Little bit of this and that

I haven't been doing a lot of musing lately. Here are a few things we have been doing --

Destroying the house. Toys at my house seem to breed. We can go from clean to this in just a matter of minutes. I'm working on clutter control, and have found some success in simply hiding or giving away many toys. The kids find new forms of clutter, but there is some progress.

Twirling around the house. This is a favorite pastime at our house. That is until one child gets yanked around too hard and starts crying. Then the fun is over. For a minute. Until the tears stop. Then the twirling begins again.

Posing for pictures. I love it when they both look at the camera. This is a perfect shot of Seth's hair - theclassic rooster shooting straight up in the air. It might have something to do with a certain little girl and a pair of scissors, but the double cowlick in the back can't help either.

Trick-or-treating. I wouldn't be a good mother if I didn't post a picture of my kids in their Halloween costumes I suppose. Too bad this doesn't showcase Katelin's pride and joy: her ruby red slippers. Sorry, Katelin. Maybe next month.

Playing nice. I wouldn't be telling the truth if I didn't say that I find these two playing nice many, many mornings. It is a gift to yourself and your child when you have a second child. A gift that comes with a lot of work, but really, well worth it.

Okay, so we obviously haven't been doing much of this around the house. We have just been surviving while Trevor flew half-way around the world to take this photograph. He spent about eight days in Rabat, Morocco and Istanbul, Turkey hosting "study abroad professionals" at the CIEE conference. Here he captured men washing their feet outside of a mosque.

Fun Week Highlights.

After a big trip to visit family, and all of Trevor's travels, we opted to avoid more travel and host our own "staycation" in Austin this summer. I'm pretty sure we have hit the pinnacle of hipness, as everybody is doing a "staycation" these days now that it is cool to save money. Anyway, here are a few highlights for your enjoyment...

Who wants to see lions, elephants, or giraffes when there are fish around. This was the favorite location at the San Antonio Zoo, possibly because it has air conditioning.

Katelin decided to hatch a few egss while we were there...

Later in the week, Trevor and Seth had some one on one time at Champion Park.

Seth had a good time digging...

Down the street at Brushy Creek Lake Park, Katelin and I enjoyed the fountains and Katelin's new scooter.

I should have worn my swimming suit... and I'm not so sure about the $1.00 special Target sunglasses??

Although you can't tell, we are all on the train. The Zilker Zephyr. We tried out Barton Springs pool afterwards... Seth thought it was a little too cold.

One of the highlights of the children's museum were the drums, always a favorite for Seth. Katelin liked dressing up (as usual) even though they didn't have any princess gowns.

Always watching

Trevor putting some tools away in his "shed."

Katelin does some tool organization of her own.

Of course, then Seth had to get in on it too.

Our kids are always watching. Always imitating. I'm sure I've already messed my kids up in some way or another, but I think, for the most part, they're doing okay.

I Love My Life!!

Life is pretty good.

These pictures, taken a few weeks ago when we biked to Trailhead park, really show how I am feeling about life and my family. I really love my life, my kids, my husband.

Nothing like sitting in a tunnel upside down, right?

One more kiss for good measure.

Trevor's lifelong quest: feed the kids just one more bite.

My constant sidekick.

The joy of the swing.

Flying high.

They're happy here, but wait until Seth gets his helmet. Yikes.

After Hours

If you've been wondering what Trevor has been doing after hours, you might be interested in this little clip. Trevor helped out our friend James who entered this in a film competition. When James wins, he'll get a bit of funding to work on his next big film. Trevor was going to help out with the film and they ended up throwing him in as the actor at the last minute, and I think he had fun with it.



After Hours from James Barlow on Vimeo.

Creating

I can't say enough how much I loved President Uchtdorf's talk in General Relief Society Meeting (you can find it here) and the emphasis he placed on finding happiness through creating and compassion. So here are a few of the creations from my house that are bringing a little joy to my heart.I've been wanting to make whole wheat pizza (loaded with veggies) for a while now. It felt so good to do it, though it still needs a few improvements.

A few preschool supplies. Prepping for 6 preschoolers is surprisingly fun and flashes me back to my teaching days. There isn't a lot of difference between preschoolers and adolescents.

Katelin's hay "H" was a nice creation, but the big deal was her name written on the bottom of the page! She can write it if I tell her the letters.

I love Katelin's mini-buns! It's a succes when she lets you comb her hair. I love Seth's do too!

Trev created the perfect spot for cuddling and vegging!

More vegging and snuggling.

Seth just does a great job of creating smiles and laughter.

Life is so sweet (especially when you remember the good moments).

Hot Diggity Dog!

I admit, we're a little late for trick or treating, but here it is anyway!


Seth gets the award for the most creative costume at our house this year. Sorry Katelin, but princesses are a dime a dozen.



This is Rapunzel turned Ariel. A last minute switch.



Trevor's attempt at "Joe the Plumber". I'm just being a Mom this year.