Chuck goes to Chuck's Place

We had some free time this morning and Bob

was scheduled to 'close', so we decided to take the kids on an outing.

Once we got in the car we just drove,

we didn't say where our destination was.

I have to say, it was pretty cute when Claire figured it out

(which was when we drove up and parked)

and she was pretty excited to introduce her brother to

Chuck E. Cheese

 first they rode a 'virtual roller-coaster'

(notice they're holding hands!)

 and then they did some rocket type thingy

 Claire tried to make Charlie 'look' at the camera

he rode the merry-go-round all by himself!

 HORRIBLE PHOTO - but I LOVE Claire's expression

 making friends with Bob the Builder

 and checking out the school bus

they tried the slide together

and Charlie even tried it on his own

he may not look like it - but he really did like it

and there's no question that this girl absolutely loved it

so all in all, it was a fun little trip

and I'm sure we'll be coming back in the very near future.

Holiday Photo 'Runner-Ups'

one of my girlfriends is a professional photographer.

I actually met her when we adopted Claire and she came to take her six months photos 

(as she was a part of an 'adoption photography network')

and then we just ended up becoming friends.

she was also there when I arrived in San Francisco with Charlie. 

(she's just super cool like that)

oh, and she has the most AMAZING food blog

you have to take a peek at it   HERE 

(seriously, the stuff on there makes me drool)

so I was super stoked when she was able to fit us in for our Christmas Photos

as she's semi-retired from portrait photography

since her blog is kind of a big deal

(my words, not hers - LOL)

anyway, she got me the files quicker than I can eat a dozen

Chocolate Caramel Pecan Thumbprints

(okay, so I haven't technically timed myself

or actually tasted these, but boy do I WANT TO!!!)

and I have to say, I was STOKED at the photos. 

First, I hate photos of myself. I never take them. But with the hope of 

becoming a 'good mom', I've been trying to take some of me with the kids

so that they know I actually existed when they were younger.

There were two family shots, and I'm using the best one for the card

and the other ... well, you'll see it in a bit. 

ALL of the photos of the kids I loved. I really did. But there is one

that absolutely has my heart. For some reason to me, it just makes my heart melt.

so I'm saving that one for last.

So here's a taste of some of the ones that didn't make the cut for the card ...

... but I still thought were super cute. 

and here's my favorite.

I actually just ordered stickers and I got it printed in an 8x10

... and yes, it's already in a frame, and I just LOVE it!

Whew ... are we in December yet?

gosh... it seems like this past week or so has just been incredibly

BUSY

which I know isn't anything new to everyone else, 

but for some reason I just feel extra tired this time. 

(could be because I'm coming down with a cold or something)

I kinda can't remember what all we did, but I know we

seemed to be always on the go. 

oh wait. I take that back. It rained a lot. 

so we were home bound.

(yikes. I sound like I'm losing my mind)

I did get pictures of a couple of things. 

First, I took the kids to the local 

'Day Before Thanksgiving Parade'

I thought it started at 9:30 am

but it was actually 9:00 am

We were able to catch the end of it

(it wasn't all that exciting, but something we'll definitely do next year)

and here's what the kids thought

yeahhhh ...  oh well. 

Thanksgiving was super fun. We went up to my parents house

and because of a little storm that passed through a few days before, 

there was still some snow left to play in!

Claire liked making snowballs and learned how to throw them

 she had a great time watching her cousins sled

(she was a bit scared during her one and only trip down)

She tried making snow angels on the icy snow

and of course Mr. Charles decided to come check out the white stuff

 he did a lot of looking

and then Bob gave him some snow

and he carried it around until we took it out of his hand. 

It was kind of crazy how he didn't complain about his little hand getting cold. 

and of course, he tried eating it. 

(he still tries to eat everything)

I really enjoyed this Thanksgiving as it was just fun, relaxing, and delicious.

and of course I loved the Black Friday shopping as well. 

Last year was my maiden voyage in Black Friday seas

and I have to say - I am SO addicted!

I think it's the thrill of the hunt. So far I have failed to make a game plan

(besides knowing what stores I'd like to check out)

and instead I kind of do a quick browsing type thing. 

it's fun to see what goodies you happen to come across. 

Oh - and now I'm sick. 

Yeah ...  I have some kind of cold or something like that. 

I have one more day to get over it, and then I'll have to buck up. 

so until then, I'm going to bed. 

Baby It's Cold Outside

okay, so it's not THAT cold out

but in our neck of the woods, it got COLD.

It was supposed to rain all weekend

(and for the next few days)

so when the sun decided to give us a break

 from being holed up in the house

we jumped on it.

(or rather, we walked)

this kid will NOT smile at a camera. 

(it's starting to really annoy me)

like ... he'll actually be laughing and then I'll pull out 

the camera and the smiles instantly stop. 

this is the closest to a smile I've gotten in a long time.

taking photos of two kiddos is next to impossible I'm finding.

they may not be smiling

but at least they're looking at the camera.

I kinda have to give myself a pat on the back. 

when I got them up off of the ground, I noticed that their

backsides got really dirty. 

and I didn't freak out. 

I think this Momma is finally starting to loosen up. 

awww  yeahhhh

my little guy

I was taking some photos of the kids the other day

and I passed over this one because the focus was all off.

but after taking a second look at it, I just kinda fell in love with it. 

my little guy is walking like a big guy

kinda like the thinks he owns the world or something.

 (here's a close up)

it's crazy to think that he's only been home for 5 weeks. 

of course we're still adjusting, but things are definitely progressing. 

it's funny - when I first got him I thought he was soooo laid back. 

but actually, he's kinda not. 

he's definitely a 'go with the flow' kind of kid, 

but when he wants something (or doesn't want something) he will SO let you know!

and I'm also starting to get better at handling two kiddos. 

In fact, I took them to buy some kimchee today

which was over an hour (round trip) in the car

and it was also raining. 

there was no fighting, and even some sleeping

which makes life seem pretty good right now. 

Hey Paparazzi - get that camera OUTTA MY FACE!

the GOOD ATTITUDE princess

Meet Rapunzel

in our house she is the bringer of 'good attitudes'

she comes complete with a blonde hair extension

(for her ... or for you ... take your pick)

we've been having some issues with attitudes in our home lately. 

primarily with the eldest daughter.

so it was decided that Rapunzel could come join our family as long

as a certain 3 year old could act like a big girl. 

(that includes no throwing fits and eating all of your food)

when Rapunzel made her entrance this evening 

(thank goodness Daddy works close to a Target)

I had a little talk with Claire about the expectations

that came along with this particular princess.

(me)

Claire, you can sleep with Rapunzel tonight

only if you do NOT throw a fit when I tell you it's time to go to bed.

And you can't throw a fit when it's time to go potty 

or brush your teeth.

And in the morning, I will put Rapuzel on the counter

and after you've finished eating all of your food, you can have her again.

And when it's lunch time, I will put her again on the counter

and when your food is all gone you can play with her. 

Same goes for dinner. I will put Rapunzel on the counter

until you finish eating all of your food. 

Do you understand?

(Claire)

Mom - that's enough talking about Rapunzel. 

She can't even talk yet. 

Um... okay?

Apparently to get Rapunzel to 'talk'

Claire would tap her on the chest and yell

hey Rapunzel!

RAPUNZEL!

Can you hear me? 

HUH?

Can you hear me?

Somehow that must have awakened Rapunzel's vocal chords

because after that she couldn't stop talking.

Here she is talking to 'Molly'.

(Claire is currently obsessed with Molly - who is from the movie 'Annie')

tonight, bedtime was super easy.

no fits. no fuss. 

let's hope this princess can deliver the goods tomorrow.