of Giraffes and Loud Noises...

Howdy!  We now return to our regularly scheduled programming...

During that break, the kids had the audacity to keep growing.  They're both at fun ages, but for different reasons.  The 8 year old is a full "big kid" and stretching his wings with learning how to do more complex tasks (organizing!  setting priorities!  pocket knives!).  He still has that truthful observation talent...

such as this afternoon, when we driving home, and I didn't see a guy on a bike crossing the road.  Well, at FIRST I didn't see him, but stopped in plenty of time to wave him across. We watched him pedal awkwardly, and then realized it was because he was carrying signs for the presidential candidate that is my least favorite.  So I muttered:  "Oh, he supports THAT one.  I guess I should've hit him."  Kaden laughed, but I immediately corrected myself:  "No, that isn't right.  We are one country and need to treat each other with love and unity.  I shouldn't say things like that."   Kaden laughed again, and said, "Yeah, that's Dad's language!  You know better..."   Then it was my turn to laugh.  (disclaimer: it's the middle of football season, remember, so language can get salty around here!)

The two year old is entertaining in other ways.  Mostly when he's not being exasperating.  Every day at dinner, we ask each other "how was your day" and take turns listening to news or feelings.  And every single solitary time, he calls out "MY TURN.  I went to froggies."  (The nickname for his class.)  No other information, but he looks you straight in the eye and nods when he says it.

Lately, though, he's been adding more details.  Like when I asked him how he got the bruise on his shin (he climbs *everything* so I'm fairly certain it's an innocent mark!).  He looked at the leg, looked me in the eye and said, "giraffe."  What? Is that on the playground?  He nods and says yes..  I'm imagining an animal themed slide.  Then he elaborates, "giraffe hit me.  then we went under water."    I have no idea what he's talking about.

Which is fairly typical.  he talks A LOT, but we're rarely 100% sure that we're all on the same conversation.  He's also taken a liking to dinner prayers.  When one of us starts, he shouts MY TURN.  GOD.  FOOD.  AMEN.  THANK YOU.  AMEN.   Or he mutters it softly, all as one word:  Godfoodthankyouamen. 

Other times, he rolls his eyes and runs away when we try to talk to him.  Toddlers!  And he's screaming less these days, but occasionally one comes out that's particularly funny.  Last week, we were talking about Halloween costumes, and Kaden said "I'm going to be Batman,.  You can be Superman."   Sam replied by yelling:  NO! I - BAT - MAN!   He actually sounded a wee bit like Michael Keaton...

Here's to Future Presidents

For Next Year:

and in 35 years:

After hearing Obama's speech tonight, I have hope. May he be wise. May we all put "country first" as we serve responsibly. I pray we stand strong together: the United States of America, one nation under God...

Kaden did accompany me to the polls... but there's no cute photo since a) I traveled light and b) he started wailing on page 2 of the ballot. Did he not like my choice for the mosquito board?