Brief moments of awesomeness

I think what you get in parenting are brief moments of wonderful interspersed between much more frequent times when it is just plain hard. You live for the great times when everyone is happy and unicorns fly by and spit rainbows and glitter rains down from heaven. Maybe some families have all happiness all the time, but I have my doubts. Every single time we take a trip with our kids we tell ourselves 'never again' and wonder why we go to the trouble, but then you remember the fun and sign up for some more of the 70/30 (80/20??) torture v. Magic. Today's thanksgiving getaway to Philly fit the mold perfectly. We drove down yesterday afternoon and it took twice as long in traffic as it normally would. This was expected, what was not expected was carter crying for a good five of those hours. Cory says we had more than five minutes of quiet at one time before she finally fell asleep at 8:00 pm but I dispute this. At one point I forced Cory to stop at a grocery store somewhere in Delaware where I bought them out of snacks and teethers (i'm pretty sure she's getting a second molar...or seven...)and then went to a second store because the first one didn't have Advil. Holy hell. it was terrible. And then miraculously she took a nice nap and we arrived at our fantastic downtown hotel with the most amazing view ever. Harrison was so excited just soaking in the city and the lights and the Christmas decorations.
It was awesome. For about half an hour. Until we had screaming fits and twenty time outs in the bathroom because Harrison wouldn't sit quietly so we could say prayers and go to bed. And after that carter screamed bloody murder for about an hour before finally going to sleep (I'm sure
our fellow hotel goers just loved us.) I told myself today would be better. We set out this morning for a short walk to the thanksgiving parade and carter cried and cried (I wrapped her up in several jackets but had left her mittens and I think her hands were cold. Or she just hates me. Whatever. And we couldn't find food. And Cory and I started yelling at each other (bad form parents!). Once the parade started Harrison immediately complained that it was too loud and he wanted to go back to the hotel. And then some lady fell on him and he dropped his breakfast. The world is ending!!! and More crying and snot from carter. No matter what. At this point I'm wondering why I've opted to ever leave the house since procreating. Seriously. Just stay home where your kids can be warm and fed and have naps in their regular beds. This was supposed to be fun AND IT IS NOT fun!!! Eventually i got myself together and daddy came to poor Carter's rescue. And the parade was very cool. And then smooth sailing. We saw the liberty bell and carter miraculously slept in her stroller!!! (Yes!!!) the weather turned warmer, we went to independence hall, and played in the grass, and then had a delicious thanksgiving dinner at a cute restaurant. Totally what I was going for. And now were driving home listening to Christmas music and both of my angels are sleeping :) Bliss. Totally ready for the eight hour drive to Ohio next week, right??? Every day my kids push me to my breaking point and then I feel overwhelmed with gratitude for their sweet spirits after they are peacefully in bed sleeping. On thanksgiving I'm grateful for the battles that stretch me further than i can go and force me to see my faults and strive to do better while allowing me to appreciate every smile and giggle and silly knock knock joke so much more. Happy thanksgiving! Here's some pictures!

Thankful

This week I'm feeling so content and thankful. I love my kids.

Parent Teacher Conference

I just wanted to record what Harrison's teacher Mrs. Craig said about him at his Parent Teacher Conference yesterday.  We love our preschool and the teachers and other parents. Harrison loves to go and does great at everything except for occasionally acting out when things don't go his way. Of course.

"Harrison is an enthusiastic, outgoing, and confident student in our classroom.  He shows strong pre-reading and pre-math skills. His fine motor and gross motor skills are excellent. He is very interested in learning while in school. Harrison is engaged at circle time and usually has something meaningful to contribute to our conversation.  Harrison has many friends in our class is is often seen playing with Violet and Vilem.  He is very creative and verbal.  Harrison creates wonderful play scenarios. Sometimes Harrison has a difficult time understanding the rights of others.  At times, it is difficult fr Harrison to share a toy or take turns with a prized possession. He is very verbal and we will continue to help Harrison practice using his words to negotiate situations. Harrison greets me daily with a warm hug.  He is a very warm and loving child. I look forward to watching Harrison grow in many ways over the course of this year at preschool."

YAY Harrison! You sure are awesome.

We went to the zoo today

Lately it's felt like winter WAY too early. However today temps were in the 60s so we met up with Alissa wheeler and crew at the zoo. Harrison and emmaline were in heaven and mommy and daddy were thrilled to talk (commiserate?) a little politics with great friends. Fantastic Saturday!

Sweet girl + fall leaves

Carter had some fun at her big brother's last soccer practice a couple of weeks back