Christmas is Coming

If you want to send a package for Christmas you should have done it last week. Post Office prices are absurd. Luckily I sent all but 1 package last week - albeit in 4 separate trips to the post office. Christmas is coming and we are trying to get ready. We have had a few fun events planned and more this week! I've been trying to get some photos up but I haven't been able to stop watching the news on the horrible CT school massacre. Just a reminder to be thankful of everything this time of year - even the lines and prices at the post office. Connor and Cora went to see Santa last week. A little impromptu because I realized it was now or never. No line - score! Cora was fine until I placed her in Santa's lap. Then she cried. Then we tried to amuse her. She didn't smile but she stopped crying. A fairly decent photo overall.

Connor and Cora on the other side of the tree

Last night Connor had a sleepover at my mom's house. They made a Gingerbread house and went for a ride on the Polar Express. Spoiled rotten and he loved every minute.

Santa's Baby!

Connor's First Game

Connor had his very first basketball game this past Saturday. He was very concerned about whether it was practice or a game. Telling him that it was a practice game was not helpful. "So it is both?" Yes. Of course, Colin and I were more worried about him having fun, dribbling the ball, etc. This is a 3-4 year old league (with a few young 5 year olds) at the local YMCA. We had a difficult time finding a place that had 3-4 year old teams. Now, I know why. Introducing a sport is hard. Dribbling is hard. Soccer seemed easier. But Connor is really enjoying it so far and we all know how much Colin LOVES basketball - squeaky shoes and all. So, as part of the rules of the league, the other kids can't take the ball out of your hands - they can "steal" it if you are dribbling (I think) but can't just walk up and take the ball away. So, watch the video below. This is the very first possession of the very first game (albeit practice game). Connor's team got the ball first. I missed the actual incident but apparently the referee asked Connor to guess the number of fingers he had behind his back (1 or 2). Connor tried to look behind his back. smart kid. He guessed the number correctly. Blue team ball. So, watch below. Connor is in the bright neon green shirt. Connor's First Game Video Connor played the entire first half (they only had 7 kids show up)

He sat on the bench the first 3 minutes after the half and then played the rest of the game. He was a good sport even on the bench.

Connor was 2 for 3 on the day. When he tried/ remembered to play defense he did a great job. We need to work on remembering to play defense and watch the ball - actually not just watch the ball go by, go after the ball. Next game!

16 Months

Cora is 16 months old! She is in 18 month clothes and a size 3 diaper. Next box of diapers will be a size 4 though. She still adores her big brother and wants to try everything he does, and more. She is a climber. Climbs on the couch, ottomans, coffee table, our bed. She is completely unaware of danger. She has a few new double words this month: beep beep (copied from her brother), Jo Jo (her name for my mom pronounced with a french accent). Lights is by far her new favorite word closely followed by "all done", shoes and socks. As evidenced by "beep beep" she is also starting to repeat words she hears. We are working on recognizing body parts. So far she knows nose, feet and belly and will point to it. I don't think I ever posted her stats from her last doctor's visit at 15 months. She was 31 inches (which I am positive was not correct - since as soon as she laid on the table she started screaming - memories of the flu shot??) and 24 pounds 7 ounces. Since Connor and Cora usually love each other - they have gotten into what I will call wrestling (but it is more like bear hugging/ dragging/ squashing each other). It is so sweet and cute but I am really afraid Cora is going to get seriously injured. I spend most of my afternoons requesting that they be gentle and careful. It is hard to be mad when they are so sweet but Connor acts like she is a doll. I keep reminding him that she is real and breakable. Cora is our mini puma

Thanksgiving 2012/ 91st Birthday

As is our usual tradition, we spent Thanksgiving in Birmingham. My mom just does such a great job cooking it is hard to imagine being anywhere else. We had 14 people this year. Not too big, not too small.

Colin sort of looks like a giant because of the way the photo was staged but we had to hurry - little ones were melting fast!

Nina's 91st Birthday party. I zoomed so this photo is blurry - arrggh.

Connor helping blow out the candle

Cora showing off her wave and party dress - I am in love with this dress. We need more parties to attend so she can wear it some more!

Piano Pretty

Warrior Run

This year Connor's school hosted another Fun Run for the kids. If you remember last year, Connor ran his little legs off, barely stopping for a drink of water. This year there were more kids (3,4 &5 year olds) and it was definitely more chaotic. Connor ran and ran some more -- only stopping to get his laps marked off on his shirt and occasionally for a sip of water or to dance to LMFAO music. Since my mom had Cora, I brought some Starbucks deliciousness (decaf for me of course) and took some 143 photos. I won't bore you with all of them because most of them are just flashes of white shirts. A few memorable photos though:

Bunny Hop Lap - Look at that Hair!!

15 Months

Cora is 15 months old today. Wow! She is getting to be such a big girl and of course wants to do EVERYTHING that Connor can do. I'll give her credit - she tries, really hard. Her language has really started to pick up and she is saying some new words. Shoes is still her favorite (she wakes up talking about shoes) - I got her some new black Mary Jane's yesterday for her Itsy Bitsy Spider costume and also to wear with dresses for the holidays. She loves them. Just looks and looks at them all shiny and new.

Some new words of note: Boo (a must for Halloween, of course), 1, 2, 3 (apparently she counted for my mom while stacking blocks), turkey, horsey, down (she will complete the Ride a Little Horsey rhyme or ask to get down), itsy (complete with hand motions for Itsy Bitsy Spider - this is requested approximately 25 times/day). Both the kids have a little cough and stuffy noses. Cora's 15 month appointment is Monday so I'm hoping if it is still present we can get rid of it then. It is going to be in the mid 70's this weekend so maybe that will help? I'm expecting Cora to be pretty tall so I'm excited to see how much she has grown. Connor has started to teach himself to read. At first he liked being able to read signs on the road and in stores (like 2 word signs). We made some Pumpkin Cream Cheese Squares that I saw on Pinterest (they were ok. I didn't love so I'm not going to bother linking) and I asked him to try to find the Angel Food cake. There was only 1 box on the shelf of Angel Food cake and he patiently scanned through all the shelves until he found it. He is starting to recognize words. He will also read some full books. The Statue of Liberty is his current favorite to show off. Honestly, I think he memorizes some of it because he has a ridiculously scary memory -- but when has to read, he stops and sounds it out in his head and then continues. He really enjoys reading and I'm so thankful and proud. At school he has been learning some different prayers and he can now say Hail Mary and Glory Be. He is super proud of himself for this!

Happy Halloween

Remember last year when my babies were Pooh and a Pot of Hunny? Well, this year I wanted coordinating costumes that were inexpensive and age appropriate. Awhile ago I decided on the costumes, ordered and waited for today to arrive. Connor is obsessed with his character and Cora just happens to want to hear Itsy Bitsy all.the.time. Perfect.

What C&C have been up to . . .

Sidewalk Chalk

Post Flu Shot Bagel Treats

This girl loves her some cream cheese!

Fireman Assembly at school - had to sleep with the hat ICE

Cora loving the hat too

Sweet Siblings holding hands on the way to Nashville

As seen at Auburn v. Vandy (and clearly the BEST part of the game)

Fun with Photo Booth and our neighbor

Cora has discovered that Connor makes a great "Horsey"

Sometimes they are so sweet . . .

Pumpkin Madness

It is October - I've been filling up on decaf Pumpkin Spice Lattes for awhile now. But now that it is a little cooler outside - it is time for Pumpkins!

Mrs. Potato Witch

Connor, Mrs. Potato Witch, and Allison (our neighbor)

Cora and Mrs. PW

"Even the pumpkin is 'teaming' for the Ravens, Daddy" Connor, age 4

Baltimore - Days 7 and 8

Our final full day in Baltimore began with a promised Dunkin Donuts run from Colin. Kids and donut holes = happy bunch.

Connor didn't seem entirely himself (i.e. he didn't eat 10 donut holes) but he was insistent that he was "fine". Caitlin and I left Colin to recover from the night before and took the kids to Arundel Mills mall (to return a shirt and let the kids spend our quarters on rides). Well, I really don't like that mall. People are just weird and rude. We got to the mall super early - like nothing was open except for Bass Pro. I parked in a nearly empty lot. Then as I am getting Cora in the stroller and about to walk around and get Connor out, someone pulls right next to me. Really? There are 451,679 other spaces. He didn't speak English and he took literally 5 minutes to exit his car once he opened the door. Connor got mad (impatient) and the day was not starting off great at Arundel Mills. We finally exited our vehicle and got moving into Bass Pro. Not the aquarium but free.

After the fish and a stroll around the deer we ventured into the mall at 10am sharp. The rides are plentiful so we first stumbled on the vehicle carousel.

Josh was not a fan. I took a video but it is just too sad to post. Although he did want to go again after the girls had their turn. Second time wasn't the charm either. We were running low on quarters after the machine ate a few. The woman at the information desk who had been watching us the entire time was not helpful. In fact, she said she could give me the mailing address of the company that owned the machine (which was obviously not of interest to me). When I said no thanks she then asked me if I thought she "look[ed] like I have a pocketful of change?" Moving on . . . We found some additional rides away from the mean people and just let the kids play on them without the quarters. I finally found 75 cents and we let the big boys ride the only ride 2 kids could fit on together. Roller Coaster.

With our money spent and hungry kids we stopped for a quick veggie stick snack. I waited with the kids while Caitlin took the twins for a diaper change. As we were sitting there I noticed a payphone. I mean, there really aren't that many payphones anymore. Connor asked me a few weeks ago (while listening to Maroon 5's song) what a payphone was. Well, perfect. I can show him. When Caitlin returned I had the big boys go stand in front of the phone for a quick photo before heading out. As I was getting the camera ready on the iPhone Will turned around and picked up the receiver. No big deal. Some old guy came out of nowhere to tell me that I shouldn't let the kids play with the phone - (fair) - he went on to add that they have way too many false 911 calls and that I should pay attention - (um, I am paying attention and he is only holding the phone - not dialing or pressing buttons). I took the photo and we moved away from the phone, back to the stroller and started heading out - enough of Arundel Mills and the people there! He couldn't help himself. He continued to tell me that the fine for calling 911 was $1,000.00. OK, GOT IT. Not even touching the phone at all, walking away - not coming back! It was totally worth it though -

See sweet Will making sure he isn't touching anything. Mean people. After that excursion, Colin and I headed with our kids to lunch with his mom and step-dad. We ate at this delicious but too small grilled cheese place. Connor still didn't seem like himself. He ate applesauce and thats it. No sandwich - nothing.

The guys were going to play golf with Pat but plans changed and they went to a movie instead (against my advice). Connor loved the movie and was still groggy when he got back but in good spirits. Turned out to be a fever virus (new to me) - just a slight fever for a few days. Cora and I stayed back at Caitlin. I took this sweet picture of Jenna that is too cute not to share.

That night we had dinner with Tommy and Kristy and after some last minute packing we went to bed. The Kirbys planned to leave bright and early for North Carolin a vacation and we had a 10 am flight (which seems like a great time for a flight, but is early when you factor in 6 checked bags, 4 carryons, 2 kids, a stroller and 2 car seats -- and returning the rental car). We had to hustle down the concourse to get to the gate, but once there we were fine. We arrived in time to pre-board (based on my maternity status) and got to sit in the front row again! An uneventful flight, we arrived home safely. Whew

Baltimore - Day 6

Waking up at Auntie Cait's house was a great way to start our day after a late night. The kids played and ate fruit and waffles while Caitlin and I got ready to do a little shopping. Will had school in the morning and Caitlin already had her babysitter coming for the twins. Cathleen graciously agreed to take on 2 more kiddos for a couple of hours while we ran errands (including a trip to Marshalls!). Connor loved Miss Cathleen and Cora slept nearly the entire time. Will was happy to have both his mommy and Aunt Court pick him up from school. Chick-fil-a lunch and naps before an afternoon trip to the park.

Josh

Cora

Cora and Josh

Jenna and Josh

Cora - pretty soon she will be 16!

The Big Boys - Will and Connor. After a dinner of pasta and peas (a dish my mom used to make me that has somehow turned into a Kirby/Moorhouse family favorite) and the kids tucked into bed, Caitlin and I enjoyed a quiet evening at home while the guys went to the Ravens game (again) - this time it was pouring rain (we felt happy to be warm and dry!). Colin tailgated with his brother and old high school/college friends and enjoyed his likely last Ravens game of the year. Although he is lobbying for another O's game if they win the ALCS.

Baltimore - Day 5

Wednesday morning we did the usual. Colin left early with Bryan for work in DC. The kids and I planned to leave Hagerstown about 10:30. With Cathy's help watching the kids I managed to fit all of our stuff back in the rental SUV. It took about 30 minutes. We left right at 10:30 and headed to DC to meet up with Colin and do a little sightseeing. Connor is obsessed with DC, the Presidents - especially George Washington and was so excited to go see the White House. He didn't really understand why DC was soooo far away from Hagerstown. We arrived right about noon and after circling Colin's office a few time (hmmm - one of my least favorite things to do) we were on our way. We parked in a garage that was outrageously expensive (thank you DC) and we got our stroller out without dismantling all the meticulous packing I did. On our way, picnic is hand. First stop, White House. We got lucky because I actually had no idea how to get there. We found it easily on the first try. Connor was in awe.

Not the best photo but shows we were there and the kids definitely needed sunglasses - bright sunshiny day

Connor at the White House

The White House

Cora and Connor in front of the Washington Monument trying not to fall off the wall.

Connor and the Monument

Three Blond Moorhouses. After a quick picnic lunch we headed back to the car and on to Baltimore. We arrived just after nap time at the Kirby's house and Colin unloaded the car as we got unpacked for the second portion of our trip. Almost as soon as we were unpacked and set up, we headed out again. This time to the O's game. Bryan got us some great tickets and Connor has been following the Orioles with Colin (via MLB Game Plan - what we pay to see the Orioles . . . ). Connor was just bouncing around ready to go to the game. We also had a parking pass (score!) so we arrived in style and enjoyed a couple hours at Camden Yards. No trip to the park is complete without a burger, fries, ice cream and a new hat. Cora got a "First Game Certificate".

Connor watching batting practice from the flag court. The same woman who served us beer in law school was still working the same beer tent. wow too bad no beer this trip.

Posing in front of a statue. He wanted a picture in front of all of them but we settled on the one without 50000 people

Cora taking in the field - she started clapping almost immediately - before the game even started

Orioles Magic! She was sooo into the game (for about 1 inning)

Connor sporting his dad's hat

Camden Yards. Connor really wanted to stay for the entire game (which wasn't an option since we had Cora and were at the end of a very long travel day). He did get to see a home run - there were many more after we left. Next time. We bribed him with ice cream in a helmet and a new orioles cartoon bird hat. We escaped without noticing the bounce house and other kid activities (stealth) and crashed when we got back to Auntie Cait's. Too bad we missed Carne Cabeza at the game. Fox 45 in Baltimore followed Neal around the night before. Here is the link to the video MUST WATCH (wait patiently for the 15 second commercial to finish). Love my Brother-in-law.