November 30th, 2018

November 30, 2018 shreffler

Baby’s first record lesson, with Lullaby for Working Class’ I Never Even Asked for Light

After Eleanor was playing with her record player, dad demonstrated how the family turntable works

November 26th, 2018

November 26, 2018 shreffler

Des “reading” Llama Llama Red Pajama before school

November 25th, 2018

November 25, 2018 shreffler

Hanging out under the tree while dad cajoles into lighting one final year

No, she’s not sleeping. Her “put ALL the things to sleep” hobby has evolved into herself as well.

“Awake,” Ella joins the rest of the family decorating the tree.

Desmond now has about a 50% accuracy rate, where only half need resetting by mom or dad as he fetches the next ornament.

Practicing a strict “look, but don’t touch” policy, Ella gazes at one of eight Snoopy ornaments

Des placing his special Darth Vader ornament

Des placing the star upon the tree

First viewing of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

November 24th, 2018

November 24, 2018 shreffler

Saturday morning cartoons with Daniel Tiger. If it wasn’t for the abundance of quality EQ concepts for kids and valuable parental insights, it’d hard to read or watch the same thing so frequently.

Barn version 22, now with rocket-powered tractors

Writing birthday thank you cards, with careful supervision of the glitter markers. Ella is sticker captain.

First viewing of Frosty the Snowman

Des assisting dad make sushi

Des trying out a new set of trainer chopsticks while Eleanor tries out her new hand-me-down set

Taking much longer than dad expected, the first course of shelled edamame provided the right level of food and entertainment.

Edible.

A land speed record for consumption, from the little zen masters of the slow food movement

He had to resort to the prior chopsticks, still a bit too much to coordinate with four-year-old-sized hands

November 23rd, 2018

November 23, 2018 shreffler

Each barn Des constructs must contain a fully operational crane

While the world is out shopping, it’s a good morning for a zoo trip with some friends

Petting the starfish, which will never be the same after watching Finding Dory

Des still insists this is not Nemo, but Nemo’s father, Martin

Little fishies convention

20+ laps later, still had to coax her into going to see the butterflies

Not her first time at the butterfly pavilion, but certainly the most excited she’s been to see so many real butterflies

Ella opted to join dad (racing eyes-closed through the insect section) to see the big butterflies outside

Ella (respectfully) encounters a new, inquisitive friend

The Great Standoff

Des keeping up with Grace and Clara

Little monkeys surveying the jungle

“Is your mama a llama?” I asked my friend Dave. “No, she is not,” is the answer Dave gave. “She hangs by her feet, and she lives in a cave. I do not believe that’s how llamas behave.” “Oh,” I said. “You are right about that. I think that your mama sounds more like a…”

This may have been right after Grace bonked Ella, but no tears

“Turtle!”

“When something is new, holding a hand can help you.”

Mom thoughtfully squeezing in as much exercise before nap time

And because it was a Friday, time to seize the falafel at Oasis Falafel of Omaha. Run, don’t walk.

Celebrating Falafel Friday with aunt Kellie

A bit hangry and pouty

But who wouldn’t smile at this feast??

After naps, it was time for the annual tradition of the tree lighting at the Durham Museum. Of course it all starts with meeting this guy-

One of the first in line to see Santa, going early is certainly advantageous. Then it’s off to decorate, and then consume, cookies.

The first holiday cookie of the season

When dad asked Eleanor if she would share a little bit of her cookie, she was eager to oblige. Des points to the crumb that was (laughably) even too small for a mouse.

Rudolph!

One of these years we’ll stay late enough for the actual lighting ceremony 🙂

Des with some trepidation, but not sister.

Staring at the tiny cows and chickens

Yeah, someone is tired

Thanksgiving 2018

November 22, 2018 shreffler

The lego barn from last night gets a complete renovation

“YAY” for parades!

Eleanor checking on dad’s bread

Have to wear ear protection when watching marching bands, apparently this includes TV appearances as well

While there is a linear limit to track lengths in the living room, Des is eager to explore the limits. With a little help from the cow.

Ms. Lounge

…continued.

There was a bit of a mixup on meal/nap timing, with Eleanor eventually shifting into the ultra-rare “full gutted velociraptor mode.” Knowing time was of no use to the situation, dad resorted to driving her around in the car until she passed out. Even Eleanor’s inner strength and persistence is no match for being tired in a car on the interstate. Ten minutes into the nice fall drive towards the Loess Hills Scenic Byway (strategically selected for the sleeping-supporting shady ravines), she was out cold.