Consumerism

Consumerism....has a hold on me right now.  Someone please talk some sense into me.  I have had my eye on a few key items (see images above.)  Aren't they the perfect fall accessories.  Must close computer now...no more online shopping...

Rachel Zoe and Some New Shoes

Anyone else out there addicted to the Rachel Zoe show? I just started recording it and I was immediately drawn in. Alan, on the other hand, isn't so sure.

On another topic (though somewhat, somehow related) --> I must hvae these shoes. Aren't they lovely?

It's raining, it's pouring -- but ain't nobody snoring

Holy high water.  Yesterday, I was busy working in my basement office.  Things are busy at work right now and, in all honestly, I was fully engrossed in work.  At some point, I glanced out the window and THIS is what I saw.  Hello water!  That creek is usually only a few inches deep -- it had, quite quickly, taken over our entire side lot.  

After a few moments of panic (and a few calls to Alan and my parents), I packed up the girls and headed for higher ground.  

All is well --> we safely arrive at Gagi and PopPop's where we had a nice meal,  a much needed glass of wine (for me) and some playtime.  Today, the sun is out and the city is drying off.

All of this rain reminded me of a few days of rain we had at the beach in August.  We all had a little cabin fever -- but it wasn't anything that I "production" couldn't rid.

And so - Ellery, Vaughan, Gagi and I put on a show that Ellery titled Mavarian.  We made entry tickets, had costumes, props and music.  So, if you are ever bored on a rainy day -- call us over, we put on quite a performance.

Brothers

Ellery wants a brother.  I mean, she loves her sister but she might trade her in on certain occasions.  

She is also suddenly fascinated with the concept of godparents.  So, taking her lead, I explained that Mac was her god brother. Is there even such a thing?

She bought it hook, line and sinker.  Then she asked why they didn't live with us.  

So, I explained that they have a different Mommy and Daddy.  

That was the end of the conversation....or so I thought....

I heard her telling a friend this weekend that she has brothers....

but they don't live with us because they have a different Mommy and Daddy.

Do you think she is telling her teachers about her brothers?  Because chances are she is and chances are they think we have a very complex family structure....

Getting Dressed

Some days

getting dressed



seems like more effort



than what it is worth.

A Toast to Zalanaga

Have you been to Zalanaga?  If not, you should really consider going.  It is worthy of a toast (as you can see from the photo above.)  

In Zalanaga, you can drink what you want, when you want, with whomever you want.  Ellery has chosen to toast to Zalanaga with her best friend, Vaughan.

Sometimes it can be pretty bright in Zalanaga - you might want to pack your sunglasses.  Oh, are you wondering about Ellery's outfit?  This is what she wanted to wear out to dinner with Uncle Jared.  Ahem.  

I think it is much better suited for Zalanaga, don't you?

If you have had a problem keeping up with this post, come to our house for a day.  We travel the world.  Sometimes we are mommies and sometimes we are babies.  Just yesterday, I was a dog and my name was Trahala.  Who were you today?

Happy Birthday to Vaughan - AGAIN

Today as I walked into Vaughan's school balancing cookies, napkins and other party items, I realized this was her THIRD birthday.  By that I mean, the third time in the last few weeks that we have celebrated the fact that she is now two.  I wonder if she will be disappointed in years to come when she realizes that most birthday years she will only have one party.  

We started the celebrating in Southampton on her REAL birthday.  As always, a homemade cake was in order as were balloons.

This was followed by another celebration when Alan got into town.

Today we wound things down with a cookie celebration as school.

Does this kid look happy or what?

Babies, babies everywhere

This sweet child of mine LOVES babies.  Let me repeat that just so you understand.  This sweet child of mine LOVES babies.  

During our travels, there was a baby sitting in the row behind us on the airplane.  Vaughan peered over her seat enthusiastically.  Pure joy took over her face and then she said, "Mama, I want THAT baby."  I said, oh yes, that baby is so sweet.  Vaughan repeated with determination "I want that baby."  I think she honestly thought I might lean over the seat and snatch the baby for her.

Vaughan is the kind of kid who will play by herself for lengthy periods.  On this particular evening, Vaughan started out reading to her babies (you can see her baby face down next to her in the picture above.)

Suddenly she was gone.  And then I realized is had been a while and she still wasn't back.  She had disappeared back to Ellery's room (this is where she ALWAYS puts her babies night night).  I snuck back and peeked inside.  This is what I saw.  Two nice babies asleep in the bed.  

But they are not going to bed for good - not before one more book.  This time the babies are face up but the book seems to be upside down.

And back to bed...this time with a blanket.  Is that a third baby in the bed this time? Upon closer inspection it looks like she might have found another baby.  You can never have too many.  

Book - bed - book - bed - book - bed....it goes on and on.  Sometimes she grabs a purse and goes to "work" but I will save those pictures for another day.

P.S.  Do your children remove all clothes from dolls?