To Infinity and Beyond!

It was sometime in late 2008 when Aidan first watched the movie that would eventually etch itself into our lives.

At the time, the only children’s videos we owned were Baby Einstein – and those had long since lost their appeal to our little duo.  In my desperate attempt to gain a few moments of peace to prepare dinner, I frantically searched for something….anything…. that would grab Ella and Aidan’s attention for longer than 30 seconds.  I found the only other cartoon looking video we owned and popped it in the DVD player.

It worked, and Aidan was simply mesmerized.

From the moment the movie began, Woody, Buzz, Rex, Jessie, Bullseye, Ham and the gang became a part of us. 

By the time Christmas and his birthday rolled around that year, every character in Toy Story that those sweet little hands could carry went everywhere Aidan went. I can't count how many days we have sat and watched and re-watched that video.

Life seems so simple when your biggest problem is that you have lost Woody's hat or that Buzz's batteries have died. These toys have become a staple in our lives.  

Toy Story 3 has been out now since my birthday back in June - but Aidan was not allowed to go see the movie until he was sufficiently potty trained.

Yesterday afternoon we finally ventured out to see the latest Toy Story installment. I had no idea what to expect, but I had heard that it was a tear-jerker.

From the moment Woody came on the screen my eyes welled up with tears. In a bittersweet twist Aidan’s three-year old little hand grabbed his Daddy's and held tight throughout the movie.

An hour and a half later Andy was heading off to college saying goodbye to his toy friends forever and I couldn't help but feel the sting of time's merciless passing. The realization that time and change spare no one is sobering. I know that saying goodbye to Buzz and Woody is just around the corner and I'll never be ready.

Never.

And even though Aidan’s name will long since have been scratched off the bottom of Woody's boot, somehow I'll be ok knowing that hearing him excitedly scream the words “Buzz Wightyear – To Infinity, and Beyond!” will be written on my heart always and forever.

Friday Night Fun!

There is nothing quite like it when the humidity and extreme heat that has plagued us for the past month or so finally takes a break.  It is like you can suddenly take a deep breath and actually enjoy being outside!

Last night was just that - a perfect night with mild temperatures and low humidity - and we took full advantage of the welcome change in weather!

We met up with the Hollmeyer family (and cousin Jack) for some dinner, drinks and dunks in their neighborhood pool.

The kiddos all played in the baby pool for a while, but eventually we all gave in to the begging to swim in the big pool....and jump off the diving board!

Aidan gave it a try, but ended up changing his mind at the last minute....

After dinner and a quick ice cream break....

....it was back into the water again!

We were having so much fun that we wound up staying until the pool closed at 9 PM. 

There is nothing quite as wonderful as an evening spent with good friends and tired children who pass out as soon as their sleepy heads hit the pillow!

Flashback Friday

You may remember our first visit to the dentist - it was a bit stressful for both us and the kiddos:

 First Dentist Visit

And then there was the visit to our new dentist regarding Ella's gray tooth:

Ella's Gray Tooth

Well, our visit this past Wednesday was absolutely, positively wonderful!

I don't know if it was having baby Sally and Buzz Lightyear along for the journey, that Ella and Aidan are a bit older than last time, or that the environment at our new dentist is just that much better and more professional - whatever the case, both Ella and Aidan marched right in and sat in the chair to get their teeth cleaned like they had been doing it for years!

I was shocked at how easy the entire experience was, as I was more than a bit nervous about taking them by myself. In the end, I was beyond impressed with our little duo and so proud to see them chat with the hygenists and the Dr, even posing for a few pictures during their X-rays and with Dr Laxer!

And the best news of all - no cavities and a clean bill of dental health!

Ella's Incredible Eggs

A few days ago Ella and Aidan were coloring while I was preparing dinner.  Ella asked for a blank piece of paper so that she could draw an egg.

Interesting idea.....

Needless to say, I was amazed at what she created.

I gave her absolutely no direction or assistance of any kind. She was very clear about how the eggs needed arms, fingers, legs and feet and even included eyes, a nose, a mouth and hair.

Since then, she has made one incredible egg after another!