Boom!

Damage to Pop Pop's car: Minor
Damage to our minivan: $2,400
Arthur saying "Boom!" after the crash: Priceless

A Bad Day

The only positive thing that happened today was that we finally took the kids to a playground. Of course, we only did this because library time was a failure. But ignoring the cigarette butts and other random trash the kids found, the trip was a lot of fun.

Later, while playing at Nana and Pop Pop's house, things got worse. Arthur wandered off. Nana found his dolly by a side gate, evidently where he had dropped it to open the gate (and close it behind him). She found him far in front of the house, standing on the high bank of the creek (dry at the moment), where his basketball had fallen earlier in the day. We immediately put up some fencing and a driveway barrier along this area (which we had intended to do this Spring).

So we were quite thankful to put the excitement of this day behind us. We loaded up all the kids into their carseats for the trip back to our house. Then I put the minivan in reverse and backed directly into Nana and Pop Pop's car.

Hungry Mup-Mups

Arthur decided that Animal was hungry today, and stuffed one of his apples from snack time into its mouth. He walked around shouting "Mup-Mup! Mup-Mup!" (his word for Muppet), and the girls thought it was hilarious.

Cold Days

Last night the furnace broke at Nana and Pop Pop's house. So we spent the day over there bundled up in layers, and having space heaters scattered about. Of course this had to happen on a cold day. When Erin got off work, we headed back to our house, only to discover that we had run out of heating oil. So we brought the space heaters over, bundled up the kids, and hunkered down for the night.

Painting Fun

Last night we got out some paint for the kids to create some art for Aunt Emily's birthday. They had a lot of fun, and soon there was more paint on their hands, face, table, and wall, then actually was on the paper.

So of course baths immediately followed the art project.

Grandma and Grandpa Visit

Grandma Toni and Grandpa Carter came by for a nice visit today. Though the kids woke up a bit cranky from their naps, they soon warmed up to Grandma and Grandpa (in fact, by the end they all wanted to give Carter hugs).

Also, after raiding our dress up box, Dinosaur Arthur paid us a visit.

Coraline

We recently saw the movie "Coraline," and it lived up to all of our expectations! While it differs in places from the book, we recommend everyone see it. Bear in mind, though, that it is not meant for very young kids.

We've been listening to the soundtrack in the car, and today the kids demanded (saying "More, more!") that we play the "Coraline Song" two dozen times in a row...

Potty Time!

Over this past weekend, the girls expressed an interest in using the potty. It has been quite successful! Betty and Coraline now pee in the potty about twice a day, and Coraline even pooped in it once! There was celebration all around, and they are always eager to flush it all down the toilet. Arthur, on the other hand, is clueless for the time being. To him, signing "potty" is just an excuse to run around pantsless in the bathroom, often hiding in the walk-in shower.

Happy Valentine's Day!

On this Valentine's Day, we thought we'd share the triplets' latest love - our cats. Recently we started allowing the cats up into the area where the triplets play, and the kids love looking at the kitties. Skye, our largest, and most docile, is willing to stay in the playroom, while the kids pet, hug, and kiss him.

We also enjoyed a nice walk up to the top of the hill, and for once (because of the wind) everyone was willing to have their hoods put up on their coats.

Breakfast Fun

In the midst of eating a bowl of cheerios, Arthur suddenly pointed at Betty and said, "Oh no, no. no, nose!" Both Coraline and Arthur thought it was hilarious, but Betty was left in the dark until I showed her this picture on my camera.

First Flowers

We found out that the crocuses are starting to bloom in our backyard. Coraline enjoyed plucking the first flower of the season, and carefully held on to it to prevent the wind from blowing it away. Spring is on its way!

Our Favorite Outdoor Activities

We love running around in Nana and Pop Pop's driveway, and kicking balls up and down the hill. We take breaks for snacktime. Here Coraline is sharing hers with Betty.

We also love trying to take Nana's fragile garden statues. Though we know they are supposed to stay in the flower beds, sometimes we just can't help picking up a ceramic duck to give it a kiss.

Sometimes all of us get to ride in the swing at the same time!

Warm Weather

With the weather being so nice, and the sick kids slowly getting better, we spent much of today outside. Ever since Arthur got sick, he has been needing a pacifier and his dolly. The latter was a bit difficult to keep clean outside. Here he holding up his dolly covered in dirt (he's holding a plastic lizard in his other hand).

And Then There Was One

Erin had the morning off, so she was able to take the kids to toddler time. However, since Arthur and Coraline were sick, they stayed behind in the car napping, while Betty alone went with her mom. As usual though, Betty didn't want to participate in circle time. We think she likes having the time (and toys) to herself without having to worry about her brother and sister taking the good stuff.

The Sick House

The dog has pneumonia. Coraline has a UTI. Arthur has bronchitis. We asked the pediatrician what we should do to keep Betty healthy, and he said, "Tell her to run!" So its been a busy few days, keeping track of everyone's different medications.

However, despite being sick and sleep-deprived, we managed to find a few minutes here and there to enjoy the unseasonably-warm temperatures we've been having.

Phil was Right!

Yesterday the groundhog saw its shadow and declared we'd have six more weeks of winter. Today Erin had a snow day! The kids loved exploring in the snow, and playing with a sled we got out of the garage. Though it wasn't much snow, we didn't mind. Afterwards, we all took a walk before it got too cold.

And Arthur heard we were supposed to get more snow tomorrow, so he went off in search of it.

We're Eighteen-Months Old!

Today we finally took the kids to the "Toddler Time" we had signed up for at our local rec center. (Last week, we had chosen to go see Erin at the gym instead.) However, it is scheduled in the middle of our morning nap time, so we had to wake everyone up to bring them in. They weren't too terribly engaged with the rest of the kids and with circle time, but they enjoyed going off to play on their own. Next week we'll see if we can delay naptime until after this.

Oh, and when they asked Pop Pop what Coraline's name was, he said, "It's Cora." Somehow that got misinterpreted, and everyone now knows her as Secora. Secora was not too interested in playing with the other kids.

Watching the Superbowl (in 3D)

We all had fun watching the Superbowl. Arthur summed it up nicely as, "Run run run boom!" Then we played with our 3D glasses. Afterwards, we took everyone up for their baths. Betty started peeing as Erin got her undressed, so she quickly whisked her over to the toddler toilet. So Betty is officially the first to pee in the potty!