Monday, November 28, 2011

Tis The Season

Ahh, the joy of family traditions. When we say it out loud it sounds so nice: "We go to a farm every year to cut down our own Christmas Tree."

The reality of this adventure includes 4 crazy boys, a maze of trees to get lost in, old dull saws, and an unfortunate situation of having to go uphill both ways (still haven't figured that one out).

Before we even made it out to the field, Cole got put in time out for fighting with Ry over who would pull the cart.



He snapped out of it quickly since it was his year to pick the tree. He chose this beaut which didn't seem so big out in the field...until we brought it home and realized it was taller than the ceiling.


Charlie was truly trying to help...


...Ry was not.


And here she is all decorated and lit up in the front window.


These videos are so classic Kerper - chaos and whining mixed in with laughter and love. Wishing you the latter as you celebrate your own holiday traditions.










Friday, November 25, 2011

Coley, Defined.

My dear, sweet, headstrong Cole. No one's going to tell him how to have his fun.

Exhibit A: At the end of a recent Cub Scout hayride, there was a big bonfire. Everyone gathered round to toast marshmallows and have a Coombaya kinda night. Cole, instead, sat on this here log.


Exhibit B: During a recent trip to the zoo the lion was feeling photogenic and plopped himself right in front of the viewing window. Charlie, Ryan, and Dean were understandably glued to the glass. Cole, on the other hand, was too busy reading the zoo map to notice.


Exhibit C: Tonight he had a choice: let me cut his nails or sit in Time Out. He chose to sit in time out for almost an hour, and finally relented with: "Oh fine - I'll let you cut my nails now."

Raising this child takes lots of deep breaths...but his nails are cut. Oh yes, his nails are cut (a.k.a. I won.)

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Boo To The Flu

At the beginning of the summer we started going to a new church. It's been a great experience for the family and we really like the modern twists of the congregation (i.e. the sermons are all available on podcast and the minister likes to use 80's movie references in his sermons.)

This weekend we volunteered with a few other families at The Clinic in Phoenixville to disinfect from top to bottom as they prepare for flu season.

I brought Ryan and Cole, and was so proud of them for rolling up their sleeves and helping. I think they may have just been excited for the opportunity to wear rubber gloves, but they also asked a lot of smart questions like, "Why do people have to come here instead of a regular doctor's office?"

When we left Cole gave a hug to the Director of the Clinic and said, "I hope everyone feels better soon!" My little charmer strikes again.



Sunday, November 20, 2011

Sugar High

I've decided that Halloween is officially my favorite holiday. Seeing kids dressed up is as cute, scary, or hilarious as it gets. People give you free candy, and it's a great excuse to get out and re-connect with the neighborhood.

We kicked off the holiday extravaganza with a parade at daycare. I kept telling people that Cole's scraggly hair was part of his costume.



Next adventure: get a picture of the boys all together in costume looking somewhat cute. I'd say mission is slightly accomplished.


How cool is this pic? Here's Harry Potter flying on his broomstick on the front porch.



Before we went trick or treating we went to our friend's annual pre-party. Apparently Dean took this concept very seriously and found the backup supply. Luckily we caught him before he busted out the corkscrew.


Aaaaand....they're off. Cha hung the whole time, and even went back out with Phil after they stopped home to drop off the first round of goodies.


Here's Cole inspecting the loot. We're still working through all of their hard-earned treasure, including nightly negotations and trade agreements. I allow the nonsense because I figure it's good training for their future political careers. Or law school. Or I'm just numb to the fighting. Hmm...

Hockey & Wine

Ryan and Cole asked to try out floor hockey this season. Things we've learned:

1. Setting ground rules for boys and hockey sticks is always a good thing
2. Cole would rather slide on the floor with his pads than actually play floor hockey
3. An empty racquetball court is the best place to kill time with 2 toddlers while waiting for their older brother's games to finish

And the best lesson of all that was a total "duh" when I learned it: When giving water to a kid wearing a hockey mask, use a straw






After their final game, we went to a party at our friends house during a freak October snow storm. There was lots of food and lots of wine, which led to lots of laughs and a quick stumble home to snuggle with the family.

Looks like it's going to be a long winter...good thing we live near a discount liquor store. Cheers!