Deep Thoughts by Cole Anderson

I have always loved 3 and 4 year olds. I think they say the funniest things. Now that I'm a parent, I realize that these moments of humor keep you from going insane. "Why?" is asked approximately 900 times in our home. "I don't know" is not an acceptable answer and making something up will only put you deeper in the 'Why?' hole. Swimming with sharks is more appealing than dealing with an over-tired, tantrum-prone 3 1/2 year old. Humor and hugs make me leave it all behind - If only I carried a pen and paper wherever I go...

Cole: What is Doc's name?
Me: Doc Hudson. What is your name?
Cole: Cole
Me: What is your whole name?
Cole: Cole Anetti
Me: Do you know Mommy's name?
Cole: Mama Anetti!
Me: Right... But do you know my real name? What does Daddy call me?
Cole: Mustache!

We go to the hostpital and get a new baby? A boy baby. One that doesn't cry so much so I can hear my shows's.

Why Daddy's car don't have a door for kids?

We had a baby monster named Zoey living in our home. Totally cute until I had to dress her, feed her and put on her shoes before we left. As if I don't have enough to do before we leave the house! Apparently we left her at the playground one afternoon and Tom was to swing by and get her before he came home. He walked in and Cole told him he brought the wrong monster home. Seriously?! Never heard about Zoey again but 'Baby Dinosaur' was born soon after. He goes everywhere with us but fortunately knows how to dress himself.

Cole: Why do you have furry buttons, Daddy?
Tom: They're called nipples, Bud.

Cole overheard us referring to Hayden's dirty diaper contents as 'nuggets' one day and the name stuck. Nothing like hearing your child say, "I have to go chicken nuggets!" My favorite: I have to go potty again. This chicken nugget is ANGRY.

At the playground:
Me: Cole, there's a buddy coming.
Cole: Oooh... I like her mama.
Me: (snort) Yeah, that's a pretty tight top and some short shorts. Glittery hat seems to be a bit much for a Monday morning though, don't you think?

From our buddy Avery:
Jen mentioned they started playing board games. Avery piped in, "I love Chutes & Whores!" Jen's eyes bugged out of her head and I did all I could to contain myself.

Three year olds are awesome.

Winding Down

Summer is winding down and that means our Friday/Sunday concerts are as well.

This afternoon was our last one in Encinitas, which may be a good thing. Apparently a summer romance has been brewing between Hayden and Owen. She played hard to get for a bit but finally gave in to his many advances. They had to be separated and Hayden is officially on lockdown - We're watching you, Owen!

The Ricknic

This morning we had Tom's company picnic - All the kids had a great time jumping in the bounce house and playing games!

A Different View of the Zoo

Our day didn't stop after the aquarium... When Tom got home, we went to the zoo. It has extended hours during the summer so we love to take advantage of the empty park and get some walking in. We found an area we never explored before (turtles!) and cheated a bit by taking the Skyfari. Totally excusable though because there's usually a line and it was our first time!

Our favorite part was the two-headed snake. It would've been twins, but the embryo didn't split. They feed both "twins" but have to shield the non-feeding head to protect it from the fangs of its sibling. Gross, but pretty darn interesting too.

Where's Nemo?

We spent the morning at the Birch Aquarium with Aunt Traci - Our first time there and Cole loved it. Every tank he looked for Nemo, while Hayden climbed benches and ignored all the exhibits!

Moonlight Beach

Perfect way to end our first weekend back in SD - Reggae concert with the Wrights!

 

No Time for Sitting

Hot Rods for Heroes Classic Car Show (benefiting Wounded Warrior Homes)

 

Farewell, Midwest

Not sure where the time went. Definitely didn't see everyone we wanted or do all that we hoped, but these four clearly had some fun!

We Need One