The Cable Conundrum

For a couple years now, Erik and I would occasionally have the discussion of how we need to get rid of cable. It costs too much and do we really watch it that often to merit the cost? Well the answer was obvious but there was one pesky factor: football. How would we watch men in tight pants run around with their toned buns on display?

Well we are into month four of our life without cable and fall is upon us. And you know what? It has been just fine. Of course this has all been supplemented by Netflix, Hulu Plus and NFL Sunday ticket, along with streaming any other items from various sites to the TV via Apple TV. Our remote has so many functions that it may as well solve world peace while it's at it.

Even with all this, we still come out much farther ahead than paying Comcast with our children's naming rights. Do we spend less time in front of the TV? Nah, not really. But it's less time flipping channels and mindlessly scrolling through the channel guide.

Thinking about quitting cable? Go ahead and stick it to the man. You can do it. 

"Yay! We can still watch football! Go Team Blerghy-Blerghs!"

Around the Homestead

We are hanging on to the last of the sunny days here at the homestead, although I'm excited for Fall as it is my favorite season. And to be honest, one of the main reasons it is my favorite is that it signals the return of pants weather. This homegirl is not a fan of shorts. And I would say that I hate shaving my legs everyday but if I am - again - being honest, I'm not really great about that during the summer, either. Moving on.

Landon is back in his little preschool three days a week, testing the waters in the "big kids" room. The waters are a little choppy right now, but I think there are some calm seas on the horizon. His focus and intensity perhaps are a little unique for a toddler crew, but I personally believe this means great things are ahead for him as long as we can harness his behaviors with the power of kindness and productivity. And so he shall be named: Super Landon!

Anders is not yet in any type of program and hangs with me. I suspect he will one day invent a line of mommy-and-me clothing, the main product of course would be matching track suits with NASA-strength Velcro strips that allow the baby/toddler to be attached to his mother for the majority of the day. He will also someday invent the ultimate sippy cup because right now he just goes from cup to cup like the little girl in Signs ("This one is contaminated.")

Without further ado, some pics:

Picking up some blueberries at the farm and stopping to say hi to the chickens.

Attending our friend Aiden's super hero themed birthday party.

Mom and Dad escape for a day to complete an aerial ropes activity (seriously) and to visit the Red Hook Brewery in Woodinville, WA. Squadron event - I am far too lame to plan something like that for a date.

Football has returned.

The grass is back.

The Fall boogers are running.

"Landon, isn't it nice that it's sunny again today? Landon? Can you see me?"

The return of the fat spiders and their crazy glue sticky webs. I battle them daily in our backyard.

Always a favorite for Landon: visiting the construction vehicles at the old mill site.

Anders' daily collection of cups.

My Mom Dressed Me

If you ever see flying pigs, it means that Anders made it out of the house in something other than pajama pants.

My Mom Dressed Me

...or lack thereof.

Bonus points for big brother licking a tree in the background.

Family Hike

True.

Gift Idea

Can someone please get this for me for my birthday next month? My sense of humor is laced with enough self-deprecation that I would get a smile out of it every morning. And it reminds me of wise words my mother-in-law shares with me all the time: "You don't have to the best mom, you just have to be good enough." True dat.

After a cranky week of a jet lagged household, I lost my cool more than I care to admit. But I'm human. And I'm a good mom. I know this. Just get me the darn mug, Erik.

Time with Great Grandma

Erik's grandma is amazing - the woman is 96 years old and very sharp and has good wit. How awesome is it that the boys were able to enjoy some time with her during our visit back to Maryland? Landon was especially fond of having her read the Boo Hoo Baby book. [Landon likes to see babies crying. Especially younger brothers. At the hands of his wrath.]

Darnit, Landon... this could have been THE picture! Oh well, 4 out of 5 ain't bad.

 

Darnit, Grandma... this could have been THE picture! Oh well, 4 out of 5 ain't bad.

Toddler radar: A grandma is reading? Time to snuggle up!

Adding cousin Camden (who I've personally nicknamed Prince Smooshy Moosh) into the mix.

Silly Family

Going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo

One of our excursions during our visit to Maryland was a trip to the Catoctin Zoo, a small preserve near Grandma's house where the animals are a tad on the mangy side, but the kids didn't know the difference. They had a wonderful time, especially Anders who had - until that point in the trip - been acting like a zoo animal himself, terrorized by new toofies and new faces. It was an awesome reprieve to see him smiling and toddling around.

Anders loving the birds. Seriously, he was crazy about all the birds.

Inside joke between Anders and Papa Dude.

Birds!

Landon loved being with Aunt Ingrid.

Were they running off into the distance? Or did they stop for a choreographed line dance? You'll never know.

Map break and cell phone break. The modern world.

Chasing a bunny. Forget the jaguars and leopards.

Koi pond before everyone got splashed.

Feed me, Seymour.

Nom nom nom.

 

I loved it! Thank you, Grandma, Papa Dude and Aunt Schming!

Toofie Tantrums

I'm a little behind on posts, but summer is closing out nicely. We just finished our trip back to the East coast to visit family and are trying to get back in the swing of things here at home sweet home. In the meantime, Anders top two Chiclets came in, conveniently during our travels. Which means there was a whole lot of THIS going on:

Let it all out, buddy. Let it all out. The neighbors love it.

I will be posting pics from our trip over the next few days. Thanks to everyone for such a great time!