dressing crazy, and eating my words (along with some greasy, salty pizza)

Last week Evyn's school held a "Crazy Dress Day."
Check out the outfit she picked out:





So, I've been saying for years, that I would never take my kids to Chuck E Cheese.

I remember the place from when I was a kid. Overpriced junk food, noisy games, cheap "prizes" that were impossible to win without getting Mom and Dad to fork over big bucks.



I hadn't considered birthday parties.

Or how important attending a birthday party was to an almost-6-year-old.



When Evyn got the invitation, I knew I had to suck it up and go.

She had a great time. The food was awful, the place a zoo, my patience worn thin. But Evyn was so happy and had a fantastic day.





Oh, and look what Andrew got - just in time for spring!






I haven't decided whether I'm getting a bike trailer, a front-mounted bike seat, or a traditional rear-mounted seat. Anyone have one that they love? Opinions welcome :)

boxes are better than toys.

More fun with the cardboard house we created using a hot water heater carton (Andrew was frustrated that he couldn't crawl through the window):






Andrew LOVES being IN things. Doesn't matter if it's a laundry basket or a shoe box, he'll find a way to get in it.

He's also started pointing.... a LOT. Hello- point. Goodbye- point. I want that- point. That's funny- point.

The Best Boy.

Last night Evyn came to tell me that she had written a book, and she needed me to staple it together for her (she even marked where she wanted the staples).

For your reading pleasure~

The Best Boy. And I love you.
by Evyn Frances Martin, age 5 years, 11 months

Hi, said the girl. Who are you?

I'm Andrew. Who are you?

I'm not telling. But I still love you. You're my friend.

Now I will tell you.

What will you tell me?

My name. I'm Evyn.

OK, that's fine. I love you.

I love you too. We're friends.

The End.

we have a walker!

Andrew has been taking several steps for a couple weeks now.
Last week he decided he wanted to do this walking thing for real, and now he's walking all over the place!

He's so proud of himself, but he's a bit too daring for my taste...
a few days ago (while I was holding one chubby little hand) he thought he could walk DOWN the stairs. Sorry, Andrew, you'll have to wait a couple more years to be able to master that one!





In other news, Andrew's high-calorie, high fat diet is paying off... he finally hit the 20# mark! Our little skinny-mini is getting a bit of healthy chub :)



Playing peek-a-boo is apparently much more fun at meal times:



And, the obligatory "puppy boy" photo:




9 more days until his first birthday... bittersweet, for sure.