money in the bank

Blog readers might remember this post about Hannah and her piggy bank from last year. Well, Piggy had gotten pretty heavy and was a little difficult for Hannah to take on and off the shelf in her room. So last week we took her, and Piggy, to the bank. We opened Hannah a savings account, counted all the coins (and bills!), and deposited her money. Mrs. Jennifer was really nice, showing Hannah around the bank and letting her help.

I think it made quite an impression on Hannah. She is eager to fill up Piggy again! I wonder if she'll be a little saver in a few years...or will she want to buy new jewelry and shoes??

who's the cook?

A month or so ago, after the kids were in bed, Joe and I walked into the living room and saw this scene:

After talking it over (and knowing our daughter pretty well), we figured the pink bear is me, the blue bear is Joe, and Bitty Baby is Hannah.

I think my child has got it figured out. Hannah and Momma are socializing picnic-style while Daddy's working on the meal. I am not sure what this says about me and my role here at this house, but I think it's safe to say that Hannah thinks that it is completely normal for the daddy to be the cook. I'm ok with her thinking that. I hope she marries a man that will cook for her. It's a good deal.

hand-me-downs

I am thankful for these adorable john-johns that belonged to my brothers. I love that my little boy can wear the clothes his uncles wore. These pictures were taken a while ago, but I never got to posting them.

{Before haircut}

{After haircut}

 

savannah/rock-n-roll

We spent another six days in Savannah at the beginning of the month. We were in town for the marathon and an Operation Hungry Child presentation, but got plenty of play time with the kids. Hannah and Joseph enjoyed running around the race expo that Thursday, and Friday I took Hannah to the mall to find a gift and play at the soft play.

Hannah on the "escavator" and playing in the store windows:

Friday afternoon we met my friend, Julie, and her family at Forsyth Park. That's Ty, Julie's middle child, behind Joseph on the left.

Pre-race pizza (always) at Mellow Mushroom. MJ and Hannah. This is how preschoolers flirt.

In case you wondered what a dinner out looks like, I think I captured it well:

Saturday was race day. Joe's mom rode downtown with us early that morning and gathered our gear at the starting line and my mom (and cousin, Emma) brought the kids to cheer. I was so excited when I saw them on the course (twice!). My brother, Will, saw me cross the finish line. It was my first half marathon and I was exhausted! Joe did amazing and made his goal of a sub-three-hour marathon with a time of 2:59:41. Whew! I ran a sub-two-hour half with a time of 1:58:29 and was very happy surpassing my goal.

Joe and me with Julie and Steve. {Took the photo from her blog. Thanks, Jules!}

Julie ran her one hundredth marathon. No, it was really her 15th, but impressive nonetheless.

Hannah liked the soft play so much we went back on Sunday to show Joseph.

The stores were all closed so it was deserted. I'm not sure if Joseph had more fun playing or following the janitor/vacuum around.

Then we had a picnic and played at another park...we were really covering the bases trying to wear the kids out. We like the bouncy, rocking animals at the park, can't you tell?

We went to Toys-R-Us to see what we might want to ask Santa for...

We went to Cold Stone, a favorite.

I love Joseph waiting patiently with his mouth open.

It was a good trip, but we were happy to be back home. I put my present from Hannah on the car: a pink 13.1 sticker. Pink, of course. Maybe not what I would've picked, but that's ok. She was very proud of it, so I put it on the side where her carseat is so she'll see it everytime she gets in the car.

Sweet girl.

caught up. maybe.

The last month has been nuts. Before I get to November, I need to finish up October. {I synced my phone and computer today.}

Hannah has really taken to her role as chief feeder to Mollie. She is very methodical in how she does it - just the right amount of food, and just the right size treat. I believe it is never too early to start giving kids responsibilities.

We call this her fancy outfit. The first day she wore it to preschool her teacher told her she looked fancy.

Later that afternoon, we took a trip to see the doctor for Joseph.

We can have all kinds of fun waiting on the doctor.

Day before Halloween:

All I wanted was a picture of them together. I think they were competing to see who could be the least cooperative. Maybe they wanted to see how long it would be before I gave up.

It wasn't long.

I cut my losses after this one smile, but found her later dressed like this:

The next night, Halloween, our bumble bee gave out candy to all the trick-or-treaters. Her little brother was more fascinated with opening and closing the door, which she found really irritating.

The flight of the bumble bee...buzzzzzzzzzzz.

Just as these pictures were taken my dear friend Jennifer was in labor with baby girl #2, born just before midnight on Halloween!

We've had lots, repeat lots, of Halloween and fall artwork come home from preschool. Our kitchen cabinet doors are adorned with priceless pieces. Obviously, the kids get some help. I know that very little of what Joseph brings home is his own. Because Hannah colors at home, I know where she stands. She was in a big hurry this day and it's not her best work, but still...

Apparently, Joseph has better skills than Hannah. ;)