Sleight of Hand

We're going on day four of Sean being away for interviews. I'm so glad I'm here with my parents instead of by my lonesome at home.

Sean's been loving all his interviews. Each place becomes his favorite until he moves on to the next program. I only believe his opinion about a week later when his rose-colored glasses have come off.

Did you know he often does card tricks during his interviews. He listed "sleight of hand" on his application and every now and then an interviewer asks to see the magician at work. It makes a memorable impression.

Now come home, sweetie!

Jelly Belly

There happens to be a Jelly Belly center just across the border in Cheesehead land so we went for a tour.

Brian's family joined us, sans Brian.

My cute family came, of course, plus Grandpa.

Grandma was in charge of Grey, who slept through the whole tour (until everyone shouted "Jelly Belly!" at the end, that's when he woke up screaming). He didn't miss much because it wasn't a tour of a factory but of a warehouse. And warehouses are boring.

But we did ride on a little train and that was enough for Dash to enjoy.

Though we kept stopping to watch clips on televisions and Liam kept demanding that we, "go! go!"

The best part came after, the store. More specifically, the sample counter, where you can consume as may jelly beans as your stomache can contain with nothing to stop you except your own shame. And maybe a tummy ache.

Here's Liam eating a booger-flavored bean. Didn't faze him. What does that mean?

Dash is trying a cinnamon flavor. It ended up dribbling down his chin and in my hand. Wasn't a fan.

Matt's happy to try a Double Mint Chocolate bean. Smart move.

Grey wondered what the big deal was.

Naomi's psyching herself up to try some gross flavor. I can't remember what it was. Was it pencil shavings? Was it skunk?

Whatever it was, it was certainly gross. I barely caught her reaction before she ran to the garbage can.

I call that a Jelly Belly success!

Tasty Fist

Someone found his fist and has been sucking away ever since.

Leaves Are Falling

Back on the day we arrived in Illinois, my dad set to work gathering leaves.

Liam liked to watch dad work.

He liked getting leaves blown at him even more.

Where were Liam's brothers during all this?

Grey enjoyed the leaves too. But from the comfort and warmth of his car seat.

Dash was passed out on dad. Travel days make you sleep funny.

Meanwhile, Liam got into the thick of things.

And buried himself in foliage.

And he was kind enough to start putting the leaves back where they came from.

And the little man?

Still just hangin.

But Dash finally woke up! Dad was done leaf-blowing but the pile, of course, was begging to be jumped in.

I kicked some leaves in his face so he could get the experience too. I'm such a thoughtful mommy.

He probably could have disappeared in there if he'd tried.

I think this became a Dash-approved activity.

Liam came out again to play with him for a little. Notice how I sent them to go play right next to the street. Hey, it's Autumn, you got to do what you got to do.

Making His Rounds

Big Backyards

How great is a big backyard?

With a playground?

A playground with a big slide?

And a basement upon which you can spy?

Nothing. Big backyards with a playground with a big slide and a basement upon which you can spy are the best.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Neighborhood Playground

It's kind of weird to take you kids to the playground on which you grew up playing. Even if all the equipment is completely different.

It's also kind of weird being outside and needing coats.

You don't know what to make of that, do you Grey?

Didn't faze the twins though.

Aint nothin' going to keep Dash from scaling his slide.

Aint nothin' going to keep Liam from giggling up a storm.

But I was cold.

Making Ourselves At Home

We're at home. Well, my childhood home. Sean has some interviews nearby, plus there's thanksgiving, so we decided to all come up and stay.

As you can see, we're making ourselves at home. It's wonderful.

Grey's a Keeper

This little guy is 2 months old tomorrow. What's that now? 2 months! 2 months of wonderfulness. He went to the doctor last week so we have official measurements, I just... don't have them with me right now. I remember that he's in the 85 percentile in everything. I'm pretty sure he's 13 lb 2 oz (already halfway to his brothers' weights). His height is something like 24 inches? Something long.

Grey's doing beautifully. He almost always sleeps for at least six hours without eating at night. He eats like a champ and spits up like a super champ. He's pretty easy to soothe. He has the cutest sad face. His acne is fading away (I didn't remove anything for these photos). And more hair is growing! He even just started drooling. Aw.

The best part is that for a good half hour after he eats, he just wants to look at faces and smile. If he catches your eye, you best take a seat because you're stuck there for a good long while whether you like it or not (but I always like it). He's especially happy post-feeding after Liam and Dash have gone to bed. Or maybe I'm just better able to focus on him so it seems like he's extra happy. Whatever the truth is, I love that time with him, staring and smiling and talking. I love my Grey babe!