Happy Schadenfreude Day!

Is there a better way to celebrate MLK day then to revel in the universal glory of yesterday's game?
It has been a long time since my last post, but to be completely honest things are very busy at The Jack Girls HQ. We've had the exterior walls insulated, painted, installed new baseboard molding, steam cleaned the carpets, installed a new kitchen floor, and done about 16 tons of laundry. And just when you thought the to-do list couldn't get any longer- Superwife has started making duvet covers and curtains. Things are pretty chaotic now, but as long as the Jelly Bean sticks to the schedule, things should be in top shape when it arrives.

Home Chemistry

I sliced up my hand pretty badly a few weeks ago, stitches, emergency room, yada, yada Terry had the girls mix up some sort of chemistry experiment / Daddy get well medicine the following day. I got a beautiful phone call at work from Linda and Elizabeth letting me know that they made me something special and that it was waiting for me when I got home. At the time I was thinking cupcakes or something similar, what I got was peanuts, vinegar, raw potatoes, and just about every spice in the spice rack. I did taste a few spoonfuls (cause each one wanted to feed me some of the concoction) and it wasn't the most horrible thing i've ever eaten, but I don't think i'd like to do it again. 

Holy Schnikes Have We Done Some Travelling

Like the Partridge Family and Von Trapp's before us we have been touring the country by car the last few weekends. Boston one weekend, Pittsburgh the next, and New Hampshire the weekend after that. The ride itself is never fun, but it's always fun to see new places. Over the past few weeks the girls got to help open presents at their Aunt's bridal shower, drive an amphibious vehicle on the Ohio River, swim in Lake Winnisquam, and cross a spot-lit stage in front of 100's of fans. We have a short pause and then it's back up to Boston for Amy and Matt's wedding.

There are TONS of photos and video to upload. Stay tuned to the YouTube and Flickr pages for evidence of the summer fun.

Movies, Movies, and more Movies

In addition to the mondo picture post. I also added three new movies to the YouTube page (click link at right). I will be adding even more in the next few days.

Things Kids Say

It is times like this I'm happy to be a dad. Superwife just sent this to me.

Linda and I had an argument about who's best friend you were this morning. It went something like:
"Linda, what are you sulking about?"
"I just wish Daddy was home."
"Me too. Daddy is my best friend."
"Well Daddy is my bestest friend."
"Yes, he is sweetie. It's not actually a contest. We all love Daddy, and he loves all of us."
"He's my most bestest friend ever." (With defiance and a little bit of spite.)

Holiday Vacation, Day Three

We spent yesterday afternoon playing with Christmas toys and watching Madagascar, a new movie that Elizabeth received as a gift. The Thomas the Tank Engine trains, Hooked on Phonics hand-held learning stick, and Puppy Bingo game are all HUGE hits so far. Elizabeth loves Linda's toys, Linda loves Elizabeth's toys, and so far everyone has been very good about sharing.

Today is New Years Eve and Superwife is home for the day. She came up with a great idea for the girls: Lindissimo and I go to the movies, and she and Elizabee got to the Please Touch Museum to renew our yearly membership. After checking the movie schedule, we quickly rushed out the door to see The Tale Of Despereaux. This was Linda's first time ever in a movie theater. I think she would have been perfectly happy eating popcorn and watching previews for two hours. When the lights dimmed and the movie started, she was absolutely giddy. "Daddy, why is it dark? Daddy, why is the curtain opening, Daddy, why is it so loud?" The questions just kept coming as the movie started. Despereaux is very good fairy tale about a hero mouse who saves a princess, but I think it was a bit to intense for Linda. About 15 minutes in, she asked if she could sit on my lap because she was scared. Terry and Elizabeth picked us up after the movie and we all went home to feed the girls some YoBaby and fish sticks.

I was pretty happy that Terry decided to renew our membership at the Please Touch Museum. It's one of the better kid friendly places in the city and recently moved from it's downtown location to Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park.

Dinner Tonight: Potato pancakes (regular and sweet potato.)

Halloween Costumes

Superwife answers the question, "What are the girls going to be for Halloween?"

Elizabeth is going to be Princess Leia since our trip to Puerto Rico really limited the use Linda was able to get out of it. Of course we haven't found it yet (I think it's in the back bedroom closet) or tried it on. But Henry and Ellie are having their annual Halloween party, so we've got to get it together by Saturday afternoon. I'm thinking of picking up some Yoda ears and brining Elizabeth to my office as my prop for our costume contest on Halloween. I bet she'd love to hold Steve's toy light saber.

Linda has requested a brown puppy costume with a purple leash. I've purchased the fabric (a nice chocolate velvet as I couldn't find any brown felt with much tooth in my 20 minutes on fabric row), but I'm still waiting for the patter to arrive (actually the pattern is for a leopard, cat, bunny, and bear, but I figure I can just adjust the bunny ears to be more rounded and use the cat/leopard tail). I guess if it's not here by tomorrow, I'm going to have to use some of Steve's trace paper and make my own pattern. Good help Linda! She wants Steve or I to be a "dog catcher" (now keep in mind she has no idea what a dog catcher actually does) and walk her on Halloween night. She better not crawl around on the sidewalk in that velvet costume if I ever get it made.

We'll take pictures on Saturday and post them (hopefully).

Elizabeth Kisses Mommy