Uncle Steve

Uncle Steve came for a visit and a good time was had by all.

Up, Up, and Away

Last weekend started with an early morning rise to catch the Plano Balloon Festival. And though we didn't see any balloons in the morning, we enjoyed the grub, the sunrise, and hanging out with family.

After a short jaunt to a farm where Merritt was mesmerized by the pheasants and the kids gave an impromptu dance performance, we ate Greek.

Later, we gave the balloons a chance to redeem themselves and that they sure did. The wind wasn't strong enough to really carry them (thus the problem in the morning) and so this star balloon landed right beside us. It was really cool!

Later, we celebrated Phillip's birthday with cake and the UT game. Happy Birthday, Phillip!

The Sjolseths Fall 2009

Bugs at the Library

Chills and Thrills

We've had plenty of fun over the past couple of weeks. It was mostly filled with friends and family.

We have slowed to a nonexistent pace in finishing the house. I think that we have just hit a spot of "I'm tired of doing this."

We took 3 sessions and were able to get some semidecent pictures of all of us. I guess I am going to have to actually hook up some more electronic equipment so that I can share them with you.

Erik has been pretty slammed at work.

Evy is hysterically funny and keeps us all in line.

Merritt is over the top grooving away. He dances all the time.

I'm back in a better cooking phase. For awhile there, it was pretty gross.

More posts with better details on our visits to follow.

Evy's Comment

Stranger: Do you like fruit?
Everett: Yes, I do.
Stranger: What is your favorite fruit?
Everett: Fruit treats!
(gelatin fruit snacks)

Chills and Thrills

The week was blessedly devoid of any major Chills.

We were able to meet up with old friends and dine-upon Saturday samples at Central Market. We had some new friends over for dinner on Sunday.

It rained all weekend and is still raining.

We adopted a fish, Marbles. So far he hasn't really eaten anything. Good thing we've got a "14 day return the dead fish and get another one" option. Good thing the pet store doesn't know that the owner of the fish is a toddler. Actually, Evy is doing a great job!

The Sword

Evy's Thought for Today

Today, Evy was admiring the mad cool driving skills that he gives to Doc, Chick-Hicks, and The King. He outlined the skills to me one by one and included showing off the "racing tyrres" that they have.

He is still very bothered by the fact that Chick-Hicks is not a nice car, that he is a mean car. Today I think he was able to start verbalizing his inner dilemma.

"Chick-Hicks is mean to The King. He no good decisions?"

"Yes." I agreed.

"Chick-Hicks is a fast racer and a good turrrner."

"Yes, he is."

"Hhhhmmmm."

Amazing to watch how children start to pick apart the matter and verbalize the grey areas.

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He is now found carrying around his toy screwdriver. He calls it his sword and tucks it into his pants to carry it around everywhere we go. He loves to show it off to " . . . the people. Need show the people, Mommy."

He carries it because heroes like Hercules carry swords.

Labor Day Weekend

Grandma and Poppa came over for dinner.

We chose a paint color for the kitchen.

Ducks, bread, ducks too full to eat our bread.

Making pancakes.

Last day at the pool. A big day in our house.





Shopping at hardware stores.

And more unpacking.