Tag Archives: Aunt Megan

January 5th, 2019

A treat for breakfast- chocolate malt-o-meal, although Ella blindly declines before tasting (via her favorite phrase- “no thank you, I do not like that”)

Upon leaving aunt Megan’s house for brother’s haircut, Eleanor had to say good-bye to the potpourri light (?)

Clearly her “happy to be awake after nap” face

Ella walking Max or is Max walking Ella?

It was just barely warm enough to venture downtown for the fireworks display with aunt Megan, Liam and Viv

It was nice to see the familiar Gene Leahy Mall holiday scene one last time before construction begins soon

Pre-game snacks

Eleanor can sense there’s something going on, but she’s still not quite sure what exactly is happening here

Des scored some sweet new shades for the fireworks

Ella charges with, “KISS!”

Des staring out at the lights- one of mom and dad’s first dates many years ago walking around with hot chocolate, counting these very same lights

And then there were fireworks!

Des insists the glasses he got are a worthwhile optic effect, dad is less sure, given the required effort

A classic Omaha night

Boxing Day 2018

Shenanigans with pa before brunch

Ready for ma’s special french toast

Three cousin peas in a pod

“My monkey!”

Des opening his present from ma and pa- a “fort building” set that’s effectively a life-size set of tinker toys

Everyone gets a UNO Mavs hat, though Ella’s has big googly eyes

And quite possibly her favorite, a (kids themed) duck call

“QUACK!”

Ella and Margaret taking a nap

Chilling like a mermaid

R2-D2 minifig, dad’s inner child is a little jealous

Feeding her baby after mom lends her diapering expertise

And again.

Although she’s becoming an increasingly active sleeper as well

December 8th, 2018

An annual tradition, the kids and cousins visit pa’s union hall to visit Santa

Hugs!

Contemplative Ella

She’s pro-hug, but only up until 4-5 seconds…

Desmond asking Santa for a remote-control dinosaur (?), he’s a little less shy this year

This did not last long

Ok, cookie. That’s better

Eleanor, fond of all creatures of significant size, offers a giant hug to giant inflated polar bear

Thanksgiving 2018

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.

Des and Viv playing some variant of Go, obviously to their own rules

Saying “hi” to the chickens

Aunt Megan graciously giving shaggy Des a haircut

Pre-dinner arts and crafts time

That’s a Thanksgiving wrap

November 16th, 2018

Eating dinner over at aunt Megan’s new house for Viv’s birthday, the kids relax for a few tacos. And for the llama kids unaccustomed to smoothies that aren’t mostly spinach, fruit and veggies, it seemed like a treat they were “getting away with” and defensively chugged without pause. Viv gives dad the download…

Happy birthday, Genevieve!!

Ella’s piece of cupcake lasted about as long as you’d expect

Playing with some of Viv’s new birthday gifts, styling the bracelets with ma

November 11th, 2018

Des’ second movie, with the cousins to see new The Grinch (which was remarkably good)

Beeping the dog’s nose, although later frustrated by its random responses- “No doggie, sing ABCs!”

May Des’ Fourth Be With You

What was certain to be a good omen, Desmond starts his birthday party day with the season’s first snowfall. On a trip with dad to nab folding chairs, Des also gets a special birthday hot chocolate

All warm

A young Jedi recreating a scene in Star Wars

Eleanor is in a phase where any material, regardless of how small, is either spread out as a blanket to lay on or cover something that is “going sleepy”

Ella is as surprised as everyone else that the snow is sticking and begins to accumulate

What dad thought would be just a nice background (while Beatles played on the speakers) ended up being an early focal point of the birthday party

Getting pigtails with aunt Megan, who is significantly more skilled than mom and dad

Snack picnic

When originally prompted for birthday theme ideas, Des, almost without thinking, replied “Star Wars and Rainbows.” Safe to say, mom and dad’s baker friend nailed it. Mom took to the next level with action figures.

Ella and pa negotiating terms for sharing chips

One can only assume he’s wishing to watch Empire Strikes Back. Or for real-life dinosaurs…

Ella showing off her fork skills for great-grandma Jan

Action figures rivaling cake and ice cream for attention

When you’re so cute, everyone offers you a bite of cake

Desmond solicits help from Liam reading cards

Making the rounds

Mom demonstrating how the R2-D2 candy dispenser works

Hug pile with ma

And the party inevitably ends in some sort of balloon-oriented mayhem

(Mom gets award for best birthday installation)

September 23rd, 2018

After a hotel room picnic breakfast, it was time for swimsuits and the most invigorating morning swim ever. Mostly docking in the jacuzzi, there were a few adrenaline junkie excursions to the main and kiddie pools

Future deep marine explorer Eleanor doesn’t seem to mind

Out for the annul classic car show. On the hunt for Mustangs and before the defeating search for any non-deep-fried-dessert vegetarian food option.

Mom’s resourceful idea to source a few slices of Casey’s cheese pizza provided the foundation of the late lunch picnic

Desmond further testing heights, summits the playground dome eerily reminiscent of dad’s (and aunt Kellie’s) elementary school

Today, Eleanor appears to be pro-swing (it varies)

On the drive home, naps are had by all (but dad)

Cause what could be the proper end scene of a 20-hour road trip? A visit to Surfside for Aunt Megan’s birthday was (unexpectedly easy and) enjoyable

When your order for corn fritters is still waiting, you apparently practice tossing rocks towards the river

Des quickly finds the bounce house (cause that’s apparently permanent?)

Eleanor and Ol’ Monkey Butt

Des catching a peek at the evening’s special birthday treat

Waiting the requisite six full minutes before engaging in gravity-jarring, nausea-inducing fun of bouncing uncontrollably…