So today, this happened.

Thus far in life, I've managed to avoid tangling with the Po-lice. That almost changed today.

It's been rainy, cold, and windy, and we are super sick of being alone and cooped up in the house. (Side note: Daddy returns tomorrow night! Woot woot! He's been gone for the last 3 of 4 weeks!) Anyway, we went to the mall to pick out a birthday present for Spencer and get some Christmas shopping done.

After a loooooong stop at the Disney Store, I dragged Jack to H&M. He immediately found this Angry Birds backpack/lunchbag and showed it to me. I was distracted - he was being crazy running around and Caroline was whiny and I just wanted to get the few things I needed and get out.

I took my $100 worth of stuff to the register and paid. Then we made our way to Jamba Juice for smoothies. As I was standing in line, a security guard came up to me and said, "Ma'am, I need to see your receipt for that backpack."

Um. What?? Jack had apparently wrapped it around the front of the stroller to show baby Caroline, and I never noticed it. I totally walked right out of the store without paying for it.

I stammered about how I was so sorry, my son did it, etc. I am sure they hear stories like this all the time because he looked pretty unimpressed. (But really, if I was going to shoplift? It wouldn't be the $10 thing. And I wouldn't leave it in plain sight on the front of my stroller like a moron.)

Anyway, he escorted us back to the store (humiliating) and I went back to the cashier. I pleaded that I'd just pay for the bag and showed her how many other things I bought. Luckily she remembered my crazy kids and took pity on me....she didn't make the guard file a report (as he threatened.)

We've since had lots of discussions about PAYING for things and TELLING MOMMY when you want something...I am still not sure he gets it, but it's a good lesson. In the meantime, I'm just glad I'm not in Paul Blart's mall jail!!!!!

This better be his favorite backpack ever from now on.

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Santa.

Here are ALLLLLLLL the takes from our photo shoot with Santa. We had no tears, no screaming, and no crying...but we weren't really all that thrilled either. (Caroline, I'm looking at you!) 

A smile! From her.

A smile!! From him.

My favorite, I think.

Okay, Mom, I'm done!

Caroline says NO

Like any good girl, she's learning to shake her head no!

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iPhone dump.

This is pretty much how life looks in our house. Jack
is always on the move!

Super cute kiddos on Thanksgiving!

My crazy girl all wrapped up in her swaddle.

Happy when she is supposed to be asleep!!

Tickle tickle. 

I LOVE my Daddy.

Snuggles

Sleepy girl.

She likes her shoes...to eat.

That look!

Our Thanksgiving table decorations :)

Day after Thanksgiving...working off all that turkey :)

Caroline wasn't a fan.

Giggly silly monster!

And finally - I have been working out a LOT lately, and trying really hard to watch what I eat. I have been tracking my calories and running, biking, and swimming almost every day. I'm being honest when I say that losing weight this time has been one of the hardest things I've ever done. I've lost 8-9 pounds (depending on the day) so far and I hope I have more to go. I can get into some of my regular jeans now. I am hoping to keep it up!

A small funny.

Gigi bought Caroline this soft bath toy ball with sea creatures inside.

Jack took the liberty of naming each creature. This is the diver, named Squirty.

This is Sharkey.

This is his brother, Bluesy. 

And this, of course, is Octopussy.

You really can't make this stuff up. This kid is comic gold.

Thanksgiving - The Real Deal

Our table, pre-dinner (approximately 8:30am. We are champion eaters.)

18lbs of GOODNESS

The stuff of which legends are made.

Caroline slept through 90% of Thanksgiving dinner, but got up in
time to enjoy her mashed potatoes. We really enjoyed having Gigi and G-Doc here!

Pretty typical for a family picture these days. Sadly, this was a "good" one.

Swords. ALWAYS.

"Mama, I want more mashed potatoes!"

And now, we get ready for Christmas! After seeing Santa in the Macy's Parade,
the kids are very excited :)

Thanksgiving Part Uno

Today, Jack's preschool celebrated Thanksgiving with a feast for the kids. They have been learning about Thanksgiving and singing songs all week, and he was very excited. His favorite song is:

I'm a little Indian, on the go

Here is my arrow, here is my bow

When I go a-hunting, watch me shout

Bears and buffalo, you better watch out!

Boom boom, boom boom boom

He sings it over and over again. It's very cute!

I ran in to snap a few pictures at their feast. All of the kids were chowing down - who knew Jack loved cornbread so much?? 

Sitting with his friends in the Penguin class.

Such cute hats!!

Look at all the kids. Adorable :)

Chatting away...go figure.

He found the cornbread...

I love his cubby :)

"Cheese!"

Sorry, Mom, I'm eating...

We also hung up our stocking today. Even though we aren't going to be here for much of December, I ordered one for Caroline that matches ours, so now we have four. (!!!!!) They look great and lend a little holiday cheer to our house, even though we aren't hauling out the tree!

Finally, the kids were having fun playing in my laundry baskets the other morning...crazy little ones!

Jack playing, Caroline gnawing. 

What is that face?? But look at those big (sharp!!!!) teeth.