The Aftermath

Well, like a dork, I didn't really get many pictures taken during our art day today, so you're getting aftermath pics! The kids seemed to enjoy it again; our theme today was "apples" and we were using lots of glue! I wish I had a picture as I was carrying stuff outside because I walked out the door to find Colin with a cup of glue, drizzling it all over the craft table in a very pretty design. He was SO proud of himself!

Colin, of course, I think ended up being the messiest kid here. He even had paint smeared in his hair today.
We decorated paper apples with colored salt and crayons, glued pompoms to green circles and green craft sticks to make apple trees.
We also used apples as stamps with green and red paint. We had finger paint and playdough out too, which was fun.
For our snack, we spread slices of fresh bread with some apple butter and the kids all got to take turns using my apple corer/slicer to make apple slices for themselves!

Here's Colin helping with "cleanup" duty.
And Colin afterwards, taken from under the door to his room:

Dinner Out

Since Michael had to work late again, we met him for dinner at McAlister's. Colin was so glad to see his daddy and behaved wonderfully the whole time we were there, playing peekaboo and eating a huge serving of meatloaf and mashed potatoes. We were there early enough that it was mostly empty, which was nice because Colin was not as distracted! :)

Sammy Homemaker

Colin helped me plant our fall veggies this afternoon. He preferred to dig the holes with his feet rather than hands or tools, but he did do a very good job of "pat-pat-patting" the seeds in.
This evening, Michael came home for dinner and then had to go back to work (he hopes to be home by 11-ish, ug.) Colin did some home-therapy for him while plated up dinner.
Since daddy had a bad day, Colin and I spent part of the evening making him some cookies. He's getting to be such a helper in the kitchen. He counted cups and teaspoons for me as I dumped them in and got to help roll the cookies in cinnamon and sugar too.
This is his first time ever licking the beaters. He was confused by the funny shape at first, but quickly learned how to suck off the cookie dough.
Helping roll in the sugar.
Enjoying the fruits of his labor before bedtime!

Feeding Animals (redux)

After we went to the YMCA this morning, I decided we should stop at the "animal farm" (as Michael calls it) again. I think this may become a regular thing because Colin enjoys it SO much and it wears him out; he slept for almost an hour today. I just let him wander around until he says he's ready to go home!

We got there as soon as they opened, so all the animals were still having their breakfast. Colin, of course, had to sign "eat" to me and say the animal name each time he saw a new animal. Here he is signing it for the goats.
He is getting better at feeding all of the animals too. The goats are easy.
But the rabbits require a bit more patience.
And the cow require skills.
But he's getting it! Here he's signing "eat" for the geese (whom we did NOT feed).
He also enjoyed playing in the carport-sized sand pit again. Not sure what he's carefully cooking up, but he really liked it.
Colin also rode the pony today without me holding on to him at all (although, walking along beside, I kept having to remind him to keep ahold of the saddlehorn ~ he'd much rather wave his arms in glee).

Before we left, we went on their short hayride. Colin was uncertain here before it started (puzzled, I think), but once it got going he was jabbering away happily.

Playdate with Lily

Lauren had an appointment this morning, so Lily got to come over and play. We had so much fun! Colin insisted on feeding her some of his Cheerios ~ fortunately she didn't seem to mind! He'd give her one and then say, "mmm".
We played with the musical instruments, blocks, trains and read lots of books.
Colin and Lily both decided they needed to sit in the bed for a while too.
Then Colin read Lily a story (or three).
Here's some video, but I think Lily was getting a bit tired of hearing this book over and over and wanted to pick a new one!

I tried to get Colin to push Lily on Leo, but he wasn't having it.

Apparently this was what he wanted instead.

We had such a great morning with our friend! Lily, I'm glad you could come and I hope you can play again soon!

***Note: Colin and I just rewatched this and he keeps saying "yily, a push".

Sure signs your kid is into pot:

Picking up Colin

On our way to pick up Colin Sunday, we decided to stop at the Texas Ranger museum. It was pretty interesting and I'm sure Colin will like it before we leave Texas. We also got him a little souvenir which you will be seeing soon either as part of the play/dressup box or as part of a Halloween costume. :)
We met Joe and Laura at Bass Pro in Dallas. Colin could have stayed there all day I think, looking at all the animals. We ate at the restaurant in the store and he loved the deer and moose that he could see from his seat! Glad to have my silly boy back!
I have some pics and video of his trip that I will try to get up here soon, but they will have to be compressed first!

Joe and Laura Visit - Photo Blitz

Kind of spur-of-the-moment, Joe and Laura decided to visit for the long weekend! They arrived Friday night and got to be here until Tuesday morning!

On Saturday, we decided Colin needed another trip to the petting zoo.
He seemed perplexed that the goats were not interested in playing with their ball.
He did much better at feeding the bunnies this time (although they were more ready to eat too, so he didn't have to be as patient). He also was a little better at feeding the cows.
Here he is chasing some guineas.
And feeding the piggies with Michael.
But what he really liked was this:
I think he definitely needs one of these for Christmas.
And maybe one of these, which he loved both times we were there.
Probably not one of these, though he loved it too. :)
He is fascinated with llamas lately, in books and in real life. He thinks it's really funny how it sounds like "mama".
On Sunday, we went out for lunch after church. Colin was kind of a booger, but acted nicer once he got to sit in daddy's lap!
He looks sleepy here, but there was no way he was going to let himself fall asleep!
On Monday, all the girls went out for pedicures. Laura was there too, but was taking the picture for me! :)
On Tuesday, Joe and Laura left and took Colin back with them. We pick him up in the morning. Yay!

Also on Tuesday, I got the second set of pockets for the Advent calendar I'm making Colin. I assigned each grandma and aunt to make 5. Here are the first 10 ( Kristen's on top and Laura's on bottom):