Halloween Ramp Up!

These two are on the lookout for anyone who isn't the Halloween Spirit.  You've been warned.

Commutative

I recently taught Simone (and Max, but I doubt he was paying attention) to the concept of something being commutative.  When a process is commutative it doesn't matter which order things are done.  This applies to addition.  You can add the numbers in whatever order and you will still get the same answer.  This is not so with subtraction.

The book we were reading gave examples of non-commutative processes.  The order that you put your socks and shoes is important.  So is brushing your teeth and heading to the bathroom.  You have to do one thing before the next part can be done.  Do give them another example of something that is not commutative, I said, "You wouldn't put your pants on first and then your underwear, right?"

They agreed with a giggle, but before I could continue with the rest of the reading Simone thoughtfully added ...

"Unless you're a superhero."

Work Out More, Mommy!

We went to a new LA Fitness that opened up close to our bus than the original gym we joined.  I dropped off the kids in a pleasant-looking childcare room with some play structures that resembled a cartoon forest and then danced my heart out at a Zumba class.

After a good hour of shaking my bootie and sweating off the Kettle chips I ate the night before, I retrieved the kids from the gym's care ... much to the disappointment of Simone.  She must have been having a great time because she asked me to work out more.  I could see what intrigued her about the room. Not only were there nice, smiling kids playing calmly, but there were little cars that Simone has always loved to play in (their movement is propelled by the child's feet a-la-Flinstones) since she was a wee one. 

But I had dinner to make and it was getting dark.  Ok, ok.   I had no desire to work out more.  Simone though wanted to use all her debate skills to buy more time to play.  So after I told her no, we have to go home, she retorted ...

"But Mommy!  You're still fat!"

Ouch.

Caught

I walked into the bus after cleaning up outside and I found this scene.

Ok, ok ... we recreated what I saw, but it was a mere 10 seconds after I caught him that he posed similar to how I found him.  It was pretty harmless.  He was trying to get a cup.  I doubt it was for a glass of milk because the kids now copy their dad and drink the milk straight from the box.  He might have been getting a cup to play with water, hence the guilty look on his face.

Late Night

Sometimes we continue watching TV after dinner.  It can be tough if we don't tell the kids to go through their bedtime rituals (changing clothes, brushing & flossing their teeth, and peeing).

Max has the extra problem of cleaning his face after a dessert of pocky sticks.

Back in Virginia

One evening,  we're MD Living, the next morning, we're supernoVA

Another Future Architect?

Michael and I didn't need these pieces of wood,  but Max found a use for them.