The Fight

So my dad has a room built under his garage that we call the play room. It has toys for all ages. The kids would go down and play in the toy room and have a good time. The adults started falling into an out of sight out of mind peaceful lull until......the fight.

The funny thing is that Jordan recorded the event on her phone, but couldn't figure out how to email it out or the file was too big. So here is what I remember seeing on her phone. I really wish I could have gotten the file from her because it was priceless.

We really didn't have much crying or fighting going on with the kids, they played great together except for this one time. Bella came upstairs crying because Ellery wasn't sharing and went out of her turn. I have no idea what game they were playing, but the video showed them pushing a play table up to the pool table and climbing up on that table to get on top of the pool table then jump off the table to the floor. I guess Ellery went out of turn and wasn't remorseful enough for Bella. Bella then decided that she wasn't going to let Ellery climb up on the small table to get on top the pool table. Bella was kicking Ellery so she couldn't get up while Ellery was hitting at Bella's legs trying to get up. This whole time they are yelling, kicking, and hitting each other A) Jordan is recording and not intervening and B) Mason is just crawling around on the pool table behind them like a caged animal not giving them any attention or help and C) the adults are upstairs oblivious to it all. My take on the event is Mason couldn't understand why they were fighting just climb on up and crawl around with me and then launch yourself off to do it again. Who cares who's first just go. Ellery was so excited to play on top of the pool table she lapped Bella and Bella didn't like that. Ellery just kept on a going and Bella thought Ellery should stop and acknowledge her system approach rule breaking. I can imagine Ellery looked at Bella like she had 2 heads with a get over it and keep going look where Bella clearly wasn't over it and wanted to let Ellery know. Needless to say all tears were dried up in a flash, new rules were placed on no playing on the pool table along with no hitting and kicking.

Christmas with Papaw

When you head from a fairly large town to a small town in Kansas, you can't do much but sit back and enjoy the company and the relaxation. That is what is nice about going some place else. I don't have my house to worry about or anything in it to do, what a blessing and just what I needed.

Papaw and Grandma Debbie spoiled the kids as usual. From toys to making donuts. The joke of the week was to tell Papaw to smile and he would say he is. The verdict is still out if one can consider it a smile. He would have been great in taking pictures in the wild west days.

A girl always loves a small box and Papaw gave Jill and I matching necklaces. you an see it in the photo dangling around my neck. I also got the pretty scarf I tied around my head, I didn't get around to doing my hair before we opened presents.

Papaw gave rides around the block and the kids really enjoyed it. Mason is sitting in the back with dead pheasant and smearing blood all over. Ewww

Lots of lounging was going on, if you can consider all the kids on you lounging?

One of my highlights was updating Jordan's status on facebook. She used the macbook and left herself signed in and I posted some great ones, yet she felt the need to delete my posts? It was funny I said something in one post on how great her family was and to "text me" and I'll tell you all about it, and some of her friends texted her about it! Priceless!

Uncle Todd and family Visit

Oh to sum up the visit in Omaha. Jill really enjoyed snuggling and holding Bryson. I am lucky I breast feed or I don't think I would get to hold my baby much when she is around. Isabella is really into Bryson and very curious when he eats. She states she wants a baby sister, but I convinced her she wanted a baby brother like Bryson.

Jordan painted toes and nails including Mason's. She decorated them in Auburn colors, but the orange could pass as red and the blue is dark, but it could pass as KU colors if one wasn't looking too hard. The kids were really excited. The girls later headed out for real pedicures where Jordan got her nails painted in bright green with a flower bling. Jill and I laughed we were not offered flower art on our nails, they must put an age limit on it and we clearly didn't make the cut off.

Isabella really enjoyed chasing the cat. She could be playing and mid way through her play she would stop playing to go find or chase the cat. She at least referred to her as DC this year, unlike last year where she was known as CD.

I could ramble on and on, but I will contain myself. I wish we lived closer to this bunch. I think I need to start job searching for my brother so he can move closer to us!

Christmas with Nana

We had Christmas with Nana again in Omaha this year. We had Grandma Gray over, but I never broke out the camera. She witnessed the shredding of paper and the kids playing with toys. Nana gave the kids winged PJ's again this year and they are a huge hit and yet again I never broke out the camera.

Another huge hit was the baby doll Nana gave Ellery. It jumps up and down and giggles. Ellery and Bryson really enjoyed playing with the new doll.

Uncle Todd and Aunt Jill gave Mason Buzz wings. I don't think I need to elaborate anymore on how thrilled he was with this new toy.

Lastly we had some fun on the Wii. Nana brought up Wii Dance and oh boy was it fun. Isabella gets the gold star on dance moves and improvising. I was impressed with my kids dance skills as well. Rob refused to even try, bah hum bug!

A Trip To the Zoo

We hit the Omaha zoo today with the family. Our zoo really is amazing and a lot of fun. The highlight of this trip was seeing a Bernese Python eating a white bunny rabbit. We missed the initial feeding. We didn't get to see if bunny was alive when put in the cage or the capture. We did however get to witness the squeezing of the bunny and the jaw unhinge to eat the bunny. It was a mixed emotion moment. Initially I wasn't going to let the kids see or explain what was going on, but they were really into watching the snake eat. We went with the survival of the fitness explanation with emphasis on everyone has to eat and that snake eats bunnies. I don't know why I keep saying bunny it was a full grown rabbit. We watched until all we could see was two bunny feet sticking out the mouth of the snake. I think everyone really enjoyed the zoo experience. We also had a duck that was interested in trying to eat everyone through the glass.

Bryson 5 Months

This little peanut is already 5 months old. Not much has changed since last month except he has rolled over witnessed. He is still happy to be on his back and doesn't flip himself over too fast when on his back. He is starting to blow bubbles and coo at us a lot more. He loves watching the kids play and instantly starts crying when he is left alone in a room and the chaos disappears. We have outgrown size 1 diapers and are wearing 6-9 month outfits for length only. He doesn't fill out the outfits. Most of the pants fit in length, but not in the waist. He also can grasp toys a lot better and loves chewing on things. No teeth coming through yet. He also has been enjoying more time in the exersaucer. Happy baby sums him up!

Do you See a Pattern

Hmmmmm, Mason has been pointing out a lot of patterns lately. They have really been working this concept at school. I happened to see a patten with holding Bryson lately.

Holiday Baking

We did some holiday baking prior to Christmas and the kids were really excited when the frosting came out. With some controlled help we were able to frost a few that we could share with friends. We had to stop our pile of share cookies because I caught Ellery sticking the frosting ends in her mouth. I then gave the green light to frost without supervision and this is what they created. I have to admit I do like a lot of frosting so I was pleased with our results.

Good Morning

Mason came around the corner in this ensemble prior to 7 am. What a way to start the day!

Who's Been Nice? Merry Christmas 2010

The Chaplin kids have been very nice! Oh what joys Christmas mornings can bring. The kids came down in their matching buzz lightyear pj's and were so excited to see that Santa came for a visit. Mason got slinky dog and Ellery got Rex. Mason was also surprised with a Batcave while Ellery got a new baby doll with a high chair. Santa thought it might be wise to have some where for her babies to sit when Bryson starts taking solids. We also got a few new games. Santa brought Break the Ice and the Toy Story version of Operation. Santa must have been really sleep deprived to give games with so many pieces. It was a very Merry Christmas.

Christmas Picture

Here is this years Christmas card. Hope you are enjoying the holidays as much as we are!

Christmas Eve 2010

We hit the 4:00 Christmas Eve service this year and then drove around to peek at some Christmas lights. We found the Clark Griswold house this year, and he even has the Meliekliklaka spelled out with all the other decorations. I should have captured the moment on film. I would hate living next to it, but the kids really enjoyed looking at it. We have switched churches and our Church meets at one of the public schools so we weren't able to have candles, but they did give out glow sticks and the kids really enjoyed them. In keeping up with last years tradition we let the kids open presents on Christmas Eve. Rob and I can't remember who wanted to do this last year, but he is pretty sure it was my idea. We game them matching pj's and some fancy bath toys and soap. They were so excited to take a bath with their new toys that we forgot to feed Santa. We did remember to sprinkle out our reindeer sparkle food outside earlier in the night. The kids make it at Mason's school. The real highlight of the evening is when Santa called our house aka Papaw. Rob brought the phone to us as I was saying good night to the kids and he said "Papaw wants to ask the kids if they are excited for Santa" The kids heard the word Santa and thought it was actually Santa on the phone. Papaw played the role and even Ho HO Ho for them. Their faces really lit up with the Ho Ho's.

Christmas with Grandma Ellen

We had an early Christmas with Grandma Ellen. The kids were excited to see her, but even more excited when they saw that she had presents. The highlight was a spiderman punching bag that is as tall as Mason. For some reason they would say nibble every time they hit it? The really funny thing is that when Ellery was opening her present she ripped off the paper and stated look at my box with enthusiasm. She was throwing the box down without even looking inside of it. She was excited to just take wrapping paper off and happy to have received a box!

KU Basketball

We headed out to the Qwest center to watch a KU women's basketball game against Creighton. Grandma Ellen came into town and was able to join us for the big event. Bryson enjoyed some snuggle time with her while Mason and Ellery kept asking where the Jayhawk was. The Creighton Bluejay came over to give us high fives. Ellery thought the Bluejay was a Jayhawk, but Mason kept correcting her. We all had a good time at the game, but I think the real highlight came with the gigantic escalator ride. If you don't remember Mason and I got stuck in an airport for multiple days when he was younger and rode the regular escalators for at least 45 min. He must have some deep seated memory of it because he spotted these escalators and instantly requested a ride.

Braids

Oh the little one is growing up so fast. One day her hair isn't long enough and the next day it is long enough to braid. Yes, I am the tard who put her bow in upside down. She was thrilled to get her hair done, she stood still for it and then went running to the bathroom to see it. We lifted it up for her to see it in the mirror and the excitement on her face was sweet.

Happy Birthday Rob

Happy Birthday to the love of my life!

It might be that we went out for Rob's birthday to see the newest Harry Potter, but the birthday hats were supposed to be birthday hats, but they somehow all look like little wizards. When I would ask Mason what we should get Rob for his birthday he would suggest a new phone or computer. He is his father's son, he is trying to tug at Rob's heart strings, electronics. I think we are all going to be his favorites for awhile. We got Rob a new Sony Blu-ray player with google tv built in it. I do have to admit it is pretty cool and the features are amazing! He has been enjoying it himself. We celebrated first thing in the morning. Rob even had his birthday cake for breakfast, I am finally rubbing of on him. We did skip church and in our defense it was the cantata. A lovely service, but we weren't in the festive singing mood this am. After a nice relaxing day we headed out for a birthday date to see Harry Potter. I sure enjoyed his day and I hope Rob enjoyed his day as well! I'll never get tired of celebrating this day!!

Church Christmas Program

We upgraded Ellery at Church to the 3 year old room even though she is only 2. When we told her she could do a craft in the three year old Sunday school room it helped her with the transition. Since we upgraded her a few months ago she has been able to practice all the Christmas program songs. She was very excited to be a part of the Christmas program. Mason was excited as well, we sang the songs in the car, at the dinner table, in the bathtub, you name the place we were and we probably were singing the songs. Mason sang the songs everywhere but at Church he clams up and doesn't participate. Ellery stayed in her sheep character, but was so interested in what was going on around her that she didn't remember to sing. Mason did his usual and tear up, except the situation, but still won't sing.

A special thanks goes out to Rob. I rolled back into town just in time to see the performance. Rob had to get the kids dressed and ready for the big event, he even did Ellery's hair! Go Daddy Go!

Rolling Over

Well, it was finally witnessed, but not captured. Bryson finally rolled over in front of an audience. We were all watching him at Papaw's and he was enjoying all the attention and decided to show off. He was grabbing his feet and then flipped himself over. Go Bryson!

34 Years of Service

The reason Bryson and I hit the open road to Kansas was to come celebrate with Papaw. After 34 years of service to the State of Kansas he decided to retire. If you want to finally get slapped in the face with feeling "old" watch your parent retire. I am so proud of my dad and the reception was spectacular, it truly was an honor to attend. I actually debated missing the event due to it being so close to Christmas and I will never regret making the time to go. Proud doesn't seem to encompass the feeling I felt for my dad, but I was a proud daughter.
50+ Highway Patrol friends showed up to share their stories and memories. Some I recall while others were fun to hear. I knew my dad was ornery, and people have stories to prove it. A man who knew how to have fun and keep it real while knowing when to stop to be a professionalism. I think I would have enjoyed working with my dad. It was also fun to see familiar Highway Patrol faces that I grew up with that I hadn't seen since my dad lost his legs. I wasn't up for a lot of conversation at that point in life, so I am glad I was able to chat with them at a more peaceful setting. I really enjoyed the stories I got to hear from giving someone his car at a moments notice so they could drive 3 more hours to get to spend time with a dying loved one not knowing when they would return with his car, to pulling into a truck stop driving the truck drivers truck while truck driver drove his patrol car. They really are priceless. He was known for many things. I remember him shining his shoes and brass every night and even helping him. It got around that he kept his brass so shiny that he rubbed the KS State Seal off the badge-True. He used some sort of paste that I am sure was toxic to the skin, but it came out of the tube pink, but we would rub until our fingers were black. I used to watch him finish accident reports and then borrow his ruler with they symbols in it to draw pictures. I think I actually still have that ruler. Wonderful wonderful memories. My fondest memory is when he got the green camero patrol car. He came home and told me to get in and lets go for a ride. A big no no with a state car let alone the patrol car. He drove us north of town in Cimarron and then stopped the car. He got out of the car and told me to do the same and get in the drivers seat. I was grinning ear to ear just getting to ride in it. I was beyond excitement getting to drive it. I got in and and drove off normally with a bit more caution and my dad told me to stop the car. I thought oh what a short drive. He then told me to "punch it" and go for it. I know what it's like to put the pedal to the medal and what a feeling. Thanks for all the great memories dad and I hope you enjoy your retirement!!!We couldn't be more proud of you dad for all of your years of service! What dedication, something I hope to teach my children.

Papaw Meets Bryson

I first have to say I really enjoyed my silence in the 5 hour drive. Bryson cried for 10 min tops the whole trip! I hope he travels that good in two weeks when we come back for the holidays!
Due to crazy schedules, sickness and other ailments we haven't been able to see Papaw. Bryson is at a perfect age to meet Papaw, he isn't such a slug and is more interactive every day. I think the two enjoyed each other.

Road Trip

Wish us luck we are heading to Kansas on a road trip. We are leaving the others behind while Bryson and I hit the open road alone. What will I do with silence in the car? Enjoy it, that's what!

Santa

We went to see Santa again. We decided to make Bryson a mini Santa thanks to Mason's hand me downs. He wasn't too thrilled on the visit. Mason was excited to tell Santa he wanted a slinky dog and Ellery wanted a big baby. Can you tell my kids love Toy Story?

Exersucer

A friend of ours moved to KC after Bryson was born. I am sad she left us, but happy she left us her exersaucer. We never had one for the other two kids, and boy did they miss out. It seems that Bryson in enjoying himself in it!

Cousins

TJ, Melissa, and Seth came down for a visit from SD. They came to see us, but they also really needed a shopping trip to Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. Let me just mention that Melissa is on a first name basis with the manager at Trader Joe's now, I don't think I need to say anymore, but I will. They treated Trader Joe's like a Sam's Club in bulk buying. They stocked up so much I don't know when they will be back for more, but we hope soon. Plus it was like having a personal shopper in the store. Try this and oh these are so good. I didn't need anything but some how came how with $75. I will say they chocolate covered blueberries are a new favorite. YUMMY. It was great visiting with them and spending good quality time together. We hope to do it again soon! We also feel very special because it was Seth's first trip out of SD.
This bunch is going to grow up together. What a joy that will bring to watch. Plus TJ and Melissa aren't done having babies, so they will add more to this bunch. They are so cute I could pluck them off like grapes and just eat them all up!
These two are just tooooo cute. I think TJ and Melissa will get the short end on these two growing up together. Seth is their first and I assume will lead a sheltered life like Mason did until we added the second child. With Bryson being the third, I am a bit nervous on what he will teach Seth from what he has learned from his older siblings. I am going to go with the response of how it just is building character!

The family tree lesson is that Seth is really a first cousins once removed or something like that. I am going to just tell my kids they are cousins rather than try to explain the family tree lesson. I will leave that up to TJ and Rob to explain, and when they explain it to the kids could they make sure I am present so I can get a refresher as well.

Good BUY ol Friend

Hold you seats for this one...After almost a year and many discussions Rob has finally sold his car. I could tell many stories over this car. I am not as sad as Rob to see it go. I did get a few drive by marriage proposals in the car. The last one I received was when I was pregnant with Bryson driving through the Sonic parking lot. A cute little teenie bopper of a kid screamed out Marry Me as I was getting my slurpie. I think it was clear he wanted me for my car. I still remember Rob coming and finding me at work in KC to show me the car before he bought it. I was working at KU Med Center and took a break and went for a spin. I think that might have been a hospital no no. Oh, on and on I could go. I am really surprised I never got a ticket in the car because it really zipped around. I felt like a racecar driver in it the way it would accel.
A year ago I was surprised with a new car and Rob decided he would take th 4-Runner. I think all the snow we had last year helped him make that decision becuase the Subaru wouldn't have made it out of our neighborhood. He liked being in a SUV and being higher up on the highway. We decided we would sell the Subaru. Of course we had to wait until all the snow cleared and it got nicer out to put a sign on the car, yet Rob still didn't put the sign up in the car. I think he finally posted the car on Craigslist in April, but still no sign in the window. Not to mention he was asking well over blue book value. A bit resistant in letting the car go. In June he finally put some signs in the car windows and re posted it on Craigslist. I think his pregnant hormonal wife made him finally put up the signs. Still asking over blue book price. We then have a family meeting over the car mid July. We discussed if he really didn't want to sell the car then sell the 4-Runner. We came out of our discussion that we would still get rid of the Subaru. Had a baby in July, hormonal wife let the car discussions go to take care of baby instead. I came out of the 3 month phog of having a baby in late October and sat us down for another family car discussion. We left that discussion if the car wasn't sold by December I could take it to Carmax and pocket all the money I got for the car. Plus, I was dreading shoveling snow around it again this winter. So a nice young college student named, Telong, is driving Rob's old favorite car. I hope Telong gets as many good miles out of the car as we did! Good Buy Ol Subaru. Please give Rob a hug, he needs it after letting this car go. It only took him a year to say good-bye.

School Holiday Program Ba Hum Bug

Mason has survived another school holiday program with less participation than last years? I find it mind boggling. He sings the songs here at home and in the car, but when the time comes to perform he barely delivers a smile. I don't see that drama is going to be a career path he will pursue. He even refused the festive red nose? He keeps this up and he might be referred to as a Scrooge?

New Sleeping Arrangements

We have done some bed rearranging in the Chaplin house yet again. Why we didn't think of this option the first place is beyond us, but we have now figured it out. We decided that since Ellery's room has the private bath we should move the queen size bed back to her room, so when we have guests they don't have to share the bathroom the kids are currently using. Not to mention they would have a bit more privacy a bonus in my book. Ellery doesn't realize she has a bathroom off her room yet, and we haven't promoted it. We have had a lot of company the past few months and they have been coming in multiples. Booking up the guest room in the basement and flowing over to the upstairs. We were booting Mason from his room and letting him sleep on the floor in either our room or Ellery's when the light bulb went off that we should do the switch a roo in beds because we probably will have multiple guests in the house

in the near future. AKA Christmas.

Well, Rob was super excited to look for beds. We were really tempted to buy the loft style bed, but went against our urge and bought the standard bunk beds for Mason's room. I think the price of the loft style bed had a huge play in out decision as well. We got a steal of a deal on these bunk beds and a great price point seems to make things more appealing to us! The kids are loving it and Mason informed us he is going to make a "pattern" out of his sleeping arrangements. One night on the bottom and the next night on top. I now have a quest to buy bedding for the rooms. Poor Ellery was sleeping on Mason's old blue space sheets and comforter on her twin and now that she has the queen she gets his blue comforter. I am going to buy her something girly and hopefully pink!

Ellery's first night in her queen size bed. She can sleep any way she wants on it. It makes her look so small again.

Mason back on a twin and sleeping in bunk beds for the first time. Funny it doesn't make him look small. When he outgrows them, Bryson can put miles on them.

Mommies Reindeers

Oh the things we tease and do to Rob. We pulled out the reindeer head bands and the kids were having a jolly ol time in them. They brought one to Rob and it was damaged in transport to him so he looks like a mangled reindeer. I personally like that Mason is wearing one with white fluff on it and has no concept or concern about it.

School Pictures

Well, we got Mason's school pictures back about a month ago. They were still sitting in the clear plastic front envelope. It seems everything else has changed since I was little, but not the envelope that school pictures come home in. Maybe I will get around to getting these out to family for Christmas since I have waited so long to cut them out.

He looks so grown up, but I guess that is because he is growing up????