Ladybug Picnic

Our bedroom has been invaded by ladybugs. And there are a lot more than a dozen at this picnic! We had a couple of sunny Indian summer days this past week, and ladybugs were flying all over the place outside our second story window. However, we have no idea how they are getting inside said window. Here are a couple of shots of one corner of one window.

Now picture that over four corners of four window panes and you'll have an idea what we're dealing with here. And no matter how harmless they are, no one wants to feel something crawling on her neck at 3am. Elliot is enjoying catching them as they escape from the windowsill and putting them back on the panes. And Thomas continues to catch batches of them in Elliot's bug catching jars and releases them outside on the rose bushes.

My favorite ladybug moment so far (well, it's funny in retrospect) was when I was nursing Imogen on the bed a few days ago. Elliot was watching (his favorite activity) and asking, "Who's having nursie?". I said, "Imogen". And then Elliot said, "And who else?". And I said, "Mama is giving her nursie". And he said, "And who else?". I said, "No one". At which point Elliot said, "Ladybug is having nursie," and promptly dropped a ladybug on Imogen's face. In a completely disproportionate reaction, I shrieked and flung the ladybug across the room. Mother bear instinct, and all. It was only afterwards that I appreciated the planning Elliot must have put into his little joke - gathering the ladybug and holding her through the whole setup. What a card.

Anyhow, it could be worse. Like ants. Or termites. Or bees.

I'll leave you with some pictures of the adorable children.


1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 ladybugs came to the ladybug picnic! Sheesh.

The Adventures of Chicken Boy and Acne Girl

We just had a most excellent visit with Bubba Joe and P. They made us meals, entertained the kiddos, and most importantly, painted our upstairs bathroom. It was a dingy, white 1950s addition on the house, and now it is a fresh, hip 1950s retro bathroom. We love the light blue and brown! Here they are showing off their handiwork in true Vanna style.

While Bubba Joe and P. were visiting, Elliot's Halloween costume arrived in the mail (thank you, Ebay). He decided he wanted to be a chicken (Imogen will be a baby chick - stay tuned!). Of course, he had to put the costume on right away. Here is the chicken boy clucking with glee.



Aunt Tess also visited us last weekend to attend the baby shower Pam threw for Brittney (which was great!). Here she is doing her best baby whispering.

She and Elliot also made up a very fun game, within minutes of her arrival.



In Imogen news, the girl currently has a raging case of baby acne. We still think she's beautiful, of course. Here she is, in a preview of her teenage years.

Stay tuned for Halloween pictures coming soon! Boo!!

Nothing Says Autumn Like the Pumpkin Patch

Elliot's preschool, School of Autism, went on a field trip yesterday to the pumpkin patch on Sauvie Island. The kids all had a blast on the hay ride out to the patch, where Elliot decided he wanted a green pumpkin. Here he is picking one out.

Also popular were the crazy-shaped gourds.

Elliot also enjoyed feeding hay to the goats, sheep, pigs, and rabbits in the animal barn and having a picnic snack with all his pals (though he had his eyes on the family eating Burgerville at the next table, which he decided would be much more delicious than his GFCF muffin!). Little sister Imogen slept through the entire affair.

Imogen turned 4 weeks old yesterday and will be one month old tomorrow. Go, girl! Here she is visiting with Nana, who left to go back to Colorado today (we already miss her!).

And here she is with Uncle Mike, who swore he wouldn't hold a baby under one year old. He got caught off guard when Thomas handed her to him to hold while he did something else! It worked out alright, as you can see.

And finally, here's Elliot playing with the super swell characters from Jack's Big Music Show that Nona made for him. He loves them a little too much...

Now we're looking forward to the arrival of Bubba Joe and P. this week. And here's a shout out to all the wonderful mamas who have made us dinner over the past few weeks - y'all are awesome!

Everyone Needs More Birthday

As if the excitement of his actual birthday weren't enough, we had a kids' birthday party for Elliot last weekend. The party was all things bug, and here's a picture of the semi-disastrous ladybug cake that Mama and Nana made (at least it was yummy!).

Elliot had a blast with all of his pals. He especially liked the "Happy Birthday" song, though he was a little unclear on the concept of candles, as you can see.



Elliot has also been having a great time visiting with Nana this week. Here they are having an afternoon of trampoline fun.


And of course Imogen is still all the rage around the McElroy household. Here she is being adored by Mama and Elliot.


Elliot's school is going on their first field trip this Friday, to the pumpkin patch on Sauvie Island. So stay tuned for some very autumny and Halloweeny pics soon!

Happy Birthday!

Elliot turned four years old yesterday - Happy Birthday, Elliot! He had a wonderful day. Mama made gluten-free, casein-free cupcakes for him to bring to preschool, which were a big hit (especially the Skittles on top!). Then we picked up Nana at the airport in the afternoon and had Elliot's favorite meal - Burgerville - for dinner. Finally, once properly hopped up on sugar and french fries, Elliot opened piles of presents. Here he is happily singing the alphabet song while working on one of his new puzzles.



The day was enough to wear anyone out!


Actually, that's Elliot passed out on the playroom floor after a huge tantrum a few days ago. But we'll pretend it's birthday bliss, instead. And yes, Imogen really does continue to sleep when placed on the changing table. At least until the diaper comes off!

Imogen turned 3 weeks old today. She's still a happy, sleepy baby most of the time. Here she is during a rare wakeful moment.

Also in the news, Thomas installed a rock climbing wall on the back of our garage. He's very pleased with himself, as you can see.


Now if it would just stop raining.