Even Pumpkin Thieves Deserve the Benefit of the Doubt

This morning Malia peered out the window and with a look of horror on her face exclaimed: "what happened to Damon's pumpkin?!". Earlier in the week we had purchased a family of four pumpkins and placed them on our front steps (that's about all the Halloween decorating I do around here). This morning, "Damon's" pumpkin was missing. "Uh oh," I said. "I think a not very nice person took it from our house." I scanned the driveway and road, expecting to see it smashed somewhere. I looked at Malia's face and could see that she was trying to process what I had just told her. In disbelief that something so terrible could happen, she responded: "It's okay, Mom. They didn't mean to take it. It was yucky and they put it in the garbage." As she explained this to me, the look of concern dissipated and all was well in her world again. I love that now that she can express herself, I get glimpses of how she thinks. She continually surprises me and I love it!

Well that's a relief!

This morning, after giving Malia a hug and kiss I said: "Malia, I love you."
She responded with a big smile and said: "I love you too, Mom. You don't scare ME!"

No, but nice try

After getting nicely tucked in following the full bed-time routine tonight (including extra books and songs), Malia asks: "Mum, can you go get my doll house?".
Nice try sister!!!

Brother of a Sister

Helper Heart

Yesterday we went on a "hike" at Tryon Creek. Malia happily jumped out of the van, sporting her sweet ladybug backpack, and was anxious for an adventure. Within two minutes of our hike, she bit the dust. On a very bumpy, gravelly path. Even after kissing the owies better, she didn't quite have the same enthusiasm for the trip. So, we tried to find lots af distractions along the way (I wasn't about to head home!). Quickly we found a giant snail crossing the trail. Malia was engrossed...for about thirty seconds. Then she wanted me to carry her. On occasion, I do sport the "super-mom" look: Damon strapped to my back, with Malia clinging on my front. But I wasn't about to do that on this trip. So it was on to the next mini-marvel. We saw lots of dogs, plenty of birds, and I think 6 GIANT banana slugs. They are awesome. One of those unfortunate souls hadn't made the cross-trail trek successfully and had been unpleasantly discharged under someone's shoe. Upon seeing this squished slug, sweet Malia exclaimed: "we need to help him!" .....if only we could. Later, while pointing out some of the awesome trees, I said: "Malia, look at that tree that fell over! Check out those roots sticking out in the air!". Again, her response was (and it was with genuine concern): "we need to help him!".

Nyalicious

Malia was gently petting Nya and being quite lovey. She then proceeded to kiss her repeatedly.
Malia: "I'm having fun with Nya. I give Nya kisses. I taste her fur. It's really yummy!".
I, too, think Nya is delicious....but not that way!

Photo Dump

I remember loving dressing up Claude when I was little...I had to relive that moment. I actually can't believe it took me this long!

What a good helper I have! I love how the bowl is sitting precariously on the edge of the table.

Poor Damon! I don't know what's worse...the fact that he got pummeled, or the fact that I documented it instead of intervening!

Can you find the kitty?