You never know with these two.....

Ivy and Wesley are a lot a like. 

Though neither one of them would ever admit to such a thing.

They're both very determined when they want something.

Sometimes this is a good thing......

Ivy has turned into quite the flutist this year. She practices all the time, memorizes music, and volunteers for solos. It's pretty impressive. We're really proud of her.

Other times being determined makes me pretty nervous.

After months of saving and waiting for just the right bike, Wesley bought a motor cycle (and a helmet) last weekend. 

Holy Moly.

He's not on the road with it yet. It needs a little work, and he's planning to take a safe riding course first. 

For some reason he thinks a safety course should ease my mind. (It doesn't)

They look so innocent don't they?

I'm not fooled. 

One day it's all practice your flute for hours, next thing you know they're riding around on a motorbike while you're at home treating your ulcer.

My Day with Nate

Last Saturday Nate asked me if I would take him to the mall so he could get a pair of shoes.

So, I took him to the Vans store. Nate has 4 pairs of shoes. Sunday shoes, running shoes for PE, and 2 pairs of Vans. 

Obviously a 3rd pair of Vans was needed. 

Upon arrival Nate went to THE WALL O' VANS to begin the selection process.

Soon he said to me, "When did Vans get so expensive?"

You see, Nate is a saver. Always has been. He does not make impulse purchases, he does not spend money on fast food or Pokemon cards. He is practical. It's a quality I wish I had. (Seriously, I've run out of room for all of my Pokemon cards.)

Finally he narrowed the choices down to 3 pairs of shoes. 

When a sales person came over Nate said, "Howdy Pardner, can I try these in an 11?"

It took FOREVER for him to decide which ones to take home. Honestly, like 30 minutes. Ugh. There's only so much a woman can take. 

Then, just when it looked like things were all settled (Nate picked the least expensive pair, of course. Like I didn't see that one coming from a mile away.), Vans guy brought out one more pair, same shoe just a different color. WHYYYYY?

Those Van's store employees are so clueless helpful.

It was like we were back at the beginning. Nate really hates to part with his money so he makes sure he's going to be satisfied with his purchase. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)

Naturally the only solution was a death match of Rock, Paper, Scissors.

Between me and the Van's guy.

You know what? After 45 minutes in the Van's store you might be surprised what you're willing to do. 

My only fear was that Van's guy would use both hands and his pants would fall down (they were teetering on the "edge" as it was, if you know what I mean).

I lost, but only rock, paper, scissors. 5 minutes later we were on our way out of the mall. That's all the victory I needed.

AND.....Bonus!! On our way out we got to see Harvey the Gila Monster doing the hokey pokey.

It's enough to make me ask myself.....Why don't I go to the mall EVERYDAY!?

Thanks Carrie & Maisie!!

Last week we got a super duper awesome box of Swiss treats. 

Everyone was so excited. 

No kidding. It could have been a box of tootsie rolls from Switzerland and we would have been thrilled.

Because, duh! Gifts for us? From fancy lands far away? Woo Hoo! 

It wasn't a box of tootsie rolls though, it was a box of awesome.

Muh-muhs. Toffee Lollies. YUM!

And robot clocks that light up when they wake you in the morning and hold your cash while you're at school. (Or in Nate's case, FOREVER, cause that kid never spends a dime. I hope Mr. Robotos' arms don't get too tired.)

Here's Eli, making his serious artist face (which is also his football face, and his whatchyoutalkin about Willis face) while showing off his fancy pencils.

Ivy with her wooden cow. 

Next year I'm just getting her a box of wooden cows for Christmas.
"I LOVE THIS COW SOOOO MUCH!"~Ivy

Wesley received a Swiss Army Pen. He hoped that one of it's gadgets was that it writes papers for you, but so far no luck. 

He's still looking for the button that makes it turn into finished homework.

Thanks you guys!! We miss you!