Getting your Money's worth

A dear friend of ours gave Benjamin a batman costume for his third birthday. {Thanks Melanie!}

Sam and Benjamin wore it daily until the elastic band on the mask started cutting off the circulation to their faces.

A few months ago, Nicholas found it and has been wearing it every possible second.

And today, Ellie joined the ranks of Batman. It was a very proud moment for me.

I will now be accepting donations of costumes for little girls .

The life and times of Nicholas

Nicholas turned three yesterday. It is hard to believe that he is already three - he is growing too fast! So in honor of his third birthday, here are three very "Nicholas-like" things.

1. Nicholas is a super funny kid. He is always making us laugh. The other night at dinner, he gave us all new names.
Josh became Sissy Sauce.
Sam became Apricot Salad
Benjamin became Fry Sauce.
Eliana became Banana Split
Nicholas became Pumpkin.
And I became Tasty Salsa.

2. Nicholas is very clever. Sometimes it's deviously clever, but mostly it's just clever. Here is a recent conversation I had with Nicholas that illustrates the deviously clever . . .
Me: Nicholas, you don't hit Benjamin. If he's doing something you don't like, you tell him. Use your words.
Nicholas: Ok Benjamin. I am going to hit you now.

3. Nicholas is very sure of what he wants and very determined. He wanted a Wall*E cake for his birthday. Nothing else would do. He kept asking, and asking and asking and asking and asking . . . for the Wall*E cake. So, he got one (a poor excuse for a Wall*E cake). And he applies that same determination to getting cookies, watching TV and avoiding nap time. Lucky me!

So happy birthday dear boy.
We are glad you are part of our family. You really bring life to the party!

Because Jim asked . . .

As in years past, we made the pilgrimage to take our Christmas Card pictures. Here are some beauties from this year.

Benjamin: {I can't remember how to smile. Do you think anyone will notice.}
Sam: {I come from the planet nerd. Take me to your leader.}

Benjamin: {I'm trying out for Constipated Person #2 in the school play.}
Josh: {Sam put your hand down or there will be severe consequences.}
No really - he said that.

Josh: {Go ahead and have a good time now Sam. You are going to die when we get home.}
Nicholas: {I have a two picture limit. This is picture three - someone is going to pay.}
And I have no excuses to make for Benjamin's face in this picture - it pretty much says it all.

Thank goodness for Photoshop!

This
{+}

This
{=}

This.
Almost perfect, and definetely full of personality.

Happy Late Thanksgiving

I know it's two weeks late, but here are some pictures from our Thanksgiving. We had a very unconventional Thanksgiving - we went to Sea World. And we loved it so much that I want to do it again next year {Except for Benjamin who feels like he was robbed of Thanksgiving dinner}. The park was practically empty, the weather was perfect, and there weren't any dishes to do. Plus, we learned a little Sea World tip . . . If you buy your season passes in August, you get the rest of the year and ALL of the next year! Who knew?

What Sea World visit is complete without a Shamu Show?

See how empty the stands are? Perfect!

Some of the family went on a water ride. And some of that part of the family liked it.

Nicholas gave us an uncertain smile when the ride was done.
Josh: Nicholas, did you like the ride?
Nicholas: Yeah! It was a great ride!
Josh: Do you want to go again.
Nicholas: Uh, no thanks!

Nicholas and Eliana LOVE Shamu. They talk about him all the time at home. So seeing one was an unbelievable treat. Nicholas was so excited to hold Shamu's hand, that he couldn't even look at the camera - he had to make sure Shamu didn't let go.

Here's a cute, though rare, moment. Nicholas wants to be Sam, and Sam doesn't always appreciate the attention. So when Sam said Nicholas could sit by him, Nicholas was overcome with joy!

Because the park was empty, we got to feed the dolphins. It was amazing!

Benjamin is a little nervous in this picture. Sam was {kind of} teasing the dolphin by not feeding him the fish right away. I told him to just give the dolphin the fish. And when Sam finally did feed it, the dolphin responded by {SPLASHING} us. We were soaked! But it was SO worth it!

Eliana was fascinated by the aquarium. She and Josh stood there for about 20 minutes just watching the fish.

This is a just because it's cute picture.