Working too hard

Seems like the last photo of Mara and Ellen was a popular one, so I thought I'd post another. They're both in the rocking chair this time. Somehow Stacey performed a miracle and got them both to sit still for a little while. There's more good photos in the same setting, but I thought y'all would get a good chuckle out of this one.

Another photo I thought would get a laugh or two is this one of Dad and Stacey. Dad is fresh out of the field the weekend Mom watched the kids while Stacey headed for Dallas. Pretty funny. Nice hair dad!

I'm a bachelor this week with a "honey-do" list longer than my, well, it's long. Paint the upstairs walls, cut new trim, paint said trim, remove door to basement, hang new door, paint said door and frame, do trim work for new door. Ugh. Ran out of paint last night. I thought Menards was open later than it was. Dammit. I thought, oh well, I'll sit down and watch the Patriots and Bills game. That game was over 10 minutes into the 1st quarter.

Headed to Des Moines for the Thanksgiving feast. Looking forward to a few days off. 8th annual (2nd for me) Turkey day MTB ride in Des Moines on Thursday morning too. Looking forward to that.

Ellen walks. Mara Talks.

So Ellen starting walking a couple weeks ago. She'd been making a lot of attempts, but gave up quickly. She crawled so fast, we weren't sure she thought she needed to walk. But recently, walking has become her main mode of transportation. For some reason, she feels more comfortable and seems to be more balanced when she takes off one of her socks, puts it in her mouth and then walks around aimlessly. It's great to watch her except when she bounces her head off the dining room table.

Mara's vocabulary has really flourished. She says words I don't know how she could know. Like ambulance. She's also singing the ABC's song front to back and sings Twinkle Twinkle little star. Stacey is ready to send her to MIT, but I think this is pretty normal activity for kids her age.

The holidays are upon us. This season looks to be busy as usual. Heading to the Schwartz part of the world for Turkey day. I'm really looking forward to gorging myself and getting my tummy rubbed. Followed by watching some football and drinking some brews. I'm going to join in the annual Turkey day MTB ride in Des Moines on Thanksgiving morning.

Christmas plans are up in the air. Looks like I might have to work on the 24th. Not sure yet though.