Talent

Dominic and I were talking about how close Caitlin's birthday was. Dominic had the idea that he play the birthday song while Jon and I sang to Caitlin. Slight kink in his plans - he doesn't know how to play that song and we don't have the music for it.

He seemed to think this was only a slight bump in the plans. Turns out he was right.

In less than a minute he had picked out the melody and was adding the harmony.

His teacher had mentioned that he had brought a guitar book to class and showed her how he could play songs out of it. She was really impressed because the book is a bit above his level so he had to use a certain amount of "playing by ear" to get the song right.

My entire musical talent consists of being able to sing just well enough so that people don't cover their ears. But that is the extent of it. So while I was impressed when I talked to her, I didn't really grasp what he was doing until I heard it this evening.

Dominic can now play the birthday song while Jon and I sing. 

Oh boy! Now I have to sing.

Twinkle Toes

Today I am thankful for baby twinkle toes.

Canyons

Dominic had a presentation at school yesterday. He had to research canyons and build a 3D canyon out of any material. He had so much fun building one out of Legos with his Daddy.

I thought I'd gotten a close up of the canyon, but sadly I can't find it. It was so cool with water, waterfalls, trees, and even a cave with a secret treasure chest in it.

Double Hugs

Tonight when Caitlin was hugging me good night she gave me two hugs. Her explanation -

"I'm giving you two so they won't be lonely by themselves."

Even with wonky hair, chocolate smears, and crazy clothes, this little girl is the cutest!

Pre-Photo Shoot

Yesterday we went to the park to have our annual pictures taken. After the photo shoot I stood talking with the photographer and Jon took the kids around the park to get some energy out. So here are some pictures he took while I ran my mouth. 

I'll be posting the actual photo shoot pictures later. But here is a small taste of how cute my kids looked. (Wow! Not a bit biased am I?!)

These first two shots I took while Tamara took individual shots of the kids.

 They sure do love their daddy.

So do I!

 

 Caitlin was a little more cooperative w/ posing. 

Dominic was more into the action shots.

 

 

 

 Probably my favorite shot!

Fun!

We've been having a great fall. Just been a bit too busy to write about it. So here are some random shots of the fun we've been having lately.

Dominic's wonky teeth keep falling out.

We went camping at Rock Island with friends and had SO much fun.

 Dominic with a friend at the lake.

A field trip that we went on earlier this month to Autumn Acres.

At my cousin's wedding. Caitlin LOVES weddings.

It was a bit chilly at the outdoor wedding. 

So Kim (another cousin) and Caitlin were trying to keep warm.

Random Stuff

I was running with Dominic this morning. He was slightly in front when he turned to me and said -

"Watch Mom! I can run more aerodynamic. It helps me run faster."

 He bent his head forward and with arms straight by his side, he took off running. I was laughing too hard to run very fast, but the little guy was seriously booking it.

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Caitlin just came running in and asked for a thumb sack. Turns out she meant a thumb tack.

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Caitlin talking about gymnastics -
"Ms Kelly is going to bring her bricks to class next time so she can smaller us up. She said we are getting too big."

I'm with Ms. Kelly on that one.

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These past two weeks have been crazy and stressful. Today Jon is camping w/ the Pathfinders and I'm parenting alone. For some reason the kids have been wild and rambunctious. I was about ready to lose my mind. At lunch Dominic made a comment about playing a contest game. So I made up the rules. The person who goes the longest without making any noise at all wins. Call me evil, but I'm loving my children's competitive nature right now. The sound of silence is wonderful. =)

Should I tell them the prize is getting to go outside to play? No, probably not yet!