Halloween

Despite being a little under the weather, Drew and Anna Kate made the best of Halloween 2012.  We skipped school on Wednesday so they started the day off with DotDot.  It was planned all along that they would not go to school on Wednesday this week.  We were going to send them on Monday instead because we knew we had a busy night for Halloween and they do not get a very good nap on the days they go to school.  Since they were sick on Monday, they ended up missing school all week (for the record, they probably wouldn't have been well enough to go on Wednesday either!).  I think they have been missing it and talk about it a lot.  I know they will be excited to go back next week although I told John Clay this morning that if they don't quit getting sick, I am putting them back in isolation! Ha!
But, I digress... back to Halloween!  This year's costume was Raggedy Ann & Andy. Drew and Anna Kate have no idea who they are but that is okay because for now, we can still get by with things like that.  We decided on these costumes while we were looking through closets at DotDot's house a couple of months ago.  Ashley and I both wore a Raggedy Ann costume made by DotDot when we were around their age and lucky for us, DotDot held on to it for all these years (we always kid her about being a pack rat but we have been able to have some really neat things for Anna Kate and Drew that were mine and Ashley's because of it.).  We just needed an Andy costume and they would be a perfect pair.  We originally were just going to use some of the clothes he has in his closet and buy him a hat.  Well, according to DotDot, Drew seemed a little jealous that Anna Kate had a "costume" and he didn't so she made it her mission to make him one also.  The end result was absolutely precious but I think it was a bit more of an undertaking than she had bargained for.  She worked on it up until the day of Halloween and it was perfect!
I left work a little early and went to pick them up so we could go by Aunt Teresa's house for our first stop of the evening. I have concluded Halloween should always be a weekend occasion. You need all day to get ready and go everywhere you need to.  We were a little behind the schedule we had set for ourselves so we weren't able to stay at Aunt Teresa's for long but Drew and Anna Kate sure did rack up while they were there.  Mamaw and Papaw met us there also and they got them toys, movies, snacks, etc... Aunt Teresa also spoiled them with toys, coloring books & crayons, and lots of snacks.  They were happy and we could have been done there but had to keep the wagon moving. We went to Whitney's house next for some cousin time and trick-or-treating.  Since it was chilly and starting to get dark we took a few pictures then headed out to trick-or-treat.  AK & D are still a little young to fully grasp the concept but they were excited to ride around the neighborhood with Price & Hayes in the wagon and check all the other people out.  I think we only ended up going up to two doors and at the second door they got Dum-Dums.  That was all the candy they needed so we watched Price & Hayes for the rest of the trip. We went back to the Davis' for dinner and to enjoy more cousin time.  Price, Hayes, Drew, and Anna Kate enjoyed helping hand out candy to all the trick-or-treaters. Our whirl-wind evening was closed out by a visit from Granny Lisa when we got home and then it was baths and bed (way later than normal).  It was a great time and I know next year will be completely different because they will understand more what it is all about. 

 Checking out the new loot! Anna Kate got a new doll from Mamaw & Papaw and a new purse from Aunt Teresa.  It seems Halloween & Christmas may be similar for my kids!

 We could have packed it up and gone home after this and Drew would have been okay. He LOVES to haul things so Mamaw & Papaw hit the jackpot when they found this truck and "trawer". He will just sit or lay in floor and pull it back and forth. He is fascinated.

 Smooches for Aunt Teresa for her Halloween goodies!

 The best picture I managed to get of them. I tried very hard to get one of them standing up. You can't really get the full effect of the cuteness without seeing the entire ensemble.

 Itsy bitsy spider with Papaw and Aunt Teresa

 Bye kisses from Mamaw

4 kids under 3 and one cooperative six year old nets a picture like this (or 20 pictures similar to this).

 This is what happened when I tried to get a picture of them standing together.

 Their rides for trick-or-treating. Not too shabby!

 I hate that this picture is blurry. There was a police officer on a motorcycle on the street and Drew and Hayes were enthralled. These two are all boy and very similar. Drew and Anna Kate really love Hayes.

 They also really look up to Price. He is a good big cousin.

 Drew tried to lift the most important part of train conductor Nathan's costume.

Sweet girl!

Sick... AGAIN!

So, we're going for round number two on the silly cold that plagued us a couple of weeks ago.  This time, John Clay and I decided to join in on the fun too.  It's great...
I decided to take them to the doctor yesterday just to make sure there wasn't something more serious to be worried about and she confirmed that is was an upper respiratory virus (AKA... a cold! I think she wanted me to feel like I got more out of our $80 visit than it was a cold!) and that we there really wasn't anything to do for them other than what we have been. Again, it's great.  I guess I will again say that I am so very thankful it is only a cold and not something more serious but I feel bad for my little sweeties. I hope they can kick it quickly and stay well for the rest of the winter!
Since they were both a little under the weather this weekend, there is nothing fun or exciting to report.  We even had to skip out on Price's birthday party on Sunday. I hate we had to miss it but fortunately for me, they had no idea. That won't last much longer!

Grandaddy took Drew for a lawn mower ride last Friday.  DotDot has been a champ and has been pulling double duty while Mamaw Katherine & Papaw Hubert have been working early voting.  They have been loving all the time they get to spend with her but I know she is tired.

 Pretty girl (who's hair is getting way long and turning lighter!)!

My creative one (who loves his hat from Nanny Norma & Uncle Papaw).  He is a little obsessed with "big trucks" right now.  He is also quite obsessed with hauling things. He will try to hook anything up to his tractor when he rides it or his small truck and tractor. Saturday night, he wanted to pull a golf club behind his bicycle.  He has also been building a "big truck" with what I assume is a trailer with is legos. He's got quite the imagination. And maybe a future in tow truck driving! :)

 

Here's hoping they get much better for all for the Halloween festivities tomorrow and that Anna Kate (and me!) can get some rest tonight. She coughed all night last night and was exhausted this morning.

Flu shot & twin bond

Drew and Anna Kate got the dreaded flu shot this morning. We got in and out of there pretty quickly. Drew went first and did cry as soon as they stuck the needle in but after some hugs and an Elmo sticker, his tears dried up and he was good to go. Anna Kate went next and didn't even flinch when she stuck the needle in. But after it was out and we were talking about how it was over, that bottom lip poked out, and tears welled up in her sweet little eyes.  She was trying so hard not to cry, bless her little heart.  She got an Elmo sticker as well but it really wasn't much consolation. She kept pointing back toward the front so I figured she wanted DotDot (She always has to go for things like this. You need two sets of loving arms when babies are upset over shots!). As soon as we got up there she went straight for Drew. And gave him a big ole' hug. And then they were both fine. Melt my heart!
They went to breakfast at Midland afterward with DotDot and Grandaddy and Mimi Jo met them there as well. I guess if you have to get a shot, that is the best way to follow it up!

I didn't get any pictures of the precious hug but I did get this gem before they headed off to breakfast.  Hayes came over to play with Anna Kate and Drew last Tuesday and was able to share his love of a good hat with my two.  Good thing because they both have hats that go with their Halloween costume and we really wanted them to wear them.  So, off they went to their favorite breakfast spot with their hats, their monies (that they got by raiding my purse while we waited on shots), and some of their favorite people!

Cades Cove

We took full advantage of the amazing weather today and spent the afternoon in Cades Cove. We went last year around this time and Drew and Anna Kate had lots of fun. I knew they would enjoy going again this year. Mamaw Katherine & Papaw Hubert went with us.  We even managed to get ahead of the crowd!

 He kept hanging his head out the window and screaming "Come here turkeys!". If there were any around, it is certain they headed in the other direction!

 The Fall colors are always very pretty but they were very muted this year. Even still, my pictures didn't do it justice.

 "You talkin' to me?"

 She raided her Mamaw's purse and of course, had to find "monies".

 I had someone hanging over my shoulder. He was (actually they both were) dying to drive.

Ha! He needs a hair cut in a bad way!

 We stopped at the halfway point for a picnic and to check out the mill. I think she liked her Subway sandwich.

 He dissected his but still liked it.

 We stopped to see what the blacksmith was doing.

 Then we went to the mill. 

 Trying hard to get them to sit for a picture together. Anna Kate wasn't feeling the love.

 Checking out the water wheel.

 Self proclaimed "stinker pots".

 One of the pictures I promised of their back with a pretty background.

 Into something he isn't supposed to be. 

 I finally got one because I was really far away and she didn't even know I was taking a picture.

 Definitely not a see-saw!

 Lining up for a race. All they really wanted to do was run.

 This one is framable.

 Big 'ole feet

 The story behind this picture is hilarious. Drew kept unlocking the door and opening it. We told him not to do that because sis would fall out. So, every time he would reach for the door handle, Anna Kate would yell "No Dew (that is the way she says his name & it is adorable)! Sissy fall out!". He managed to get a hand on the door handle again and this was her reaction. I have not idea how I got this picture and manage to keep the door closed. I guess I'm just good like that!

 I'm pretty sure I have a very similar picture from last year.  Like I said, they were dying to get in the driver's seat.

 Pretty views on the way out.

Drew needed to take some measurements while we sat in traffic leaving the park.

 

We had a wonderful day enjoying the mountains! I hope we will be able to do it more as they get older.



Workin' hard for the money

We came up short on the babysitter list on Friday so I got to take the day off and spend it with my cuties!  Well, I sort of had the day off. I still had to go in and cut checks so after breakfast I loaded them up and off we went to "Mommy's work". They "helped" me finish typing in the checks and print them out. They were really good while we are there although they did get very interested in the steps before we left. We did manage to make it out of there without anyone falling down the steps and without any near accidents with the cars and buses that fly through Downtown so I call that a success!  From work we went to Sam's, the bank, by Chick-fil-A for some lunch, and then home. They were about an hour late going down for their nap but I think they enjoyed running around with me. I know I enjoyed spending time with them. I sure do miss having Wednesdays off.

 I didn't get any pictures of them at my office but I did put them to work again this morning.  I cleaned out our filing cabinet and they "helped" me shred some things.

 At Sam's getting Jake & Gracie some food.  This is the first time I have taken them both grocery shopping alone. They were so good! I wish Walmart had double buggies because I would probably take them more often.

They found some things they needed while we were there. (And yes, Drew is wearing his sunglasses. I took them off of him several times but he kept putting them back on.)  Anna Kate picked out a new baby and Drew picked out a remote controlled fire truck. We did leave with them but I had a plan. I figured I'd put them in the back and they would forget about them and then we could give them to them for Christmas.  Well, my girl has a good memory. I had to wrestle it away from her to put it in the car. Then most of the way home she talked about it. She even took her sippy cup and threw it behind her and said "here baby". I guess she thought she needed a drink on our long trip home.  She went to the back of the car and wanted her baby again when we got home but I was able to distract her with some lemonade and a nicely timed garbage truck that drove by.  She even mentioned her again when she got up from her nap but I just kind of ignored it. She hasn't said anything since. I think it's safe to say my plan (narrowly) worked and the new toys will make a re-appearance in December. I know my days of getting by with things like that are very numbered!   And just for the record, Drew handed his fire truck over before getting in the car and never said another word about it. It is funny how different they are. 

 

We have a trip to Cades Cove planned for tomorrow so get ready for lots of pictures of their backs as they run away from mewith some pretty mountain backdrops!

"You have to put that on the blog..."

"You have to put that on the blog so you never forget it!"  That was Ashley's response to the story I told her about our drop off at school today. So... here it is!

I believe it is time to start potty training Drew and Anna Kate.  They like to go to the potty, have started telling us when they use the bathroom, and sometimes will even tell us that they have to go.  They also have become very interested in what it is that they have done and will ask to see their diaper.  Gross, I know! The last couple of mornings when I have gotten Drew up he has had a dirty diaper. He will say "I see it, I see it!" but not really quite that clear. It comes out sounding like he says "I shee-it, I shee-it!" (do you see the issue?!).  Well, I was a little nervous that he would do the same thing at school when they changed him, and I didn't want them thinking my two year old was cussing at them. So, as much as I didn't want to, I told the teacher when I dropped them off that he was not yelling bad words, he just wanted to check things out. (By the way, Anna Kate is guilty of doing the same thing. I don't want to only pin this lovely habit on Drew.)  While I was full disclosure mode, I wanted to go ahead and clear up something else he or Anna Kate may have thrown out there. While they were sick, they decided they didn't want to blow their noses anymore. So, when their nose was running, we would tell them that they either had to blow it or we would suck it out with the bulb, which they used to not like.  Their response to this became "suck it!".  And eventually, when their nose would start running, they would simply come to us and say "suck it!".  So, during my awkward conversation with their teacher yesterday morning I said, "Oh, and if they tell you to suck it, they aren't being ugly, they just need their nose wiped". She was almost in tears by this point. As much as I dreaded having to have this conversation, I was even more worried that they would think we were teaching our toddlers these terrible things to say.  So there it is. And to 20 year old Drew and Anna Kate one day... see what your mother had to do for you?!

I met John Clay and the kids at the park yesterday after work for a picnic and some play time. The weather was too nice to pass up.  Here are some pictures.

  Arby's for dinner. I'm pretty sure all they ate were fries.

 The elephant!

 Sliding

Drew's turn!

 Swings!

Oh, that tongue! She always has it out. I'm not sure what she is trying to catch.

 I tried and tried to get them to go down side by side but they refused.

Running away from us. They heard us mention it was time to go home and they obviously weren't ready. 

The big slide! She was a little nervous but could not be outdone by Drew, who marched up there and went right down.