Have I really not posted anything in the past two weeks? And the last post was about a bug infestation…nice.
I do have two posts I’ve been meaning to write (one for a couple of weeks and the other for a couple of months), but I’ve been so scattered lately. Maybe I’ll just fill in with various and sundry recent goings on…
First, we just returned from a road trip to Georgia. We left mid-last week and were gone for about six days. That is a long time for three small children to be living as vagabonds. Even longer for their parents.
We were there for a big Hood family reunion, and while there, we also celebrated the twins’ fourth birthday. George and Eleanor are so happy to finally be four. Eleanor would rather be five like Oliver, but she’s settling for four. She’s cool like that.
Here are some pictures from the reunion:
The actual reunion party took place on a river and we spent half our time sighing at the breathtaking view and the other half trying to keep or children alive. It was a good time. And yes I did notice that most of my immediate family is wearing green and NO that was not planned.
The downside to the twins turning four is their awareness that they can combine forces to make defiant an understatement. I’ve been seeing a lot more of this of late:
If I’m lucky, I can turn it into this…
…but all too often we fall back on tears, time outs, door slamming and even the odd spanking. I’m not wild about hitting of any kind, but it has become a last resort when the sassiness gets out of control. And when I spank, it’s like one whack on the bottom that probably doesn’t even hurt that much. Of course that doesn’t stop Eleanor shouting “and DON’T hit me” when we’re in public places. She’s great like that.
In other news, George just got a super cute new haircut…
…and Oliver is about to lose his first tooth! (Sorry – not pictures of the last – it’s hard to capture a wiggly bottom tooth in a photo.)
Writing will probably continue to be slow on all of my sites for a while. For someone who doesn’t work in an office 9-5, I seem to have a hard time getting anything done around the house. I blame the children and all of their “needs” and stuff. Because they aren’t old enough to read my blog and comment. So yeah – it’s all their fault.
Oh – and I’m seriously thinking about just clearing my reader and starting over since there is no way I will ever catch up on the two weeks of posts I’ve missed. Let me know if you’ve written anything particularly brilliant. Or just good. Or interesting. Or funny? Whatever – you be the judge. Just let me know.
I always love your posts, Kate and I get so excited when you've written something new! LOVE the pictures – beautiful location – and happy birthday to your beautiful children! I ADORE their cupcake cakes! WOW!
My favourite sentence? "we spent half our time sighing at the breathtaking view and the other half trying to keep or children alive." Yup. The life of a parent, huh? Also, I find on the days that I'm not in the office… so like, um, the weekends – I hardly ever have time to get on the computer. Any interesting posts from me? I'm doing the 30 Days of Truth challenge and I did a Thanksgiving interview on Avitable's blog. :)
You look gorgeous in that photo! And the kids–they're always adorbable.
I've cleared out my reader TWICE this month. I hate doing that and oddly enough, I was going to do exactly what you did…just tell my readers to direct me to anything good I missed.
That said, just read what I posted today. It's sure to entertain you and it's a super quick read. But you definitely don't want to miss it.
The reunion setting looks dreamy. You Chris [I assume that's Chris in the cute, plaid shorts] and the kids all look pretty, pretty.
I'm *trying* to blog once or twice a week, but it's difficult with wifey and mom duties.
I too have had to mark "all as read" in my Reader several times. Life takes priority. I think most people who blog understand. I do, anyway.
Now, no more excuses or apologies. You're good! :-)
So so cute! I love George and Eleanor ganging up on you. The older she gets the more I see her looking like Sue. Looks like it was a great reunion and the river location looks so peaceful (although I know it wasn't a meditation spot for you). Thanks for the pictures.
First, I love Eleanor's dress. Second, those cupcakes are AWESOME! All caps, even. Third, I like it when you write anything. Fourth, you know I wrote something brilliant you must read. (C'mon, I couldn't resist.)
I think I would be as happy at 40+ to have one of those giant cupcake cakes as your cute new 4 year olds look!
Happy birthday to the kiddos! Those cakes are adorable. As are the kiddos themselves. :)
Yay! You're back. Fun post and I am IM-PRESSED by the mondo cupcakes. xo
Loved your photos and hearing all about your trip!
You look FAB! Your family is gorgeous. SO dig George's new haircut. It reminds me that my little guy needs one as well…
Take care my friend – hope you're well! xx
So glad you all had fun – most of the time anyway! Love those pix with the sun filtering through – so pretty!
I made my blog public again, and took out all the kiddo pix. Have decided to make what we eat a family blog – of course you'll be invited to read it once I have it up and running. AND – I did my tri! You simply must pop over and read and see all about it!
Hope to see you later this fall when we make a trip to see my 'rents!
The twins are FOUR? Already? Wow. Time is really flying. Love their cakes, btw.
No excuses needed – life should always come first and it looks like yours has been full.
Gorgeous shots, and happy double birthday. And if those were the cupcakes, I wish I'd seen the pizza. Feel no guilt about not reading my last two weeks, Kate.
Great pictures!! And those giant cupcake cakes? I want one!
I just posted after a month away, so don't worry about missing anything on my end. (I know, it's pathetic!)