Sidekick

Maureen: Mom, will you be my sidekick?

MaShell: Sure. What's a sidekick?

Maureen: I dunno, but I think I need one.

I Would Put That On My Web Site!!

We went to a party last night at a friend's house. There were probably 20 kids there under the age of 8. A baby pool filled with water was a little too tempting. A 4 year old boy immediately took off all his clothes and jumped in. All the kids gathered around and started chanting, "naked, naked." Another 3 year old girl took off her clothes super fast and jumped in.

The parents of the naked children came running down to the yard yelling their full names. All the other kids laughed and a few minutes later, began sharing everything they saw.

Caroline yelling to the whole group of kids: If I'd had a camera and a web site, I would have put that on my web site!

Family Meeting

Maureen (yelling throughout the house): Family meeting, family meeting!! On the porch. Family meeting.

On the porch with Maureen...

MaShell: So Maureen, why did you call a family meeting?

Maureen: Uh.....I don't know. Meetings are SO boring!!

BAD Baby!

When Madeline inevitably destroys a block castle built by her big sisters or colors all over their drawings, Caroline and Maureen have been calling her "bad baby." We tried to get them to stop but Madeline keeps repeating it to the point that it's become her mantra.

Madeline: Bad Baby Bad Baby Bad Baby

MaShell, just joking: Maddie, say, "Bad Da-da"

Madeline: Bad Momma

And busted!

Maureen Sleeps With Her Friends

Maureen outside playing with friends: Mom!! I'm going to sleep with my friends tonight! We're going to have a sleepover. It is going to be SO EXCITING!!!

MaShell: Maureen, what are you talking about? (thinking she's invited all the neighborhood children, who are all boys, over to spend the night)

All the neighborhood dads raising their eyebrows: Mmm...hmmm....

Maureen, gently lifting her hand filled with crawling roly-poly's up to me: My friends, here they are!! They are going to have a sleepover with me!!

Maureen, to her friends: C'mon guys!! Let's go to bed!!

And then she ran all the way home holding her hand high.

Nature Center Friends

Maureen at the Nature Center pointing at the eagles: Look mom, there's my friends. Bob and Lisa. Hi Bob. Hi Lisa.

When Madeline Draws on the Walls

Green crayon covering nearly every open wall space on the main floor.

MaShell using my mean Mom voice and pointing to the wall: Madeline, did you do this?

Madeline nodding and smiling: mmmmm

She then took me to the next wall to proudly show off her creation....

Madeline: Awwwww