No Way

I am still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that there is a Christmas tree in my living room right now. Wasn't it just summer? Wasn't I just talking about playing in the sprinkler and eating Popsicles in the backyard? One minute we're all sweating in the heat of August and the next thing you know it's time to get the holiday decorations out.

Kids, I swear, are little time suckers.

Don't get me wrong, I love them, but boy do they make the hours and days and seasons fly by. But at the same time, it can seem like an eternity to get from 3 p.m. to bedtime. One of those mysteries of life.

In other news, Leo learned a new expression: "No way!" It's his go-to phrase these days, a one size fits all answer to most any question not pertaining to scrambled eggs, Dora or playing outside. He's even learned to cross his arms and scowl, a la a cartoon character (Grumpy? of the Seven Dwarves? He does bear a striking resemblance).

Ellie has spent much of the weekend telling everyone in the house to "Lay down!" and announcing: "I'm your teacher" and "I'm your doctor."

And those boots I was salivating over last week for Ellie? In a low moment, I bought them. The good news is, her little 2-year-old opinion saved me $47 as it seems we have officially entered the realm of If It's Not Pink or Red or Dora Then It's NO GOOD. Hmph. Call me a snob but I HATE the character crap. The boots are getting returned.

We are barreling our way through the lovely, long weekend. There have been luxurious, rush-free mornings spent in PJs, over large breakfasts. There's been parade watching (on TV), backyard playing, shopping and napping. It's a delight to not have to make anyone do anything quickly because really, what's the rush?