A Belated 'Boo!'

Tell me, friend. What does Tinkerbell, a Gold Samuri Power Ranger and a Vampire have in common?

You're right. They don't have much in common. Andrew laments each year over our lack of costume coordination. Maybe next year, honey. I went with Eliza and Henry's costume request and Lottie went with mine.

Said in an ominous tone, "I want to be a vampire princess!" 

(Rolling the 'r' sound on the word 'princess' was consistent on her part)

To be honest, she wasn't at all interested in white face paint, plastic fangs or pretend blood. As we were getting reading for our first Halloween event, the ward Trunk or Treat, I informed her that vampires are infamous for drinking blood. This news horrified her.  Next year, I predict a return to Disney characters. We'll see.

As for Henry, he relished the role of hero.

There were days, however, when I thought the sword might have been a mistake. If you were on his 'bad guy' list, you may have fallen victim to being hit with the sword. Whether it was on purpose or accidental, I wasn't always sure. All I know is that I heard myself say,

"You do that again and I get to eat all your candy." or "Give me the sword. HENRY! GIVE ME THE SWORD!"

Seriously though, he is such a super stud.

As for Tinkerbell, I have to say that watching her react to the collection of candy was great fun. Having no memory from last year, it was special to experience this as a "first" with her.

In addition to the trunk or treat, we also enjoyed our first visit to the neighborhood, 'Mafia Man' (that's a post for another day year.), had a party with our cousins, watched Eliza parade through her elementary school, carved pumpkins and trick-or-treated through our neighborhood.

I remember, back in South Carolina, feeling lonely on Halloween as we didn't have anyone to tag along with. Trick-or-treating with groups is great, but this year we ended up going alone as a family. We saw friends along the way, which was fun, but what I'm trying (and failing so hard) to say that I feel content with my lot.  It was sweet watching Eliza and Henry dart to each door with each other, compare candy piles and scream in unison, "Yes!" when Andrew asked if they wanted to go out for another round of candy collecting with him.

Until next year.

Winter Preview

Wanting to participate in a little (pre) Halloween action, Mother Nature surprised us with a trick of her own.

I have to say that there are others in my family who would argue that it was less of a trick and more of a treat to wake up a week before Halloween to a decent sized snow storm. As I drove Eliza to school that morning, I remember thinking how neat the snow capped mountains looked as the lower half remained bright with the colors of fall. The two seasons, winter and fall, had met.

Henry just about bounced out of his pajamas, he was so excited to dive into the snow outside. Eliza, on the other hand, was bummed that she had to go to school. After assuring her that Henry wouldn't use up all the snow in our over sized backyard, she cheered up some.

 

"Careful Henry. Make sure you save some snow for your sister." ;) 

She did, however, miss out on the first cup of hot chocolate.

A boy and his hot chocolate; what more could you ask for?

Oh I know. How about a super awesome Dad who decides to hook up the sled to the lawn mower so that he can give rides to his kids? How about that?!

 They loved every minute of it. The ride lasted for a half hour at least. Lottie tried it but opted out after a few runs around the yard. And when I say that she, 'opted' out... I mean she rolled out of the sled.

Here's Lottie before she James Bonded her way off the sled. 

In the sledding department, things have sure improved for Andrew. Here's a flashback to 2010 to help illustrate what I mean.

  Eliza was thrilled that Henry kept his word. He saved her a yard full of snow.

The temperature soon jumped back up. Three days later, the snow was gone. By the time Halloween arrived, we were back in the 70's. Despite Mother Nature's temperamental mood, we sure enjoyed the Winter preview (minus the piles of wet clothes, gear and snow boots that littered the house from the continual bustle of kids running in and out to play). 

"Snow is AWESOME!!"

The Lottie Love Letter

I am sorry friends, but a birthday at our house isn't complete without some kind of heartfelt love letter to the child we're celebrating. I have this crazy expectation that someday they will appreciate, perhaps even cherish, the sappy words of their asylum bound Mother. 

Dearest Charlotte,

I confess to postponing your birthday letter. When I think about what you mean to me and our family, I find myself at a loss for words. Oh look. We're less than five sentences in and I already sound trite; which has been my primary concern.

Sifting through my head, I am searching for the perfect adjectives to justly describe you. You are full of charm. You posses a self awareness over your ability to use said charm in wrapping those who love you most around your dainty little fingers. Lurking in your soul is a mischief-filled comedian who brings a unique blend of frustrating hilarity into our home.

The sweetness in your voice and its accompanying inflection produce continual smiles to those who have the good fortune of listening to you speak. Your beautiful brown eyes are full of intelligence (a Mother's bias, sure). They compliment your ever increasing verbal skills. Listening to you speak amazes me at times and I have to wonder how time could have faded the memory of Eliza and Henry learning to talk when it truly is a daily joy.

You know how to pray and are generally cooperative when we ask you to take a turn and repeat the words after Mom or Dad. Like your older siblings, you are an excellent sleeper and I see myself  introducing you to a big girl bed in the near future. You take a one and a half to two hour nap each afternoon; sometimes it's longer. Being the third, you've proven yourself adaptable in working around your siblings schedules.

When Eliza and Henry are away at school, you miss them. They have taught me that this time of solo bonding you and I share won't last forever. I thought Eliza would be a baby forever. It wasn't long until I thought she'd be two forever. Time and a little experience has changed my mindset. When I look at you, I tell myself that you'll be two for about five minutes so I better cherish this time, tantrums and all, RIGHT NOW.

You are happiest when you're surrounded by your entire family. If a piece of this puzzle is missing, you demand (over and over) to know where the missing family member is. When we return from an errand, you squeal with happiness.

"My house! Dottie's house! Mine house!"

You understand instruction, but that doesn't always mean that you're willing to follow it. :)

Henry is your best friend. Eliza adores you equally, but with the time she spends at school, your bond with Henry had no choice but to strengthen. On days when he has preschool and a play date, I feel bad for you.

You like to be involved in what the older kids do. You often remind me when it's your turn or you simply say,

"Me too!" over and over.

One time, when I retrieved you from your crib at the start of your day, the first thing you said was,

"I want some popcorn, Mom." It was so funny.

In your quest to learn about the world, you tell me as much as you know or can. Then, you wait for me to confirm the correctness of your observations and then listen as I add to it.

You appreciate your agency. That's a polite way of saying you love to use the word 'No.' However, I have to say on your behalf that you are so well trained (thank you older siblings) in using your manners. It thrills me that I usually don't have to remind you.

Your two year old determination is something I try to appreciate. At times I fall victim to your persistence and give in to your loud demands. I know that I shouldn't, but it does happen sometimes. Other times, I'm stronger. For example, one night you went to bed really upset because instead of sleeping, you wanted to color. Seriously, you really wanted to color. Finally, you gave in to sleep and I have to say that Daddy and I applauded ourselves for being firm. The next morning, the first thing you said to me was,

"Mom, I want to color." It reminded me of the popcorn comment, except I knew exactly the motivation behind that request.

It's funny that I said I was at a loss for words at the beginning of today's onslaught of words. I suppose I've just proven myself a liar.

Before I conclude, I want to add that you have a magnetic personality. You pull and distract each of us away from who knows what to feed you attention. We are addicted to your smile and fight to be the source of your laughter.

 Eliza loves to color with you and giggles immensely when you repeat her Chinese words. Henry wants to be near you. He's always ready with a hug for you and lights up when you come into the room after a nap, etc. The bond you have with Daddy is a post for another day. It's ridiculous the way he is tied to you.

As for me, I am grateful everyday that Heavenly Father sent you to our family. You are my special companion and friend. It comforts me that so many minutes of our day are spent together. I sure feel lucky to be your Mom. I love you. I love you. I love you!

Happy birthday sweet Lottie.

Love,
Mama

Quick clicks: looking back
The day Lottie was born
Lottie's birth story
Lottie's first birthday letter
Lottie's first birthday party

The birthday girl's itinerary

Lottie's birthday coincided with the beginning of U.E.A. weekend.

"Perfect!" I thought. "We can spend the morning at Hogle Zoo; with the rest of the state of Utah. It will be great!" And it was. However, wanting to avoid the predictable crowd, I made sure we were there soon after the zoo opened. 

 It was a chilly morning. The children, however, were out of their jackets and snow hats
sooner than expected.

 

As exciting as it was to see the animals, Lottie was equally happy that she was allowed out of her stroller. Keeping pace with the older kids made her feel special.

It's true. She is a valuable member of their team.

It wasn't long until we were joined by another incredibly special, birthday girl.

Nana Teresa and Lottie share the same birthday!! Pretty neat, yes? Aunt Katie, Ellie and James came to share in the fun too.

I was especially touched when Aunt Katie produced a bag of homemade blueberry muffins complete with candles so that we could sing to Nanna and Lottie. Katie is the Queen of Thoughtful; not to mention, the muffins were delicious. It was a sweet moment!

Morning is a great time to visit the zoo. The animals were alert (that's zoo code for 'entertaining') as they seemed very interested in their breakfast. 

The polar bear, we learned, is dedicated to his exercise program/routine. We had so much fun watching him dip down into the water, pop up in front of the glass and then glide onto his back only to do it all over again.

 We love the darling outfits you gave Lottie. Thanks again Nanna and Katie for spending the morning with us.

Not wanting Daddy to miss out on all of the fun, we held off on her 'party' until he came home from work. For those who could come, we enjoyed smores, hot chocolate, ice cream... and wait for it, a store bought Dora cake! If that doesn't inspire you to nominate me for Mom of the year, I don't know what will.

I will say, on my lazy behalf, that Lottie was thrilled with her Dora cake in all its frosted glory.

 "Seriously Mom? Where the heck is my pinterest cake?"

Cute cousin Kate was able to help Lottie find a birthday smile. Despite her serious expressions, the girl was delighted.

"It's a Happy Birthday to me!" Followed by an enthusiastic, "Mine!" she would say.

Presents were another highlight. 

Thank you to those who came to celebrate.

We love you Lottie!

An Education on Birthdays

 The Sunday prior to Lottie turning two, Nana Marie hosted a birthday party. And although Lottie's attended a few parties in her day, the concept of candles and cake, wrapping paper and presents and a birthday song just for her (!!!!) seemed new. I'll be the first to admit that guiding her through these rights of passage is a sublime parental responsibility!

 "Did someone say party?!"

Carrying on a tradition from my own Grandma, when my family gathers to celebrate a grandchild's birthday she also brings a surprise and/or gift for the other grandwee's too. She keeps it simple but has never failed in her quest of spoiling them all with a little something. Whether its a notebook with stickers or over sized red lips and a pair of silly glasses, these kids love her for it.

Upon receiving her gifts from Nana, Lottie was stymied. Thankfully,  there were plenty of present opening professionals on hand to get her started. Once she realized that inside was something special for her, she was thrilled. 

 Adding to the afternoon of fun was sharing the moment with Brynn and Mia. Both cousins have birthdays that fall in the same week as Miss Lottie. Beautiful Brynn turned seven and Magnificent Mia turned eight!

 

 Next came a song and cupcakes. I think this was my favorite part. Nana thoughtfully prepared a colorful plate of cupcakes for each birthday girl. Lottie's were pink. While we sang to the birthday cuties, Lottie kept looking up at me and waving. "Hi Mom!" she'd say.

"Who me?"

This was a great opening to Lottie's birthday celebrations. Leaving her Nana's that night, Lottie now had a memory to associate with the word birthday. Birthday, in fact, quickly became her favorite word especially when attached to the word, 'mine.'

"MINE BIRTHDAY!!!"

 Thank you Nana for a great night!

His Man-cation

 There was nature.

(Beautiful nature.)

There was wildlife.

 There were horses.

 

There were orange vests. There were guns.

 

There was a tent with a wood burning stove, mouthwatering, man-designed, meals and last but not least, there was Bubba.

The three night, four day elk hunting trip to Craig, Colorado made Andrew's spirit sing. I could feel of his happiness through our simple text conversations.

And I quote:

Andrew: We can hear elk all around. We saw 15 today. Should have success tomorrow.

Ali: Are you having fun? Are you bonding?

(*side note: typical Ali is more interested in the relationship, warm fuzzy, bonding portion of the trip)

Andrew: Yes. This is almost as good as being on Survivor. Except steak for every meal.

Andrew: It rained most of today. We are supposed to get 8 inches of snow between now and tomorrow afternoon.

Andrew: I think there will be horse and elk hunts in our future. Other than the lack of toilets, I think you would love it.

Ali: Seriously? I would love it? Trying sending me to Hawaii instead. :)

Despite the lack of photographic evidence that Andrew was there, it was apparent that he had a blast. I'll be honest, I was less than enthused over the timing of his last minute trip. While camping/hunting with Bubba was always in the cards, this particular trip conflicted with the Super Saturday activity that I was in charge of. Add three children and two soccer games into the mix and you're left with a crazed wife. Thankfully my Mom jumped in on Andrew's behalf making his absence on Saturday manageable and thus saving our marriage. Ha ha ha. That was a joke.

Seriously though, thank you Mom for watching the kids. I sure enjoyed sharing their games with you. I extend my deepest apologies over my ignorance to the fact that your camping chair was broken.

Thank you Bubba for providing Andrew with such a memorable outing. It 'spoke' to his nature loving soul. Feeling as though he had his fix of man stink nature, he said this experience quieted that voice in his head that is forever beckoning him to drop everything and move to a remote place in Canada to live solely off the land. Excuse me, what? You're husband doesn't have similar, hermit-like, aspirations? At any rate, we're glad he's found contentment in the land of suburbia, surrounded by his rug rats and an uptight wife whom he can still magically melt.