Target

Many notable events occurred at Target today:

1. Walked behind a couple talking about their (obviously 1st) soon-to-be-born baby.  She wanted to register for a few toys because that is what people like to buy.  He turns to her, "Honey, the kid won't even play with toys until he's 2 or 3!"  Her response, "I know; they just look fun."  *Note - both parents are in for a rude awakening!!!*

2. Mitchell picked out his first pair of big boy underwear.  We finally settled on Thomas the Train - although it was a tough decision because the Wonder Pets were pretty cool too.  On day two - 0 accidents so far - although the diaper must be on for nap time!  So proud of this kiddo!  He loves his impromptu potty sticker chart - following the examples of the older siblings who are all also working on a sticker chart - although not for the potty.  ;)

3. I lost my child.  For about 2 minutes.  Scary scary scary.  I hate their carts because little Houdini can get out of them, no matter how tight the buckle.  He walked 80% near me through the second part of our shopping trip.  I start loading the conveyor belt, assuming he will stay looking at the candy like all children since the beginning of time.  Not this guy!  I calmly look to the aisle left - then the right.  Then 2 aisles to the left and 2 to the right.  Then comes the fast walk and the slightly panicky voice.  Imagine one slightly-crazed mom checking out the front, the girls section, and headed to Starbucks (with one bewildered cashier wondering what the heck to do with the half-opened bubble gum tape *why is it so easy to open in the first place?* wondering where in the world did her customer go), when I hear a "let's go find your mommy!" and see Mitchell running right back to where I am, laughing and having a jolly old time.  And, yes, much discussion *lecturing* did occur!

Thus ends the delights of a 90 minute Target trip, where one 2 year old DIDN'T have an accident!

Basketball games and Valentines Friends

 We got free tickets to go to a Zips basketball game...then Ben got sick...so Andy and Ben stayed home - don't quite no why Mitchell didn't stay home... Anyway - so Annie and Emily got to each invite a friend with our extra tickets.  They had a blast - the older girls were silly and danced and created the entire game.  The younger girls took a few minutes to get into it...

 Annabelle loved loving on Mitchell and he loved being included, so it all worked out great!

 At halftime, we went downstairs to have pizza and bedazzle ourselves with stickers...  The game was PACKED and very exciting (the Zips pulled away with the win!!!) and we had 6 very grumpy men that sat right in front/next to us.  We got a few dirty looks, especially when Mitchell might have gotten a bit excited with his little glittery wand.  Hello?  You really choose to sit in front of six kids - sorry your team is losing, but we are having fun anyway!  Yep, still a bit bugged....

Annie and Emma kept EVERYONE entertained on the long walk back to the car, singing their America songs as loudly as possible.  I got many grins, especially from older men, and more than a few comments about raising these kids right to love their country.  ((I didn't explain that the 2nd grade concert is coming up - A Tribute to America.))

 Valentines Parties - Emily tends to hang with the kids she already knows - like Grant (whose big sister is in Girl Scouts with Annie)...

 And Annabelle and Mia (whose big sisters are in Girl Scouts with Annie)...but she loves them!

 And Mitchell loves them too... :)  I didn't get any pictures from Annie's party because I was in there for half and doing the games for that time.  She had a great time though with her silly class!!!