Itch Schmitch

Seven years ago we were here

With these folks

Doing this

Ah, memories . . .

The many faces of Eli

Does anybody else out there have a child like this? One who can't resist covering his eyes and head and hands every chance he gets? One who wears costumes without a second thought at how he'll look in public? One who wears gloves and boots in eighty degree weather? I wish I were better at capturing his different clothing concoctions. I'm usually too busy shaking my head and laughing, I suppose.

A few of his go-to favorites not pictured here include:

Underwear on his head
Two different shoes on his feet
Socks on his hands
Buckets on his head
Spider man pants with a bare chest
Puppets on his feet
Shirts on his head that fly like windsocks when he runs

As a friend was just describing Eli, "so much personality in such a small body." Yes indeed. His creativity keeps us very entertained around here. I should mention that he has become master of the nicknames, too. No surprise there. He has a whole list of strange names for little Millie, including:

Eva

Babia (pronounced "baby-uh")
Hot dog baby
Alien
Noodle
Joker baby

Little Pickle
Amelia Jane Cranberry

Then of course there are the phrases that come out of his mouth on a regular basis:

"You are a sad, strange little man"
"Hot rockets!"
"You are being so ridiculous"
"S-nap!"

"It's a mystery"
"Oh, man! I can't believe it."

Zero no more

Since we always answered Millie's age in months, her loving brothers decided she was no years old and have been asking when she will stop being zero. I'm happy to say that day has arrived. Our little zero has graduated to a real number. Those of you who know Eli know that it's no small feat his much-abused and oft-harassed baby sister, Amelia Jane, made it to age one.

The second this girl hears a faucet, whether sink, shower or tub,
she is bee lining for the bathroom in hopes of bath time

Another favorite haunt = the bookshelf in her room

Gotta love that baby gibberish as she tries her hand at reading

First official baby doll
"It's about time y'all got some girl toys in this house!"

Haley and Ashley came by one afternoon to bring Millie her first b-day gift
(and get a little wet in the sprinklers)

"My own keys! To go in my own purse!?" Woot woot!

Daddy Day

In the three plus years we've had this family blog, I can't believe I've never written a Fathers Day post for dear old Steps. He is more than deserving. Here are a few reasons why:

He puts up with these three crazy, demanding, way-too-early-rising hooligans.
And even manages to do it with a smile.
Need I say more?

He puts up with my crazy, demanding, way-too-female tendencies.
And still allows me to be me.
Never criticizing or trying to change me.

He is a dad who thankfully loves to be home.
With us.
Helping with the kids and the house.
Listening to me blab all the while.
Sans complaints.

He lives worthy of the priesthood power he holds.
Diligently does his duty.
And genuinely cares for others.
Enough to let his five year old attempt a photo.
However badly it might turn out.

Fatherhood definitely agrees with him.
Because he only improves with age.

Ten thumbs up

All five of us went and saw Toy Story 3 Friday morning--shocking, I know, for a family who rarely sees movies in the theater together-- and all five of us gave it a solid two thumbs up. I'm always nervous with sequels and three-quels living up to the first and/or second, but I can honestly say that this one does. We loved it, we will own it, we highly recommend it.

Wait until you see what surprises Buzz Lightyear has up his sleeve. HI-larious!

SWAGGER WAGON

This is too funny not to share.

Hopelessly Devoted

Is it ridiculous that Stephen and I love this place almost as much as our kids do? We were all pretty giddy to see the castle and the fireworks and ride all our favorite rides again. A few new family favorites were discovered along the way, too. Toy Story Midway Mania stole our Buzz Lightyear hearts and bumped Astro Blasters from its #1 spot as Overall Family Fave, a.k.a. The ride you willingly agree to re-ride the most times.

D-land definitely delivers, and this spring break was no exception. We were having a little too much fun to stop and take many photos this trip. . . but at least the character sightings forced us to stand still long enough to remember, "Oh yeah, the camera!" Here's a smattering. For in-depth character coverage, you'll have to ask the boys to see their autograph books and accompanying photos.

"Silly Stitch" as Eli kept calling him

Hangin' in Toontown

More than happy to flex his muscles with Mulan

Good ole Woody

The only proof we have that Stephen, Millie and I were on this trip