Loads of new photos....

Something for everyone.

Aunt KK sent a very cool beetle bug car puzzle and nesting blocks from her trip to Budapest. As you will see, the blocks were a huge hit (the puzzle is a little advanced at the moment). Both boys were fascinated with the blocks -- brightly painted (not in China, we hope) and nesting. And, coincidentally, on the very day that a paper was published indicating that kids who play with blocks score higher on IQ tests (15% higher) than kids who don't. Take that, Baby Einstein. The boys went at the blocks like it was their job. They were, generally speaking, pretty quiet, which is a feat in and of itself. We took the blocks apart, stacked them, put them one inside the other, put other toys inside, dumped them out, started all over again. Last night, Griff figured out that he could put one on his foot and this was good for lots of fun. It is only a matter of time before he works out the balance issue and launches it up over his shoulder and in to the TV, but no matter. Daddy has been wanting a flat screen for quite some time.

Grandma and Grampy have headed back over the pond. On their last night we all went over to Billy and Becky's to visit with Vivi and Stella. The boys could not have had more fun. Griff and the girls worked on the Little Mermaid stove and played under the kitchen table with the slinky forever. I'm pretty sure I know what Santa is bringing the girls for Christmas. Allan could not have been more animated. He was so excited by all of the activity -- he just kept laughing and bucking and jumping. It is so much fun to see him enjoying himself like that.

Both of the fellas started to meltdown about the same time and we only just made it home in time to salvage the situation with one last bath from the grandparents. Then Griff passed out for about 30 minutes before he decided he just couldn't stand it and had to come back down to play. Allan, on the other hand, snuggled down on Grampy and stayed there, quite content, for the next couple of hours.

The boys took a big walk with the grandparents this afternoon and played for a few hours before they had to head out for the airport. It was hard to say goodbye because every one had had such a good time. Griff seemed especially bereft tonight when left with just Mom. He kept throwing his ball over the kitchen gate, ready for a game. He could use a Grampy. And both boys were distinctly dissatisfied at bath time. Mom and Dad just aren't enough. Thing One and Thing Two have become accustomed to an entourage.

At the moment, though, Jay is off, finishing up some work. The dishes are done. Laundry is going. Both boys are asleep and the house is quiet. Ish. For the moment. Who knows how long this will last?

Going to take advantage of it while I can. Enjoy the pictures!