Yes we are still alive

OK, so it's been a month. I took a freelance job that has kept me pretty busy and I have been doing more writing than normal. So sorry for the lack of updates. I will make it up to you!

Today the kids and I went to Pump It Up! a place with all these jumpy castles and slides. It was a good time.

We only had one melt down -- there were some toys for the little kids and Lilly took ownership of a xylophone. She slid down this slide and saw a little boy playing with HER toy, she walked over and punched him in the nose. The boy started fighting back and it was on.

So I had to do some combat parenting, with Lilly screaming because now she couldn't slide anymore and me telling her that she shouldn't punch people. That kid!

There was only one part that Lilly, 2, couldn't handle and it was an obstacle course that was too tall for her to get through. So I ended up trying to crawl in there to get her, and if you know me, you can imagine how funny that was.

Employee #1: Ralph, I think there is a black bear stuck in the obstacle course.
Employee #2: Nope, just another fat dad trying to get his kid out, cancel the call to animal control.

I am so proud of Violet, normally she is pretty timid, but lately she has been trying new things. It's fun to watch her conquer her fear and just do something that isn't in her comfort level. She is very proud of herself, and should be when she does things like that.

There was a big tall slide, and Lilly was all gung-ho to do it, but Violet was afraid. She didn't want her little sister to do it first, so she sucked it up and climbed up and slid down without any help. It was cool.

Cookie Madness

Violet and I made organic chocolate and peanut butter chip cookies last week. Fun times. We only destroyed the kitchen a little.

Reviews at work is that they were good, which is amazing since we didn't follow any directions, just went off memory.

Well off to go get pizza for the Marsh Family Christmas.

Violet decorating the tree

We got a new little camera the other day, since my big one was in the shop. I have been messing around with videos on it, so I hope you guys can see this.

We decorated the tree last week, and here is a little video of Violet helping.

I also wrote a column about the tree, which isn't online yet, but when it is, I will post a link.

Here's to looking forward to the holidays!

Pat

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LILLY!!!

Lilly's birthday is a low-key affair, since we had a half birthday party for her in June. She was born five days before Christmas, which sucks for her.

So today we had some cake and candles, but no presents -- we are saving those for Christmas.

Of course for the third time since October, Cindy and Violet are both sick. I am feeling fine, and who knows about Lilly. Little fever and sore throats. Ick.

All of our anniversary plans were put on hold and so over the Christmas break Cindy and I will probably steal a date somewhere -- maybe to see Avatar or dinner. I dare to dream about a coast weekend, without kids, but that probably isn't in the cards this year.

Well, time to get back to laundry and football!

Pat

Intel Engineers Shot Out of Cannon, Recreate

And my wife works for that company... I wonder when they are shooting her out of a cannon. :)

I have to make sure she doesn't get transferred to Finland. :)

Oh sure, NOW want your picture taken... heh

This morning as we were getting ready for our day -- Violet off to school, Cindy to work, and Lilly and I to hang out and do laundry -- the girls were sharing the same chair at the breakfast nook. Of course NOW, just 12 hours later, are all wanting their pictures taken.

I didn't dare put them in front of the Christmas tree, because then there would have been a meltdown again. I just know it.

I may take some time today and Photoshop them in front of the Christmas tree... now there is an idea!

Today is nice because it's just Lilly and I hanging out. I didn't take any freelance for the rest of the year, so I'm going to be helping when my boss goes on vacation next week. I am also trying to line up a bunch of stories so I can take some time off around Christmas and the New Year. Cindy is taking two weeks, I think, so I want to spend some time with the family.

Thursday is my 14th wedding anniversary and we are considering doing a date night Friday. Of course there is a Parent Teacher Organization meeting that Cindy needs to attend Thursday night.

Well, off to chase Lilly today!

Christmas meets Terrible Twos

Here are some out takes of our Christmas photo shoot from Hell this afternoon. Lilly is two.
She didn't want to have her picture taken, was sick of it, and threw a fit. Wouldn't be talked into it, bribed, asked nicely, coaxed or even tricked into having her picture taken.

So, our Christmas photos are going to be very interesting this year. Maybe next year we will do this professionally, instead of having me do it.

The twos are soo much fun!

Pat

Ballet Practice

This week was a busy one. Violet had her Christmas program at school and a ballet recital in the afternoon.

I have had a head cold the last week, so I am a bit off my game. I should be updating this more often in the coming year. Going to use Facebook less and this more.

Well, I am waiting for my first Zune Movie on the Xbox to download -- Terminator Salvation. Hope it downloads quickly because that is not a kid-appropriate movie and I would like to see it tonight.

Gotta run, other stuff to do.

Pat

Violet and her class pumpkin patch trip

IMG_9571, originally uploaded by Canby Chacal.

Violet and I went to the pumpkin patch with her class. It was a blast and she has a friend -- Claire (I believe).

I also wrote a column that appeared in the Canby Herald and Wilsonville Spokesman about the trip. I will share that with you when it gets online. Some folks think it's pretty good -- I share my experiences with a pumpkin cannon at the farm.

Well off to get tortured by my trainer. Fun stuff.

Pat

Happy Halloween!

That's right, we dressed Lilly in all black for Halloween. We are such good parents. :)

Actually Cindy was walking with her the entire time, and they went over to Hope Village -- a retirement home where you can walk around without being on a road. Then Lilly rode in the hot pink stroller for half the trip.

I was on front door patrol, handing out candy to the kids. We got about 40 trick or treaters, and now I am wondering what to do with our extra candy. I'm pretty sure it's not on my training diet. Heh.

Well, this weekend was bad for the diet -- ok the lifestyle change -- but I didn't have Coke, that's a positive right?

Lilly is crying so I better run. Hope you all had a fun and safe Halloween.

Pat