The Fall Itch

I'm starting to get the Fall itch around here.  This is very unusual for me, seeing as how I despise Winter and therefore usual spend the Fall dreading it's arrival.  But, this year feels different.  So much so, that I've started pulling out the Fall decor.  However, I have resisted the urge to go overboard, for fear of being antagonized by one of my dear friend's husbands {ahem...Erin}.  He would be happy to know that the Halloween decorations are stilled stored away, {much to Jack's dismay}, for another 11 days.

Beyond the decor, our October and November calendars are filling up fast.  Fall Festivals, Pumpkin Patch visits, a "spooky" Halloween event {as Jack refers to it}, friends birthday parties, and my absolute favorite...Maggie's 2nd Birthday Party.  I believe the latter has given me a new perspective on the season.

And though I know this won't surprise you...we already have the kid's Halloween costumes.  Just a little hint...Jack and Maggie commercialized the holiday to the tilt this year.  Believe me, I tried hard to avoid this. 'Don't you want to be a fireman and Maggie can be a dalmatian? or 'How about a farmer and Mags can be your pet piglet?'.  All my effort was in vain.  So what was I to do, but give in with a big smile on my face.  Let's just say, they will both be very happy dressed as their favorite characters. More to come...

With that taken care of, it is time to fully focus on Maggie's 2nd celebration.  This one I have full rein over.  I am aware that this will not always be the case, so I am taking full advantage of it.  Maggie's invites will be mailed out in just a few short weeks!  Time to get busy on all of the "moo"velous details.  {Just another understated hint for you.}

So with all that in the works, I am most definitely getting the Fall itch.  Here's to pumpkins, falling leaves, and a chill in the air.  Happy almost Fall ya'll!

Cook Out and Kids

I have officially renamed our annual backyard get together.  It use to be Babies and Bar-be-que, but seeing as how the babies are growing up and new ones are taking their place, 4 years later it needed a new name.  So 'Cook Out and Kids' it is.  Not very original, but I was trying to stick with the alliteration theme.

I think Jack may look forward to this event more than anyone.  It's like a giant playdate with what he likes to think of as free rein.  Free rein and Jack don't always mix.  {He gets a teeny bit overexcited in these settings}.  And then there is Maggie.  She has a whole other take on the event...pure chaos.  Where Jack gets overexcited, little Mags gets overwhelmed.  She does enjoy it, but being the soaker she is, observes the chaos from a safe distance.  And by chaos, I mean several rambunctious 4 year old boys.  Keep her next to the sweet baby girls and she is a happy camper.

We had a fair turn out this year, so bummed that a few close friends couldn't make it.  It was impossible to please everyone with a date.  We changed the date once and had a few causalities in the process which bummed me out even more.  Oh well, there is always next summer.  We  certainly weren't lacking in the "kids" part of the cook out.

The guys enjoyed a few rounds of backyard Bocci Ball.  While Daddy tossed the ball, I manned the grill.  Whew!...that is a hot job.  I think I did fair work, although, I won't be volunteering those services again.

Only two words for this picture...sweet girls!  {Eliza Kate & Maggie}

Check out sugar and spice from our cook out one year ago...so yummy!  {yes, that is Eliza Kate & Maggie hanging out at the same event on the same deck last year}  Can I just say it?...they grow up way too fast.

And again, only two words for this picture...busy boys! {Jack, Miller, Carson, & Patterson}  I'm seriously exhausted just looking at that picture.

The group shot is always a must at this event.  My how times have changed.  Year one of this event was about 12 babies sitting across our sunroom couch.  So precious!  And back then we didn't even have to bribe them with popsicles.   And take a peek at how polar opposite my kids are...first there is Jack, being an energetic little ball of fire and then there is Maggie, quietly hoping for some personal space and wondering 'is this really worth a popsicle?'.

I think Maggie would agree that the "pop" was worth it and so would these other darling girls.  {Please note how the boys took their popsicles and ran.} 

Sesame Street Live

I took the kids to see Sesame Street Live: Elmo's Superheroes today.  By myself, mind you.  I just wanted to put that on the record.  No, it wasn't impossible.  But, with a toddler budding into true toddler behavior and a pre-schooler who has enough energy to wear any sane person out, I feel I deserve a little credit.  Now, that I've established that...on to the show.

As you may already know, Maggie is in love with Elmo.  She even carries her own Elmo doll everywhere with her and sleeps with him too.  Between an Elmo and a lovey we have a lot to keep track of around here {to my dismay}.  But, what are you going to do?  It comes with the toddler territory in the Cibula family.

Maggie refers to Elmo as "La", you know "la la la la...Elmo's world".  And she has taken it upon herself to name her lovey "Boo" {also to my dismay, I tried to name it Pinky, but she had other plans}.  So, basically at any given moment at our house, you can hear Maggie searching aimlessly and calling out, "la boo, la boo, la boo?"  If you didn't know better, you might think I had a French baby.  With all that being said, Maggie was quite thrilled about our trip to see Elmo's show.

Jack, was a bit of a different story.  He told me on repeated occasions, that he, "didn't want to go to Elmo's Superheroes".  I assumed it was because he loves Toy Story and only likes Sesame Street at his 4 year old maturity.  And so I repeatedly gave him the whole speech about 'doing things that make other people in our family happy, even if it's not what you want to do'.  Come to find out, the Toy Story obsession and lack of Elmo obsession was not the problem.

Poor guy...the whole time he was worrying himself sick about the "noise" and being "scared".  Amazing what I can figure out when I take a moment to just ask.  Luckily all of his nervous energy was relieved when I explained that, 'Mommy got balcony seats this time'.  You see, when Jack was a little over two, we took him to a Sesame Street Live show and being the, 'great, I want the best for my child', Mom that I am, I got floor seats.  Big mistake.  Lesson learned and, when I bought tickets this go round, I did not repeat it.

So we had a very happy ending to a Friday...we all had fun, Jack was not scared, {he actually really enjoyed it} and Maggie had an Elmolicious time.

Maggie spent the first half of the show in this position.  Intermittently turning around to announce "La" and point to the stage.  I think she was in shock and awe.

La and Boo in all their glory.  We actually try to leave these guys at home, but I threw them in my bag last minute, just in case she got scared, and well,...she spotted them pre-showtime.

Hmmm...maybe this is why Jack had such a swell time...a $4 dollar snowcone.  At least we got a souvenir cup with it.  {and yes, that is a blanket on him, I learned two years ago that Elmo shows are FREEZING, so I came prepared this time}

During intermission I got suckered into this spinney Elmo light contraption {and popcorn}.  However, I was able to dodge the $10 Elmo balloon this year.  And by the way, that light was suppose to be for Maggie since Jack "just likes Toy Story toys".

After intermission, Maggie spent the second half of the show in her seat.  I was happy to know that the requirement to buy a ticket for anyone over a year old wasn't a complete waste.  And that snowcone cup  worked out nicely for Maggie's popcorn snack.

And for nostalgia's sake...I just could not resist.  My little guy has grown up so much from his Sesame Street obsessed days.  Maggie was just a little peanut growing in my belly at this show 2 years ago and Jack was a terrific little toddler.  How time flies.

T-Ball Time

Yes, we are still alive at the Cibula cottage.  We've just been t-balling it up!  {insert a "just corny joking" here}

Okay, as much as I would like to blame my lack of blogging lately on t-ball, I just can not tell a lie.  We've actually only had two practices.  But, it's no joke that we have been playing, just a joke that I can use t-ball as an excuse for my recent absence.

To be honest, I don't know what has really happened in the last 12 days.  Obviously nothing, hence the reason I haven't had any note worthy news. But, no fear, Jack and t-ball are here! Finally, you say,...something worth blogging about!

Like I said, we are on week two of practices.  And by practices, I mean one 60 minute practice a week.  Daddy is one of Jack's t-ball coaches for this first season.  How cute is that? We will soon see if that was a wise decision on our parts.  Anyone who has had a father/son coaching situation knows exactly what I mean.  Jack {and Daddy's} team is the "green team" as Jack likes to call them.  But, are officially called the Sand Gnats.  Really, gnats?  Neither Jack or Clay seemed as disturbed by that as me.

So far Jack likes going to t-ball, it's the backyard practicing that he doesn't want any part of.  {you know, because playing anything Toy Story inside is better than exerting yourself outside}  Hmmm...if only I could find a Toy Story t-ball set.  Might have to do some Googling when I finish this post.  {I just love how writing gets your mind flowing--why didn't I think of that earlier?}

But truly, the best part of all of this is watching my little monkey on the field.  It is quite entertaining and a bit endearing all at the same time.  It's basically all those typical 4 year old sports stories you hear and more.  Someone is making hills in the clay, another kid is experimenting with putting his hat on every which way (usually mine), 5 kids at one time run to the same ball, coaches are steering kids to the right bases because they have no idea which one is 1st or home, for that matter--they all look the same, etc.,etc.  Regardless, I think it's safe to assume, they are all having fun and Jack is certainly worn out after wards, so I'm thinking I like t-ball.

I decided to take full advantage of the practice Saturdays to get some pictures of the action.  Once games start I don't think me and my camera will be happily accepted on the field.  Although, they might not even notice with all of the other shenanigans going on.

Yes, that is 3 kids and 1 ball.  

The great debate...is Jack a left handed hitter or a right handed hitter?

How great is this father/son coaching picture? 

And here is a little of that hat experimenting I mentioned.  Jack is beside himself that his long time buddy,Carson, is on his team too. And you can see why.  Two peas gnats in a pod.

Possibly Jack's favorite part of practice...water break. {and please note the latest hat position}

Here she is...Jack's biggest fan.  I wonder how many of Jack's sporting events over the next few years, this little one will be cheering at. There is nothing like watching big brother.  And because it was only practice, Maggie got to do it from inside the dug out...talk about feeling special.