November Catch-up

We have been so busy the last few weeks that I completely forgot to post any pictures. We had a wonderful visit with my Mom, my brother, and my cousin Tim and his wife Jessica and their cute cute cute son Owen. We were having such a good time together that I completely forgot to take any pictures. 

I am sure you have been wondering what we have been up to? 

Ben has been been pretty busy at work since the software (hardware? both?) that is part of his project was implemented today after nearly a year of preparation. Ben goes to work early so that he can come home early - he is usually home by 4pm~ yay! Once Ben gets home from work he likes to change into comfy clothes, sit down on the couch and either watch something on his laptop or work on a cool virtual LEGO design program on his computer while the boys play around him and I cook dinner. Oh. And do you see that scarf? I finally finished the bacon-and-eggs scarf I started this summer! (In case you didn't know... Ben likes bacon. A lot.)

Sean has had a couple of rough nights and days lately, since he is getting molars. I have dubbed him "barnacle boy" (wouldn't that be a funny superhero to enact for the WLIIA skit game?). 

You'd never know it looking at these pictures... but he was up crying quite a bit the night before. By the way, that is not gel in his hair... I had to wash his head with a rag after he smeared banana in his hair.

Have I mentioned that Sean likes to climb? On. Everything. We have kind of given up on forbidding him to climb (except on the table or counters), and have instead showed him how to get up and down safely (aka not get down head first). He has a surprisingly good body awareness, and really doesn't fall down while he climbs. Sometimes he even does a little bouncy victory dance at the top. The bumps and bruises he frequently sports on his forehead are from running around the house, misjudging where corners are or sliding into things. 

Here are a few action pictures of Sean climbing in and out of our play kitchen sink:

Here are a few more pictures of Sean ON/in the sink set on another day:

(haha, note that the painting is now crooked)

Sean has been known to bob his head and bounce up and down in this position if the music is on.

I think the pictures speak for themselves. 

I don't have as many opportunities to take Mark's picture since he spends all day in school - from 9:05am until 3:35pm! Mark is doing really well, he is reading so well now that his teacher has to borrow books from another teacher friend for him to read at school. He has adjusted well to being a school-boy, and is enjoying the new freedom and responsibility this new chapter in his life brings with it. He has made some good friends in his class, and loves his teacher. 

I have to admit though, I really miss having my big boy around during the day! 

I (Katie) have been pretty busy wrapping up some custom paintings and packing and mailing many Etsy art print orders. If you haven't already, swing by my art blog at www.mossyrockdesigns.blogspot.com ...

It's all about perspective.

Me, on the way to drop Mark off at school: "Oops, Mark, you put on your pants with the holes in the knees. You'll look like a little raggamuffin!"
Mark (not worried at all): "Or like the HULK!"

Mark lost his 1st tooth!!!

...or to be more accurate, he pulled it out, all by himself!  This morning, Mark came into our bedroom to show me that he could bend his tooth aaaaalll the way back (at 90 degrees to his gums - *ick*). I asked him if he would like to try pulling it out, to which he enthusiastically replied, "sure!" - I looped a piece of floss around the tooth, and was about to count down for him, when he gave one quick yank, and the tooth flew out! Mark was so excited he forgot to get worried about the little bit of blood. He bit down on the cold washrag I gave him, and then obliged me to take some pictures.

If you look closely you can see the tooth attached to the string.

My big boy!

Mark was so excited to tell Sean about his tooth. Sean understood right away, and put his finger into the brand new gap in Mark's mouth, then pointed at his own teeth and made a chomping motion.

Just for grandma, here is another Sean picture. 

Happy Halloween!

We don't generally make a big deal out of Halloween. Our church has an alternative event they call NEEWOLLAH that we go to, and we usually go to our friends' annual Halloween party. Our costumes weren't particularly clever, creative, or exciting, but I decided to show you anyway.

Ben and Sean as Calvin and Hobbes.

Mark and Sean as a dragon and the Blues Clues dog

Mark loves dressing up... he does it all year long.

Sean thought the ears were weird, but worthy of chewing. He wouldn't let me draw a blue nose or whiskers.

Trick or treat!

...and in case you were wondering, I dressed up as an 80s valley girl for our friends' party.