september iphone dump

That's one way to get Maggie's headband on. Working out together. Finding secret codes in the calculator. Carnival ride circa 1960.

Tetherball

After school aftermath. Running down to get the toys Sister dropped. She moved by the time I got the phone. Coloring letters

School shopping. Reviewing her purchases. Worshiping at the shrine. Stroller at school. Said stroller at Target.

Nikki love. Avery enjoying Viv's high fat diet. Mommy enjoying it (I freaking love processed cheese). Reading in bed. He's totally faking it. She's not. Sick boo. This whole scene kills me (babies in bed, the ginormous bottles, the Mimi blanket). Honey cookies.

As close as they'll get to home school. Blonde frizz. Still working. Photo by Avery. Just chillin'. Avery's trying to chill. Pissed ballerina. Backyard ice cream.

Waiting while Mama is at the endocrinologist. Whatcha doin, brother? He's trying to figure out how to get more stickers on his fingers. Viv watching closely. Experimenting with temperature. More home school. Nikki prepacked the kids lunch and left me notes as to what foods should go in which container.

The cars at soccer school. Hitchin a ride. Go fish. Vivienne's 'stuffs' (this ALL goes in her crib with her - it's a bit excessive). Avery teaching Vivienne to add. Secrets.

Eating dinner outside - it was cold. Viv making Baby Rahul pole dance. My first pie! If you want to draw a lot of attention to yourself, give your daughter fresh out of ballet class a timeout in front of the bread. Not fewer than 20 people said something to me while she calmed down. For Heather. Rome spent the night! Cheney giving her speech at Tactical Urbanism. What happens when a clown is your backup babysitter.

Vivienne LOVES to play 'tend' (pretend) fetch while going potty. Cute boy. Goofing around. He looks like a cartoon character. Recital costume. A message from Avery.

Viv telling me how to obtain chocolate milk. It was so cute, that she had to have some. I LOVE this picture of her. Celebrating the purchase of those pink sparkle princess shoes with pink heartbeat jewels and rhinestone clasps - I wanted the black mary janes. 

Avery's game watching style. I love how my men watch sports together. An unhealthy dinner. I will spare you the inappropriate comment I made about this picture in a text to Sarah. Go, Rapids! Leaving.

school | field trip

The best part of the day for Avery (mine was our photo shoot before school) was his field trip to the fire station. The firemen did a great job with the kids and the teachers told me this was always the most popular and well-attended field trip with the moms...I have no idea why.

school | reading

The first things the kids do after unloading their backpacks is to grab a book at sit on the alphabet carpet (Avery sits on 'R') for some quiet reading while the teacher gets organized. I love the last shot.

school | before school

Just a few shots of my boy before school. This kid was made to go to school. There is nothing he doesn't like about it. It's amazing.

in bed together

Scott and I were just talking this evening about how much we cherish the relationship Avery and Vivienne have. There are moments where my mental camera is flashing as quickly as possible taking mental images of their interaction. Just yesterday, I overheard Avery telling Vivienne that she is the best Sister in the whole world and that he loves her so much. She followed with an I love you, Brother as well. It is such a gift. 

We want to do everything we can to foster the bond between our children and for the past few months we have been putting them to bed together so that they can play, listen to music, read and 'wind down' together. If they'd sleep in the same bed, I would let them, but Vivienne always ends up in her own bed. 

Watching them when they are really in their groove, is the best part of my day. Avery is such an amazing big brother and I can already see the effect that his gentle spirit has had on his sister. I hope that their relationship continues to grow as they get older, and despite their ups and downs, they always remain close.