Of Super Cool Toy Stores

Superman and I decided to put the kids on a tv fast. Not that they really ever watched much - we don't have cable, but we thought it would be good for them to spend ALL their time having Mom read them stories, coloring with Mom, "cleaning" with Mom, cooking with Mom, etc. Let's just say that Mom is a little worn out! So, I compromised - I let them watch ONE show....it's on at 11:30 - right when I am making lunch. Is it terrible if I now adore this show:

That darling little sheep and pig and frog.....they suck my little busy ones in, rendering them quiet and still. "It's a beautiful world!"

We recently borrowed this really super fun board game from our neighbors. After playing with the J-Man and the Diva, we decided to purchase it ourselves. I strapped in the three big kids, leaving the sleeping Pooter with Dad, and headed to Brilliant Sky Toy Store. You must look at see if you have one around because they are truly the most amazing toy store I have ever seen. My kids roam the aisles, PLAYING with the toys...what a novel idea, a toy store that lets you play with the toys. And if I am truly honest, I roam the aisles playing with toys too. I think my little herd would be perfectly happy if I "accidentally" forgot them there. I tried it once, but the really sweet college kid that worked there chased me down. (Kidding. really.)

Back to the super cool game. Apparently, Superman and I really enjoy having our butts KICKED by a four year old. The Diva plays her own little game in her corner of the board, adding an exciting dimension to the game - the board is always in flux because her pieces are laid down(incorrectly) and then removed at will(also incorrect).

Anyway, the game is called Blokus:


And yes, I am serious when I say that the J-Man has beat us, fair and square. The truly maddening bit about it is that he has absolutely NO strategic approach - he just plays the game, blissfully unaware that he is dominating the game. He giggles when he sees us look at each other and roll our eyes in utter frustration. Hmmm....maybe he is just a genius in the making - one of those people who have no clue how smart they really are. I keep telling myself that I am one of those types - I just have no idea the depth and width of my brilliance. Hey, it helps me sleep at night.

But, no, really, it's a fun game.

Of the Addition to the Chaos

Yes, I know. I have been terrible at this blogging thing. But in my defense, I have been perhaps a little bit busy.

I thought that child would NEVER come. This photo of me and Superman, sporting our bellies, was taken one week before PLO#4 came.
Holy Big Belly, Batman! Mine, not his.

Easter morning brought us a sweet surprise when Precious Little One FINALLY decided to join us. He (yes, another BOY!) was/is huge. Born at over 10 lbs., I am still trying to satisfy his constant hunger pains. At least that is his story. My side of the story: Mom can't be doing too badly when you weigh about 16 lbs at 8 weeks (I'm not kidding, people). I was tempted to re-nickname PLO#3 and give this one the nickname of "The Tank", but since I am easily confused, figured that would not be good. And time has revealed more endearing qualities about our new little one: he farts alot. ALOT. Kinda really all the time. So, without further ado, meet The Pooter:




Mmmhmm....I know he is adorable. Those cheeks are so incredibly kissable too. Nice and smooshy, just the way they should be.

In other news, the J-Man turned four. Which all of you probably know, since he feels the need to announce, "I'm four!" to anyone and everyone we encounter. There are many things, we are told by J-Man, that he can do now that he is four. One of the more benign rites of passage is riding his bike without training wheels. See how he tips his bike just-so, making sure YOU are aware there are no training wheels on that bike.

The Diva, is no longer Tinkerbell. She has gone through an identity change and is now "The Piscesses". Oh, don't know what that is, eh? Let's me interpret for you - "The Princesses". As in the Disney princesses. She IS them, collectively. Sometimes she is "Earl" (Ariel), and other times she is Cillella (yup, Cinderella). They are always referred to as one, though. Like they are one poofy dressed monster with several heads.

She is our goofy Princess though, that's for sure. And she is a perfectly wonderful second Mommy to The Pooter:


And what fun would life be without The Tank. No seriously. This girl has become a rocker chick. She takes her brother's super cool toy guitar and bangs her head while playing. She is pretty fierce in his head banging, often knocking herself over in the midst of it all. Nothing quite like seeing an 18 month old rock out to "Wild Thing" or "Smoke on the Water".

=

And in true rocker fashion, she kisses her "ax" when she is done.





You should all hop over to my favorite place to get a laugh and feel pretty good about myself:

http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/