Changing a 4-year olds worldview...

We took the boys to see Kung Fu Panda last night.  We didn't think too much about the fact that it was a Kung Fu movie (apparently the name didn't really kick in), but that's not the point of my story.  We were on the way home from the theater and Noah asked if they could play outside.  Sure, we replied, and then what came out next was a bit perplexing...

Noah: "Okay, Dad can stay outside with us and Mom, you need to go in and make dinner."

Dad: "Why does Mommy need to make dinner, can't Dad?"

Noah: "No, it wouldn't be fair.  Mommy needs to make it."

Dad: "Why is that?"

Noah: "Well, Mommy's the girl."

WHAT!  This is NOT something we promote in the slightest in our house.  Needless to say, I had the night off from making dinner last night...it's probably one of those ways that God is showing us that the decision for me to go back to work and Chris stay home with the boys for a couple years ago is a good one!

But, Noah does say some strange things...he asked last week:

"Mom, can Miss Claire take me to Costco and buy me a surfboard so I can surf the perfect wave?"

a morning in Milwaukee

We took a Saturday morning this week and went down to the much acclaimed Milwaukee Public Market. Having been to Pike Place, it was much different, but we loved it. I didn't get any pictures of the inside, but it was awesome. What we loved so much about it was that everything was local. Local coffee shops, bakeries, cheeseries (is that what they are called?). I so enjoyed the time down there. Then we went outside to the Urban Outdoor Market and had so much fun looking at the wonderful and creative art that is displayed. It was really fun.I didn't realize how very much I love the city life.

We wanted the boys to hold hands, but the decided if they just held each other's hands that was good enough. And, adorable for a picture. They really do love each other very much.
There was a great place to play right by the Milwaukee River. Not a whole lot of playing happened, mostly just looking at the river go by.
I love this picture because it captures the boys having so much fun with the fountain, but a great shot of this street in Milwaukee. There is a great place when you get off the freeway that shows the skyline so well, but I didn't have my camera out...next time.

Some cool arcitecture by Lake Michigan.

This really is a giant lake...

I can't figure out what the ducks were doing.  I think eating, but it was still funny

Much needed music

A couple weeks ago we had a special music at church that was amazing. The woman who sang the song was phenomenal and her boyfriend played the guitar along with her. I actually thought that he was a recording it was that good (and I couldn't see him from where I was sitting.) Anyway, it was one of those songs that hits right at the right time in your life. So, I got the information from the music director on the song and here's the link he sent me. The song is sung by Sean Smith; it's called "Shut out the World." (i think it's the forth song down on the list).

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=40418298

It's the Little Things

Last week Chris redid our kitchen floor.  Although Noah is trying his hardest to be the "cool kid" you can see how much our floor needed to be replaced.  I don't like white linoleum...it just doesn't make sense, especially with kids.  So, one evening while I was working late, Chris did the whole thing.

The new and improved kitchen floor.  I love it!!

surviving boys

I never thought much about what kind of mom I would be, but I think I've turned out to be a good mom for boys. I try to be laid back when it comes to the crazy physicality of boys, but sometimes I have to look away, like yesterday...

Chris told me Noah was "hiding from me." They had been outside playing while Micah was napping. So, I went outside and Noah pops up from the middle of a huge tree we have outside. I think he may be about 8 to 10 feet up there. He thinks it's so fun...yep, here he is...

Here's a closer up shot of him, enjoying the new toy...
And, then to get out, the boy JUMPS to Chris.  

But, the reason I think I am good with boys is because rather than freak out for all to see...I was however, freaking out internally...I ran inside and got the camera.  :) 

Chris built them a ladder on the tree last night, but he laid down some rules...the first of which I made up...NO GOING IN THE TREE WITHOUT MOM OR DAD!