Hanami Can Wait

April 10-April 27...too long



Stinking Japan...too far away



Three year old daughter...too young to cope



Big pregnant wife...too emotional



We miss you daddy. Come home safe. Hanami can wait, Alabama Springs are better ;)

The Spanking Cha-Cha

Use this approach sometime and see what happens with yours. We've all seen it - that quick little footwork (think River Dance) that comes right before a massive fit pitching! Well, we don't relish correction in this household, but sometimes you gotta do what gots ta' be done. Tonight Allie started into a little dancy-looking episode at bedtime, and out of nowhere came the advent of the "Spanking Cha-Cha". At first I just laughed at her silly behavior and asked Allie if she was doing a spanking dance (like a rain dance). An then the first chorus just flowed...

To the tune of La Couca Racha (spell that for me)

I need a spanking
Give me a spanking
That's why I do the spanking cha-cha

You gotta a spanking
I want a spaking
That's why I sing the spanking song
cha cha cha

It sounds mean spirited, but it was actually a good natured way of reminding Allie that nothing good would come of a bedtime fit. She giggled and danced conga-style with daddy and myself all the way upstairs, and even begged for an encore performance before lights out.

Happy 3rd Birthday

It doesn't take much to define a party for Allie (she just doesn't know about Chuck-E-Cheese yet!) All it takes is a day of decorating with mommy and spaghetti, cake, and gifts with mimi and poppy to make this party girl happy. It was small but no less a celebration. Allie chose Mickey Mouse as her theme du jour and had a modest array of gifts (modest for the likes of Suri Cruise that is)


Getting ready for the event, all dressed up in her 3T's

Almost ready to cut the BLUE (per Allie's request)
cake



And what does the blue icing do to your mouth Allie?