Hamburger Boys

In a Rainbow Submarine

If there's a time to break my "black and white photography only" rule for this blog, it's today: In honor of Daniel's Rainbow-and-Submarine-Themed 4th Birthday Party.

(By the way... that theme happened because Daniel loves to pretend to paint his imaginary submarine every color imaginable. And because we have a super talented friend who offered to make him a custom cake - he blew us away!)

So, we just filled the house with as much color as possible. Rainbow-theme was pretty stinking fun - everything from candy to clothing.

My folks were still in town, and Fernando family came over to join the fun. Which means that I got what I wanted: Photos with each kid and both sets of grandparents.

Happy Birthday to my little 4-year-old... as hard as that it to write. You are so smart, funny, sweet and I just couldn't be prouder to be your mama.

Secret View

Tex and Gramma came to visit. It was a fabulous trip... more photos to come. I just had to share these two gems.

Tex is the original jigsaw master. Daniel helped Tex work a glow in the dark puzzle, and then showed him the Amaro Family Secret Technique of how to make a glow in the dark puzzle glow with all the lights still on: Under a blanket.

The things a grandfather will do for his grandkid.

Wizard of Oz

Wizard of Oz, Day 1:

Last night, Judy Garland entered Daniel's frame of reference.

We were going to do "dinner and a movie" and settled in to pick something fun to watch while we ate. Wizard of Oz was a staple childhood of mine, and strange and scary as it is at various parts, I figured I could pick the fun colorful parts to show the kids.

I thought I'd have to skip the black and white bit at the start to keep them interested, but they were captivated from minute one. And when Dorothy sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", they sat in magical silence, not moving a muscle (or even chewing the bite that was in their mouths). It was beyond beautiful to watch - my babies witnessing for the first time something that was so integral to my childhood. I blinked back tears as Daniel sighed deeply at the end of the song and leaned his head on me. It was a moment I will never remember.

We only watched up until the part where the "green lady" (Wicked Witch of the West) begins appearing in every scene and throwing *very* realistic fire balls. It was nearly bedtime, after all. But Daniel loved when the movie begins in color - "Wow! Look at her red lips!" and then when they walk into Munchkinland for the first time, he was so excited - "Mommy, that's SO VERY beautiful! High-five for beautiful!!" And he thought it was just hilarious to have little people hiding in the bushes. (He said, "Munchkins?! Those aren't munchkins! They are little people!") The "Lollipop Guild" gave him the giggles. Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about that whole scene. But I guess it's a classic...?

Wizard of Oz, Day 2:

Welcome to today. Daniel has not stopped singing "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" all day.

And he keeps asking to watch "Tezzard Hahs... I mean Groundhogs... I mean the movie with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and Follow the Yellow Brick Road!"

So we resumed the magic. Both kids adored it as much as yesterday.

Violet got scared twice: Scary trees throwing apples and Weird lion singing "If I Were King of the Jungle". I don't blame her, really.

Still skipping the really intense scenes, both kids were riveted during the colorful musical numbers. As the credits began to roll, Daniel declared to us all, "Wow, that was a great movie! Such a great movie!"

And I will admit - it's refreshing to watch something (anything!) other than Dinosaur Train, Shawn the Sheep and Ant Bully. Judy Garland, you are welcome in our home until we overdo you and get sick of you.

Just being honest.

Identity Crisis

On the eight minutes drive home from church today: (Try to keep up):

Daniel: "Mommy, I'm going to turn this van into a helicopter so we can fly."

Mommy: "Ok baby, that sounds fun."

Daniel: (Whooshing noise to turn van into helicopter.) "Ok Mommy. Will you be the pilot?"

Mommy: "Sure - I'll be the pilot."

Daniel: (Whooshing noise to turn Mommy into a pilot). "Ok Mommy, now you're the pilot. Pilot?"

Pilot: "Yes Daniel?"

Daniel: "Can we go super fast please?"

Pilot: "Sure, Daniel." (Makes super fast zooming noise.)

Daniel: "You know, pilot, we are going to the park later!"

Pilot: "That's cool, Daniel!"

Daniel: "And there are lots of... um, Pilot... can you turn into Mommy again for a minute?"

Pilot: "Sure."

Daniel: (Whooshing noise to turn pilot into Mommy). "Mommy, will there be animals at the park?"

Mommy: "Yes - some chickens and roosters, probably."

Daniel: "Ok can you be the pilot again?"

Mommy: "Sure."

Daniel: (Whooshing noise). "Hey pilot! there will be animals at the park Probably chickens and roosters!"

Pilot: "That sounds cool!"

Daniel: "Do you want to go with us to the park? Wait... um ... can you turn into Mommy again?"

Pilot: "Sure."

Daniel: (Whooshing noise to turn pilot into Mommy). "Mommy, can the pilot come with us to the park?"

Mommy: "Sure, Daniel."

Daniel: "Mommy, can you be the..."

Mommy: "Yes Daniel." (Whooshing noise to turn self into the Pilot). "I'm the pilot."

Daniel: "She says yes, pilot! Um, Mommy... can you just be Mommy again?"

Pilot/Mommy: "Yes! Gladly!"

Sock Gnomes and Undies

So, Daniel is kind of a comfort-junkie. And a bit of an exhibitionist. Allow me to explain.

He complains almost every morning about having to take off his pajamas to get dressed. It's not so much about the getting dressed part, or even the going to school part. He hates taking off his warm, comfortable pajamas.

And the second we're back home: "Mommy, I don't want my pants. Just my undies." Lately, we've had to... coach... him on how this is NOT ok when we have company over. Just a few days ago, he excused himself from the dinner table to go to the bathroom (very politely, actually) and came back moments later sans pants. "Daniel, where did your pants go?!" "I dunno!!!" With lots of giggles of course. (You'll excuse

me for not posting a photo of this particular phenomenon.)

Last week I asked him about what he wanted to do/be when he got older and he said, "Mommy, I just want to be at home in my undies, on the couch." I guess that's ok since he's three. If he says the same thing at 18 we may have to have a chat.

We've been loving "How to Train Your Dragon" recently, and there is a hilarious line where the lead Viking is charging into a cave and says something like, "When I break through that rock, all hell's gonna break loose!" And his quirky little sidekick says, "In my undies!"

The kids don't understand why that's hilarious, but they know it's hilarious. It's kind of become our kid-friendly version of "That's What She Said". Daniel throws it into conversation randomly and laughs hysterically whether or not it makes sense. Violet just throws her head back and screams, "UNNNIIIEEESSS!" and laughs like an insane asylum patient.

And while we're talking about pants and undies, we might as well cover the topic of socks. Or should I say, "sock". Daniel is only ever wearing one sock. We put two on him every morning and within minute he is wearing one. For some reason, he just likes it better that way. Every time I ask about it, he just giggles and runs away. Either a strange little sock gnome keeps stealing my kid's sock, or my kid IS a strange little sock gnome!

Fun times in the world of Daniel's clothing!

Cows

Yesterday Daniel and I were sitting by the sliding glass door, hiding under the curtain. He offered me one of his blueberries. He put it in my mouth, held my mouth closed for a second and said very sincerely...

"Mommy, we close our mouth when we eat. We are not cows."

He then demonstrated the proper chewing technique for a non-cow.

It was all I could do to keep the blueberry IN my mouth at that point.

The Perfect Start

Dear Daniel,

Last night the ball dropped yet again and we started a new year. You and your sister were sound asleep when it happened, but your father and I were in our PJs on the couch, toasting with Martinelli's and admiring Dic Clark's courage for continuing to appear on his annual special even in his weakened condition. (I know, I know... Just google him.)

Our crazy neighbors shot off fireworks in their backyard and partied for hours, and we spent the first few minutes of the new year talking about our dreams for this coming year (the word "Disneyland" may have been tossed around). We discussed our family goals, our plans, and how exciting a "blank slate" feels every year at this time. It's like God gift wraps his mercy once a year with a big shiny bow. It's there every day, but at the new year it's implications are palpable. You can taste the fresh start, and it tastes good.

Daniel, when you read this as an adult, I bet you'll laugh at how "long ago" 2011 was... but right now, those numbers seem like something out of a science fiction movie. I cannot believe 2010 is already over. It was our family's best year so far.

You and I spent the majority of January 1 outside, playing together. You begged me to play with you, and I set aside all the other things I "should have been doing" and just obliged you.



We were very, very busy. Here's the recap:

We played on the swings and in your imaginary airplane (you made me push all the colored buttons so that we could fly). We stopped by your imaginary friend's house (in our imaginary airplane) to see if he wanted to ride with us. We chased dragons. We tracked down Swiper the Fox when he stole the bag of fish you had to feed your dragon. We played chase. We ran in opposite circles, high-fiving each time we passed each other. We pretended to be koala bears (then spent ten minutes picking splinters out of your paws!) We took some silly photos with the iPhone and you particularly loved the "try to kick the camera while swinging" game. We rested in the sun, and took a break for hot chocolate and hot tea when we got too cold. (We sat on the patio couch together, and you made us take our sips in unison by saying, "Ok Mommy now we drink!") We played catch with footballs and that big yellow bouncy ball you love. We invented a game called "Goooo.... get 'em!" involving us throwing the footballs and making each other run for them.



We kept our shoes clean (even though it was muddy outside) because you still cannot stand to be dirty. (Your "dirty shoe walk" is absolutely hilarious, by the way. You look like a bow-legged little old man.) We hid in the "treehouse" from all the sleeping dragons that were waking up to come find us. (Can you tell we recently watched a dragon movie?) You had to go to the bathroom a few times and instead of the hassle of going inside, we found some rocks in a corner that needed watering. (You thought this was hilarious, and kept giggling about the time last month we couldn't get to a bathroom fast enough so we improvised with what was in the car: "Mommy, sometimes big boys go pee-pee into chocolate milk. But we don't drink that!)"). But when it was my turn to go to the bathroom and I headed inside (even I have my limits!), you insisted on coming with me, holding my hand, so that I would come right back outside with you. When Violet woke up from a long nap, you asked Daddy to go get her so that you and I could keep playing.



I spent those hours relishing our time together and admiring how much you've grown.

Your imagination is incredible - and your ability to story tell and weave together different story elements is impressive. I think you'll be a great writer someday.

Your physical ability has changed so much recently. Just watching the way you handle yourself on a swing - you are no longer a baby in any way. Your balance, your confidence, your agility... you have become so capable and comfortable in your own skin. (At one point you actually did 33 consecutive somersaults and lapped the grass area in our yard twice.) I think you'll be a great athlete one day.

Your conversation skills continue to blow me away. Talking with you is more than simply engaging a three year old - it's an actual two way street. You ask me questions and want to hear the answers. More than that, you remember my answers and care what I think. I know you'll be a good husband someday.



Thank you for the precious hours we spent together today - I couldn't imagine a better way to bring in the new year. Happy 2011!

Love, Mommy

P.S. I asked you if you will still want to hang out with me even when you get really big. You said "Yes!". Then I said, "Forever?" And you said, "Forever and ever!" And when I made you promise on everything good and holy that you were telling the truth, you giggled and said, "Yes, Mommy." So, there. I just wanted that documented somewhere in case I need it in the future.

An Astro Boy Christmas

Daniel and Violet were so much fun to watch all day yesterday. They are both at delightful ages and they were absolutely the life of the party (and consequently got seriously spoiled with gifts!).

Here are a few of my favorite memories of Daniel from this Christmas:

- Watching him go into overload over every gift and every detail. So much emotion!

- His last words on Christmas Eve before nodding off: "I love God. And I love my pajamas."

- Cuddling with him at naptime. He told me he loved me about a thousand times, hugged and kissed me over and over. He just melted my heart. I told Fernando it was a "naptime lovefest"!

- Enjoying Polar Express with him. He adored the movie - it will become a tradition, I'm sure.

- Watching him open the Astroboy Fernando ordered (from Japan!) for him. It was by his side all day - I'm sure it still is. A HUGE win for Daddy.

- Noticing him piling playfood into a makeshift grocery cart: Violet's new pink stroller.

- Capturing with my camera the "Christmas Cookie Face" - he about came unglued when he opened the gift of the one thing he's asked for: A Christmas Cookie. He then ate it and was on a sugar high for an hour.

- Playing with him outside on Christmas during the evening. Just playing. Running, tickling, hiding, chasing. He was my shadow and I loved it.

My favorite memory of all: Having to wake him up from nap for dinner... he was in a Christmas Coma. His eyes glazed over at the dinner table and he declared: "Daddy, my battery is all gone!"

A Perfect Christmas

I am actually writing this on Christmas evening... there are only a few minutes left of December 25th... but I wanted to write while it was still fresh. While I could still smell the relaxation and breathe in the Christmas glow.

This Christmas was simply perfect. It was the first Christmas in my own home and honestly, I enjoyed every minute of it. Home. Full of family, but at my home.

Christmas Eve morning was a blur of Seabird, "Christmas Eve Gift" (I won!), chocolate chip pancakes and last minute wrapping. Christmas Eve afternoon/evening was a blur of three crazy services at church that were actually quite a lot of fun. As soon as cleanup was done, we headed home for the best Christmas Eve in recent memory.

We ate a huge feast at a beautiful table then headed outdoors onto a patio Fernando had decorated as a surprise - it was dripping with white lights of all sizes. We made s'mores in our new fire pit, and sat around the fire singing (and making ash jokes) for hours. When Violet actually fell asleep in her swing, we put a hat and a blanket on her and kept on singing. Before bed, the kids opened their Christmas pajama gift and shocked us with the amount of excitement pajamas could elicit from kids. They haven't taken them off still - it's been over 24 hours.

Mema, Papa, TK and Kito all slept on the living room floor on air mattresses and stayed up even later watching movies. We enjoyed the luxury of our own beds and all slept in until nearly nine. The morning was full of presents and food - I so enjoyed treating the Arizona family to the Texas family traditions: Pullapart cake, breakfast burritos (with cranberry sauce!), strawberry Jell-O salad, and more.

The purple apron got some serious usage and Gramma was on my brain all day. I'm starting to understand her obsession with hosting. Recently when looking through her old cookbooks (shamelessly scavenging for good recipes) I found some of her "preparation pages" for when we'd come to visit. She'd have everyday planned in advance, with a list of our favorite dishes, coordinated to make sure each day had something amazing. I laughed at the time, but felt like hugging her for it today.

Everyone napped or just rested during the afternoon, watching movies and just lounging. I prepared dinner in the kitchen and honestly cannot remember every enjoying "kitchen time" that much. The recipes I made involved lots of time and preparation but instead of being a source of frustration, the effort was soothing. The stirring and mixing was calming and it was a perfect few hours of quiet cooking and reflection. The meal itself was a huge success - happy faces and full bellies all around.

We had so much fun we're doing it again tomorrow... Mema and Papa are coming back for dinner and sleepover round two tomorrow night.

I'll write about some favorite toys and memories in the kids' blogs tomorrow... but for tonight, I just wanted to try to capture the feeling. It really was everything a good Christmas should be and it had nothing to do with the gifts. I guess it never really does.

Stage Fright and Cookie Incentives

So, bribery works. Cookie bribery specifically.

Daniel appeared TWICE this holiday season on the big stage - once for his weekday preschool (as a very dashing "Christmas Camel") and also in a giant choir of kids from the weekend classes at church.

He literally cried all the way through dress rehearsal (see photo on the left) for the big choir but after some very strategic incentivizing by Mommy, he did amazingly well during the actual performance (photo on the right). His lip quivered once, but after a thumbs up and a "cookie" hand symbol from me, he straightened up, put a huge smile on, and finished the song.

His appearance as a camel was rather unremarkable except that he was a CAMEL. It was adorable.

Dandelions

Today, Daniel re-discovered dandelions.

It's so fun to watch the joy of discovery on his face.

And I know I complain about Phoenix, but I really do love that we live in a state where this re-discovery can happen in DECEMBER. In a patch of gorgeous, lush green grass.

Just don't ask me about it in August. Or May, June, July, September or October.