Halloween Cookies

Before bath, she rolled out the cookies and cut them. They baked while she was in the bath, and then we frosted. Within 10 seconds of beginning the process, she had licked her frosting knife AND taken a bite of the cookie that she was frosting. We had a little talk about self-control, and then ate all the broken cookies.

Stuff That Makes Us Happy

...when Mer insists on naming the letters on the water meter covers...hey, it's not like we're walking for the exercise. Seriously.

...when Mer asks us how our days were. Sitting at the dinner table, after prayer: "Daddy, how was your work today?" Or in the car, after school: "Mommy, how was your day?" And she actually seems to care. The other day I answered, "Not so great." She wanted to know why it wasn't a good day. Don't worry, I gave her the edited version.

...when Mer uses her "blazmazzer." This is a sort of machine that has been around for quite awhile. It makes occasional appearances when a special tool is needed -- say, to make a monster go away, or repair a broken truck, or plant some flowers. Very useful.

Fall in Arkansas

Last weekend we went to Arkansas. It was lovely, as usual. Much warmer than it should have been, but lovely. There was a fall festival in town, and it started with a 5k.

Here, Chris runs down Peppersauce Alley. Guess what they used to make and sell in Peppersauce Alley, back in the day? That's right, Contraband. You'll notice that no one is around Chris. That's cause he kicked butt. Except for the one butt of the guy that won. There went our gas money.


Leaving Peppersauce Alley, you cross a fairly old bridge that gives you a view of a really old bridge.

Following the race, the Lareau portion of the Sugg clan went up to Main Street in search of biscuits and gravy and received a bountiful reward for our efforts. We even got strawberry freezer jam to go with the biscuits. And word on the street is that Mrs. Clinkingbeard doesn't give that jam to just ANYone.


After the biscuits and gravy, festivities ensued. Mer got her face painted with glittery pink stuff and then zapped us repeatedly with her lavender spider ring. We all acted appropriately frightened.

Here, Meredith observes the very scientific method that the Calico Rock tweens use to make sure none of the ducks drop out of the duck race. This was fairly hilarious to observe. Thank goodness it WAS a warm day.

Happy girl with Papa.

We took a long walk Sunday morning, and got to observe a real live pumpkin in its natural habitat. My mom and I probably planted a total of 396 pumpkin seeds this year, and below you see the lone product of our efforts. But it IS a beauty.

And a little bit of local color for you. They don't really mean it. I know this because zillions of Chicagoans are retiring to the area, and war hasn't broken out yet.

A First

I just reminded Meredith that we're going to the doctor today. She is not pleased. Is this how it goes, from here on out?

The Camping Post / Also, the Meredith is No Longer an Only Child Post

So we went camping last weekend with the Conways. It was great. And yet I'm just now posting. Because let's face it; I am still not feeling so great, and blog posting just doesn't spring to mind on a regular basis these days. And that makes me a little sad. I realize that this is a bit sentimental, but I can't help recognizing that things are already changing for Meredith. Attention is already shifting away from her, and onto Il Bambino (which is how I keep referring to the baby in my mind--I have no idea why). Whether it's the fact that I can't dance with her 'cause I feel seasick, or the fact that I'm not recording her adventures here, 'cause I'd rather lie quietly with my eyes closed...the times they are a'changing.

Honestly, given the choice, I think Mer would eagerly trade my dancing and an overly detailed biography for another human with whom to discuss her favorite topics. All's well that ends well, and sentimentality is just a hazard of the parenthood industry.

Here are the girls in their favorite spot, enjoying their Saturday morning coffee.

It's lovely to have musical friends. Kevin and the girls performed a few different rocking renditions of the classic "Twinkle Little Star." Another favorite that weekend was the lesser known "Zaccheus was a Wee Little Man."

This is how I found Meredith after our hike. She was totally faking. It's fun when kids successfully trick you and make you laugh. Rare, but fun.

Angie took this picture of Nora and Meredith. Sweeties.

Meredith's Third Birthday

She's three. After weeks (well, really a year) of singing "happy birthday" to imaginary Hannas and Jonas and anyone else, real or imagined, who entered her presence, Meredith finally got to have the birthday song sung to her. Despite the fact that she knew it was her birthday party, I don't think she had anticipated that something so wonderful could happen. There was lots of drama -- face being hidden in the arms, etc. She loved it.


In fabulous toddler style, all children participated in the opening of the presents. Walt fulfilled his genetic obligations by cleaning up the trash.


Here, Walt and Mer were entertained by Brett the birthday clown. Okay, really he's just Clara's dad. But he's got skills.

Here we see Clara go for a cupcake. Henry waits patiently.

Meredith ate the top off of at least 4 cupcakes. There may have been more casualties that went unnoticed. There are certainly enough crumbs around the house to indicate that possibility. All in good fun. More to come soon...the joys of 3.