Map of the World

Seymour genetics are teaching me that an appreciation of maps is an inherited thing. When it comes to directions, I definitely prefer the step-by-step instructions that Google Maps provides, whereas Tim just wants to see the map. I admittedly do not have a great sense of direction. Perhaps looking at a map would assist me here, but regardless I am not drawn to them.

Clare could not get enough of the maps at Disney World (nor could she ever get enough information about us about our plans for the next minute, hour, day - the girl likes to know what to anticipate). Each park has its own map, and she was determined to have her own copy of each. Probably because she sensed Tim's reluctance to hand over the map each time she asked to see it. Donna found this quite humorous, having spent 43 years with Larry refusing to let anyone else handle "his" maps.

The above shows Clare studying the Epcot map. This is a place that, despite two visits, feels like we left largely untapped. Clare could have spent several more hours wandering the sites (and shops!) of the World Showcase - and we all could have gone on Soarin' a few more times!

Wonderful World of Disney

Here's a photo dump of our magnificent and magical family vacation. Stay tuned for a few anecdotes and memories.

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It's A World of Laughter, A World of Tears

We're getting ready for our trip to Disney tomorrow. We've been on the countdown for weeks (months, really), and the excitement has really been mounting around here. In fact, Clare's threshold for thrills was put to the test the past two days, because not only was our big vacation so close, but they were also starting "work stations" in her class this week! She truly couldn't contain her excitement for either one. Is it any wonder her teacher was gushing to me about her?

I am admittedly unabashedly boasting about Clare right now, but I feel like I have a good reason. The past few weeks have given me several opportunities to be proud: the impressed parents complimenting her after playdates and a sleepover; the carpool mom who loves the influence she has on her daughter; and the teacher who is so clearly smitten with her. I try very hard not to take these qualities in Clare for granted, but at the end of the day I know I do, and I know I'm often way too hard on her. Such is the relationship between almost all mothers and daughters, no?

This afternoon cast Clare in yet another impressive light. In the midst of planning and preparing for our vacation (I'm certain the U.S. Military could teach me a thing or two about preparing for troop movements), I nearly forgot that I had scheduled the orthodontic evaluation that her dentist recommended. Although knowing that it was right before our trip, I've also been in pre-baby mode and wanted to go ahead and get the appointment on the calendar. Of course, since I forgot I also neglected to tell Clare about it. When I picked her up from our carpool's house and informed her, she was a tad cautious but generally seemed fine when I assured her that they were simply looking at her mouth.

I don't know if either one of us was prepared for the conversation that accompanied this look at her teeth. The progno$i$ for her mouth is a combination of overbite, crossbite, and then whatever it's called when your front teeth are pushed up and out - the result of sucking her finger for 7.5 years. A thumb-sucker myself for far too many years, I knew the time would come when we would need to kick the habit. I even nagged at her occasionally about it, but never really had a strategy for the issue. Enter Dr. King. She had a terrific approach with Clare, asking her age-appropriate questions, showing genuine interest in her, and also speaking directly to her about her mouth and what we needed to do about it. The first step: stop sucking her finger. An addendum to this step: lose the lovey, which for Clare is her beloved Annie Bear.


It was at this point that I expected Clare to lose it. As I watched her absorb everything the doctor said to her, I could see that she was making a decision within herself to be a big girl, not cry, and above all was going to make this happen. There may have been a few tears in her eyes, but she was determined not to shed them - at which point I nearly lost it myself. Danny flat-out did, crying to me, "But Clare loves Annie Bear!"

There are two items that somewhat explain Clare's determination. The first was Dr. King's order that to keep her distracted from trying to suck her finger at bedtime (about the only time she does), she should read books. As many as it takes to fall asleep. No arguing from mom or dad. Truly a best-case scenario as far as Clare is concerned. But if that was the carrot, then the stick was the news that followed. If she fails to stop sucking her finger, the doctor will have to insert a metal device on the roof of her mouth that will poke her finger if she tries to put it in there. Clare has made it clear she wants nothing to do with this.

As I write this, Clare is reading in her room. She very casually tossed Annie Bear to me while we were packing Danny's clothes for the trip. She spent the remainder of the afternoon and evening sharing stories from her school day, joking around with Danny, and just generally acting completely normal. Totally composed. Sometimes I think she should be the head of our house. She is awesome. And by golly, we're going to Disney World!

Finally Fall

Cooler, more seasonable weather has finally arrived after a miserably long and hot summer, so we hopped on the autumn bandwagon with gusto! We could not have asked for a more picture-perfect fall day for our annual outing to the pumpkin patch. As we drove up into the North Georgia mountains region, Tim remarked that our pumpkin patch outing is among the most consistent things we have done as a family. I think we all equally appreciate it, too.


Once again, we headed to Burt's. Bedecked in their finest Halloween finery (i.e. t-shirts and socks, with the addition of various Silly Bandz and one pirate eye patch), Clare and Danny hopped out of the car ready to find the perfect pumpkin. After the initial pass-through, we opted to take the hayride before grabbing a wheelbarrow and truly getting serious about the selection.


Both kids were very intent on finding not only pumpkins for themselves (Danny was particularly vocal about the fact that he was getting his own), but also wanted to find a little pumpkin for the baby. Which quickly extended to one for each of the cats as well. Then the bizarrely shaped gourds caught Danny's attention, so soon we had a full wheelbarrow.



As it is a considerable drive to Burt's, we decided to add to our festivities and hit one of the many nearby apple orchards. Frankly, this might have been a bit too ambitious, or perhaps Burt's was just a lot to live up to. At any rate, we did pick our own apples, which will probably go down as the most expensive bag of apples we'll ever possess or consume. I think the kids thought it was fun, which is really the point...right?




All in all, it was a fun family outing in line with the many previous years of similar activities. As always, it concluded with the ceremonial placing of the pumpkins on the front porch. (Danny later went out with some markers and drew a face on his pumpkin. He has been really into the seasonal decorating, costumes, and stories this weekend.) It's fun to review these pictures in our photo albums from the past few years...and exciting to anticipate next year's addition to them!

How Else Is He Supposed To Practice Being a Cowboy?

(Quincy is fine, I promise. If he hadn't immediately extricated himself, I assure you I would have helped. But yes, my first instinct was to grab the camera.)

Clare in Concert

Four lessons in, Clare is delighted to have learned the following classic:

All About Danny, PreK Edition

As their initial homework assignment, Danny and his classmates were asked to first fill out a questionnaire about themselves, and then use that sheet to create a collage. The teacher was adamant that this was the student's project, thus they should do the majority of the work. As most of us know, this is really difficult to execute with a four-year-old (I know I'm not the only control freak out there). However, I did my best, and I think the result shows some nice teamwork between the two of us.

Above all, I was encouraged that Danny showed enthusiasm for the project and pride in his work. He was eager to show his poster to Wyatt yesterday during their playdate, and concerned this morning about whether or not I had remembered to put it in the car. His presentation skills leave a bit to be desired, as you'll see below (you'll need to turn up the volume to hear him decently). Then again, he's four. Good job, Dan-o!