My body finally succumbed to the germs I have been fighting off.  It really was good timing (sorry for those I hugged Sat. night!)  It hit as soon as we got home Sunday from all of our obligations.  I excused myself for a nap, and spent the rest of the day in bed.  I know why Dallas was so miserable for 3 days!  I was enough recovered this morning that Rob could go to work, although he did come take Em for piano lessons mid-day which was a huge help.  I could stay in my jammies all day and restore as much as possible. 

A pukey, pukey day/night

Our poor little birthday boy spent the day being sick.  Our tip off was that he didn't a thing for Birthday lunch at Hickory Park, seriously, chicken tenders and warm applesauce?   He took a good nap and didn't complain about it, which is also weird.  When he woke up from nap we gave him our gift.  He seemed to really like it and play with it if we played with him, otherwise he wanted cuddles.  Thank goodness he didn't eat dinner either.  He woke up every couple hours with diarhea and throw up.  The best part was when we were at the buisness center at the clinic this morning checking in.  They have a new system and they want to scan your card and ask all the questions, so there was a long line, we finally made it to the front.... and it happens, we earned a fast pass out of that line, a housekeeeping visit, our own little green bowl to carry around, and half a pack of paper towels.  Everyone was so sweet and helpful. 
So we were not so well at the well visit.  Little man grew 4 inches and gained 2 lbs over the year.  Compared to Emily at three years they both measured 31 lbs, but Dallas is 39", the height Emily was at four year checkup.   Since Dallas was down a couple lbs since the last visit and doesn't eat dinner, he got himself a trip to the laboratory to get his iron checked.  He aslo gets to visit the allergist soon.  Overall a good visit, I don't think I would have made it without Rob.  Dallas was needing to be held and comforted the entire time.  Hard to do when you still have a baby that doesn't walk.  I assume Dr's offices are not the cleanest places to crawl. 

Hoping this is a 24 hour thing.  He last puked at 1:00 pm, debating whether I should have him lick the rest of us to get it over with...

Happy Birthday Dallas

What a delightful little boy you have become. 
- you love your race car, you ask to drive it everyday and everytime you see it in the garage
- you don't eat Dinner, ever, I can't remember the last time you chewed something and then swallowed it without being under parental duress at dinner time
- you have mastered that whole toliet thing, for that I am so grateful!
- you love playing with your cars, this takes up the majority of your day
- you often have a car in your pocket
- you can chew the same food and keep it your mouth forever -- we find this gross
- you love eating breakfast, you usual is a couple three bowls of oatmeal, or a couple scrambled eggs followed by some cherrios chaser, or maybe 5-6 slices of pumpkin bread
- you sleep best on the floor, and you have finally started sleeping through the night (if you count 5:30 am)
- again with the Cars, but you'll randomly say "kachow" or "dag gum"
- you say things like "Maybe I would like to come"
- you love watching Dora
- you made up a new word, Dungas.  You pray for the dungas, sometimes they are people, objects, food, or bad things. 
- you really love your sisters, and don't hit them nearly as much as you used too

We love you so much Dallas!

Dallas is doing so well using the bathroom!  He has not had one accident while wearing underware since we started.  He doesn't want and will not use any potty but his little blue one.  Makes outings hard, but he seems to have great control.  I can't believe that in a years time I might be diaper bag free!

Our first movie

Rob and I love movies, our typical date night is movies and dinner or a movie and a drink if we are short on time (read, we are paying a sitter in $$$ instead of use of laundry facilities).

We went as a family to see the Muppet movie.  It was so good.  Lots of movie references, throwback songs, and jokes.  I recommend all ages will enjoy, especially if you love a good spontaneous song.

I am looking forward to many more years of movies as a family.  The kids did well, Noelle spent much of the time eating popcorn and sucking on her paci, Dallas and Em watched and also helped down the large popcorn!

randoms for the week

Noelle and I have split two avocados already this week.  They were finally a reasonable price at the store, we eat them with a spoon right out of natures container.  Nobody else really cares for them, and I am fine with that, I don't have to share.

All three kids did take down two large cucumbers the other night.  I make this recipe about once a month, and cucumber adds crunch to the lettuce wraps, we leave off the mint.  Emily and Noelle love the meatballs.  I sliced up one cucumber for a little pre-dinner snack and it was gone in 3 minutes.

A house a block away had a big fire last night.  Weirdly Rob and I slept through it all, it started burning at 11:00 pm.  It is the talk of the neighborhood today.  The couple and their dog are safe, but could probably use some prayer, and a new house. 

Noelle is busy crawling around and around the house.  I think if finally have taught her not to use the dog water bowl as a bath tub.  I bet poor Bo has been parched lately.

Dallas has kept his cute little lightn McQueen underware dry all morning.  His is hitting 5 for 5 today, the downside is lots of Dora has been watched, a little too much tv for my taste, but he is very motivated by Dora?  eta: he stayed accident free all day!

Emily earned a Christmas themed piano book at piano lessons.  She has mastered piano and forte, knows all the key notes and how to write a quarter note differently if it is played with a right or left hand.  We are working on "Up on the Rooftop". 

Still looking for a piano.

Noelle decided it was time for me to scrub the kitchen floor, she empted a box of baking soda everywhere.
Rob has been really busy since we have gotten back from our little vacation.  He is working so hard for us, I love him for that.  He has some big things on the horizon!

The Wedding

 My girls sporting the dresses I made them

I wanted a cute picture, we took this pose maybe 20 times!

 The centerpieces on the alter

 Dallas loving on Aunt Jen

 Emily hardly left the brides side

 My amazingly handsome groom!

 Mark and April during the reception

The wedding was great.  It went off without a hitch.  I took it all in, trying my hardest to take in the moment and keep the kiddo's fairly silent. (and from running up to hug April mid vows).  I had a bag of candy and fruit snacks that I was liberally dolling out.  Parenting with candy, keeping everyone happy was the mantra!  Dallas went through 2 Dum Dums, Noelle one, and Emily one.