself for standing

Getting brave and standing one handed

So excited for Trick or Treat

posing in her ladybug costume

Checking out the big line

Learning about the firetruck from Dad

Eager the first house

We had to switch kids by the end

Nerds at GameStop and Jackson ;)

Enjoying the play place

No toys are safe from Vivienne now

Day 303- Playing hard

2012-11-11T23:28:00.002-05:00

We had a busy day playing, shopping, and crafting. It's late and all the laundry and dishes are caught up, so I'll just post the pictures. We have trick or treat tomorrow so there will be lots of pictures then :)

Playing hide and seek

Felt tree for the kids to decorate- I need to get some more felt

Hmmm did Mom find me yet?

Here I am Mom!

Cheese

Hey Mom

You found me Mama

Yummy!

Day 303- Successful Saturday

2012-11-10T21:29:00.000-05:00

Well, it seems like the 3 day potty training is going to be more successful than the last 2 times we tried it. Jackson had ZERO accidents today, including a 3 hour nap in underwear! He hasn't asked to go yet, but will go when prompted (usually the prompt is "don't you pee on my potty!"). He did really well today and I'm proud of him. I hope he's as excited tomorrow.

Vivienne had a good day too and took a nice, long nap for me. She had a great time playing peek a boo with Jackson and blocks with me. Well, Jackson and I have a movie date tonight since Dad is out of town so it's time to wrap it up :)

Mom, Bernie made me cry

He's ridiculous mom

I'm playing trains mom

Climbing on her lion

The t-rexes are eating the trains

Playing together

Playing with tbone and clifford- I was shocked that Vivienne got to have Clifford

Doing so well with her sippy

Watching Princess and the Frog

Day 302- Hooray for Friday

2012-11-09T20:56:00.001-05:00

Even though we only worked for 3 weeks, I was so not ready for those 5:30 am mornings. So as soon as these munchkins get to sleep, I'm headed to bed.
Vivienne had her 9 month check today. She's 18lbs 12oz (54%) and 27" (16%) so growing well!

Guess who has found her way to the water bowl? I think I have lots of pictures of Jackson like this!

Oh how did I forget this stage? Throw food all over the floor and laugh, fun...

so proud of herself

Drinking milk

Happy little guy

Sibling fun

Showing off his Dora stickers from the doctor

Day 301- Puppy Love

2012-11-08T22:05:00.000-05:00

It's just me and the kids tonight. We had a fun evening emptying the TV room toybox, practicing standing, being silly and enjoying some tuna mac n cheese and limey beans. Jackson has been talking non stop and is pretty funny and as he tells me- he's awesome. I'm spending my quiet time (aka Vivienne is sleeping and Jackson is watching Bambi) planning for Christmas, I can't believe it's almost time to get all that shopping done.
Here are a couple of pictures from tonight.

Look what Vivienne did tonight!

She was really impressed with herself lol

Posing for Mama after getting into the toys by herself

Playing trains together

Woah, look at all the toys that aren't trains, but are pretty cool

Digging in in the bottom of the toy box

Jackson's "awesome" face

Jackson and Joe are waiting for a flood while watching Mickey--- can't they make longs in toddler sizes?

Love these boys!

Day 300- Standing tall

2012-11-07T22:47:00.004-05:00

Vivienne is really having fun pulling up and chewing on everything. She has a canine starting to work it's way through and it's giving her a hard time. We had a pretty relaxing evening, but I'm not feeling so hot so it's off to bed because Vivienne finally decided it's time to sleep and Russell is home so he can hang with Jackson. What happened to my asleep by 8:00 kids?

Hi Baby!

Such a "gentle" hug

Hmmm what have we got here?

He told me he was swimming

Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese

Hanging out with his buddy Joe Dog

Hi Mama

She stole his nachos

Look at me Mama!

Day 299- Election Day

2012-11-06T21:47:00.000-05:00

The kids enjoyed another day home today. We just hung around most of the day as Vivienne took a 4 hour nap. Jackson was really disappointed that there were no boats when we got to the polling place. Apparently in toddler world vote and boat are the same thing. Fortunately our polling place gave candy out to voters instead of stickers and he got over it :) Now we just watch to see who will be running the country and if my friends who are running for various offices have jobs tomorrow. I hope other people know how awesome they are and gave them a chance!

Joe refused to move so Jackson just made Joe part of the couch

I'm hungry mama

sibling love :)

Now Mom I told her to back off, she didn't listen- always be touching my stuff

crazy lady

the daily "playing trains" picture

poor short thing, I'm going to have to start buying capris

closer and closer to standing every day (though for whatever reason she mastered pulling up all the way in her crib over a month ago)

playing nicely together- a rare moment

I love the rare nights when she lets me cuddle her to sleep

Day 298- Back to work

2012-11-05T23:00:00.000-05:00

We had meetings in the morning, I got some work done, and then I was able to get some shopping and cleaning done while the kids were at Brenda's. When I picked them up we went and did some more shopping and had dinner out. Came home and they were in great moods, being silly and playing. After bath Vivienne quickly went to bed, adjusting back to her old schedule. I have no idea how Jackson is still awake, but he's starting to fade. So soon we'll be headed to brush our teeth, read our stories, and head to bed :)
Tomorrow is Election Day so don't forget to vote. Jackson loves voting because "pushing buttons is my fayborit."

Watching Light Queen

Peek a boo Mama- I'm throwing all your laundry on the floor

My t rex is going to eat my trains!

It's okay trains- I'll keep you safe

Day 297-Cleaning up

2012-11-04T23:36:00.000-05:00

We spent most of the day cleaning up the messes made from having no power. A quick meeting tomorrow and then I'm going to let Jackson and Vivienne hang with Brenda while I get some grocery shopping, laundry, and cleaning done.

Day 296- Home again

2012-11-04T13:32:00.004-05:00

We finally made it back home and have power, heat, water and everything else we need. The only casualty is our wireless router- so we will need to go shopping for one soon as Jackson is missing some ipad games. We had a fun time at Grandma's and Grandpa's house, but are definitely happy to be home. Now we are starting the long process of unpacking, cleaning, laundry, etc.

Reading Baby Bear to himself

so happy to have his train tracks back

sleepy lady- who woke up an hour lady and partied for hours longer

Watching The Great Pumpkin

Day 295- Relaxing day

2012-11-04T13:19:00.000-05:00

After a late night the kids slept in late so we didn't get things packed up to go home on time. We enjoyed a nice, quiet, relaxing day instead.

Sorting and checking out their candy

Enjoying time with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Hoffman

Showing off his new shirt

Day 294- Trick or Treat

2012-11-04T13:14:00.004-05:00

The rain postponed Trick or Treat in New Martinsville, which was good luck for our kids since they got to go. They had a great time and got to visit with lots of relatives. Jackson acted like a starving child and begged for food and attention everywhere we went. They stayed up really late, but had such a great time.

All ready to go

Chugga chugga choo choo

Happy little ladybug

Off to great grandma's and great grandpa's house

All worn out

Day 293- Happy Halloween

2012-11-04T13:03:00.005-05:00

We still didn't have power this Halloween (and it totally didn't feel like Halloween!). When I got a text stating that we would be without water later that evening we decided to pack up the crew and head to New Martinsville to enjoy heat, power, and water. We were able to set up the generator and recharge the refrigerators and freezers before we left. We got in later than planned and the kids stayed up way late. Vivienne barely slept, but had fun crawling around chasing Russell's cat.

Chasing Mickey around at 2 am

The boys get to sleep while I take care of Vivienne

Cheesing at home before we left

Look Mom, I have teeth

Look at all these toys

Yum!

Jackson is not as excited as Vivienne that they are playing together

Trying to play trains together

Reading "Where's Dave" to me

Vivienne coming to ruin his good time

Oops, I knocked it down :)

Day 292- Frankenstorm

2012-11-04T12:40:00.004-05:00

I am catching up since we have been without power. Tuesday brought the brunt of the storm, with over a foot of snow during the day. We lost power Monday night and had fun living unplugged for the start of this day. However, after reading that we would be without power for days, Russell took off for a generator and heater to get us through. By the time he was able to get these things, it was getting dark and the roads were getting bad, so he stayed with his cousin in Fairmont and Jackson, Vivienne, and I camped out. We had some chili and spaghetti for dinner by candlelight, had warm baths by flashlight, and then watched Polar Express on the portable DVD player until it died. We had a goodnight and everyone slept pretty well all curled up in our big bed- even Joe slept up by Jackson to keep him warm.

Jackson's new hat

fun times in the playroom- thank goodness for sunlight!

Woah buddy- that's some snow- Bernie making a run for it

Joe says- it's hard when you're heavy and sink to the bottom

Russell shoveled them a path before he left

Bernie was wondering how Joe got so tall

Yummy spaghetti!

All done!

Spaghetti for dinner, Jackson brought his own light

Calming down before bed

Joe and Jackson cuddling

Day 291- I'm dreaming of a white....Halloween?

2012-10-29T21:12:00.003-04:00

Well, we made it to lunch until the snow started to fall. Then we were able to get out early and come home to enjoy the snow before the whiteout, windy blizzard hits tomorrow. Jackson had so much fun in the snow and was so mad that I made him come in. Vivienne was just intrigued by it. The power keeps flickering, so I'll keep it short. We went to Chinese for my birthday dinner and are getting ready for an early bedtime.

I had a great birthday, thank you everyone for your birthday wishes!

Early this afternoon

Double naptime

Checking out the snow

Helping Dada shovel

He has a picture just like this with Jackson when he was itty bitty

My see saw still works Mama

Jackson wouldn't take a picture with his snowman, so Vivienne volunteered

Eating snow

Little snowman

Putting his hat back on

Swinging is fun in the snow

I accidentally uploaded this and since it took forever you can watch the snow

2:30

2:45

3:30

Get this noodle out of my rice mom

Hmm Chinese!

I love her little moon boots

This happened while we were eating

7:00---and this is before the "storm"