We hear Santa!!!

We had a magical time finding Santa at a small local shopping center, Lumina Station. We couldn't locate Santa then we heard bells and Santa was waving to us from a balcony. Sky declined to sit on his lap, but was interested in looking at him (and at the tootsie rolls he gave out -- what ever happened to candy canes?) . We got our tree decorated this weekend and finished Parker's Manger project for school. We made the people out of clothespins. Parker also completed his annual reading of A Christmas Carol. So we are ready for the holidays -- just a little more shopping and baking to be done!!

Pajama Time

Sky is adorable in her one piece pajamas. They are so comfortable sometimes she doesn't like to take them off in the morning. Notice how long her hair is when it is wet! Clif has been dedicated to detangling it each night. By the way - she is still talking about her hockey game!! See 2 other couch potatoes in our family at right.

Hurricanes Hockey

We had a great time at the Hurricanes Game Saturday night in spite of their "thrashing" by the Atlanta Thrashers. Sky enjoyed the noise, waving the flag, eating popcorn and touring RBC Arena. She also learned to say "Let's Go Canes" and another phrase about the ref's ability that we will not repeat here. She didn't get to bed until after 10:30 making it her latest night ever! She enjoyed the hotel, an Embassy Suites in Raleigh enormously. Living in Wilmington an elevator is a novely for both kids and this hotel has a glass elevator viewing the hotel's atrium. Parker is a dedicated Hurricanes fan and didn't lose faith even after numerous goals by the opposition. He was VERY HAPPY to be at the game. He got to be on the tv monitor in the center of the arena twice! Sky made it on once. We had fantastic seats on the 11th row center ice and could see all the action.

County Fair

WOW -- Last week was VERY exciting. Sunday Night was mom's birthday, Monday was Halloween and Wednesday we visited the county fair!!! I was so tired I had to go to bed at 6 pm on Saturday night. This was the first year I could do any rides at the fair. I had a good time doing the teacups with Mom and the carousel with Dad. I also liked riding the race cars with Parker and going down a GIANT slide. We only got a good picture of Parker coming off the slide -- I was too fast!! I went down the slide on a burlap sack in Dad's lap about 8 times! Parker liked playing some of the carnival games and won a toy for me by throwing darts. I also enjoyed sitting on the tractors and seeing the animals. The firemen even gave me a fire hat at the end.

Halloween

"I know the keys to my coach are in here somewhere!"

Darth Vader & the Princess had a good time trick-or-treating by golf cart on the island and on foot in Wilmington. Parker scored a total of 3 lbs of candy! Sky enjoyed trick-or-treating especially the part of saying trick or treat. She is such a parrot that she then followed that with "Thank you - You're welcome". She was a fairy princess, but wouldn't wear her wings or carry her wand for long. Sky commandeered the trick or treat bag forcing Parker to use the binocular case to store his booty! In spite of being on the dark side, Parker graciously made this concession to his sister. (Of course he may have been worried she would turn him into a toad with her wand) Parker was an excellent Darth Vader and his light saber moves and cape toss were quite adept by the end of the evening.

Labor Day Weekend Sunset

We got some great photos at sunset on South Beach, Bald Head Island over Labor Day weekend. It was hard to pick just a few to post. Although there is another month of warm weather it seems the spirit of summer fades away after Labor Day. On the humid, hot days of July and August summer seems endless, then suddenly the air is drier and the light is longer and you sense a hint of Fall. With school, hurricanes ... it always seems to end so fast. We had little damage from Ophelia - just a long day with lots of wind and rain and lots of yardwork left behind!

Toy Story

Sky enjoyed spreading her Fisher Price Toys out in the living room. However, they have been relocated to her room now. I must say the Fisher Price dollhouse has come a long way in the 30+ years since I had one. The "dad" carries a cell phone, there is a computer in the house and and even a toilet that makes a flushing sound (a big thrill for the toddler set)! Actually lots of things make sounds. Of course big brother's toys are still best, if one can get one's hands on them! Photo at Right - Sky tries to play StarWars Attackix with Parker!

Drawing Time

Parker only drew on the walls once.(I learned wd-40 takes crayon off walls) I have a feeling I will need to be much more cautious with Sky as she loves to draw and will ferret out the stray pen or crayon and paper is not always her medium of choice. Here she is coloring with Parker.

Beach Beauty

The light was marvelous in the early evening on the island this weekend. We don't seem to be able to stay up quite late enough for sunset. Also it can be hard to photograph a moving target.

BIRTHDAY GIRL!! (SKY IS 2)

Sky really enjoyed opening her gifts. What is really fun at this age is she has no anticipation of receiving presents so it is total wonder and amazement at these new toys that have found their way to our home! Of course our once quiet home is now breaking decibel limits since many of the gifts make sounds. Parker is trying to convince me to hide some of the gifts. We celebrated with a quiet party for just family. Sky enjoyed a chocolate Elmo cake made by Parker & Clif. I had suggested white frosting - but was overruled. Our primary decorations were an Elmo balloon and Elmo plates and napkins. (Parties are so low key at this age!)
2 Year old Stats: 35 inches & 25 lbs putting her at the 25% for weight and 50% for height.

Island Girl

Sky enjoyed a "pool" at the beach. We had a rainy weekend at BHI, but still enjoyed some beach and pool time in the sunny interludes. As soon as she wakes up she says "pool,pool". If you say no Sky says "Beach?" If you don't respond properly (i.e. - YES) she goes and gets her swim diaper and swimsuit and attempts to put them on!

Eat Eat!

As soon as Sky gets to the beach she wants to "eat, eat". Juice is first choice (the foil juice packs are preferred). Then crackers or cheetos.

Maryrose@BHI

Karen's college friend Maryrose (center) from Colorado joined us at the beach this weekend. She even helped out on 2 veterinary housecalls Clif made. Although it rained a lot we had a good time chatting and playing Boggle. Maryrose and Karen

even climbed Old

Baldy!

Snuggling

Snuggling Sky loves to get in Parker's bed and snuggle. He was very patient and let her hold his "teddy" this morning.

Sledding - Island Style

We have a new sport -- sledding. It involves Clif pulling Parker on the wave board in the shallow area where the waves are breaking gently. Once you get started and the board "planes" it isn't too much work - I was even able to do it once (one time pulling Parker & one time Clif pulling me!).

Goldilocks

"This Bed is Way Too Small!"
Sky is trying to see if she fits in her doll crib.

Notice the wild hair. Clif and I concluded we didn't know how to take care of Sky's curly hair, but needed to learn. Do you brush it, comb it...? With wind and humidity Sky developed some dreadlocks (or impossible tangles) that had to be cut out. Now we are spraying it with the classic No More Tangles and brushing it daily. She still yanks clips or ponytail holders out immediately.

Pool Time

Sky gets ready for some pool time. It is a lot of prep - sunglasses, hat, sun lotion, swim diaper... She is still not quite sure about actually getting in the water. For all practical purposes there is not a shallow end to the pool (it is 3 feet) so it is either in the water or out. Sky also has a swim vest, but prefers to lounge by the pool or walk the perimeter.

Wading Pool

An "instant" wading pool kept Sky busy at the beach. As I said in earlier posts - never go to the beach without a shovel!

Balancing Act

Clif likes to keep the kids in training for the Cirque de Soliel - -just as a back-up career plan!

Sky The Strong!

Sky and Parker each had a marvelous time at Bald Head Island over the weekend. Parker's last day of school was Friday-- he is now a 3rd Grader!!! We headed to the island immediately. Our condo complex was filled with boys Parker's age this weekend so he had an awesome time. After discovering that his digital camera can film movies, Parker ran around directing the action for about 5 kids for 6 scenes of a "Cops & Robbers Movie" until the memory ran out on his camera. A young Spielberg or Lucas? Then they played at the beach (making sand civilizations) and at the pool. As you can see -- Sky is getting very strong and can wrestle with her big brother.

Beauty and the Joker

All I wanted was a nice picture of the two children together at the beach. Is that too much to ask? Anyway - I wound up with this and a series of shots of Sky pushing Parker. Wish me luck as I try again next weekend.

Sand Hole

I am of the belief all kids really need for a good time at the beach is a shovel, a hole and some water. Fortunately Clif dug this large one for them. We've already broken one beach shovel this summer - I think I may by a garden one next time! We considered leaving Sky in the hole while we took a walk on the beach, but thought the better of it and took her with us. Although Sky has only a few words, she can make her meaning clear. When she is ready to leave the beach she will give me my shoes, put her shoes on and begin walking toward the golf cart. Nothing will convince her to stay.

Watermelon Gal

Don't you love Sky's new swimsuit? Her hair gets really curly at the beach with the salt air and humidity.

Tiny Dancer

Sky has new tutu her Grandad Kay sent. She thinks she is hot stuff in this outfit. As you can see, unless I want her to be a topless dancer, I have to work on getting the leotard on at the same time! She can say her name now -- it comes out "KI" or "KI-S". She is also enjoying Bob the Builder videos - she calls him "Bob Bob". Other Sky words include most animal sounds, Bye, Bye, "Parkee", "Mama", "Dada", "pacis" (pacifier) and now and then a few others. She also has learned to curl her tongue and developed a taste for Brie (which as a soft cheese I am not sure is approved for the under 2 set).

Airshow Clif, Parker and Roger spent Sunday April 17 at the Coastal Carolina Airshow. The weather was perfect and they got to see lots of cool things including a performance by the Blue Angels, a sport bike show, wing walkers and lots of planes. Parker's highlight was seeing inside all of the different types of military aircraft. Clif said it was a true dad moment when he was inside a military transport without windows as the Blue Angels flew over!

When the airshow is in town the Blue Angels fly around stirring up the excitement. We were standing in front of the house when they went right over the driveway. Sky was very excited and kept pointing at the sky, waving and shouting "bye-bye"! The noise did not phase her.

Chef Barbie

Chef Barbie Anyone?
Well we bought Sky the stereotypical girl toy - a kitchen. She loves it - putting the food in the oven, microwave, stove.... As a modern kitchen it is quite entertaining and can recognize the different foods you use with it -- (broccoli, potatoes, rolls, turkey) via a smart chip embedded in the plastic. Parker enjoys playing kitchen with Sky too. He even wore the chef hat for a little bit - until he realized it said "Barbie" on it!
p.s. don't worry - Sky doesn't always cook in her "underwear"

Scooter Gal

Parker & his friend Max can spend hours scootering in the driveway. They've declared Sky their mascot. She does have to be careful when they are flying around. Last week she was hit in the head by a hockey stick. Luckily she is a tough cookie! The sunglasses are a new look she is trying out for summer.