houpley

Seven has arrived and it has brought with it a new and deep love for Legos. I had been told this Lego love would show up eventually. But I was not prepared for the extreme fascination, the stories, the characters, the details or the commitment. It seems the medieval times Lego scenarios are the most appealing with a little Star Wars tossed in. I’m sure R2D2 doesn’t mind fighting knights and red dragons storming the castle. Which brings us to the intergalactic phenomenon that is Lucas Films. Many moons ago in a galaxy far, far away we told Jackson he couldn’t watch Star Wars until he turned 7. So for the seventh birthday there were light sabers, Jedi apparel, intergalactic cupcakes and even Darth Vader appearances. We’ve have entered full-on boyhood. Seven has also become more serious about traveling on two wheels. Ready for a new bike, the larger Red Rocket bicycle looks less kid-bike and more grown-up. A striking scene to see the boy wheeling around.   With each birthday ...

"Well hello there, Sir!" This is currently Eli's favorite way to greet you so I thought I would start with that. It is always accompanied with his hand on his hip, his head tilted slightly to the side and a giant grin. The disarming greeting melts you every time. He combines it with silly voices. I was just telling mom the other day that I'm not 100% sure what Eli's real voice is. He has an "old man" voice, a monster voice, a British voice - the list goes on. He knows he is quite charming and uses his powers irresponsibly.

Join us! http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?pp=5310206&ct=4&w=6722149&u=houpley Can you really even resist?

Mama, whas dat fweakin? The glider. No! Whas dat fweakin? The glider. NO! Whas dat fweakin? You mean, why is it squeaking? Yeeeeeaaaah. I guess becuase it's old. No. Oh, well then why is it squeaking? Becaaaause ... it's ... dirty. Oh. Why is it dirty? Becuase it got dirt on it. Got mulch on it. Oh, so it's squeaking becuase it got dirt on it? Got mulch on it? No. Well then, why is it squeaking? Because it's old.

Mam! Mam! Mam! Yes, Eli? Mam, a bird! Where? A bird! Where? A bird! Where? You...I...You... I see it with my ears!

Honey, you can't always do it for him when the game gets tricky. You have to let him play the Paper Mario game and try to figure it out. Right. I know, babe. So you have to let him figure out the clues. I got it, babe. Jackson: Yay, daddy! You got the dragon! Eric, give him back the controller and let him try to figure it out. One sec, hon... He has to learn! Not on my watch!

Jackson, while reading his book: Eli, would you please be quiet? I am trying to get smart over here.

You'll need to say thank you to Emmy for the gift, Jackson. I will. I just did. You did. Yes, I said "thank you to Emmy" to the sky so she can hear me across the world.

Elvis thinks you are a stupid sheep: Hello! Yes, I am pleased to be a part of this pack that provides, but generally speaking you are kind of dumb and need so much work and direction. In the morning, it takes hours of soft, high pitch whining to finally get you out of bed. True, it is still dark and cold out but really why do you waste so much time in that bed, stupid sheep? Are you worried that you might forget to feed me?  I know I am.  Now that you are standing and starting to wobble toward the hallway, I shall have to prance and dart and spin you toward the kitchen. True, you might trip over me and break your neck but it must be done. This way you will know where to go. Without my circling and darting you might end up in the bathroom robotically and repetitively banging your against a random corner. I always have to provide you such positive reinforcement when I can see that you are getting closer to the end goal: the garage food source. Once there, I must...

Over the weekend Eric took Jackson on his first hike. They trekked up Pinnacle Mountain and enjoyed the view. Both loved the adventure and plan to do more hiking. In the meantime, when Jackson was regaling his weekend adventure to the quarterly bug guy visiting our home some of the details got a bit beefed up such as the 70 mph winds, etc. The exterminator asked, "When did you go to Pinnacle?" After giving it some thought Jackson replied: "Um...it was tomorrow from Friday."

Daaaaddy, can we watch Chicken Run? No, Eli. We can't watch Chicken Run. K. Can we watch snowboarding?

...in the middle of a conversation about a family member... He is your great uncle on your mother's side. Ok. Mama? Yes, Jack. Who's side am I on, yours or daddy's? My side. Mama! I'm also on daddy's side, right? Hmmm. Nah. Mama! Ok, a little bit buuuut mostly mine. Mama!

Mama! Mama! Yes, Eli? What's wrong? Jackson's telling me all about it! Oh, okay. Is that the same as "giving you the what for?"

After seeing our wedding photo for the first time: 'Dat's my mama and daddy! And mama's GOTTA TREE!

Owww. What happened, Eli? I   hurt me. Oh, well don’t do that.   Oh, okay. I won't hurt me again.

Jackson, how did the doctor's appointment go with Mam? Good. What happened? What all did they say? I don't know. You know I never understand what grown ups are saying. That's not true. You're understanding me right now. Yes, but I don't even know what PRODUCE means!