Girl Time

My sister Renee came to visit, and was only supposed to spend the night with me and then go to my mom's house in Port Angeles. Then the blizzard snow came and she has gotten to stay the last four days with us. Sorry Mom, you loss is my gain. We have been playing in the snow and finishing our Christmas shopping. I think we might have a break tomorrow and be able to deliver the goods to Mom, but until then, its girl time.

Have a holly jolly Christmas

Ella stayed home from school today with a bit of a sore throat. As soon as the school bus rounded the corner and went out of sight, she started in that she wanted to decorate her gingerbread house. This is the finished product! I noticed that many of the decorations would end up in her mouth before actually making it on the house. All that sugar has been great for her sore throat as I notice quite a hacking cough building now. Nyquil, where are you? I can tell this is going to be a long night of me listening to coughing and Ella snoring.

I am Michael Phelps.

I have been trying to brainstorm something for the fam to do over the winter months that might be fun and keep us from molding. Earlier this week, while torturing myself at the Y, I noticed that the pool is open to all on Friday nights. I then, in my head, created the Litterell family swim night on Friday's. What, am I crazy? Actually doing something that puts me in a swim suit on a weekly basis? I'm getting braver in my advancing years... All week I pumped up "Family Swim night" to everyone, including Taylor and Derek. They were oh so thrilled in their asshole teenage kind of way- (most of you have yet to behold that treat.) So last night, at the last minute, those two found excuses not to go (like not missing the 20th rerun of The Hills), but Chuck, Ella and I headed down to the Y.

On normal days, our YMCA is packed with rug rats and parents. If it wasn't for the great kids activities, I would go and join LA Fitness. To my surprise, I found that on Friday nights, there is hardly a soul there. So, we threw on our suits and jumped in the lap pool. For the next half an hour, Chuck and I swam laps while Ella jumped between laps and the huge water slide. She is a fantastic swimmer- better than me, and she can go go go forever. I can't even say what a great workout it was- and I didn't even realize I was working out! This morning I think every single muscle in my body is screaming- including my ankles! Family swim night was one brainstorm of mine that was actually great fun and I think it will stick- at least through the winter.

When we got home, Taylor even said he would go next week. AMAZING! I think he detected the excitement in the air and doesn't want to miss out next time. Ya right! I asked if he would do laps with me and he laughed and said, "Ya right Mom, I might splash around, but no laps." Oh well, at least he said he would go and that is a miracle. Only time will tell.

BOO!!!

Halloween did not dissapoint this year. Ella was a high school musical cheerleader, but to my surprise, she let me get jiggy with it and make her the walking dead. I have to say, she got great reviews from all. It is so nice that Ella has her cousins to share all of the holiday's with too. Ella tolerates Quinn more all the time- he actually seems to be pretty fun to hang with. How can I tell? I do not hear quite as many, "Quinn stop it!" in a horrible whiny voice. Anyways, the kids looked so cute in their costumes. Our new neighborhood is also jam packed with so many kids too. I did get a little crazy with the fake mustache on Margot. I just had to! As for my fav holiday- it was a good one! One observation... did anyone have trick or treaters still knocking on their door at 10pm? I did. Tiny kids with their parents. Hmmmm....

Homecoming

Taylor had his homecoming dance this weekend. He has a nice girlfriend and she is a Senior...score Taylor. Check out the kid in the kilt- and the table full of monster... OOOHH Party!!! I won't tell what Mom and her friends would have been drinking. Did I say that?

Happy Birthday to Taylor... How do I have a 17 year old?

It is Taylor's birthday today. I tried a little surprise party for him by telling one of his good friends to invite all the other friends over. I was nervous, because when you have a teenager, often your best intentions can go over like a wet noodle. Also, I totally did not think that the kids would keep it a secret. Anyways, I told everyone to get here at 6:30. Taylor had to work until 7. Perfect, right? Well, Taylor called me at about 5 and told me that a kid at work came down with a rash, so he was going to stay later and cover his shift. I said, " Well, Taylor, it's your birthday, I think someone else should cover for him." He says, " It's OK Mom, there's nothing going on and I want to earn extra money, so no big deal." Trying to not be too obvious, I said "No, Taylor, I think you should come home by 7:30 to spend time with us". Now panicking, I called his friend that works with him and asked her to call their boss to let him know there is a birthday waiting for him. All the kids get here, and we are partying down.... just me, Ella and 10 or so 16 and 17 year olds and it is 7:45 before I finally here from Taylor. Next, his girlfriend gets a call from him and I think he was hinting around to her that he wanted to stop by her house. Wow, I realized then that he really had no idea about his party. She played it off pretty good and she told him she just woke up. Then, she told him she had to go to the store with her Mom. I bet by then he was really starting to feel a little Sixteen Candles. When he walked in, they all jumped out and screamed Happy Birthday and he was really surprised. Anyways, I will pat myself on the back because my teenager actually has been smiles all night.

Grandpa Mike's visit has been action packed.

So, since my Dad only visits once per year, we have to jam it all in to get through the fun. First, we had a get together so he could see baby Margot for the first time and visit with us all. Next, it was off to the Puyallup fair for one last belt buster. The kids pretty much saved us though because all they wanted to do is ride the rides so we did not get much eatin' time. Kiley and Jason joined us, and the kids all get along great! Quinn is a joy because he just tags along with the big kids and is game for anything. Even MUTTEN BUSTIN'!!!! Yes, we entered Quinn in the Sheep riding competition and it was the single most best thing that I have seen in a long time. You must must must go to Lonnie's blog and check out the footage. I cannot believe that Quinn actually went through with it, there were so many kids that refused the moment that they sat them on the sheep. That was one of the rules, that no kids would be made to do it. He was the youngest kid to go for it I am proud to say as most were 5 and 6 year olds. Also, we had to get Quinn in on the action this year, because at his svelt 55 pounds, we knew that by next year, he may not make the 65 pound weight limit. So, at Quinns expense, we all had a hootin good time! After the fair, we came home and Dad made a fish fry out of the crazy amount of halibut he brought from Alaska. Yum!





Look at the hands on that kid! Plus, he can catch with his eyes closed!

The kids had fun riding rides at the fair... Quinn keeps right up with the big kids too. Fear is not a problem!

Quinn and Ella miss grandpa.... Guilt alert.

Everyone luvs a happy baby!

Grandpa got to meet Margot for the first time.

If your a Husky, then Oklahoma just sucks!

Derek is taller than Grandpa Litterell now. OOH, take that Sooner hat off!

Hi Ho Silver..

My daughter thinks it is funny to make the most hideous faces... very cute indeed.

The fake cow milking booth. One of our must do's of the fair.

First stop was of course the elephant ear booth. They are getting fancy this year with a backdrop to take your pics. Whatever... remember when elephant ears were 75 cents? Now I think we paid $6.75. Inflation.

Grandpa Litterell made a surprise visit this week and we all had a nice visit. It was only for a couple of days, but we made it work. He took Ella for a quick spin around the fair (She has to visit the milkin' booth every year). Then it was off to Dereks football game, followed by dinner out to Pizza. The highlight of the visit was him taking Chuck to the Husky Oklahoma football game so that Chuck could watch firsthand his team getting punished by a very good Sooner team. They even got to sit in the Oklahoma section as Chuck proudly wore his purple and gold and had insults tossed at him the entire day. He took it like a man though. In his dreams the Huskies will again rise to the top...

P.S. I really hate going to Walmart, but they had Pony rides- how could we pass it up?

First Day of School.

The kids went off to school and we are all excited about that. I have taken a first day of school pic of Taylor every year since he started, so it is fun to continue that tradition. This year's pic of Tay is pretty special. For once, he smiled as a teenager and it makes me laugh.. When you guys actually have teenagers, you will understand my joy! Ella is so excited to be able to ride the bus- finally. I am liking it too as all I have to do is stand on my front porch and the bus stops about 50 feet away. Nice...

Derek remains elusive about his first day of school pic- he leaves the house at about 6:30 am to walk to school with his friends, so I have not been able to catch him. I think they stop at Winco on their way to grab lunch. Winco is where all the kids hang out. They are obsessed with it in fact- something about 60 cents for a 2 liter of soda. All of the kids are liking our new house as they have so many friends to hang out with. If you ask Chuck and I, we will tell you there are too many kids to hang out with, but that is our problem.

Finally!

So, when you are the wife of a landscaper, you get to see him create really cool things like waterfalls and such, and always wonder when you will get your very own. Well, after much begging, I got my own little waterfall. I think it is so cute, small, but cute. It is for sure the smallest that Chuck has ever done, but it fits our yard. I love it, and I think I have fulfilled one of the feng shui requirements of running water.

It's an all meat party.

It was Lonnie's b-day today. He is the big 40! In his honor, we allowed him to enjoy and all meat party. I did end up stopping by the store and buying a loaf of french bread and some ready made salads, but besides that, it was a MEATFEST! Yum, but my insides are going to pay dearly. OOH and I had to throw in a pic of baby Margot. She is the sweetest, and most fun baby I've been around in a while and soooo cute. And sooooo dainty. She is almost 5 months, and tiny! I did not think the McIntire gene could do tiny, or dainty, or petite. Cute, Cute, Cute.

Vegas Baby...

This photo is a little blurry, but so were we...

Chuck and I survived Vegas. It was a lovely 105 degrees which really thaws out us Washingtonians! I had a fantastic time getting away for a couple of days. There were two highlights to my trip. First being the dinner we ate at Emerils. We decided to indulge with the Chef's tasting menu. If you have never done one of these, they bring you about six courses of food. By the third, I was taking two bites and passing my plate to my husband because I knew I would never last if I cleaned each plate. The food was amazing, and by the last course I was begging for them to stop. Chuck will not let food go to waste, so I think he was pretty miserable by the time we got done. A delightful miserable though.

Next, my fantastic husband took me on a shopping spree to my favorite stores. I cannot get enough of the mall there. We ended up having to lug four bags of clothes onto the plane. Shopping is amazing therapy!

Oh, as we left The Venetian, Chuck ran into Jessica Simpson and he got a little friendly with her. I'm not a hater though- He's all mine.

Lakefair fun

We had a nice break at Lakefair this year, and it brought the HOTNESS which was better than last years rain for sure. Let's see, so many people to visit this week- my little sister is in town, and we got to hang out for a while. We went to the high school battle of the bands- the kids did not seem too excited for that. Ooh, Nicci and Michelle stopped by the boat. Nicci looks so good- she is a Cali girl for sure! Michelle, you look good too! No slights here. We had a nice visit over a couple of brewski's. OH- and my fascinating thing of the weekend- I saw a bobcat on a leash. Kind of weird. This was in a pretty crowded parking lot, and the lady made the comment, "she's not that friendly." Good to bring your 'not friendly' bobcat to a crowded environment with lot's of small children. Also, Shad was in town with his band Hellrancho. It was nice to visit with him, screaming over a LOUD opening band. Kind of awkward in a make you feel weird and old kind of way. His band was quite good though. Mudhoney and Motorhead happily blended together. Chuck was extremely happy to be there. Pun intended! Happy to volunteer to leave and walk Katie to her car. What a cute preggo lady! I'm thinking the bun in oven was feeling the same as Chuck. Anyways, Nic, we will have to visit more when we decide to make the Cali drive.

Happy 4th! We have all our didgets!

I am happy to report that after much blowing of things up, all of my children have all of their fingers and toes intact! It has been a successful 4th of July! One note about the economy- when Chuck went to the tribe to get his fireworks this year, he got the same pack that he does every year, The Thunderchief, it was cleverly packed smaller and the guy was not negotiating on price- at all!. The fuel prices are far reaching- even when buying illegal fireworks! What are we to do? We did have a good time in our new neighborhood. I cannot believe the amount of fireworks that we witnessed. They went on until 1 am. The only bad thing is my old dog Max just sat with his head in the corner all night- it was pitiful. Poor guy!

Also, Ella has a new friend- Tyanna who just moved in next door. They have been like two peas in a pod since day one. I really like the little girl, however, she comes with about 5 big and little brothers and sisters. In addition, we just can't shake her. If you open the front door, her and her clan will be waiting on the front porch like strays- "Can we come in? Can I spend the night? Where are you going? Can Ella play? Do you have any ice cream?" At all times of the day- there will be six kids in our front yard. It is all I can do to keep Chuck from being the grumpy old bastard on the block screaming "all you kids get the F off my yard!" We have been trying to set some kind of boundaries, but it is hard because they are really nice little kids and it is rare to find playmates that are not too annoying. Their parents are the types to just kick the kids outside to play, and we are micro managers that watch Ella every moment of her existence- and we have otter pops... I was always told to never feed strays. I think that is my problem.

Check it out.

For a girl with curly hair, THIS is a minor miracle. Only my hair dresser can do it, but it is nice for a day. If I was to try this at home, I end up looking like Roseanna, Roseanne Danna of SNL.

Baby Baby Baby, Baby Baby Baby...

Have you seen a prettier baby for a while ??? Shhhhh- do not comment on the bald head. He probably does not know it's there.

Here she is_ Margot Ayn 2 months old.

Where did I find this?

After my grandmas fire a few years ago, I found some boxes with pictures and quickly packed them in my garage without really looking at them- until now... We have been arranging the garage in the new house and cleaning everything up and look what I found. I think this one is from my 8th grade graduation dance. Look who was there. What a cutie patootee- and she's with the object of my obsession. Nicci, why were you there? I can't remember??? There are more good ones where this came from too.

Simply titled....MAN AND HIS CAT

Jack Bazil slipped out the door yesterday and we we're all scarred that he would not come back. I found him chasing birds up the street and brought him home. I even caught Chuck having a moment with him today. Our best fun lately has been giving the cat fresh cat nip and watching him go crazy. Yes, we are easily amused.

Ella, Dad will take you out!

The slide is fun at the Excaliber, when it's open...

Day one- Let's get the hell outta here!

Waiting for the plane at Sea-tac. Everyone was excited. When we got to Vegas, it was hot- for one day to be exact. The kids got the use the pool and the slide only a couple of times. We had lots of fun and needed relaxation.

Derek and Ella at the pool- having fun. It was so windy that the chairs were being lifted up and carried away, but still hot.

Taylor catchin' rays.

The M&M factory is always a hit. Ella did eat a pound of them and had a big tummy ache for a while. I think it was the new flavor- Cherry. Tasted like cough syrup, Yuck.

Day 2- All around town

Chuck needs to audition.

The new Palazzo hotel is pretty nice.

Derek and the "Governator"

Cingular Bars...