It's not the right temperature

Liam told us a few days ago that he wanted to see the Grand Canyon. Jeff and I have already been there and weren’t planning to go this trip, but we figured what the heck. We were going to be in Flagstaff anyway.

It was 98 two days ago in Scottsdale, so we’re thinking summer. We arrived at Grand Canyon this afternoon after slaloming down the highway (it’s a bit windy). After discovering the temperature was 50, we decided to dig out the jeans, sweatshirts and windbreakers. We finally found a place to park at Yavapai Point and Liam and I hopped out to have a potty break while Jeff finished with Cole. On the way back to the car, Liam told me, “I don’t want to see the Grand Canyon. It’s the wrong temperature.” Fortunately, we convinced him otherwise and led him to the overlook. His primary word was “Cool” and then he was ready to be done. Yup, he’s definitely an Engelhardt. 100 miles out of the way (one way) and he’s good with spending 15 minutes.

But we don't have God's phone number

(23 April 2009) It is hot right now in Scottsdale. Jeff and the boys ran around doing a few things before lunch and when I met up with them, Liam and Cole were terribly flushed. We at lunch at Scottsdale BBQ Company (yummy) and they cooled off a bit with their lemonade, but Liam was still not happy about the weather. He told me God needed to not make another hot day. And then he pointed out that we didn't have his phone number. That prompted a discussion about what God could or could not do and how he should be contacted.

Do you have chocolate milk?

Liam loves Cracker Barrel (CB), more than any other restaurant except perhaps Panera. Since I had a (fabulous) lecture over lunch today, Jeff decided to take the boys to a nearby CB. The waitress stopped by as Jeff was getting Cole strapped into his high chair. Liam, who is one of the least shy 4 year olds I know, asked if they had chocolate milk. She said yes, to which he replied, "I love chocolate milk." She asked if he wanted some and he replied yes. He then said, "I want the little shrimp." She apparently then turned to Jeff who hadn't even had a chance to look at the menu. Pretty soon I guess Liam will be ordering for all of us!

Beep Beep On the way

(21 April 2009) Cole was a pill today for Jeff, but seems to sense that he needs to be good for the trip. We had barely pulled out of the driveway when he started saying beep beep on the way over and over. So it's not just Jeff and me who are excited.

Thank you, door

A little background: the person who built this house was not a good planner (or something). They had to expand the size of a wall because he forgot to put a spot for the furnace to vent. He also put the light switch for the garage light on the left side of the door, even though that's where the hinge is. Late last year, Jeff had the brilliant idea to put a motion-sensing light in the garage, which has been fabulous.

Anyway, Jeff & Cole went out to do a little shopping this morning when Liam was at preschool. Cole made it out the door first and said "Turn the light on." He took a few steps in which triggered the light. He then said "Thank you, door." What a polite boy.

Cole and Liam have also very much been enjoying having Grandpa Beecher around many evenings. Cole's big thing is wrapping himself tight around Grandpa's calf and telling him that he's stuck.

No, you are

Cole and Liam have been running around this evening, actually being really well behaved compared to what they were earlier. Cole has been reading Sleeping Beauty a lot with Jeff and walks around saying "old lady" and "taste it, my dear" in a really great old lady voice. He just came running out to me and said "old lady". I asked if he was an old lady and Liam responded, "No, you are." That's two out of the last three days!

I'm hiding

The boys have had a good day, I think. They woke much earlier than I would've liked (6:30). We had lunch at Lorrin & Linda's so the boys could play with Olivia. Neither one really wanted to leave. They came home and Jeff let Liam watch a movie while Cole napped (and then I let him watch a second). They played with moon sand, too, but finally had to come in for supper. Cole decided he wanted to play hide and seek. Obviously, he hasn't quite figured out what a good hiding spot is.

Like 16 or 30

We told Liam today at dinner that we're going to Chicago for Memorial Day weekend. The Field Museum has a pirate exhibit, and he loves pirates. Well, maybe not as much recently since the US Navy is having to deal with some. But anyway, he was talking about pirates and dinosaurs and what else he might see there. He told us "They (not sure if it was pirates or dinosaurs at this point) might be old. Like 16. Or 30." I didn't actually feel old until now!

Ladybugs scare me

We are having issues with asian ladybeetles, although not nearly as bad as some years. (Only hundreds, not thousands in the house). Last week, Cole decided to start scrunching them, although he blames Liam. This afternoon, Liam told Jeff after coming down the slide that he had squished a bunch with his butt, but he was okay. While eating supper tonight, Cole announced, "Ladybugs scare me. I hide." Silly boys.

Don't aggravate the angry fart

Liam was a Storm Trooper today. He cut out the mask and the gloves and, of course, his hockey stick was a gun. In doing so, he made a complete mess of the craft room, but I guess that's not all that new. Usually, Jeff gets them to clean up a bit, but it didn't happen today.

The new #1 rule in our house is "Don't make Mom mad." Liam is very good at saying this when asked, but Jeff wants to teach him to say "Don't aggravate the matriarch." Liam's interpretation: "Don't aggravate the angry fart." I guess that's my new nickname.

Blue

This morning, Cole came in to hand me my faded yellow and white striped towel. He said "Pink towel" to which I responded, "Nope. What color is it?" His answers were then blue and green. I told him it was a yellow towel and asked him to say yellow. "Lellow," he said. "Say yellow." "Lellow." "Say yellow." "Blue."

When I grow up, I'm gonna be a rock star

While Cole has been napping, Liam has been playing Tonka Search & Rescue. He sang many, many songs to himself about the dangerous fire and what needed to be done. Jeff mentioned that I thought he was going to be a singer, but then asked if he was already a singer. Liam replied, "When I grow up, I'm gonna be a rock star. Rock stars sing."

The photo has nothing to do with being a rock star, except perhaps as inspiration for face paint. Liam went to a birthday party last night and received a blow pop, which made a huge mess when he ate it this afternoon.