tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254661187115673452024-03-13T13:03:16.936-07:00Baby PattersonLiving. Laughing. Learning. Loving. Listening. Life as a Patterson!Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comBlogger262125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-51844609614913514582013-05-09T22:13:00.001-07:002013-05-09T22:13:33.979-07:00For the love of dogs...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-72273255103224772782013-03-12T22:58:00.001-07:002013-03-12T22:58:58.062-07:00Winter Slumber.Highlights from a winter slumber...it's that simple. Slumber. I have not been awake long enough nor focused enough to capture milestones that Kaitlyn and Dylan have encountered over these past few months so in hopes the moons have truly aligned, my slumber still awaits but the writer in me leaps as the ink meets the blank sheet (or text meets the blank screen)!<br />
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Now two months shy of FIVE, Kaitlyn busies herself with make believe, often referring to her brother as 'son', or 'Daddy'; she names everything Isabella; appears to have a knack for Spanish and can't miss a chance to correct her brother's pronunciation; sounds out all letters of ALL words even if it means she will be late to school-a tantrum for reading, should I complain? She screams and wails and certainly knows how to hold her own, but never forgets to say I love you; she feels accomplished when she styles her own hair; drumming a repetitive rhythm comes as natural as her own heartbeat; she has a surgeon's precision when completing her pin prick projects at school; recites lyrics like the alphabet and eats all things all colors including green! Kindergarten awaits her this fall.<br />
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Dylan has tackled THREE with the passion of a natural born athlete implying a ball of any sport is an extension to his daily attire; he's a determined bike rider; wants to take his family on a trip in a space shuttle; seems to love orange dinosaurs and all things superhero. He's the new poster child for the you tube tutorial 'How to pester your sister in less than three....(seconds, minutes, miles...you fill in the blank); he loves trains and anything with buttons; he's incredibly thoughtful and tenderhearted; can mimic his sister's colorful expressions while offering a mischievously innocent grin; he loves the word NO but never fails to ask for anything with the magic word, Please. He's finding confidence with his letter recognition; can be found in his birthday suit more often than not and he still cuddles with me in the morning!<br />
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My two youngsters now face new responsibilities. They have five fish to care for, Cosimo (our dog) to walk and eggs to crack for morning meals. What can I say? They are truly growing up. Each brings a unique flavor to my day that contributes toward my spirit of gratitude. I'm so lucky for their fiery temperaments, their cuddly naps, their copy cat wars and particular food tastes. A day in my life is NEVER EVER boring, that's for sure....like....<br />
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...a month ago the children were awfully quiet. Steve and I both know that when we can hear our own inner muse at work something is up. Sure enough Kailtyn had Dylan in a captive audience while she was stripped down outside finding great entertainment in peeing on the grass. Or...when Dylan tries to wake his sister by shoving his foot on her face...how about the remarkable declaration that Kailtyn made, "Mommy, I want a penis so I can touch it"....yeah. It's never dull!<br />
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<br />Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-34471870084983491072012-12-17T01:58:00.001-08:002012-12-17T01:58:03.759-08:00San Diego Reunion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The cousins reunited after a year of continental separation! We were so eager to see Uncle Jeff, Auntie Cupcake (Steph), cousins Truman and Griffin that we decided today would be the perfect opportunity! While Griffin didn't make any of my photos...he wasn't far off from these candid shots! What a blast everyone had...especially at the Coronado beach!</div>
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<br />Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-44703087258422505272012-12-17T01:36:00.001-08:002012-12-17T01:36:07.572-08:00Tree hunt...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It really was the perfect outing! A couple of weeks back the kids and I had a sleep over at the Grandparents which was followed with a Christmas Tree adventure. It was a festive morning for everyone and a very successful stop! <div>
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This season, by far, has been the most entertaining for the kids-they both are engaged in all the bells and whistles from Christ centered songs to Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer. It's a JOLLY time over here at the Patterson abode!<div>
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Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-26352803421889583292012-11-28T15:34:00.000-08:002012-11-28T15:34:14.820-08:00Soccer Mom <br />
I'm certain this will cause some talk. We just made our official reservation for the Tesla Model X. I'm excited. I will be the proud owner of this gem in 2014. Nothing out there quite like it. Mountains? Beach? City? Desert? You name it, I'm driving!<div>
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Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-62666798790176643442012-11-28T15:13:00.002-08:002012-11-28T15:13:35.239-08:00Carnivore 'Do they have hot dogs?' Dylan shouted this out after a solid walkabout among the classroom tables perusing the individually served Thanksgiving meals. No, no hot dogs for this little man which translated to no food. He is in a rut with cuisine selection or maybe I'm the one in a rut. Right now his interests lie in all things white, negative nutrient snacks and meat. Maybe an occasional berry, apple or swig of milk. He's a solid carnivore and squirms with all things green, resists other funky colors like the vibrant orange of a persimmon or the deep reds of a pomegranate. Seriously? It pains me. If I'd allow for it, he'd feast upon cheerios, pancakes and granola bars ALL DAY LONG. Don't get me wrong, he gets his share of the above mentioned favorites, but the deceptive mother in me shows up now more often than not trying to whisk a little extra nutritional love down his throat! I've found that if I rotate the added bang, he won't strike, so the following are my must-haves:<br />
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1. Ground Flax Meal-great on anything including salads, muffins, pancakes and panko bread crumbs for homemade chicken nuggets!<br />
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2. Green Goddess Juice. I know, juice-it's a curse. I figure since he hardly eats anything green and for some off beat reason he will enjoy a few swigs of this horrifying pulpy mess of a drink, I keep it handy. Don't think it's a daily indulgence now...he goes back and forth on his Green Goddess strike.<br />
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3. Quesadillas. He loves these. With milk being a temperamental interest based upon the mood of the moment, I find great contentment with my attempt to boost his calcium intake even if it means quesadillas every day!<br />
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4. Apple Chicken Sausage. Yes, those yummy ones from Costco. He could live off of these. When feeling at a loss for what to cook, I can always count on this sausage to yield a satiated child!<br />
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5. Probiotics. I'm starting to add them to his water. I can't imagine what good bacteria could be thriving in his nutrient depleted gut that a few million healthy strains of goodness can't hurt, right?<br />
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6. Pureed squash for the pasta sauce! I can't go wrong with this technique!<br />
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Now Kaitlyn is the poster child for health in our family right now. Just the other night at Chick-Fil-A she ordered the bowl of chicken noodle soup over the french fries and chicken nuggets as it's now her 'favorite' and it's 'healthy'! She is quick to point out all the colors on a plate being sure to note that she is being healthy and of course quick to point out unhealthy behaviors, too....like the man smoking as we walked by. Yes, that would be my four year old daughter scolding your smoke break! She will eat the salad on her plate first and always snoop on your plate for the off chance you may be eating something different than her and possibly hook her up with a bite!<br />
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Needless to say, both children eat. They are not failing in the weight department as both are above the 75th percentile...<br />
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<br />Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-70045316243143875112012-11-11T23:36:00.001-08:002012-11-11T23:36:52.331-08:00School....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Preschool photo...Fall 2012! </div>
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These two are way too ADORABLE!!!</div>
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xoox</div>
<br />Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-88214312564274680392012-11-11T23:27:00.001-08:002012-11-11T23:44:25.402-08:00Photos! Photos! Photos!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As promised....photos from late!</div>
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Trip to AZ, Dylan's 3rd birthday party & Halloween!</div>
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xoxoxo</div>
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Apple picking...such a blast! </div>
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Dylan's Party...</div>
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Web slinging fun...silly string webs to shoot down the villain!!!</div>
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"I want a spider web cake mom."</div>
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The obstacle course for agility...to improve the spidey senses!</div>
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Presents for Spiderman!</div>
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Dance party, birthday party after-hours!</div>
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Halloween...Spiderman 1 and Spiderman 2 (Build A Bear Workshop, thanks to the Hodgkinson Clan).</div>
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Papa and Grandma stopped over to handle out candy while the kids romped around the neighborhood!</div>
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The final stop....with a full bag!</div>
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Papa and his many looks!</div>
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The Entertainer of the Year...Papa!<br />
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Pumpkin Carving....<br />
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"It's so slimy!"</div>
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Build a Bear Workshop H I T!</div>
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This bear left in Dylan's arms with three outfits:</div>
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Raider's Football </div>
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Scuba Diver</div>
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Spiderman</div>
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Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-18232512051442651642012-10-31T00:21:00.000-07:002012-10-31T00:21:56.245-07:00ParrotIt's a continual game of Copy Kat around here. Either Dylan or Kaitlyn gets the other started and then it's over, a freight train of banter between the two rules the house. The volume escalates and then it's over, just like that. At least for a short while until the other starts in again. I call the copier 'Parrot'. Really, my nickname just fuels the fire!<br />
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Where to begin, once again I'm sitting her pondering the joys from this past month as it's been another 30 plus days since I last wrote. So much changes in a few short weeks that the trends from today were certainly not anticipated two weeks ago! The kids and I took Grandma to Arizona for a stint with Auntie Jessie-a glorious time to be in Arizona. Swimming, park play, walks with the dogs and hands on hanging out with desert tortoises: Godzilla (the Big Daddy); two mothers and about seven babies (each no more than three inches in length). Auntie Jessie was prepared for our visit-a stocked toy cabinet, books on DVD and fun treats. She never ceases to amaze me!<br />
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Then it was Papa's 70th birthday. This was quite an endeavor. Grandma had him in a skeleton costume, invited over a houseful of saints while the brothers et all were the servers, grill master (Steve), MC (Darin & Scott), bartender (Benet) and even the witness supporter (Denis via iPad). It was a festive evening rich with extra hands (my favorite was Kimberly, Scott's girl, who brought her own rubber gloves to assist with the dishes...now that's thoughtfulness)! As usual Heames fashion, the house was packed, the stories were great and the party was rocking! The kids and I headed back over the next day for a nice family brunch among the great Aunt's & great Uncles. Kaitlyn wore her tutu and went into a reenactment of my all too famous blue tutu wearing days of Italy! She is truly my daughter...this I know!<br />
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Last week Steve and I headed to San Fran while the kids were under the care of Nana. Lord bless her for the work she did while we were away. The children were brought to school each day, on time, and without skipping a beat, all their afternoon commitments were upheld! I'm sure they were given yummy homecooked meals, daily, as all the food I had for their lunches and general dining were still here when I returned! Go Nana....to our surprise, she took Dylan to the Barber and ordered him a darling haircut! He's like a little man now, ready for the military since the hair is really super short with curls on top. I know Steve wasn't thrilled, and for me...I just wish I was there. I can visualize Dylan at an old school Barber, feeling grown up, not moving at all, frozen in both curiosity and amusement! He just walks around the house with his hands on his head, stopping periodically to say, 'I like it, Mommy, I like my haircut'! It's really precious!<br />
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Miss Sassy Kaitlyn is growing up so quickly! She's much more receptive to instruction and lessons these days, I'm so pleased! I also find myself, especially when lying next to her scratching her back at night, so in love! I'm in awe over the fact that this little child is a part of me...she is my family. It's remarkable. Probably for the past two months I've been overcome by these feelings toward both the kids. I often heard prior to giving birth to Kaitlyn, 'Oh you'll be so in love with your children, it's such an amazing feeling.' Well, it took me a good few weeks to feel a connection with Kaitlyn-partly due to her being in the NICU and then partly due to the struggles with breastfeeding, lack of sleep and the overall shock of the physical toll childbearing has on you. Then one morning the feeling of love was different and I truly felt connected to this little innocent being. Well...what I feel lately is of greater depth. I really thought I was at the cap of my love, only needing to sustain it for forever...but recently I found out that our capacity to love can only further grow!<br />
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With that...key highlights:<br />
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Dylan is now 3 years old! His big day was celebrated by the Hodgkinson's with a grand trip to Build A Bear Workshop. He took on a silver bear that roars, has ears that light up and was outfitted with three full costumes: Raiders Football Player (including a helmet), a Scuba Diver and Spiderman! Such fun-he carries this bear almost everywhere and changes it's clothes as often as Kaitlyn changes her mind! His actual party is on this Saturday...Spiderman! Should be an absolute blast!<br />
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Dylan talks like a big boy mainly due to his greatest teacher being that of Kaitlyn. We all know she talks like she's 13-a real eloquent young girl! He's no quiet one either. This deep voice of his can be heard from all rooms of the house. He has a presence and with the right direction, we really hope it can be a great benefit for any team sport!<br />
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Kaitlyn declared the other day that she will not be a football player, but rather a cheerleader.<br />
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Kaitlyn is in a dance class that happens at her school on Thursdays...this little girl is in Heaven. She has tap and ballet shoes that she'll just put on for no reason other than to pretend dancing. She goes over her dance moves repeatedly, often showcasing them to Steve or myself. It's really been fun to witness this excitement within her toward dance! Go Miss Amanda (her teacher) for having such a great influence upon her!<br />
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Kaitlyn also knows every lyric and title to each song that comes on the sirius Kids Place Live station. I listen to it as often as she and still don't know lyrics let alone song titles. Genius. Definitely Steve's daughter.<br />
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Dylan continues to be a typical boy: holding his penis all the time. Did I mention he holds his penis constantly? Really, his new thing is to walk around holding onto his penis. Heck, it's so often Auntie Jessie called him 'Tug' while we traveled. On a serious note, he's rock solid with his meat eating abilities, his independence is becoming as fierce as Kaitlyn's and he's not phased by sweets. Amazing how young children are when concrete personality traits are recognizable!<br />
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Enjoy the pics:<br />
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<br />Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-52756753335660284542012-09-18T01:04:00.000-07:002012-09-18T01:04:04.457-07:00Changing of the season...It's been two full months and I've not written a word, hoarding all child moments for my own memory, preventing anyone from relishing in the full joy that I've been experiencing of late. Summer has come to a close for us as now both Kaitlyn and Dylan are in their third week at school. Together they tackle four days, Tuesday thru Friday at the local Montessori Academy-a place I have yet to fully know since the last two years we were at another Montessori over 15 miles away. Now the eight minute commute is a welcomed reality, I feel like I have earned it!<br />
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Leading up to school, I had the kids full time at home from end of June, all of July and August. During this time we experienced some solid fun, solid lessons and solid love. I am proud to report that my little Kaitlyn has grown up tremendously -so much so-that Grandma mentioned her improvement during their recent overnight. Kaitlyn now preoccupies herself with activities that require deep concentration. Or, maybe more accurately, she falls into a deep concentration when engaged with various activities, most requested being any type of craft. Beyond the artsy world she possesses an obvious hunger for mastering tasks and is on a quest to further her repertoire of knowledge. She's down right curious, often asking questions that I find challenging to answer. Sometimes I fib and refer her questions to Steve knowing that my walking-encyclopedia-husband will have a quick answer appropriate for her thirsty mind! I've heard that people relearn life when they have children and now I get how this happens. My retention of just about anything is slim to none so children are challenging me with my own life pursuits, historical facts and then the basic life questions that one would assume any human would have an answer for! Well....I don't always!<br />
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Dylan is a force to be reckoned with. He's a superhero trapped in a 2 year old body. Seriously, he's in fantasty world often. He'll step into this stance, hands on his hips, stern look upon his face and then he'll say, "I'm Spiderman." It's a full character experience! My favorite is when he wears his homemade Batman face mask, constructed out of yellow and black construction paper, pseudo laminated by way of clear tape and stretch string to keep it on his face! This kid is drenched in costume, imagination and the memorable DEEP DYLAN voice. Where did the latter come from? He is a rock solid little bugger, and then he opens his mouth, talks and people stop to listen. He commands attention with this voice alone, but with is mask of the day and superhero energy, he's just a fun show!<br />
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Dylan continues to pest his sister and she, him...but the coolest experience is how they feed off one another. I suppose this has been blossoming for some time but as of late their make believe sessions revolve around playing house-surely dictated by big sister Kaitlyn. Nonetheless, Dylan plays the role of Daddy or Baby. Kaitlyn remains true to her own character, but under the pretend play of Mommy. Yes, she's bossy-as am I. <br />
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Speaking of bossy, Kaitlyn likes to control how a situation should unfold. She will arrange the scene for you, then tell YOU what to do and say, play by play. This is not always met with a degree of welcomed involvement, and that generally leads to a minor meltdown. She is particular. This I would attribute to Steve. Children...you really can see your own self in their development.<br />
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We are back on the church track, giving our go with the local Catholic Church in a neighboring town. First week my idea to go was met with, "I don't like God." Hmm. Really? Second week was met with, "I love going to church. Just like cousin. We get to learn about God. God created everything, even me and you Mom....and Dylan and Daddy." She's hilarious. Dylan doesn't really know any better and quite frankly I can't wait until he's 3 so he can attend the child's program that is offered during mass...he's just a rambunctious boy that finds fun anywhere else but near me when forced to stay somewhat calm and contained. Lord help me! I figure the routine of it all will pay off in the long run and eventually the two of them will possess that reverence and understanding one can gain through going.<br />
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This morning Kaitlyn was putting on winter tights adorned with varying snowflake designs, her sunburst yellow skirt and topped with a long sleeve patterned green and peach springtime motif. I told her in my most affirming voice-you know she's soooo independent that of course she feels super great for dressing her own self-, "You know Kaitlyn while I love the tights and this new shirt, ...what you have on today does not match." She stood, astonished by what I said, momentarily computing her thoughts, then burst out with, "Mommy, I'm a rockstar today." Ok, I give up! Like I said, independent little one.<br />
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Before closing...do know a litany of photos will come soon. The kids enjoyed a couple of days at the beach in our relative's beach condo, a day at LegoLand, a handful of birthday parties and their first RV style camping trip. We ran around this town from park to park, attempted bike rides and train rides, ate yummy afternoon treats and cooled off multiple times in our blow up swimming pool. Summertime was embraced fully around here. Team Patterson now moves onto Autumn...what lies ahead: dance class and Spanish for Kaitlyn, soccer for Dylan, and Gymnastics for both! I'm tired just thinking about it!<br />
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<br />Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-18452947509953911422012-07-24T00:18:00.004-07:002012-07-24T00:18:43.508-07:00ConnectionsOur newest friends...we met this family at swim. Naomi and Jordan are twins, both turned 3 recently. Kaitlyn was in class with Naomi and Jordan with Dylan. The color of our children united us...Shay, their mother, is black and married to a white man. I love how color can unite!<br />
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PS. Thanks Nana for the backpacks. Despite their not being in school, they do get used!<br />
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<br />Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-23536818394387374782012-07-24T00:08:00.001-07:002012-07-24T00:08:10.623-07:00Words...Tonight the kids and I were doing this great tie-dye t-shirt project using a rainbow of sharpie markers, rubbing alcohol and rubber bands. In all the prep I told them that these markers would not come off their clothes or anything else they wrote on. Kaitlyn then stated so confidently, 'Mommy, they are like your pregnant marker, the black one!'<br />
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Priceless.<br />
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Dylan plays in fantasy land all the time now. Generally he's neck to neck with Kaitlyn teaming up with one of her princesses as he tackles crime head on as Spider Man. Tonight he was saying he was Peter Parker and so Kaitlyn ran up to me showing me her Batman Pez dispenser saying, 'He's not Batman anymore.' She wanted his real life character name. I told her he must be Bruce Wayne and she darted off to Peter Parker with intensity. Later I observed Dylan moving his character figurines all over the family room, mumbling to himself various scenarios. Then, ever discreetly, walked over to Kaitlyn's princess basket and took out her 'glass slippers'. He put them on and returned to his superhero guys as if nothing ever happened. Oh man, he will certainly be able to hang with the girls. He could win any Princess Jeopardy today, even at his young age of 2.5 years. He knows the princesses by dress, by hair, by skin.<br />
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Needless to say, our home is constant Superhero Princess Party talk all day, from morning to night.<br />
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<br />Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-79323006474236382432012-07-13T02:14:00.000-07:002012-07-13T02:14:10.437-07:00Summertime...It's hot. Summer has surely arrived. The kids are home full time and every so often I get from Kaitlyn, "I miss school. I miss my friends, can't we go tomorrow?" It's so wonderful to hear this for a number of reasons, but today, what makes my head throb is that it validates my driving 240 miles each week just for the two round trips for delivery and pick up that I do each day they attend. Yes, that's right, 240 miles X 4 weeks is 960 miles a month just for school. That amounts to approximately three tanks of gas which is close to $210 a month on this venture alone. Let's not forget I'm an active mom who enjoys visiting Nana in Long Beach, the folks in Moreno Valley and of course a couple of LA trips scattered throughout the months along with all the regular city driving and we are sinking into gallons of additional fuel. Respite. It's summer. I haven't filled my tank in over a week and I still have a quarter tank left-this makes my heart skip.<br />
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Steve is on a quest for the latest Tesla Motor's Model S all electric car and after the opportunity to test drive this baby a couple of weeks back, I salivate at the shift of coins! This car, while it's a huge up front expense, has a ridiculously minimal overhead cost that if all goes well, our solar powered units for the home (once installed) will off set that cost even more. Go Green. It's a new experience that we'll be having here at the Patterson home come March of 2013-well, Steve at least. In the meantime, I'm relishing in my low overhead, relatively speaking, as my city taxi miles is all I'm having to finance!<br />
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Two weeks ago I enrolled Kaitlyn in a Level I swim class and Dylan in a Mommy & Me class, both conducted in the same lane at the same time. This has grounded my summer days, giving us an activity that organizes our day, gets us out of the heat momentarily, and exhausts at least Dylan. When it's all said and done, the kids will have enjoyed a full month of classes as they are offered five days a week...they will be ready to 'swim' in the lake for our August camping trip but the real motivation is learning how to be safe in the water or they will not be allowed to swim in cousin Natalia's pool. This puts Kaitlyn out of any sassy spell and immediately into a mode of cooperation when getting ourselves ready for class. Kaitlyn seems to thoroughly enjoy the lessons, often reporting to me a fondness for her skills that develop each passing day. Most recently this included "holding hands with Roger (a classmate) underwater while going under water for a toy". She's such a girl....<br />
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From day one, Dylan verbally disapproved of going under the water and for whatever reason, today he wanted to do it twice and didn't cry but rather smiled heavily asking for more. The shift happened. I'm confident in his abilities, any sport with this guy and off he'll go, sailing. We walk past the football field to reach the pool and thus daily he reminds me of his future football playing adventures, saying hello to each giant jock as they strut along with all their gear. It's a college campus after all, so training is in full force and Dylan is absorbing it all!<br />
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Some incredibly delicious highlights of these two rapidly growing children:<br />
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Kaitlyn loves to count to 100! Often we swap numbers, I say 1 and she says 2, and on we go all the way up to 100. Fun mind game! She also easily absorbs herself in paper dolls-maybe I could label her as a chronic user? Seriously, this past week alone I think I've spent over four hours just cutting and gluing every 3-D Disney printable paper craft project available on-line. When she asked to help with the cutting-as everything needs cutting out-I said yes and to my surprise, this little girl wouldn't move for two hours straight, hardly talk...completely focused on her task; completely proud of herself once she had finished piles of cut outs for me to glue. Her cutting skills are exceptional I might add.<br />
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Dylan is in the throws of potty training. I give credit to Montessori for really doing the tedious work of getting him trained since now that we are home full time I see how easily it could be to just give up and slap on a diaper or pull up to reserve my energy for something else. Currently he's found a fascination with peeing outside and on two occasions, pooping. Oh boy! Not my favorite situation to walk into-but I do know it's so typical. He's fairly great with his aim at the potty, but I've observed that as he gets more swift with the routine, the sloppy side of potty training occurs. Anyone know how to get that pee smell out of bathroom grout? Moms of boys, you know what I'm talking about here!<br />
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As our days unfold, the sibling rivalry remains high, the bedtime routines are lengthy, imaginations are wild and Super Heros with Princesses are top notch topics. I'm finding myself laughing more with these two, lavishly loving on them, hugging and praising each throughout the day and especially when I tuck them into bed. This has become my favorite part of the day-I lean onto each one separately asking them what they are thankful for. The first few times Dylan would shrug his shoulders and smile. I'd begin my list of specific encounters of our day that made me proud or made me appreciate his style and then he'd bust out with an appreciation. It's incredible what little minds can conjure up! Kaitlyn's thank you's are always conducted while scratching her back-it's her thing. She inherited this from Steve...the itch factor. She loves a good hard scratch, dictating which part of her back to scratch next. It's hilarious really. By the time we are finished with our thank you's, Dear Loving and Gracious God prayers and scratches, she is off to slumber and I'm often off to slumber alongside her. I'm exhausted. Pooped out. It's summer. after all!<br />
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<br />Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-17296357228766020502012-06-17T01:34:00.000-07:002012-06-17T01:34:44.801-07:00Communication by my 4 year old...Tonight was going to be adventurous, thus I made it very clear what the children and I were set out to accomplish. Both Dylan and Kaitlyn knew they would be in the double stroller once we arrived in Old Town Pasadena and that Mommy had to pick up some paper from a paper shop. They would not be getting out of the stroller, and if they both cooperated while I got my goods, we would go for ice cream. Exceptional. Truly, both of these little ones were so outstanding. Overjoyed I found myself stopping time to express to them specifically how much I appreciated their cooperation at the store, itemizing out what they did: they were patient, quiet and very courteous.<br />
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Well, upon arriving at home I had high hopes both would be passed out from the travel time, however I was unfortunately left with two overly tired but awake children. Dylan couldn't get himself to focus on sleep while his sister was attempting every tactic in the book to delay her restful sleep (jumping on bed, asking for other sleeping arrangements, repetitively saying certain words, stalling with getting dressed, etc...you get the picture). Eventually I grew to a snappy verbal tone and as militant as I could be, I attempted laying down the law. My four year old, again, overly tired, began her rant. This is the second one this week and I must say they are comical now that I know how to handle them! She followed me downstairs to let Cosimo outside and wouldn't follow me back upstairs for a number of reasons she blurted out. I left her there on the last step and walked upstairs to get Dylan back into his bed (probably for the 4th time due to all his sister's disruptions)! She ranted for another ten minutes yelling, with confidence, such statements like:<br />
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I don't like this house anymore.<br />
I don't like my Mommy, she's being a bully.<br />
You can have all my Princess dolls and throw them into the trash.<br />
I don't like Princesses anymore.<br />
I don't like my books, I don't like my shoes.<br />
I don't want to sleep. Mommy is mean.<br />
I want to play. I'm not tired.<br />
I don't like my curly hair, I want my hair to be straight.<br />
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I don't like my Mommy....<br />
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Mind you, she is hollering these statements out so loud it's hard to not want to stop them. But, silence is golden as she eventually stopped. I went up to her thanked her for quieting down and asked her if she was done with all that she wanted to say. She agreed she was finished but then launched into this finger listing (literally holding up her fingers one at a time) for why she was frustrated and had hurt feelings:<br />
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Mommy was Rude. Selfish. Yelling. Mommy was a bully. Didn't get the right bed for me. Mommy was going to leave me alone. Mommy was laughing when it wasn't funny.<br />
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She had nine fingers up by the time she finished all her thoughts. I swept her up and placed her back into her bed. Then proceeded to tell her that it was time to apologize-she very cooperatively apologized, as did I (secretly chuckling at the dynamic communication style of this little one) and we ended our night together with a loving embrace.<br />
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These shots below are from earlier today-they really capture her personality. Love her outfit? Yes, she picked it out herself and said, 'they match, the dots (on the shirt) are the same color as my pants'. She does this all the time, patterns could be horrifically colliding but she'll have at least one color in her shirt compliment or be the same color as one found on her pants. You can't change her mind on it, either. Once she sorts out her choice, that's it.<br />
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She's exhaustingly brilliant.<br />
<br />Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-81113286561671229272012-06-06T00:49:00.000-07:002012-06-06T00:49:30.392-07:00Glam & Ham.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I couldn't resist. Tomorrow at school the kids have an opportunity to do old fashioned dress-up photos. I see the price of $70 to get the two of them photographed and figured I'd do my own rendition. I'm no pro and quite frankly, there really isn't anything old fashioned about this. Kaitlyn was beside herself with glee. Getting to wear mommy's lipstick and raid the jewelry box. The latter was rather insightful. I have a true fashionista in the makings. She had opinions. Did I mention she had opinions? </div>
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Dylan's curiosity grew the longer he observed Kaitlyn getting dolled up. We grabbed a tie from Steve's rack and a crisp shirt, rolled up the sleeves to make a fit that was nothing shy of 100% adorable. He was ecstatic-and adding the watch to his wrist (it didn't last on his arm long enough for the photos) completed his happiness! I wish I video taped the preparation!</div>
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Kaitlyn is no stranger to the camera. She was on stage the minute the sequence top hit her body. She was all poses and glam. My two little hams. I hope they find theater in their future. If I could decide it for them, they'd be cast as leading roles! I won't lie. I did consider the looking into getting professional head shots today. With these two, I am certain any company would want them in front of their camera! Here's to having fun after dinner this evening....being spontaneous and downright silly! Love, Love, Love this kind of play!</div>
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<br />Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-77528016323612506992012-06-06T00:36:00.004-07:002012-06-06T00:36:37.992-07:00Birthday Celebration tidbits...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Mermaid Cake.</div>
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Steve's shark....</div>
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Sharks & Mermaids welcome.</div>
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The Birthday girl in her birthday dress!</div>
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In Princess attire for cake eating.</div>
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Cousins, just hanging out! Baby Lucas isn't so babyish anymore!</div>
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<br />Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-43054267982514893742012-06-01T21:51:00.003-07:002012-06-01T21:51:48.953-07:00Momma's BoyIt's evident that Dylan is a Momma's Boy. I think any onlooker could pin this title-it's clearly obvious. Just a few notes to capture this momentous label he possesses...for how long, I do not know:<br />
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1. When I leave for any given period of time (head upstairs for a quick jaunt to my closet or actually drive away in the car for some afternoon errands) and return, he comes to me with this sad face and says, "Mommy, I can't see you..." "Mommy, I cried."<br />
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2. Bedtime routine right now is bit tricky, he truly wants to cling to my neck when I lay down next to him, often nuzzling his head into my shoulder-of course that's after a bundle of goodnight kisses. He's super duper lovable and just wants the comfort of knowing I'm there.<br />
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3. He likes to grab my hand and lead the way to where ever it is that he wants to take me or show me while saying, "Mommy, come. Come." It's very matter of fact.<br />
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Talk about warm fuzzies. I get them a lot with this little guy.<br />
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<br />Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-73841822298371362062012-05-30T00:18:00.000-07:002012-05-30T00:18:45.427-07:00Turning Four, not FourteenSomedays I question the actual age of Kaitlyn as she baits my patience verbalizing adult-like concepts, dishing them out as if fourteen leaving me in a quandary...where did she learn how to say that? Does she really know what that means? Let me give you an example:<br />
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'Mommy, I'm having a dark day.' She offered this statement with such frankness despite the sun beating down overhead in the painted blue sky. It was her last of many loaded grumpy statements of unrest from not getting a toy she wanted during a late afternoon grocery run.<br />
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'You ruined my heart. It's broken.' This one personally just rips my heart in half, and then I wake up and realize it's just untrue! She is quite poetic, and did I mention, dramatic?<br />
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There is no questioning, I am continually challenged by my daughter's stubborn, sassy and very verbal candor. Now that she is four (May 28th was her big day) I feel like overnight an explosion of energy bursted from within her. Leading up to this big day a trend had been forming-up late at night and early to rise. We've never been a household with strict bedtime hours but reasonably maintained somewhat of a bedtime routine beginning around 7:30pm with Dylan and ending with Kaitlyn close to 8:30pm. Now her nightly routine has stretched close to the 9:30pm hour with last night being an unspeakable 10:30pm. Wide awake. Or, if analyzed, completely exhausted but eyes wide opened...as if her mind wasn't prepared for a slumber.<br />
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Ho hum. I'll never know her inner workings and am most certain this is only the beginning. She is very quick with her tongue, doesn't forget anything and often links situations, experiences and previously stated comments to current arguments, opinions and her favorite, proclamations of ideas for me to enact. Ho hum....<br />
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Dylan has this disgruntled face coupled with an arm crossed sternness when he doesn't get his way, when he is upset with his sister, when he feels unheard...or when he just seems to want some attention. It's fairly funny since you can get him to unravel the tension by expressing the need to have him cooperate, be friendly...whatever the command is for the moment. Snap your fingers and his frown turns into this forced smile that shows all his teeth, dimples and even a sparkle in the eye. It's hilarious. It's a show. That's what this little boy is becoming, a show. I find that he is a true pest, chasing after his sister, pulling her hair, poking her shoulder, tackling her...all for her reactions.<br />
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He's developed this interesting role playing game with Kaitlyn and while it's odd, it's also initially endearing. In the middle of anything....getting ready for bed, playing by the TV, watching a show, running wild through the house....he goes up to his sister and says, 'Mommy' with his arms outstretched. She then stops what she's doing, goes to hug him and the two end up toppled over with their bodies in a pretzel. Moments later giggling begins and the wrestling takes over. Who ends up on top squishing the other is a continual battle.<br />
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I've noticed Dylan take on a great deal of his sister's words and tone, offering them with his disgruntled face...but, it's just not as fitting for him as it is for her so he falters earlier than her, allowing me a bit of a reprieve since she can often be all too consuming!<br />
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Highlights of their happenings:<br />
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1. The two of them had an incredibly successful dental cleaning-Kaitlyn now knows I must brush her teeth until she is seven years old and sugar bugs have already begun a nest in one of her back molars (a brown spot had formed-uggghhh). Dylan has no enamel-a problem that occurred when in utero, so his teeth are ones to watch with great diligence. Thankfully, the two of them love brushing their teeth and are very compliant with the parental assistance!<br />
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2. Dylan is getting his own room-thankfully! It's time for this for too many reasons, but spurring it to occur sooner than later is simply due to a situation that occurred this past Mother's Day. When overly amped up at bedtime, Kaitlyn attempted and successfully woke up Dylan by some serious use of force! She managed to 'bonk' him on the head a number of times with various objects in her room-a hard back book, play kitchen pots and the best, shoved the cone portion of a play ice cream cone up his nose and in his ear. Call it a truthful recount of what actually happened, or an overly exaggerated rendition of what really happened, it doesn't matter. Dylan woke up in a panic and she was laughing. I was livid. Steve thankfully was home to help figure out the best plan of discipline as I was ready to lock her up-or myself. I wasn't sure who should have the time out. Really, I was fuming!<br />
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3. Somehow we are in this pretend world of Spiderman, Firestar, Iceman, and the Princess of the moment. These little ones label themselves with a character and then charade around with their new identity. Often this leads to dress ups, jumping onto the sofa, hanging off the counter or upside down off a chair...it can be obnoxious but surely entertaining as well!<br />
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4. I've resigned myself to knowing that positive reinforcement is the only way to go with child rearing. If I can be over the top with verbal specific praise, especially with Kaitlyn, and then follow-through with stern diligence for any threat or promise I make, I have authority with her. This sounds like an easy formula to follow but so often it gets clouded with a mis-management of time, or a distraction called Dylan, or my own motherhood fog. Our super Nanny Auntie Jessie came to visit over this birthday weekend and it was like bootcamp around here. On the sidelines I was being fed all sorts of tips, critiques, situational awareness, and in the throws of the parenting, she was stepping in, reinforcing my demands, taking on her own discipline tactics, etc. Parenting Bootcamp. Seriously. Despite our clashing styles, she has taught me so much and offered me great opportunities to see the tips actualized!<br />
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Once again I say, Ho Hum!<br />
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This month of May has been an uplifting month. It started fast and for a while was packed with trips, car rides, jeopardized routines...but ended on a high note that has me excited for summer. I will have the kids full time come July and August. My plan is to enroll them in a couple of area 1/2 day camp programs, take them to various museums, have beach days, craft projects and lots of backyard splash time! Overall, it's a summer to Just Be a Kid! I'm eager for the challenge!<br />
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<br />Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-4215439420107758902012-05-08T01:38:00.002-07:002012-05-08T01:38:45.752-07:00Today is worth it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Meet Dora and Diego's friends, Pilot Kaitlyn and Co-Pilot Dylan. These two stinkers know the camera almost too well if there is such a thing. We spent Friday afternoon at a Tesla Auto Show to basically salivate over modern innovations within the world of electric cars. The children were more interested in leaving than touring color palettes, winged doors and battery packs...so off I went leaving Steve to absorb the knowledge and the kids and I to tour the Discovery Science Center nearby. An incredible interactive facility well designed to intrigue all ages, even those going gray! After our stint at this rock star explosion of science, we met up with 'Auntie Soup' in Huntington Beach. Maybe I should say, ON HUNTINGTON Beach as my oh my, she lives not even .25 miles from the beach. I'm sure there is sand at her doorstep if I looked hard enough.<br />
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The moon was one night shy of being the biggest and brightest full moon of the year so you can imagine the dynamic of dusk. Setting sun to the west. Moon on steroids just overhead to the Southeast. Breathtaking-and consider Kaitlyns complete awe of the ocean and Dylan's sniper maneuvering for bird chases, we all experienced a collision of the senses!<br />
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'Auntie Soup' was a terrific hostess, providing Mac & Cheese, juice boxes and even a dose of chocolate; the kiddos ate well but more importantly had the best time identifying their favorite shell from her basket of finds, wearing mardi gras necklace collections, and of course, navigating the ocean sand to step out and become overly stimulated by the plethora of shells to collect.<br />
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Needless to say, I had to scoop Kaitlyn off the sand while negotiating out birthday cake dimensions; and Dylan just wanted to be carried from sheer exhaustion. Thanks kiddos for such a terrific DAY-totally worth the miles, traffic, generated smog and moments of tantrum hysteria!<br />
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<br />Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-28372213996688183262012-04-10T00:52:00.006-07:002012-04-10T01:15:06.879-07:00Photos galore.....<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6f7vRQ96sM/T4Pop1zgLoI/AAAAAAAACRo/6ul9wIKJpjA/s1600/IMG_2860.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6f7vRQ96sM/T4Pop1zgLoI/AAAAAAAACRo/6ul9wIKJpjA/s320/IMG_2860.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729678956460781186" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Black History Month MOMS Club project...painting peanuts various shades of color, googley eyes and add the quote...a great project!</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RPdroFsDNBQ/T4PopbTof6I/AAAAAAAACRg/durn03BSucA/s1600/IMG_2864.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RPdroFsDNBQ/T4PopbTof6I/AAAAAAAACRg/durn03BSucA/s320/IMG_2864.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729678949347786658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Don't you just love the smile?</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KKMhsQLM7DM/T4Poo29K9PI/AAAAAAAACRU/3nTSiTj0BZg/s1600/IMG_2896.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KKMhsQLM7DM/T4Poo29K9PI/AAAAAAAACRU/3nTSiTj0BZg/s320/IMG_2896.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729678939589899506" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The trio...absorbed in some iPad cartoon-possibly Elmo?</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IrptfgSt2AI/T4PoofzgO_I/AAAAAAAACRI/QvzWOD39MKY/s1600/IMG_2893.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IrptfgSt2AI/T4PoofzgO_I/AAAAAAAACRI/QvzWOD39MKY/s320/IMG_2893.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729678933375335410" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, I got their attention-brief attention!</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F7x1LbhMkc0/T4PoSCJgpDI/AAAAAAAACQ8/KasttpbQJmA/s1600/IMG_2981.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F7x1LbhMkc0/T4PoSCJgpDI/AAAAAAAACQ8/KasttpbQJmA/s320/IMG_2981.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729678547457451058" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Cat & the Hat family activity...we all had to make hats! Thanks to a dear friend she brought the supplies for all along with super yummy cat in the hat treats (marshmallow atop an oreo with red & white chocolate)....</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ivvPRAeZzEw/T4PoR_z6WrI/AAAAAAAACQw/ZNav4evobtI/s1600/IMG_2971.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ivvPRAeZzEw/T4PoR_z6WrI/AAAAAAAACQw/ZNav4evobtI/s320/IMG_2971.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729678546829990578" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The treats...</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ezXWYXBseUc/T4PoRVbIXcI/AAAAAAAACQk/1Lca4I2vjmQ/s1600/IMG_2964.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ezXWYXBseUc/T4PoRVbIXcI/AAAAAAAACQk/1Lca4I2vjmQ/s320/IMG_2964.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729678535451762114" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Truly Backyard pals! Such love!</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2VzQl1sVNFg/T4PoQ4m0QPI/AAAAAAAACQY/yb5yfEaz7-0/s1600/IMG_2955.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2VzQl1sVNFg/T4PoQ4m0QPI/AAAAAAAACQY/yb5yfEaz7-0/s320/IMG_2955.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729678527716147442" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is her Cinderella skirt I made a year ago, and the shirt I just finished...added some embellishments and this girl felt like a million, no, trillion bucks. Darling.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jxR5GA3evc/T4PoQS1JjmI/AAAAAAAACQM/_9uwdSBQmCQ/s1600/IMG_2947.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jxR5GA3evc/T4PoQS1JjmI/AAAAAAAACQM/_9uwdSBQmCQ/s320/IMG_2947.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729678517575716450" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Am I crazy or is this a star in the works? Look at that form...</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZWZRV6h440/T4Pn7g9LQOI/AAAAAAAACQA/cJPTgIxX_lE/s1600/IMG_3038.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZWZRV6h440/T4Pn7g9LQOI/AAAAAAAACQA/cJPTgIxX_lE/s320/IMG_3038.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729678160590225634" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Snails. Roly Poly. Caterpillar. Whatever. These kids love to get in the face of these bugs and basically cart them around like children. Kaitlyn even has names for all of these snails!</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B0n4fEGcXTs/T4Pn7IcD7mI/AAAAAAAACP0/QbR1AKpjGTU/s1600/IMG_3029.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B0n4fEGcXTs/T4Pn7IcD7mI/AAAAAAAACP0/QbR1AKpjGTU/s320/IMG_3029.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729678154008882786" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Evening walk, Dylan, a superhero fit with his cape, saving snails. Look closely, he's beaming because of his pet snail in his hand...</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJ8TPI8p9-c/T4Pn6g0_0AI/AAAAAAAACPo/-f0QhQBKLgQ/s1600/IMG_3021.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJ8TPI8p9-c/T4Pn6g0_0AI/AAAAAAAACPo/-f0QhQBKLgQ/s320/IMG_3021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729678143376052226" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Same walk-notice the Mermaid rain jacket, the sparkly TOMS, and the favorite scarf with tiara. Suitable for snail rescuing, don't you think?</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YZ9yNlt1yko/T4Pn5lLgfjI/AAAAAAAACPc/ETfSzWmyjoc/s1600/IMG_3019.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YZ9yNlt1yko/T4Pn5lLgfjI/AAAAAAAACPc/ETfSzWmyjoc/s320/IMG_3019.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729678127364341298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Eying this roly poly, name: Rockstar Jameron Ship Ship </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Gfm9Cb1Wak/T4Pn5TJz5wI/AAAAAAAACPQ/kbh9N0wPQwk/s1600/IMG_3051.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Gfm9Cb1Wak/T4Pn5TJz5wI/AAAAAAAACPQ/kbh9N0wPQwk/s320/IMG_3051.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729678122525386498" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Disney's TOON Town...basically it adds up like this: 1 season pass, 1 free toddler, 2 paying tickets. Worth every dime-our 'tour guide' Chiara was awesome! The kids were to die for-especially Dylan when he saw Mickey Mouse for the first time during the parade! Priceless...(PS. do you notice that boy's hands..once again, a star in the making).</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--SIM7RODBfE/T4PnU6CV_4I/AAAAAAAACPE/84VdcxO-u9w/s1600/IMG_3054.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--SIM7RODBfE/T4PnU6CV_4I/AAAAAAAACPE/84VdcxO-u9w/s320/IMG_3054.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729677497307889538" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Disneyland...</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5l9jVwkReM/T4PnUceLGfI/AAAAAAAACO4/NTFy6fz2ANM/s1600/IMG_3098.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5l9jVwkReM/T4PnUceLGfI/AAAAAAAACO4/NTFy6fz2ANM/s320/IMG_3098.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729677489371552242" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">At the park, it was hot. She borrowed my sunglasses...and posed!</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U5yoJtj3IPs/T4PnT-npavI/AAAAAAAACOs/CG-XjJgtTJ4/s1600/IMG_3117.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U5yoJtj3IPs/T4PnT-npavI/AAAAAAAACOs/CG-XjJgtTJ4/s320/IMG_3117.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729677481358224114" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Easter...at church just after service!</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MtQ095BvF9U/T4PnTH2r7-I/AAAAAAAACOg/KDacYNC733I/s1600/IMG_3104.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MtQ095BvF9U/T4PnTH2r7-I/AAAAAAAACOg/KDacYNC733I/s320/IMG_3104.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729677466657353698" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The Egg Hunt and wearing Nana's Easter Dress!</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TSCQKPiKXrc/T4PnSyQXHXI/AAAAAAAACOU/pThY9L8KFAc/s1600/IMG_3101.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TSCQKPiKXrc/T4PnSyQXHXI/AAAAAAAACOU/pThY9L8KFAc/s320/IMG_3101.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729677460859460978" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Handsome little man, inspecting his finds!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-46555789712836619742012-03-29T21:33:00.003-07:002012-03-29T22:59:12.001-07:00March Madness...reflections on being 35I look around and feel suffocated by: the sunlit dust on the perimeter of our hardwood floors, random toys peering from beneath the sofa or found underneath clothes in my closet, dirty diapers and the constant questioning of whether my child's ______ (fill in the blank...it could be anything-ear wax build up, shape of toe nail growth, etc) is normal; the never-ending pile of dishes in and around my sink; the junk newsprint mail I receive, let alone the mounds that Steve gets; the reality that the tick infestation in my backyard may or may not be actually eradicated; the mornings when the kids and I are home and awake and Steve is sleeping from a nights work; the layout of my office space and the vacant game room that remains to this day, not a game room but a storage unit of random, misplaced and forgotten c r a p. <div><br /></div><div>I look around and feel renewed when I: see dress-ups hanging off a toy box from an earlier Princess and Pirate raid the kids enjoyed; spot a greeting card celebrating a recent holiday from the kids biggest fan, Jessica; get into my car with or without kids to drive away...anywhere; pick the children up from school and feel their embrace that is loaded with pure love and happiness; know both children are finally asleep at the end of the day and I take that first calming breath to the start of my night; enjoy the first 24 hours following our cleaning crew bi-weekly visit; take a mini mind vacation and imagine myself walking barefoot on a barren beach; try on a new lavender nail color or surprisingly, wear a little eye make-up for an ordinary day out; hear Dylan say 'You're welcome' after a polite exchange.</div><div><br /></div><div>Recent happenings have me in a spin which only ruins my nerves, aches my belly and no doubt adds weight, emotional and physical. However, in the midst of personal storms what celebrations do exist are worth noting here:</div><div><br /></div><div>Dylan has officially started brushing his teeth like a big boy and he will consistently let me help him. This is a huge stress reliever as the boy unfortunately has some horrific looking decayed canines. They showed up this way and will stay this way until permanent ones roll in. Apparently during my pregnancy there was a deficiency or response to my pregnancy that impacted his teeth development. Interesting. Not sure what to make of it, but his teeth look fairly jacked if you get up close and personal. He continues to be a mama's boy and recently decides to whine or mumble instead of using learned words for his desires-this has been challenging to deal with as it's simply annoying and persistently tests my patience. He loves a good chase through the house, a solid ride on his bicycle and will clean the whole house with the vacuum if I'd let him. He's also my little budding chef, thanks to his Baking Fridays at preschool. He'd rather help me in the kitchen than watch a TV show-this is probably due to the mama's boy title, yet regardless, knowing he will take kitchen over couch....sign me up! He responds to music with great interest and now sings his top five hits: Jingle Bells, Skina Ma Rink a Dink, You Are My Sunshine, the ABCs and Itsy Bitsy Spider. He makes out every fifth word on average-but doesn't miss the applicable hand motions or miss a chance to smile with you while he sings. This melts my heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kaitlyn can count to 10 in Spanish, to 30+ in English skipping over the number 16 chronically, and apparently totally digs the difference between verbs and adverbs (the latter was reported by her teacher). She is a bully at times, body slamming her brother, elbowing him to move out of her way, chasing after him with a tackle and my favorite, the full on love smothering kiss that looks so darn aggressive but is truly an outpouring of love from an overly energetic toddler! She's an instigator and the queen bee of sneakiness, wearing her guilt ever so well when found hiding under a table with ___________ (again, fill in the blank: daddy's fancy blue water bottle; a carton of unwashed strawberries half eaten by her daring self; a blue crayon that's already intimately met the floor her bottom rests upon; a to-go soy sauce packet opened and drizzled on...everything, etc.). Needless to say she is C U R I O U S and full of might. The sassy back talk has dwindled and her more loving nature has been showcased, often wanting to sit on my lap for a story or kiss my check spontaneously, all these I have enjoyed tremendously. She has developed an interest in foods on my plate, taking a bite to declare whether she likes it or not. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm turning 35 this September and envision a girls trip to that barren beach I vacation to regularly in my dreams. Spa packages with wildflowers in our rooms, toe soaks and big hipster sunglasses! Freedom. 35. It's approaching fast and I feel it. Someplace within me longs for 25 when I was carefree, had a circle of friendships for frivolous outings and uplifting conversations. It was when I had time to volunteer and feel important within my community, when I could love and not feel hurt from a shared history, or when I could skip and talk without being short of breath. When I think of the age, 35, I feel my mortality, I recognize that now as a mother, my life is not for me, but for my children. My life as a wife is overshadowed by my life as a mom. My sole purpose of life right now is reserved for wiping snot from noses, offering necessary care for bruised hearts and scraped knees, teaching values by doing and protect them from harms way simply by being with them, engaging in their personhood despite how shriveled up I may feel. Breaks don't come often enough and quite frankly, are moms supposed to get breaks? This full time job isn't even a job, it's a way of life. SAHM (Stay At Home Mom) is all consuming at all times, awake or asleep. My job is never done and will never be as long as I continue to be 'Mom'. When I think of turning 35, I crave time for myself that lasts longer than my child's hour nap, or the late hours of my night that become time distributed among home duties, motherly duties and personal responsibilities. </div><div><br /></div><div>35 will need to be a year of remarkable discovery, adventure and new expereicnes. My children will be that much more independent, will have a larger vocabulary, will have a greater understanding of my boundaries and their own. I will be able to hike with them for a quick nature get away, find ways to fit them into my life as it competes for a revival of life when 25-well, ok, portions of that era! Steve is like the backdrop-he's always there but not with us. My life as a mom has become very solo and with children this young, I feel estranged from what marriage is meant to be. The real challenge for this year will be to rediscover the life prior to children as shared with Steve. Becoming parents is a journey that rips you, slays you, hits you over the head, diminishes you and then can lift you up, heal you, and revive you all in one day. Lord help me, I'm suffocated more often than not and pray that this year of 35 the suffocating stops and the feeling of being renewed replenishes my shriveled self!</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, how is that for a blog entry....my mind is filled to the brim, to take the time and document the moment offers me satisfaction in that it releases some of the stories, freeing up space for the inner dialogue to spread out, lighten up and truly vacation!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-64165873995553528482012-02-19T22:07:00.000-08:002012-02-19T22:36:18.245-08:00One day I'll laugh about my blown fuse...<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWWqIT7IyZI/T0Hjngam0GI/AAAAAAAACNw/wjM-uB-Uepc/s1600/IMG_2851.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWWqIT7IyZI/T0Hjngam0GI/AAAAAAAACNw/wjM-uB-Uepc/s320/IMG_2851.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711096070338433122" /></a>We took a snow day one sunny afternoon and thinking there would be mass amounts of white dust, we were lucky to find this one single patch. Kaitlyn and her great friend Luke were in Heaven, totally thrilled to play around. Dylan remained fast asleep the entire outing!<div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJtruYyhhl0/T0HjmznyAxI/AAAAAAAACNk/wsBDcJq9Vao/s1600/IMG_2830.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJtruYyhhl0/T0HjmznyAxI/AAAAAAAACNk/wsBDcJq9Vao/s320/IMG_2830.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711096058314097426" /></a>Yes, this is from my cell phone...I love my cell phone's camera!</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dfp8fCLURd8/T0HjmZk6hpI/AAAAAAAACNY/8a6gHf8hHtc/s1600/IMG_2829.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dfp8fCLURd8/T0HjmZk6hpI/AAAAAAAACNY/8a6gHf8hHtc/s320/IMG_2829.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711096051322750610" /></a>Arms Up!</div><div><br /></div><div>Again, I must work backwards in order to capture recent adventures. My memory is so spotty that I'll be lucky to jot down a few great ones from the past few weeks. Here is goes ('clank'-making a toast to you):</div><div><br /></div><div>Ten minutes til we need to be in the car ready to drive to church, I finish combing Dylan's hair downstairs and head up to the kids bedroom to check on Kaitlyn's progress with not only her potty break, but also her progress with dressing. Am I surprised that I found her bare bottomed and completely graffitied from hip to toe with blue nail polish sitting on her CLOSET FLOOR? (Insert foul language here...only thought, not spoken). Oh Lord help me. That was it-this poor girl kept repeating, "I just wanted my nails painted mom. I just wanted them painted." Now, let's rewind a good thirty minutes...I brought her clothes to the toilet as she was doing her duty and responded to the following inquiry with a "Not now Honey, maybe this afternoon when we get back from church"</div><div><br /></div><div>INQUIRY: Mommy can you paint my nails?</div><div><br /></div><div>Hmm, not sure how she didn't get the message, but this little sneaky girl decided to climb up on the counter, open the medicine cabinet (she has NEVER done this before) and grab her trio pack of nail color she got for Christmas. Obviously she knew the stash was in there, but did she just now figure this out or had she been scoping out the situation for some time?</div><div><br /></div><div>My reaction-very calm, but very stern. I took the nail colors and threw them in the trash. Then I took out a trash bag and collected everything from the medicine cabinet. Heck, she displayed total deviant behavior. Oh how I cannot believe she is my child! </div><div><br /></div><div>Dylan is my early riser. Just shy of 5:30am today. Generally around 6am his deep voice greets my deep slumber from the hallway behind his gate and I spring from my bed to grab him before he launches into a morning jig complete with a shaking of the actual gate. Yes, it's quite loud if you haven't already guessed.</div><div><br /></div><div>He is one big love in the mornings when it's just he and I but the tender hearted Dylan LEAVES the moment he sees his big sister. He's like a woodpecker, he just repeatedly strikes against her. (Another Lord help me moment).</div><div><br /></div><div>Needless to say we are still in the throws of tantrums, sibling rivalries, and food strikes. I'm too patient. It's causing me strife. Watch out Dylan and Kaitlyn, mommy Ms Mean is coming to town!</div><div><br /></div><div>:)</div><div><br /></div>Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-34909406057426441702012-01-22T21:40:00.000-08:002012-01-22T22:21:08.871-08:00It's all in the message....Just to document some of life's happenings, this blog is truly a gift. I have a chronological account of my children, some months more frequent posts than others, nonetheless, a documented history. Today is no different, a few words on the changes among Kaitlyn and Dylan, a few surprises, milestones and of course comparisons to note how different they each are!<div><br /></div><div>Kaitlyn launched into the alphabet the other evening when getting ready for bed and for the first time E V E R I hear Dylan singing along. He had it just about nailed, all sang with his deep voice in a grunting rendition of letters. He beamed to be singing alongside his sister. Potential for a duo in years to come? I wouldn't be so surprised if each of them pursued an instrument and/or vocal practice as they respond so well to music. Dylan, especially, is intrigued by instruments. Kailtyn has her days but limits her musical inquiry with fierce opinions and short attention. We'll see what it may amount to.</div><div><br /></div><div>Copycat syndrome. Did Kaitlyn start this trend? It's a common occurrence around bedtime. She will copy everything I say as she laughs and displays a mischievous grin. I can hardly take it at this time of the day, as generally my patience is tapped, I feel behind and burdened with what lies ahead for my night after their bedtime which that ritual alone can bring me gray hairs. In any case, Copy Cat Kaitlyn appears. Now I see that Dylan is the same. It's not a mimic of me, but rather of his sister down to body language. The poor guy. I wonder if he even thinks for himself sometimes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Saving grace: I found this shape sorter APP and added it to both the iPad and iPhone today. These two kids are mesmerized by it and thankfully, since it's the same APP, maybe playing a different shape sort, they each are learning, gaining dexterity skills, focusing and in all honesty, they are quiet. Dylan surprised me with his success in matching shapes-Kaitlyn of course was making leaps and bounds narrating her accomplishment with each shape reveal. Oh boy! I really have two children that represent both ends of the spectrum.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dylan has been AWESOME in preschool. His teacher is an absolute Blessing-because of this the transition from Mommy to classroom is a breeze. Plus, he really wants to be there. He carries his lunchbox into school every day while Kaitlyn leaves it on the sidewalk and says, "Mom, I don't want to carry it. YOU carry it." And then she darts away. Having them both together adds to my confidence in his being there. If he was the older sibling starting school first, I think the experience would be traumatizing. BUT, he's been tagging along for over a year and a half for drop off and pick up and so it's only right that he appears to be more seasoned. All the students in his class know his name and know that I'm Dylan's mom. It's super darn cute!</div><div><br /></div><div>Kaitlyn has been terrific with being the BIG SISTER to Dylan. She instantly goes from fend for your own self to possessive sister once noticed on campus. She's a bit of a drama queen...okay, she is THE drama queen or maybe I should be more appropriate and say she's a stage hog! She loves attention and the more people notice that Dylan is now going to school, the more she is right next to him as the BIG SISTER role. It's hilarious to watch this behavior unfold! She LOVES attention....</div><div><br /></div><div>...And, LOVES attention so much so that I am realizing I don't give her enough of that quality attention she'd get if it was just her and not her current 'Share Mommy' reality! In her eyes, I'm constantly with Dylan....and truth be told. I probably am. If my children read this when they are older (which may happen)...here is it: Kaitlyn, I do struggle with showing my love for you, instead, it's easier for me to say it. Dylan sucks the physical touch out of me naturally so it's an obvious observation to assume I love him more. BUT, to you both, should you be blessed to become parents in this lifetime of yours, you will come to find that love you have for your spouse is one type of love. The love you have for your first born child becomes a different love and the love for your next child is that first born child love, but on steroids. Our heart has a capacity to love each of you beyond imaginable. My job is to figure out how to ensure you experience this unique love for YOU, and not feel shadowed by the love I have for other people/things! For the record...I love you both, individually and quite immensely!</div><div><br /></div><div>xoxooxox</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-90803112773830812832012-01-01T23:18:00.000-08:002012-01-02T00:00:10.925-08:00New Year for New ChangeThis year I will be 35.<div>This year Kaitlyn will be 4.</div><div>This year Dylan will be 3.</div><div>This year Steve will be .... hmmm. Well, we will both be more gray.</div><div><br /></div><div>I could easily write a novel, sparing no chapter, to capture the events in the Patterson household over these last two months. But, seriously? Who has time to do such a thing when your nights are sleepless, screaming and cat fights become the house white noise and doing dishes is more than a chore, it's a full time job! I've signed up for sibling rivalry battles that start at daybreak and end when the children slumber. Dylan has developed a sour face and won't budge when he wants something...yes, the broken record type of asking. Kaitlyn loves to teach what she knows and of course decode Dylan's conversation, reporting to me the very important statements he makes.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm forever amazed at the love these two have for each other and then amazed at the mere fear they give each other when one pushes force first, pinches, scratches or my favorite, grabs by the neck. Oh the physical love is displayed quite aggressively some days!</div><div><br /></div><div>Dylan got his first pair of underpants this past December. He was pretty enamored about the whole thing, seeing Thomas the Train below his belly or on his rear left him speechless and all smiles. We haven't tackled potty training yet-or at least where it's a priority. I secretly think this child will stay in diapers for another two years if we'd let him. BUT, Dylan starts preschool on Tuesday and it's here that I know his relationship with the porcelain bowl will start! They offer potty training as if it's part of the curriculum!</div><div><br /></div><div>Kaitlyn still doesn't wear earrings, but asks for diamond rings. She sports leggings and won't wear jeans. She will wear any branded princess or fairy shirt for days on end and will shiver at a simple shirt with ruffles. She can buckle herself in her carseat and thank GOD can't unbuckle. She loves to teach Dylan about anything and everything that she has already learned. For this I am grateful...but then she also loves to act like me and boss him around incessantly. I often have to intervene and remind her that I'm the mommy! For the longest time it was all about mermaids and now it's pretty much all Princess Patterson here. She had a day trip to Disneyland with Steve and cousin Natalia...this sealed the deal. Her fantasy world blossomed in eight hours and more so than ever before, if it's blue, it must be Cinderella's. Yes, that means she'll drink out of the blue cup-Dylan will be subjected to the pink one. It's that simple.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kaitlyn will get sucked into a TV show and Dylan will not. Kaitlyn will focus on art projects as if performing surgery...she's very particular and detailed. Dylan will shove markers into his mouth, pound the table with the crayons and for no particular reason at all, dump all baskets of toys onto the floor to then walk away. It's fun, real fun!</div><div><br /></div><div>Dylan actually cuddles. He will get his head nestled into my neck/shoulder and even place his arm around me when I'm laying with him for nap time or bedtime. Kaitlyn will either grab my hand to hold or just ask that I lay down near here. She's sort of over the cuddling days-she's got too much exploring to do. Dylan wakes up at 6 or 6:30 daily. Kaitlyn could sleep til 8:30 daily, if I'd let her (or if Dylan would let her)!</div><div><br /></div><div>My moments with Kaitlyn have improved tremendously. We get a kick out of girl days together, or just crafting. She's been responding to my direction much better than months ago-but she still finds ways to test my patience and as of lately, really challenge my upset meter. I get livid when I see her bully her brother. I just sense this tough chick mentality forming and then see this angry Kaitlyn show up. It's not pretty. I have to remind her that her behavior is not of the Kaitlyn that I know....this generally can snap her out of her mood...but boy does it get ugly! And of course Dylan, the biggest mimic in the house, just dishes it all right back. So not only do I have one sour Kaitlyn, but two sour Kaitlyns when Dylan mimics.</div><div><br /></div><div>If they could answer....</div><div><br /></div><div>Q: What is your favorite food?</div><div>A: Dylan it's frozen blueberries, juice box, and trader joe's granola bars. Kaitlyn it's Kraft Mac & Cheese (yes, has to be this brand) and salad.</div><div><br /></div><div>Q: Favorite cartoon character?</div><div>A: Dylan would jump to anything with Curious George. Kaitlyn would thrive if her only friend was any of the following: Super Why or Team UmiZoomi (and the princesses speak for themselves).</div><div><br /></div><div>Q: Most recent tender moment.</div><div>A: Dylan asks if I'm ok after I cough. Kaitlyn stops time when eating side by side at a restaurant and gazes into my eyes, places her arm around my neck ever so gently and tells me she loves me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Q: If I could have one...</div><div>A: magic wand to wave and all dishes would be put away, floors would be mopped and toys would be picked up, I'd be a HAPPY mommy all the time!</div><div><br /></div><div>Q: Marshmallows...</div><div>A: Dylan simply looks at the empty mixer bowl and asks, "Momma, can I have some marshmallow, please?" Kaitlyn could live off marshmallow puff if I'd let her. I could probably too...so Biggest Loser here I come!</div><div><br /></div><div>Q: Baby Jesus...</div><div>A: Kaitlyn knows we celebrate the birthday of Baby Jesus on Christmas and that Jesus wishes for all the good girls and boys to have gifts in His honor so He commissions Santa to help with the distribution! So glad we can add a little faith teaching in the midst of our fairly secular life....slowly this is changing. The kids and I started attending a nearby Lutheran Church for the catechism program-been superb to date! </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's to a New Year of opportunity to learn as a mom, to grow with my children, to become a better person! This year will be better than 2011, anything will be better than 2011!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925466118711567345.post-24936781196381114932011-11-08T22:58:00.000-08:002011-11-08T23:48:48.072-08:009 feet of sheer purple...That's how she went to bed. Nine feet of sheer purple fabric hanging off her head. Kaitlyn is obsessed with having long hair and finds that wearing mommy's scarves or as of tonight, scrap fabric is the way to fully enjoy the frill of Rapunzel like hair. It's been a good bribe when having to brush her tight curls-I often say, "If you want long hair you must take care of the hair that you have so it can grow; otherwise I will just cut it off". No matter the attitude of the moment, she will snap into a submissive daughter fully ready for me to tug and comb through her knots (which are abundant no matter the time of day...her hair is THAT curly)!<div><br /></div><div>Dylan has become possessive. Of course possessive of me but that's been going on since birth. Now it's all about his pillow. When laying down to bed or nap time with him he gets real serious about your positioning and will literally by use of his hand, draw an air line of a boundary indicating where his pillow ends and where you may lay your head. It's funny and quirky at the same time but a very serious issue for him. I like the strength in his ability to set boundaries already at the age of two...</div><div><br /></div><div>And speaking of two, this boy acquired another year and another reason to further cling onto me. He woke up on Friday, the 28th of October and has been in a hyper Mommy Hold Me mode that often plays out like this:</div><div>Drags his body as he makes a monkey hold around my thigh begging for me to "Hold You, Mommy, Hold You"</div><div>or my favorite,</div><div>Grabbing the bottom of my shirt and tugging, pulling, tugging more, not letting go as I walk around.</div><div>C'mon boy, I'm two inches from the little one and it's not close enough. There really is truth behind the phrase, "Mommy's Boy". One day it won't be so cool and he'll be begging to be dropped off on the corner of the street as to not be seen with me!</div><div><br /></div><div>Kaitlyn continues to be Miss Bossy, Miss 'Sours' (her word for my word, Sassy), and borderline obsessive compulsive with how she wants her bedding to lay upon her. She will spend a few minutes tossing her blanket into the air over and over to get the right positioning onto the bed and once under she is known to kick and scream to only start the process all over again. No-in case you are wondering, I cannot help with this. That is yet another cause for tantrum. We have our hands full with this girl. She's been knee deep into wailing these days and I'm not talking about a developing interest in whales...but rather, a developing issue with wailing requiring a great deal of P A T I E N C E.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kids require PATIENCE I never knew existed within me. Actually, I think patience was a word defined by a mother for truly this word has great application and gets maximum usage daily. My patience is often tested within the first 30 minutes of rising from a slumber. While the initial hello of Kaitlyn's morning is generally very soft spoken and sweet, maybe includes a kiss or hug, once Dylan is over his morning bear attack, umm, I mean bear hug on Kaitlyn, the sibling rivalry begins and is ever so loud. Forget it, I'm going public. Sorry Dear Husband, I can no longer keep our children quiet so you can get sleep (thank God Steve typically sleeps through all lion roars and Princess pitches).</div><div><br /></div><div>It's been a fun few weeks of adventure. To capture a few great moments...take a peek at the following:</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4-Ju1fGkR8/TrotSxD9wrI/AAAAAAAACKo/OVpIFxWZBYY/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4-Ju1fGkR8/TrotSxD9wrI/AAAAAAAACKo/OVpIFxWZBYY/s200/IMG_0006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672896481057424050" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Post Halloween, trying out all the candies!</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-77Q3Ovusq-g/TrotP3Ei8GI/AAAAAAAACKY/OXUtjrguJDc/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-77Q3Ovusq-g/TrotP3Ei8GI/AAAAAAAACKY/OXUtjrguJDc/s200/IMG_0011.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672896431130865762" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mr. Fisherman </div><div style="text-align: center;">(Steve followed the kids with Kaitlyn's Barbie fishing pole </div><div style="text-align: center;">and would say that he was fishing for Mermaids and Sharks-huge hit).</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S5vfXhq6bPE/TrotPv8hCmI/AAAAAAAACKQ/TWTckzSlzfw/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S5vfXhq6bPE/TrotPv8hCmI/AAAAAAAACKQ/TWTckzSlzfw/s200/IMG_0012.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672896429218138722" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">When answering the door. Well, okay, maybe not.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LGujaXVjTGs/TrotPULwJsI/AAAAAAAACKE/vRyVHgyKX3I/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LGujaXVjTGs/TrotPULwJsI/AAAAAAAACKE/vRyVHgyKX3I/s200/IMG_0013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672896421765850818" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Super Star.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_5UtX5QOQ8/TrotM8hVR5I/AAAAAAAACJ4/lRStQ_NS34Y/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_5UtX5QOQ8/TrotM8hVR5I/AAAAAAAACJ4/lRStQ_NS34Y/s200/IMG_0015.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672896381054175122" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">That face!</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ESxHwKTDaY/TrosvhfLWHI/AAAAAAAACJs/YgqWTZbmGBs/s1600/IMG_4316.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ESxHwKTDaY/TrosvhfLWHI/AAAAAAAACJs/YgqWTZbmGBs/s200/IMG_4316.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672895875581171826" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Surely they would win 'Best Spirit' on the block for themed family trick/treating. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Their 1 year old daughter was Horton from Horton Hears a Who. </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c4VGLxIvMLk/TrosvH0J4JI/AAAAAAAACJg/Ddu_l0kEVH8/s1600/IMG_4323.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c4VGLxIvMLk/TrosvH0J4JI/AAAAAAAACJg/Ddu_l0kEVH8/s200/IMG_4323.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672895868689834130" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Backside of Fairy Princess Mermaid and Shark.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rjxv8XtxDiM/Trosu0_bymI/AAAAAAAACJU/Yl2LE93nL0s/s1600/IMG_4307.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rjxv8XtxDiM/Trosu0_bymI/AAAAAAAACJU/Yl2LE93nL0s/s200/IMG_4307.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672895863636871778" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Frontside of costume-Kaitlyn had to carry her tail!</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WvtekYi29EU/Trosty-zhiI/AAAAAAAACJM/im546ipS_sc/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WvtekYi29EU/Trosty-zhiI/AAAAAAAACJM/im546ipS_sc/s200/IMG_0028.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672895845917492770" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">In line to see Sir Topham Hatt from Thomas the Train. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Dylan was glued to him from the moment we stepped into line.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-loKApBBKOTU/Trostc80MHI/AAAAAAAACI8/X5n5rrbShqk/s1600/IMG_0033.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-loKApBBKOTU/Trostc80MHI/AAAAAAAACI8/X5n5rrbShqk/s200/IMG_0033.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672895840003567730" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">High fives were exchanged, holding hands was favorable...</div><div style="text-align: center;">and still for the camera these kids looked miserable! </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zs3zl2XG0d0/Trorb5NWK5I/AAAAAAAACIw/nH3mchd2jvc/s1600/IMG_4335.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zs3zl2XG0d0/Trorb5NWK5I/AAAAAAAACIw/nH3mchd2jvc/s200/IMG_4335.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672894438839823250" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Look, it's Thomas the Train!</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kk17KpJeqls/TrorbMwtgaI/AAAAAAAACIk/1ORLmB82lxk/s1600/IMG_4379.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kk17KpJeqls/TrorbMwtgaI/AAAAAAAACIk/1ORLmB82lxk/s200/IMG_4379.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672894426908557730" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Off he goes....!</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HiiKwJDk93w/TroraWPjgaI/AAAAAAAACIY/xOcAcMS6gSY/s1600/IMG_4337.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HiiKwJDk93w/TroraWPjgaI/AAAAAAAACIY/xOcAcMS6gSY/s200/IMG_4337.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672894412273975714" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Uncle Benet chilling with Super K!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pmWIe6NdqAU/TrorZ_l75xI/AAAAAAAACIM/cQX9LSb6AkI/s1600/IMG_4349.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pmWIe6NdqAU/TrorZ_l75xI/AAAAAAAACIM/cQX9LSb6AkI/s200/IMG_4349.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672894406193833746" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Great face 1.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ElY25Tr9A-g/TrorZssnIXI/AAAAAAAACIA/EVK8IJoXWIQ/s1600/IMG_4350.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ElY25Tr9A-g/TrorZssnIXI/AAAAAAAACIA/EVK8IJoXWIQ/s200/IMG_4350.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672894401121558898" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Great face 2.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p6_hJF4XkzQ/Troqy8623hI/AAAAAAAACH0/ceyqmjLioSc/s1600/IMG_4357.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p6_hJF4XkzQ/Troqy8623hI/AAAAAAAACH0/ceyqmjLioSc/s200/IMG_4357.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672893735461379602" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Ahhh.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXw3J5eWtYM/TroqyjIC6RI/AAAAAAAACHo/jW8olcr2N4s/s1600/IMG_4361.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXw3J5eWtYM/TroqyjIC6RI/AAAAAAAACHo/jW8olcr2N4s/s200/IMG_4361.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672893728537372946" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">In line waiting to board the train.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVQdLux99dQ/Troqx9Qt4KI/AAAAAAAACHc/RuoLn1To0MQ/s1600/IMG_4364.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVQdLux99dQ/Troqx9Qt4KI/AAAAAAAACHc/RuoLn1To0MQ/s200/IMG_4364.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672893718373195938" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">His great face.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kwsn7GrWSYc/TroqxLkjxkI/AAAAAAAACHQ/VGPcMzApGSI/s1600/IMG_4374.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kwsn7GrWSYc/TroqxLkjxkI/AAAAAAAACHQ/VGPcMzApGSI/s200/IMG_4374.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672893705034647106" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">His great lips.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RnpCvEH2Pkw/Troqw9UgnBI/AAAAAAAACHE/nryivNMIwW0/s1600/IMG_4387.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RnpCvEH2Pkw/Troqw9UgnBI/AAAAAAAACHE/nryivNMIwW0/s200/IMG_4387.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672893701209234450" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Post train ride. Not sure who was most happy...me, Unlce Benet or the kids.</div></div><div><div><br /></div></div>Sarah Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14767484014071627659noreply@blogger.com