The Verdict

Of all the things Bella could have inherited from me, poor girl got my indecisive gene. Sorry for ya Bella, it's a bummer on this side. Or is it? I'm still not sure. Maybe... 

Girlfriend has spent the past month hemming and hawing over what to purchase with her American Girl gift certificate. Browsing the website every day after school, clicking the pictures, zooming-in and even checking customer comments. I mean it's been a HUGE deal in her limited little world. 

First, she wanted to get a pet for Kanani. Then it was an umbrella. Then it was a teeny tiny tea set. Until finally she decided on getting her a musical instrument. 

YES!!!

But which one?

CRAP!!!

She spent an entire week internally debating over whether Kanani was born to play the flute or destined for the violin. Like it would come up randomly in her conversation, "so the bus ride to school was super fun today and my teacher wore a red shirt and I think maybe Kanani's lips are too chapped to play the flute, what do you think Mommy?" 

Or the ever popular, (with a smile and a slight little head tilt) "Mommy, you used to play the flute, maybe you'd know what's best for her."

Uh-uh. No way, sister. Don't loop me into your little game. Cuz if you're asking for my opionion I'll be happy to inform you that both instruments are PLASTIC and that NEITHER will produce any sound and will BARELY even fit into Kanani's hand--but instead I bit my lip and let her work through her creative process, knowing at some point sister's gonna have to make a choice.

But seriously, stab me in the ears people. 

And then one morning, sure enough, Bella woke up and informed the family that 

Kanani wants to play the violin. 

Halle-freakin-lujah.

And without even giving her a moment to second guess herself, I rushed to the computer and in about 34 seconds that gift certificate was wiped clean and the order was placed. Which, hot damn, that felt good. But as soon as I could relish the silence, the whole "when will the package get here Mommy? Is it here? Is that it? That's it! Out in the yard, that must be it!!" started and I knew I was doomed for another week.

Should've paid priority.

Bunnyphobic

Recently, Eugene took the kids to Navy Pier while I ducked out with some friends to see The Hunger Games. Which didn't disappoint---you should see it!

See that huge ferris wheel behind them?

Yeah, here they are on it. See, if I was there I'm sure I would have put up a stink about it. I'm oddly afraid of heights since having kids and I'm also the reigning family wuss. Just last week we took the kids to a dinner picnic and sure enough I look over and Eugene has sent Chance sliding down the REALLY BIG SLIDE and I almost had a panic attack right then and there. 

But I can't complain--I knew what I was getting myself into when I married him. I mean the guy has ran with the bulls THREE times. THREE!! 

He's nuts!

Last weekend we joined every other neighborhood kid in the local Easter egg hunt.

Mia and Chance were in the first category. And it was especially cute to see Mia get to be his big sister without Bella around. She loved leading the way and helping him out. She's got your back Chance. 

It reminded me that I need to give her more opportunities to be that role for him.

 In Tagalog they call a big sister, "ate" pronounced ah-tay. 

And she makes a great ate, actually.

He clearly enjoyed himself.

Then it was the 5-6 year category. And Bella was off. 

Uh-oh. Renegade toddler got past the flag barrier and is now swiping all the 6 year old eggs.

We went inside for some Easter crafts and a picture with the Easter Bunny.

Of course, Chance was scared shitless and couldn't bare to go near him. It's a rite of passage I guess, but I was hoping to get at least one picture of him bawling his eyes out with a bunny. 

I mean we've all got one, right?

Well, I may have not captured Chance emotional over a bunny, but I certainly got him 

boo-hoo-ey over a balloon.

Little man was serious about his balloon. And Mia grabbing the string was a little more than he could handle. Mia's smirk is so telling. That is SO her. And Bella, oh Bella. Keep the smile going at all costs!

Happy Easter!

Empty Nest

With one kid on spring break, one kid in school and one kid to young for either--we tried to make the most of our pseudo time off.

We had a a playdate with the Olsens--which is always fun. And by fun I mean the kids run around silly while we moms sit, eat and yell at the kids in between mouthfuls. Just kidding. Sorta. But guess what? Chance has been initiated! All four kids included Chance in their pirate/treehouse/castle tower game. Which is a first. Which also means that Chance is getting old--old enough to make it into "the club." 

Sigh.

But really, this 20 month stage ROCKS MY WORLD because his personality is coming out like crazy.   And although he's not saying too much, he knows exactly what we are saying and is two steps behind his sisters at all times.

I promised myself I'd get at least one Easter craft in this week. So we created our own little edible nest. Much like a rice krispie treat but with shredded wheat and malted ball eggs. I borrowed this tradition from Kelle Hampton.

We slowly melted a bag of marshmallows and 3/4 of a stick of butter, added the crushed shredded wheat until we figured it was gooey, yummy and moldable. 

And let the kids go to town "forming" their own little nest

And,  yeah it was sticky.

But that's what made it so exciting.

Sweet Lili!

And watch out! 

There's a theif among us. 

I won't name names but he's got red hair.

So, what are you doing for Easter activities? Got any traditions you'd like to share? Post them in the comments, I'm always looking for some new ideas.

Happy Easter-time!