Christmas Pictures

So, they went about as well as can be expected.  

Christmas

So, it turns out, Captain doesn't need toys for Christmas. He loves to sit in the bathroom and play with a box of tampons. So, for $20, I can keep him entertained for a year. He takes them out, puts them back in, puts the box back on the shelf, passes them out to the family. Stocking stuffers!

Movies Watched in October 2015

Hotel Transylvania 2

I had $10 credit expiring so Little Miss and I went to see this film. It was super cute. She got a bad stomachache in the middle, but she stuck it out. We had a good time until the very end. The movie is adorable even if you didn't see, or don't remember, the first film.

Books Read in October 2015

1. Marry Me at Christmas by Susan Mallery (NOTE: This is part of the Fool's Gold series. The order of which can be found here.)
2. All I Want by Jill Shalvis (NOTE: This is part of the Animal Magnetism series. You can find more information here.)
3. Crash Into You by Roni Loren (NOTE: This is part of Loving on the Edge series. You can find more information here.)
4. Still Into You by Roni Loren (NOTE: This is part of Loving on the Edge series. You can find more information here.)
5. Melt Into You by Roni Loren (NOTE: This is part of Loving on the Edge series. You can find more information here.)
6. Fall Into You by Roni Loren (NOTE: This is part of Loving on the Edge series. You can find more information here.)
7. Not Until You by Roni Loren (NOTE: This is part of Loving on the Edge series. You can find more information here.)
8. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
9. Caught Up In You by Roni Loren (NOTE: This is part of Loving on the Edge series. You can find more information here.)
10. Need You Tonight by Roni Loren (NOTE: This is part of Loving on the Edge series. You can find more information here.)
11. Forever Starts Tonight by Roni Loren (NOTE: This is part of Loving on the Edge series. You can find more information here.)

Just some quick reads. Most are romance and have very adult content so word to the wise. The Girl on the Train is for bookclub. It was a big debut author and a bestseller, but I wasn't totally on board with the premise. I did like that it was a fast read.

Happy Halloween!

For Halloween, my office building had a pumpkin carving contest.  At the last minute (like 10PM the night before), I decided to enter.  They provided the pumpkin and carving kit which was super nice.  This is actually my second attempt as my first was a gigantic failure.  I drew the sketch freehand based on a photo on Google and then used that sketch as a stencil.  Then, Husband couldn't tell what it was so I highlighted the sweater and dog ears in black marker.  Just for kicks, I painted it all.  The next morning, I added the zig zag.  Transferring to work was the most difficult part.  The pumpkin was still wet and fragile.  So, I held it in my hands and got a little yellow all over everything.  It's kid paint so it's all water soluble and will come out, but it was still messy.

 Anyway, it was all worth it!  I came in third.  I came in after a patriotic, Washington DC pumpkin and Bernie Sanders.  Despite your politics, Bernie was carved beautifully.  I would have voted for that for first.  I was happy with third.  For my big win, I got a trophy which is kind of awesome and Wizards/Magic basketball tickets for next weekend with parking pass.  I'm less excited about that, but we may actually go because why not?

October 2015 Weekend Update

October was, as always a busy month! The first weekend, I had book club. We read a book that was about a family that owned a vineyard so we went to a vineyard to discuss it. It was a rainy day, but it wasn't cold, and the wine flowed. It was a fun day with yummy snacks, delicious wine, and great friends!

The second weekend was a quiet one.  A co-worker is expecting a baby in the beginning of next year so I offered her any baby items we were no longer using.  It was great to help her fulfill her needs while also emptying out our apartment.  The weekend was a much-needed quiet one.  

The third weekend, we went to the pumpkin patch.  It started out beautiful, but it turned cold and drizzly.  The kids had a blast though.  Captain hated being outside, hated everything.  I got one good picture and a billion ones where he looks miserable.  Little Miss had a blast on the slides, bouncy castle, playground.  She loved being with her cousins.  After the pumpkin patch, Little Miss and I went to the movies. It was nice to have some special Big Girl time.  

On Sunday, my sister and her fiance came over to watch football.  I started preparations for Little Miss's birthday party.  Little Miss had a playdate with a close friend.  It was a good day.  

The fourth weekend was Little Miss's birthday party!  It was all about Big Hero 6, Little Miss's favorite movie of the moment.  We had crafts and food based on the movie, and the kids watched the film.  It was great.

Then, Halloween rounded out October.  We went out to my parents' house.  My dad was out of town.  We stopped at my sister's house and picked up some candy.  Captain was scared of their puppy.  Then, we went to my mom's for dinner.  After dinner, we went door to door.  Brother-in-Law and his wife came with Nephew and their dog.  Captain actually loved their dog.  We didn't score a ton of candy but a good amount.  Both kids got a little taste before we went home.  Both were exhausted and slept on the way home and late into the next day.  Captain was so good during his first real Halloween.  He kept his costume on all night.  Little Miss took hers off at the first opportunity.  

Onto November!  

JUDY BLUME!

So, yesterday, my awesome county library hosted a conversation with Judy Blume. Judy Blume came to town earlier this year, but I couldn't make it because I was out of town. So, I was pleased as punch to see she was coming back AND coming back for free a couple blocks from my house.

We're not worthy! #judyblume

A photo posted by @princessapr on Oct 22, 2015 at 5:16pm PDT

Earlier in the day, I tweeted to my local library that I was overcoming crowd anxiety to go because I hate crowds and going into the unknown especially by myself. Then, Judy Blume herself chimed in and said, if I had difficulties, to see one of the staff to be seated up front. I actually sat in row 4 so all was well, but you know, Judy Blume contacted me (SQUEE!!!)

She's as fascinated with me as I am with her. (So I tell myself.) @judyblume

A photo posted by @princessapr on Oct 22, 2015 at 6:11pm PDT

The evening was great. She was so funny and down-to-earth. She was just delightful and everything you hoped she would be. She seemed to relate to everyone in the audience from the children to the grandparents there. As with her books, she treated everyone with respect and as equals.

It wasn't a dream.

A photo posted by @princessapr on Oct 23, 2015 at 4:31am PDT

When I got to meet her, the staff kept things moving even down to the picture-taking. The man taking pictures probably took about 15 which was very nice. The official line was that she wasn't signing older books or more than one book, but she did. Maybe the rule changed as the night went on, but I got two copies signed. It was memorable, right up there with the time I heard Walter Cronkite speak - because I had weird idols as a kid. My next obsession is going to see Tom Brokaw in December, and then I could probably die a happy girl.

Conversations with an almost-8-year-old

Backstory - K was in Little Miss's class in kindergarten and is in her second grade class as well. They were going to get married in kindergarten if she didn't marry this other boy. 

Little Miss: You know, K, right? Me: Aren't you going to marry him? Little Miss: Ugh, no. Hashtag fail. 

 Seriously. The girl just said "hashtag". Where does she come up with this stuff? I don't even know if she knows what it means, but she's always been good at figuring out correct context even if she didn't know the meaning of words. She's done that since she was learning to talk. She keeps us on our toes - and growing up too quickly.

Books Read in September 2015

1. Not Always a Saint by Mary Jo Putney (NOTE: This is part of the Lost Lord series. The order of which can be found here.)
2. Marley's Choice by Lora Leigh (NOTE: This is part of the Men of August series. You can find more information here.)
3. Sarah's Seduction by Lora Leigh (NOTE: This is part of the Men of August series. You can find more information here.)
4. Heather's Gift by Lora Leigh (NOTE: This is part of the Men of August series. You can find more information here.)
5. Devoted in Death by J.D. Robb (NOTE: This is part of the In Death series. The order of which can be found here.)

Just some trashy books. I always have to finish a series when I start though there is a follow-up book after this trio that I won't be reading. I really liked the latest from Mary Jo Putney and J.D. Robb, too. They're both always winners with me though.

First Day of School

I don't think I posted this!  Little Miss started the second grade.  She wanted to be a chef this year when asked.  She was nervous that she wouldn't know anyone this year, but that only lasted a short time.  Her good friend from first grade is in her classroom again.  Plus, it turned out she knows many of the kids - one of which is even at her bus stop.

She has two second grade teachers who switch depending on the day, but the kids seem to be ok with this.  The teachers both seem great.  they had nothing but awesome things to say about Little Miss at the conference.  

Little Miss is already at the upper end of her grade requirements if not testing above her grade level.  She's outstanding in reading and spelling, but she is pretty solid in math as well.  She loves Spanish and art.  

There was some drama with her friends, but it seems to be typical girl drama.  It seems to be over (for now).  It's just a little introduction to mean girls.  Little Miss knows how some people are just not for her.  She will separate herself from the drama if it becomes too much or find other friends to play with, but in this case, it was a little complicated.  Either way, it has resolved itself - as most playground things do at this age.  

I know she'll love second grade, and I love watching her grow - even if it means I'm not her favorite parent (which is what she told me last week).

September 2015 Weekend Update

September seems so long ago, but it wasn't.  We started out on the Jersey Shore for Labor Day weekend.  Captain hated the beach - the sand, the sun, the water.  The picture below is pretty much how he spent the entire time.  He would stop crying to eat and to wave to all trucks and garbage trucks.  Each truck driver was nice enough to wave back.  He did enjoy the pool at least.

We didn't do too much other than eat and hang out.  It was windy one day, but we were still at the beach.  We did the Boardwalk on the way home.  We went to go earlier in the week, but Little Miss was exhausted and asked to go to bed over fireworks and rides.  So, on the last day, we went to the Boardwalk and got ice cream which is our tradition.  Captain's favorite part of the Boardwalk was the basketball game.  He said his first non-family member word - BALL.  He rode the Carousel and hated it.  

The second weekend in September, Little Miss slept over the In-Laws' apartment.  I picked her up and we hung out with a friend of mine.  It was supposed to be a pool day, but the weather didn't cooperate so we just sat in her apartment and caught up.  The next day, I took the kids to my parents' house.  We just hung out there as well, but we stuck the kids on Dad's Harley for fun.

The third weekend, we went to a housewarming party.  Nephew slept over.  I took some pictures of the kids.  I had hoped to get all three together, but that didn't go as planned.  The next day, I took them to the library book sale which yielded disappointing results.  

The last weekend, we went to my childhood friend's wedding. We've been friends since middle school. She moved mid-high school, but we remained in touch. She now lives not too far away, and I should make more of an effort to see her. Anyway, she and her wife got married last month. It was a beautiful spot and ended up being a gorgeous day. Weddings are joyful, and they make an adorable couple. Plus, two other friends from our hometown were there so it was like a little reunion. (You can see my other post to see more about this.)

These 2 - more siblings than cousins (for better or worse)

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 20, 2015 at 2:30pm PDT

September really just flew by. It's ridiculous how fast it went by. Plus, now October is 3/4 of the way through. Time is a cruel witch.

This guy - who pulled his hat off every 2 seconds but would cry until you put it back on.

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 20, 2015 at 2:29pm PDT

Fingerpainting

Needless to say, fingerpainting was not a success.

So, #captain doesn't like fingerpainting and thinks I'm the worst thing ever. (@Rob_Sawicki)

A photo posted by @princessapr on Oct 11, 2015 at 3:41pm PDT

More Comparisons...

This is a picture of Little Miss sat 14 months and Captain at 16 months (almost 17 months). They're wearing the same outfit - which is a hand me down from Nephew. She is so much bigger than he is which is weird because he does nothing but eat but just don't put on the weight that corresponds with the quantity of food that he ingests. He's growing so there's no need to be concerned, but he's just a little guy. This will probably be the last of the matching clothes. He'll have more hand me downs from Nephew, but Little Miss didn't wear much of them after 2 or so.

Same outfit - 14 mo & 17 mo. (@Rob_Sawicki)

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 23, 2015 at 4:31pm PDT

You Can't Handle the Cute!

Seriously, how cute is this? I'm going to dress them to coordinate as long as possible. Just wait until Christmas. Somehow these two have two sets of matching pjs.

Positively adorable (@Rob_Sawicki)

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 23, 2015 at 4:59pm PDT

Special Weekend Update - Wedding Time!

Last weekend, my good friend from middle school/high school got married. It was a very happy and beautiful event.

Fairfield High - 20+ years later #gomustangs

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 26, 2015 at 6:10pm PDT

What made it more fun is that two other friends from middle school/high school were there as well so it was like a little reunion. My friend, his wife, and their twins were there as well as another really good friend - who used to live around the corner from me. Plus, Husband went to high school with us so he knew everybody.

Happy brides!

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 26, 2015 at 6:08pm PDT

Friends since middle school and still the best. #latergram

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 26, 2015 at 6:07pm PDT

We all had a really good time as it is always happy to see a close friend just beaming with happiness and joy. I hadn't seen her family in forever so it was nice to see them again, too. The whole evening was perfect. We wish the brides all the happiness in the world!

Sometimes, we go out.

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 26, 2015 at 4:33pm PDT

Movies Watched in August 2015

This is Where I Leave You

I'm just not a summer movie person.  This was a rental, too (or on HBO).  It was pretty good.  I watched because my mom recommended it, and I liked it.

TEETH!

Captain has 8 teeth.  He got them all at once when he originally cut them.  It was rough on him.  Because he got so many at once, it's been awhile since he cut anymore.  I've noticed he's been fussier than usual and, this morning, he was chewing on his fingers.  So, I stuck my hands in there.  He is growing 2 on the bottom right and one giant one on the bottom left.  Plus, he's growing 3-4 on the top.  It was hard to tell because, by then, he wasn't happy with my fingers in his mouth and was biting down pretty hard.  Poor little guy!  

Maine 2015

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Books Read in August 2015

1. Servicing the Target by Cherise Sinclair (NOTE: This is part of the Shadowlands series. The order of which can be found here.)
2. Taking the Heat by Victoria Dahl (NOTE: This is part of the Jackson Girls' Night Out series. You can find more information here.)
3. Thrill Me by Susan Mallery (NOTE: This is part of the Fool's Gold series. The order of which can be found here.)
4. Falling Under by Lauren Dane (NOTE: This is part of the Ink and Chrome series. The order of which can be found here.)
5. Caged by Lorelei James (NOTE: This is part of the Mastered series. The order of which can be found here.)
6. The Hundred Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais
7. Running With the Devil by Lorelei James

Just some trashy books and The Hundred Foot Journey. They were all entertaining. Good summer reading, I suppose.

Papal Visit

So, the pope came to Washington DC today. Most of the city stayed home. Metro was a mess, but it always is. This was actually unrelated to the pope but to a blown transformer. Traffic and Metro traffic were lighter than usual allegedly. Regardless, because my office window overlooks one of the pope's scheduled stops, I wanted to try to make it in. I'm glad I did! You can see more photos on my Instagram.

Hi! #popefrancis #popeindc #popewatch

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 23, 2015 at 8:49am PDT

Pope! #popefrancis #popeindc #popefrancis

A video posted by @princessapr on Sep 23, 2015 at 8:55am PDT