For those who don't know what Craig's list is (it has nothing to do with my Craig)- it is a local (in your area) internet list of items people have for sale, for free, or service- etc. We love Craig's List. This is our new free trampoline- thank you Craig's List- not completely put together- but E can't get enough of the thing. It has really helped to break him out of his shell a little bit, which we needed. Once we get the pad and the net on- we are ready to rock. Seriously- someone recently told me that (after they got a trampoline) once you get on you instantly become a kid again- totally true. It is pretty funny.

We've had a lot going on the last few weeks so Craig decided to take a couple of days off to chill with E and I. Elliott's little preschool was on Spring Break so we had a really good "excuse". We went to the Wild Animal Park, beach (burrr), Horton Hears a Who and just hung out- it was really nice and now we don't want Craig to go back to work on Monday.

The two boys got the chain saw out and started hacking away at a ficus tree that we hate- this activity proved to be one of the best that they have done. Elliott was chain saw smitten and he even wore his "work outfit" (thanks Stephanie) to get the job done. Craig is such a good dad, he is always including Elliott in everything that he does- often making the projects 3x as long- but a little bit more fun.

We had a little egg dying night at Grandma Ede and Papa Dave's house. In years past the egg dying has lasted quite awhile- as we adults (without little ones) each meticulously worked on our eggs- cut masking tape- etc. This year it was over in like 10 minutes. The joys of little ones! They made it a really fun Easter!

I have been itching for something new and creative to do- I am constantly trying to find something to make or do that fills the floral void in my life. These little baby booties are at the moment my new little hobby. I need to work on the details but all in all they turn out pretty cute. I got the pattern from another blogger- Heather Bailey. These little ones went to Jason and Mandy for their soon-to-be little girl in August.

I know that by now you are all probably sick of my dollar store rewards- but SERIOUSLY- they are so stinking awesome to Elliott when he gets to open up his treasure chest and pick whatever he wants out of it. He has to earn 5 gold coins and then he can pick something. They last about a week- but a week well worth the effort.

Last night, police gear. We were captured, then captured again and then called on the little fake walkie talkie- and then they all went to the bath with Elliott. He would say "I'm a police guy now". So funny. Craig reminded E that Uncle Brad is a police guy- sometimes when Elliott puts on a certain pair of sunglasses he says- "Hey mom, I'm Brad."

Look at that face? We have been talking about these trains for a week and E was stoked to finally get to go on Saturday. What a champ.



Elliott insisted on wearing his galoshes everywhere on Saturday. The train station and a little birthday party. Thank you Stephanie and Micah- what would we all do without our matching galoshes?






There is a great place that has these working model trains that they open to the public for free train rides every 3rd Saturday. E was so excited about these trains. We froze out there but it was so fun to go on a little 15 minute ride and do something new with E. Our little do something new Saturday tradition is turning into something really fun.

*After the ride E had to go up to the little boy and tell him "thanks for a fun ride".

Lately, E wants to dress up for our walks to the back bay. He totally cracks me up- he was so stoked about this one- an old costume from Halloween two years ago- Love costumes and kids.

Hide and go seek fun- I love how excited and silly he gets- this isn't even the best time- this is after like 5 or 6 times of hiding in the same place. Today he even said to me after I asked him if he wanted to play- "Mom, I will be in my bed." Thank heavens I have him in my life.

Elliott informed me this was a bong at the museum. I said that it sounds like bong but it is a gong- and he goes- "Yeah mom it is a bong."










We hit the children's museum again this week- Just E and I. It was a must. Craig was out of town and we needed somewhere- anywhere- everyone we knew was sick and so we headed off to the museum. Elliott loves the room with the dress up stuff- his imagination goes CRAZY in there- I can hardly keep up with him. The masks and the hats creep me out a little bit- but- seriously how do you explain head lice and gross skin stuff to a 3 year old who has just made you captain of the spaceship that is taking him to Mars?

We have had quite the selection of temper tantrums, fits, whatever people call them these days. We have been doing a reward coin program- some days it works like a charm- other days it does absolutely nothing for the child with the iron will and ultra stubborn attitude. Patience is becoming something I have to tell myself on a VERY regular basis. I never realized how calm I would have to be as a parent- my thoughts go out to you all with multiple children- I realize I have little to talk about when it comes to this subject when I talk to some of you.


Anyway (can you tell I am tired?)- we picked up some "rewards" at the dollar store so that we felt like they could be offered more often. Thank you dollar store for some of the BEST toys we have ever enjoyed. This whole Superman get up was a dollar. El was TOTALLY stoked for a day- even wore it out on our walk. I love the last picture- I told him to give me a "I'm going to chain you up because I am Superman" face and this is what I got. Funny thing? This is the same face he gets when he is mad for real. Hum.