The cookie monster

I had to take this picture. Tonight we had monkey sitting at the island with the kids during dinner and at the end of it Ryan put half of an Oreo in front of monkey for dessert. It was perfect!

Oh...to have TIME!!

Sunday night. Getting ready to go back to work after the 4 day week-end.
I feel mentally rested which is a rare feeling for me and it feels amazingly good. I have to admit that 2 days are not long enough for me, the stress of work and the need to get stuff accomplished in those 2 days make my week-ends not very relaxing. 4 days...now, that is much better!
I love to have plenty of time ahead of me and no plans whatsoever. It is so calming for my mind. We spent time with family (well, that was Greg and the kids, I was still recovering from a rather nasty stomach flu) , rested, spent time with friends, rested, cooked some great food, rested, went for bike rides, rested, did some shopping, and rested some more.
LOVED IT! I even had time to work on some pictures I had put aside 6 months ago. Yes, 6 months. I really don't have all that much time anymore. Lucas had really hurt himself badly against on the hedge of the bathroom's door frame. The bump got big and dark pretty fast, but after the initial reaction, it did not seem to bother him that much.

Belated Birthday present

The table we had ordered for Ryan, made it to our house today. And we have one happy little boy!

Just another day

Our days overlap without a clear definition, one after another with the same actions repeated day after day. They start sometime before 7AM with getting breakfast ready for everyone, then the clothes are laid on the beds the kids get dressed, brush their teeth and out of the door. Each one of us goes to his/her daily routine, work, school, kindergarten, preschool and then at pick up time, it starts all over again. Once at home, it is bath time, homework time, dinner time, pajamas time and hopefully, without much fuss, ...bedtime.
Moment of peace and quiet are rare and few between, and if I happen to have the camera at hand when there is one, I usually tray to capture it. Last night, Lucas was going around the house with his little grocery cart , a farmer hat and a pair of star shaped sunglasses (go figure!!). I was working with Alex in reviewing his homework when I saw Lucas sitting at my desk, taking a little break and watching a little TV. Pretty awesome!!!

Post Halloween

The quiet after the storm. The day started early with a parade at Ryan's school , followed by a party with cookie decoration. A full day at work and then Trick or Treating until 8PM. I am glad it is all done. Alex and 7-8 of his friends went on their own and we walked around with Ryan and Lucas (who did not want to wear the hat of his costume). Amazingly, Lucas got the gist of it really fast and loved it. He went from door to door with his little basket and was quietly (very quietly as he did not say one word!) waiting for a piece of candy. He was incredibly cute!