Concern for Theo

Four is the age where every parent wishes they had a microphone recorder on all the time. I think four-year-olds say the funniest things. I remember this age with Jack as well, and Theo is definitely at it. I feel like I forget by the end of the day all the amusing things he has said. I think what is so precious is that he is trying so hard to be adult-like (true to the age) and says some of the most mature things, but he is only FOUR!

Today as I was busy talking to one of the other kids Theo showed me some dead skin on the bottom of his foot. I glanced quickly, made a short remark, and went on with my business. Theo then blurted out, "Mom, you should be more concerned for me.'

After smiling and chuckling inside, I stopped and really examined that one inch section of the bottom of his foot that had the smallest section of dead skin I have ever seen. :)

Four Year Old Entertainment

Our good friends Alec and Keri came for dinner last night. They brought with them two of their German friends who were visiting. Our kids always have a good time when fake uncle Alec (which he likes to be called) and fake aunt Keri (which she puts up with because she is a good wife) are around. Daniella and Sebastian were a lovely couple and we enjoyed having them over as well.

As we were getting the kids ready for bed, Jack mistakenly though that Alec and Keri were going to spend the night and asked 'what are we going to do with them tomorrow?'

Theo immediately had the answer:

'We are going to play with crazy Alec. Read books with sweet Keri. And fight World War 2 with the Germans.'

Thankfully, Daniella and Sebastian were kind enough to laugh at this suggestion!  Oh, the thoughts of a four-year-old!  :)

And a picture of our forgiving Germans and our fake aunt and uncle:

Popped in the New Year with Someone in their High Thirities

We celebrated New Years in style by watching Toy Story 1 with the kids. Okay two kids watched. One wandered around trying to 'be an adult' and the other was transferred between Mom and Dad's arms. We also had a 'pop' theme. We made popcorn in our cool new 'old fashion popcorn maker' (thanks Uncle Brian!) and then had popcorn shrimp. Mom had bought popsicles for dessert, but we ended up not using them.

Before we went to start the movie Charles told the kids that their rooms needed to be straightened before we would start the movie. The kids went to it with vengeance. They quickly came out and told us that everything was tidy. Given the brevity of their absence, Charles then asked 'Was it tidied to my standards or yours?'

Jack thought for a minute and said, 'Well it meets the standards of a seven year old, but I am not sure it would completely meet the standard of someone in their high thirties.' There you have it - Charles is in his 'high' thirties! :)

Fourth Child

A while back, I think I mentioned that I should start a series of posts all related to things that are done to or said about Eliot that would never be true if he was the first child or only child. One of those occurred recently.

 I heard Theo say, 'Baby (how Eliot is affectionately referred to at times) do you want to fight?' I turned around and saw Eliot lying there with a pretend sword tucked in his arms. At least the older kids were nice enough to give him some defense weapons!

Uncle Brian Visits

This was the first time in a long time that we have gotten to see Uncle Brian twice in one year. The kids had lots of fun goofing off with him - we hope he did too!