Randoms of the Week

At least it wasn't permanent...and on the walls!

How many people in your life can you say you "adore"?
Well, I ADORE this little man!

And like everyone says "he's growing up so fast"!

Little holiday wreath I made for my own mommy! Love you!!!

Not to be outdone by the felt solar system I made for Luke - which mistakenly includes Pluto that I've been informed is not a planet after all but rather a star.

Jake is 2. In mind and spirit Jake lives in the true essence of what it means to be 2!!
Last week he started climbing out of his crib and refusing to nap.
I've been enjoying Jake's THREE hour naps up until they came to a screeching halt past week.
I AM NOT READY FOR TWO TODDLERS TO BE UP 14 HOURS STRAIGHT (WITH ME)!!!!

What does this have to do with the above picture?
Well, at 3:30 (2 hours later than his usual nap) I decided I, and Jake, had had enough (of his crying and complaining) so "in" he went. However, my little darling was NOT about to give in and nap. Darnit, he positioned himself upright in his crib to defy all odds of napping!

I regret not having this on video but imagine Jake slumbering and sliding from one side to the next as he bumps his head or shoulder on the side of the crib, then wakes whimpering or crying for a few seconds, followed by him falling back asleep and repeating the process several times until he finally falls asleep on his belly for a mere 45 minutes.
Kid's got stamina, will power and tenacity! God love um!

Halloween!

The boys had a Fall break so we ventured up north to visit the Troy family in Gilroy (my old stomping grounds) and then unexpectedly detoured up to Sacramento for Halloween with my parents.

If I can drive nearly 800 miles over a 5-day period (packed with "fun-filled" activities to boot) with a 2 & 4 yr old by myself I can do anything!!!

I've since gotten my hair lightened, I'm sure I acquired a few gray hairs from this trip!!
You might be wondering where did Luke ever get that exquisite witch's broomstick?!! Yes, my friends, his oh-so-creative mother brewed it up with some pine needles, stick from the yard and a little yarn from Gma's stash. Came with casting spell capabilities too!! Can you top that?!

Luke was such a sweetheart at the festival. Waiting so patiently for his turn to play a game.

And for the second year in a row, Jake boycotts his costume after wearing it all day at grandma and grandpa's house. Go figure!
Just TRY to pry it from my hands!!!

Big & Little Witchy-Poo

Enjoying pizza dinner with Uncle Andy

Hanging in Gpa's chair

San Jose Children's Museum - well worth it!

Jake sans shoes feeding the ox while a group of a group of Chinese tourist stand around taking pictures of a plastic ox on their tour. Too busy feeding Jake was oblivious. Jake's shoes come off any chance he gets. He always takes them off in the car and when he's eating; in restaurants it's great, not!

Future chemists, astronauts or mad scientists

The water play room started out tame and dry...

Jakey feeling restricted sheds his "slicker"

And then ditches his shirt too once it gets two drops of water on it

He's the only kid in the whole place going topless

Photo courtesy of Luke Imbler
I have a sneaky suspicion if you asked my kids they'd agree they see this expression on my face quite often. I would classify it as the "ooohhh reeeally!!" face.

Conquering the Pumpkin Patch!

This was one of the coolest things at the pumpkin patch - a huge bouncing pillow like a bouncy house without the walls or roof. I even got on it for a little action - imagine it holds Big Girls too!Entrance of corn maze

My little "Hooked on Phonics" readers getting clues to find the right path through the maze

Everything about this pic is wrong...
1. white pants at the pumpkin patch!!!
2. dumb "bike" gave my quads a burning workout going once around the pothole-ridden track
3. Jakey's expression is a combo of "what the heck am I doing in here", "could someone crack me a cold one and toss it over" and "does this mean I will have to take the short bus to school?"

Road Warriors!

Monterey Aquarium!

Standing under the wave wall!

Fishing for guppies

Nothing like getting a bird's eye view into the penguin exhibit!
I'm sure that's a sanitized window he has his nose and lips plastered against, don't you think?!

xxooo

Just When We Thought It Was Over...

Well, my friends, recently we had a "passing of the torch" experience at the Imbler household. Many of you know and have seen first-hand our First Born parading around in this little number for months. After nearly 7 months of daily wear the dress went into hiding. (When Luke put it away I thought "finally!!! the dress stage is over!). This was wishful thinking! Jakey, who up to this point had been more than resistant to Luke's continuous pressure to dress up has now for some unknown reason embraced and adopted the dress (sans glitter shoes thank goodness!)!
Let the saga rear its dirty little head again!


Impulse Buy Gone Right!
I have a few guilty pleasures in life...one of them is impulse buys for my kids - a couple bucks here, couple bucks there no biggie. However, about 3 months ago in ToysRUs Jake latched on to this $25.00 momma panda and cub. When I actually tried the illogical, ridiculous, no-win, what-are-you-thinking attempt to reason with a 2yr old and inform him I had no intention of buying ANOTHER stuffed animal, a LARGE one AND one that costs $25.00 the inevitable drama began to unfold at the check out counter.

Bottom line, I cracked, caved, I GAVE IN! Yes, it's true I just didn't want to deal (go ahead, say it...PUSHOVER, SUCKER, WEAK, STUPID, come on I can take it!!!) Well, I am hear to tell you that not all sucker purchases end up living in a closet or at Goodwill shortly after coming home.

Panda has been a unexpected companion to Jake. She's not a constant companion but Jake finds quality time for his little black and white friend. It began when Jake lugged her into the car on his first week of school. I was expecting she'd wait in the car til after school but Jake had other plans. He drug Panda all the way through campus down the outdoor dirty cement hall to his classroom. And drug her all the way back to the car when I picked him up 4 hrs later.

In this picture Panda is getting her fur combed (with Jake's comb). Hygiene must be one of Jake's priorities because Panda has received two outdoor baths (compliments of his owner) as well as good nutrition. Today for breakfast (at her own seat at the table of course) Panda enjoyed a hearty meal of Trix, toast, bacon and a banana.

I could gobble this kid up!!