Walley World

Steve and I took our big boy to his first movie this weekend. Our plan was simple. A babysitter for baby Mitchell, a 10am movie, lunch and home in time for nap. Perfect.

Well, we three Linkers had a Griswold-esque adventure across our fair state. Do you remember this scene from the movie Vacation?

Apparently the movie times on apps like Fandango and Yahoo movies are not necessary accurate. This may not be true in other parts of the country but things here in Rhode Island are a little...different. In our case, we arrived at the theater for the 10am showing of Monkey Kingdom and found an empty parking lot and locked doors. After a quick regroup we raced to another theater figuring that we'd only miss the previews. Sadly that movie theater was closed, as well.

In true Clark Griswold fashion, Steve was determined not to let Owen down and found theater that was really showing "the monkey movie" at 11am. Daddy to the rescue! Daddy and snacks. If it weren't for popcorn and candy and applesauce and raisins and pretzels, I'm not sure we would have made it through the entire movie.

Outside

We've had an exciting few weeks. Two weekends in New York, a trip to Chicago, a birthday and two top teeth but the most exciting news I have to share is that spring has finally sprung in Rhode Island. After what seems like an eternity - let me emphasize this again, an eternity - we were able to play outside this weekend. And also grill.

Not to belabor the point, but this is how I felt when we left the house yesterday morning.

Enough about me. Here are some pictures from Mitchell's birthday weekend in Chicago. During our short trip we went to the zoo, the park, we hugged trees and hung out with family. As for the birthday bash, I was a little surprised that Mitchell was not a fan of his smash cake. Our usually rambunctious eater chose a more conservative route, having his birthday cake fed to him by Mommy. Sweetness!

This Week-ish in History

I was looking through old photos this morning and all I can say is that it has been an exciting six years. I'm also willing to bet that Sydney misses being an only child.

March 20, 2009 - Sydney, our kitten. 

March 22, 2010 - Painting our new condo before moving.

March 19, 2011 - Stuff on my dog, not to be outdone by...

March 19, 2012 - Stuff on my baby.

March 19, 2013 - Ol' Blue Eyes. 

March 17, 2014 - Waiting for baby. 

March 19, 2015 - Muffin man and Mitchy.

 

Mini-me

Here is Daddy and his mini-me. It's weird seeing Steve without facial hair but these little Linkers are just too cute for words. The jury is still out on Mitchell. Who do you look like and how are you almost ONE? 

Ground Zero

This is Owen's big boy bed. His new found freedom has become ground zero of sleep struggles (not to be bested by Mitchell's desire for a 4 am snack) and the bane of my existence. My great crib sleeper has turned into an exceptionally early riser demanding to come in bed with us - never a good idea - or to have one of us sleep with him - equally unappealing. Sleep deprivation in the Linker house is at an all time high.

Enter the "okay to wake" clock that turns green when it's time to get out of bed, 6am in our case, and the sleep chart. Seriously, what has become of my life?

I'd like to say that these tools have been working like a charm but that would be a flat out lie. Today, I'm afraid, is another three cup of coffee day. There were tears and tantrums between 5 - 6am when the light finally turned green. We can only hope that tomorrow will be better.

It comes as no surprise that Steve is the good cop in this scenario. This morning as we were coming downstairs for breakfast Owen told me, "I love my Daddy." I responded, "I know, Owen. Your Daddy is nice." Being a Mom is so humbling. Time for this bad cop to have that third cup of coffee.

Why Are You Crying?

My Mom sent me the very funny book, Reasons My Kid is Crying. The book is based on a blog started by a father documenting the irrational reasons his toddler was crying such as...his cheese stick broke in half or his popsicle was cold or he couldn't play with broken glass. You get the picture. Well, yesterday I was able to capture such a moment at our house.

Owen is crying because he wanted the wings on his rocket ship to open. The story behind the story is that the wings do, in fact, open. I just didn't know it. Sorry Owen!

The Interview

Another birthday, another snow storm. Two out of three of Owen's birthdays have been marked by nasty weather. This year, we celebrated the day before the storm with an outing to Mystic Aquarium, a trip to the gift shop (see above) and cupcakes with friends.

Additionally, as suggested on Pinterest, I conducted a birthday interview. It's an abbreviated version, that I assume will be more comprehensive, and more interesting, in subsequent years. 

1. What is your name? Owen (We started off easy)

2. How old are you? Three

3. What is your favorite thing to do? Play with the Gup-X and the Captain (He's Octo-obsessed)

4. What do you want to be when you grow up? A witch (Okay?)

5. What is your favorite food? Cantaloupe (Owen, what happened to the noble muffin?)

6. Who is your best friend? Mitchell and Daddy (Awwww)

7. Who makes you laugh? Mommy (Obviously), and Owen (It's a good thing he's modest!)

8. What is your favorite time of the day? Breakfast time (Naturally)

9. What do you like to learn about? Penguins

10. Where is your favorite place to go? The aquarium

11. What is your favorite book? The monster book (Not sure about this one?)

12. If you had one wish, what would it be? The Gup-X!