Playing in the snow

Marcelo went out and played by himself on a tiny patch of soon to melt snow for at least half an hour. He was ecstatic like this the whole time. It made me wish I had the ability to be so overjoyed by something so simple.

50's dance party

Marcelo attends his dance team mate's birthday party, turning five.

Marcelo_50sParty a video by LolaT on Flickr.

Untitled a video by LolaT on Flickr.

Runpunzel, Rupunzel ....

.... let down your hair.

Oh boy.  Why did I aid in this endevour with the knotted up yellow sheet?  Yes, he really, really thinks, he's going to be able to climb up there. In his heavy armour.  And his Crocs.

(And also -The bucket is NOT an elevator! OK!)

Summer Olympics

The Americans can be such poor losers.  Way to ruin the award ceremony for every body.

Cozumel Dolphin Encounter

Ice skating

Lately, I'm all about finding fun, free or cheap activities to do with the kids. On Christmas Eve day, I found out about free ice skating with Santa. Naturally, it was a must. Nevermind, I'm not much of an ice skater or adept at any activity with special shoes, and that unbeknownst to me, Ray has only been ice skating once in his life and it ended poorly, AND that we are two adults (sort of) to three small children. What exactly were we going to do with the fifth wheel? Well, the truth is, if I let my natural logical and practical mind stop to think about any of these things, we would not be going anywhere. So I've learned to dumb myself down a bit and just leave it all to chance for the sake of new experiences and fun-having.

It took us a very long time to get there because Ray's automatic pilot failed him when he spontaneously decided to get off the freeway for no apparent reason. But, it was all good, we got there still well within the free window of time. There were a lot of people there, but many were already turning in their skates after a half hour of free skating so we were able to get our skates very quickly with the help of the very nice people there who apparently are aliens because I don't think they can be from Utah. Sofia had to get skates about ten sizes too big, but again, my positive-don't-use-your-logic attitude was working. We got everyone skated up with the exception of fifth-wheel. We'd figure out what to do with him when we got to the ice.

As we step on the ice, we spontaneously (ooh, I like that word) decided I would take Marcelo who would probably require more help, and Ray being the manly man he is, would take fifth-wheel on his hip and help Sofia. Although, Ray and Sofia were moving at a snails pace, they quickly left us in the dust. For once, in my life, I wasn't too worried about falling or even looking stupid. Is that what motherhood does to you? Marcelo was such a noodle on the ice, I couldn't stop laughing hysterically for the next five or 10 minutes straight. I then realized, that even if this wasn't a fun, new experience about ice skating, it was all worth it for the way he made me laugh. It was like no one else was there, just the two of us struggling to stay upright. Marcelo's legs were ALL OVER the place. I expected him to be able to gain some kind of composure or slight muscle tone but it never happened. I resorted to holding on to his vest by the shoulders instead to keep him straighter but it was to no avail. I think it took us fifteen minutes just to make it a quarter of the way around the rink. Was it worth it? Totally. That laugh alone helped to loosen some of the cobwebs inn my soul. And I think, the kids are not too scarred that they will probably try ice skating again.

Hiking Timpanogos Cave

We worked up the courage to hike up to Mt. Timpanogos Cave with all of the kids. Really the one I was most concerned about was Marcelo. Peter would be in the back carrier the majority of the time and I figured Sofia would do OK. Marcelo, however asked demanded that I carry him when we walked a block to Sofia's school to pick her up the other day! But he did pretty well. Everyone did with the exception of my knees and the next day, my hips.

9:22 am - Getting started (we were supposed to start at 8:30 am so that was close!)

9:31 am - First (and last) stop for attitude adjustment.  "If you don't do exactly what I tell you, you will fall right off the mountatin, OK? ... OK."

So cute.

9:42 am - There's always time to strike a pose even halfway up the mountain. (Attitude adjustment -- affirmative).

Product placement. Very important.  (There could be model/commercial scouts on the mountain).

"Marcelo, you need to go down.  Everyone is going down!"

Thank you for only making me carry you down the mountain.  We got many interesting looks.

Could you pose like this all day long?

Loving the smoothy

Ingredients: peach, mango, rice milk, coconut water, and ice.

We scored a deal with a Blendtec machine a few weeks ago and the kids are LOVING the fresh fruit smoothies.

Summer days

Last summer, Marcelo was drawn to this tree like a magnet. He wanted to climb it. And he wanted to climb it, I guess, because in his mind, it was little, like him. Of course, we told him that he was to do no such thing to this recently planted tree representing a substantial financial investment in our future shade. This year, Marcelo managed to get his horse stuck in the tree and then, of course, had to climb it to retrieve it. Peter quickly caught on and even aided and abetted him in this crime of nature. Boys. How quickly they come together amicably for such ideas.

"Hmm, I think I know something that might help."



"Here, try this."

"I'm almost there."

"Ah, forget it.  What if I just kick this thing while I swing on this limb?  That might be fun."

This is what happens when ...

... people get too serious about the art of dance.

Day Camp #1 Bugs

Last summer, Marcelo had a hard time when we would drop Sofia off at day camp at Thanksgiving Point. There was even a day, when he had finally had it and put his foot down refusing to leave. There was an altercation in the parking lot, someone got kicked in the jaw, a silent ride home, and a question for me when we got home, "Mommy, what are you going to do with me?"

This year, he's finally old enough (or close enough to being old enough) to go to his own day camp. I was very excited about being able to offer this to him until he started getting uncharacteristically clingy at dance class drop offs. I wasn't sure how it would go. He wanted me to stay at his side the whole time but I told him that just wasn't possible. I would stay until they were ready to head off to their camp destination. He was still very excited to go. He just wanted the mommy security blanket there too.

The day came and he cautiously joined the group of kids with big sister, Sofia, at his side. He looked back to analyze my location every 30 seconds or so. But the enjoyment of playing games with the kids while they waited for everyone to arrive was enough to overcome the separation anxiety. When it was time to get going, he just went right along with everyone else. I followed him down to the wagon and he just acted like a perfectly well-adjusted human being.

He had a great time. He wasn't poisoned with foods he's allergic to. He came home with an art piece and some meal worms which along with grasshoppers bother me more than spiders, snakes, and piranhas put together. But we allowed them to live on the kitchen counter, of all places, for several days.

This is what happens when ...

... I have to take a potty break, make an important phone call, prepare nutritious meals for the family, do laundry, change a diaper, or sit down for two minutes.

The kids are running away to the Hymalayas.

Go Speed Racer, Go Speed Racer, Go ...

Pirate Party

Marcelo and Sofia both attended the Pirate Party at the Library last week. I was holding on so tight to those tickets for fear of losing them, I messed up! Sofia kept asking me for her ticket on Wednesday afternoon. I finally gave in and grabbed it out of my pocket telling her it was for Thursday when in fact it was for Wednesday.  Oops. Luckily, there was another one the next day but I had to go get Marcelo out of preschool fifteen minutes early on his Easter party day in order to make it. My head is scrambled and then look at the hoops I have to jump through to make good on these things.

I think it was worth it though. They both enjoyed going together. They were quite vocal during the story reading with all kinds of commentary. Sofia had just read the book, How I Became A Pirate, the previous night. I guess after seeing her speak up, Marcelo felt pretty good about piping up with some comments too. Being a veteran of Library functions, Sofia escorted Marcelo to the refreshments area right after the reading and then they moved on to the other activities. It's good to have a big sister like Sofia sometimes. She watches out for Marcelo and immediately removed the cookie off his plate and approved the other fruit and juice offerings explaining his food allergies.

When they got home, they continued on with the pirate theme until bedtime.

Halloween '10

Marcelo was really into Halloween this year. We went to a Trunk o' Treat at a nearby shopping center the day before to get him used to all the people in costume and the whole trick or treating thing. It turned out really well because he was well primed for Halloween day. I was also very pleased that everyone knew who they were dressed as.

Fall Hike

We decided to take a drive on the Alpine Loop to see some fall colors. I brought only some light snacks and water so we could get there while the sun was still up. Ray brought, no, not Marcelo's backpack carrier, but folding chairs. And also stadium folding chairs. Yes, the kind that have no feet. I guess he planned to maybe sit in the parking lot, surrounded by cars and outdoor restrooms rather than nature?

And off they go like Hansel & Gretel.

So, we pulled over and decided to stretch our legs briefly since we weren't adequately supplied. We started venturing down a little path with the kids and since Marcelo was doing so well walking, we just kept going. Luckily, we at least had the wrap in the car for Chucky Baby Peter. This turned out to be Marcelo's first real hike. He only fell down once and it was from a standing position, albeit it was quite the smack down. He somehow managed to get the toe of his shoe stuck on the log he was standing on and sort of snapped himself down to the ground. It was kind of funny, but I didn't laugh --until later. I did put that puffy vest on him for a reason. I'm always planning ahead.

We also did a practice shot of a family portrait to see if everyone could manage to look at the same thing all at once. It was marginally successful. Although, Chucky Baby Peter seems bound and determined to display his boredom and disdain for nature.

Now this picture deserves a bit of a back story. (Click image to enlarge). Ray once told me how when he was a boy, he wanted to be a ventriloquist (this is not even one of my mean ideas -it's true). He wished and wished his dad would buy him a ventriloquist doll from the Sears catalog, but he never did. Now, I am happy to say, I have fulfilled that wish for him and its name is Marcelo. Note also the strange troll attached to his chest.

3rd Birthday

After weeks of many, many questions: "Mommy, when is my birthday?", "Mommy, is my birthday today?", "Mommy is so-and-so coming to my birthday?", "Mommy, am I gonna have cake at my birthday?", "Mommy, can we have my birthday at Chuckie Cheese?"  --"No", the day finally arrived.

I couldn't find my cupcake book, so I had to roll up my sleeves to churn out a proper cake; a little out of practice as I haven't made one in over a year.  It was an homage to "Super Why", one of Marcelo's favorite educational PBS shows (I love DVR).  I also attempted some sugar cookies, an unknown treat at our house.  I made "special" allergy cookies for Marcelo with the yellow icing which he absolutely loved.

Marcelo entertains the ladies.  He's a natural.

The kids kept themselves entertained with the handed-down but new-to-us plasma cars and other wheeled, motorized and non-motorized vehicles.  The older kids also kept busy playing soccer and everyone enjoyed themselves in the back yard.

(This is mostly a picture of my cute wrapping paper)

This is mostly a picture of my great bargain find of Morgan & Milo shoes at the nursery (like plant nursery) for $5.00!  Yeah.

Although, Marcelo started showing subtle signs of wear during the overwhelming present opening.  He was truly interested in each present he received.  The karaoke machine from Tia Marcela was quite the hit.

The obligatory pose with the parents. Trust me, you'll appreciate this somehow when you're older.  I'm pretty sure you will.  I think.

Your party invitations were in the theme of a library book, using a page from one of your favorite books, The Octonauts, as that is what Super Why is all about. Inside I put a little blurb about your goings-on this past year and an old school library card pocket with a removable card with your name and party details.

-- oo --

I can't remember who all the presents where from as someone was doing a terrible job of keeping track of this but here are some of the things you received:
Levis, Gymboree space & rockets undees - mommy
Two board puzzles, foam bath letters, sidewalk chalk - mommy
Two board books "Who Am I" and "What Do I Eat" - mommy
Extended pieces to Ikea train set - mommy
ABC Book and $50 Visa - Abuelos
Karaoke machine - Tia Marcela
Set of Nursery Rhyme books - []
Tool Set, set of Disney coloring media and US Bond - [Omi and Grandpa]
Toy Story Dinosaur - Aunt Sandi
Lego Duplo Set - Rick, Cheryl, Matt, Jason
Wood magnetic alphabet letters, wood learning clock with shapes - Finleys
Kids Telescope - Tio Pedro
??? - Autumn


Hopefully I'll figure out the rest and fill in.