Right Hand Wrench

Growing up, I always enjoyed helping my dad work on the car and he always called me his little "right hand wrench." (You should see me change a sparkplug!) Okay, so mostly I just watched while he worked.

And so the tradition continues. Luke had the opportunity to peer inside our neighbor's engine and loved it! He eagerly parroted back every engine part's name.

And then, he stuck his fingers in the anti-freeze.

How Luke.

Tenacious L.

Dear Child-Proofing Product Manufacturers:

Clearly I need to use duct tape to properly secure outlet covers. I suggest including said duct tape with package of outlet covers.

Sincerely,
Parent of Clever and Determined Child

Road Rash.

Note: The ground won.

Allignment.

Luke is all about lining things up - it doesn't matter what it is or where we are. I was clearly not paying attention and he found a newly opened box of soda. He entertained himself for a good long time by lining up and arranging the cans of soda. He was extremely particular about where the went and how they were facing. I was fine with it (he was quiet and contained) until he found out how much fun they were to roll and throw. Then it had to stop. And there were tears and tantrums. Not surprising. But he was so proud of himself - I was impressed with his focus.

Wild Rumpus-ing

Last October, I found a plush version of Max's scepter ("Where the Wild Things Are") at a kids used gear/clothing/toys sale. I promptly bought it, thinking that Max would be such a fun costume for a little boy.

Little did I know that I had a boy who enjoyed a good "wild rumpus." While I don't think Luke is anything like Max, he does enjoy being loud and acting like a monster. (stay out the look-out for a video showcasing Luke's "monster steps") I am not a seamstress by any stretch of the imagination, but I am a wonderful costume "assembler." I found a fantastic lemur costume online and figured I could "assemble" it into a Max costume somehow.

I recently bought a sewing machine (like I need another hobby . . .) and was able to rig a set of ears, tail and crown like Max. I sewed on some big cartoon-y buttons, added the scepter and was all set.

Luke did not enjoy the costume. Did. Not.


So we bribed him with chips. We're okay with that.


After the bribery, he got over the inhumanity of a full suit furry costume and dragging a tail around. This was his first real experience trick-or-treating and I was so proud that he went for the biggest candy option in the bucket: a full size bag of Skittles. Well played, Luke, well played.


Afterwards, we headed to Grandma and Grandpa's house where he is into knocking now. He was such a cutie and played along. He had been working on saying "Happy Halloween!" but it only comes out "Happy WEEN!"

This is certainly my favorite Halloween picture this year.

After Grandma and Grandpa's house, we headed over to visit the cousins. It is incredibly difficult to get attention focused on the camera with a 5 year old, 4 year old and almost 2 year old. Hence the picture. And that is Spider-Man dressed as a pumpkin.

Happy Ween, everyone!

Punkin! Punkin!

Last year, for Luke's first Halloween, we ended up skipping the pumpkin patch. The day we had planned to go was rainy and muddy and Luke had been sick for a while. We opted out, and I have to say, I was disappointed. So this year, I was adamant that we go to the pumpkin patch. While there are many "patches" in the area, we knew the only place for the first patch experience was Uesugi Farms in Morgan Hill. The last time we had gone was when I was pregnant with Luke and boy, has it grown since then!

Quite frankly, the place was a zoo. I have never seen so many people at a pumpkin patch before. But now its more than just a pumpkin patch. There's a train, a few mazes, a few tractor rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, a band, and food galore. Oh, and the pumpkins. Luke learned how to say "punkin" and boy, did he have the opportunity to practice!

Grandma and Grandpa met us there, as we were unable to go the previous weekend with the rest of the family. Luke had so much fun. He wasn't too into the pumpkins (though he became fond of one particular squash . . .) but of course, loved the train.


Running to the giant inflatable pumpkin


Lovin' the train!


Pumpkin = Hat.


Shoulder rides are really the only way to go for containment these days.

There is really nothing better than family time. Happy Punkin Day!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

For Todd's 30th birthday, we celebrated at Aunt Nancy and Uncle Joe's up in Dublin. We were so happy that so much of the family was able to come and celebrate. I was able to have Not Just Cheesecakes in Campbell make Todd's birthday cake - which was delicious! A nice big pint of Stone's Imperial Russian Stout. It was such a treat!

On a special note:

Thank you Hallmark for your wonderful sound card invention. There really is nothing better to entertain a toddler than a singing card that will turn on and off in a logical 2 year old way. Luke loved dancing to "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" at GreatGrandma and Grammie Linda's birthday party and was equally entertained by the "Star Wars" theme at Daddy's party.



Please continue to make them. At least until I no longer have a toddler.

And since Luke is so into hats, the card promptly became a hat and he subsequently danced around. To the amusement of us all. Well worth the price of a card Hallmark. Thank you.