Rudyisms

~Rudy at bed time. Apparently there was a big battle in his room.



~Driving in the car recently, Rudy started talking about Halloween. He told us next year he wants to stay home and give out candy because "I want to help the world."

~He loves little dogs - especially chuauauas. He calls them choo-choo-wah-wahs.

~He loves all things Star Wars and Harry Potter. In music class they learned about the "Illustrator" (composer) who wrote all these songs plus the Indiana Jones theme and then told me that the composer was coming to his school this week. When I said maybe it was someone who could play the music, but not the actual composer, he greatly denied it, so I am waiting for the letter home that says John Williams will be visiting our small town.

~Rudy asked me to pick out his clothes for the day. As he lay on the floor relaxing as I picked out his clothes, he commented, "I love that my parents do everything for me." I told him it sounded like he needed to do more for himself. When he asked why I told him it sounded like he was spoiled with us doing everything. His response, "I'm not spoiled. I'm happy."

~Rudy's newest fascination is with mohawks. Most days he wants his hair in one. We are working on perfecting it and making it last the day (suggestions welcome). This was one very successful day (although if you saw it from the front it was a little off center).

A Day in Philly

After several very cold days, we were very excited that Saturday was a sunny and warmer (than 30 degrees)day. Grandpa and Rudy had tickets to see Charlotte's Web, while Paul and I had plans to enjoy the day by walking around Old City.
We left them at the theater, with several reminders to Rudy to stay with Grandpa and listen to Grandpa and sit while watching the show and have fun.

First we walked around and explored.

Then we stopped for hot drinks and a snack.

I don't remember what this building was, but only the outside had been restored.

Christ Church

We also did some shopping- finding a cool birdhouse/chime and explored a second hand store.
We arrived aback at the theater as the show was ending. Rudy had greatly enjoyed the show.

The actors were in the lobby to answer questions. There had been a question and answer session right after the show, but Rudy wasn't chosen, so he wanted to ask Charlotte a question.

We went to lunch and then let Rudy run around in the lot next to Christ Church before getting back in the car to go home. Although it was warmer than it had been, it wasn't really warm. However, Rudy didn't want his coat after the show.

There was an ad for the next play - Robin Hood (which we will be getting tickets for)- so Rudy used his poster as an arrow.

He also used the poster as a horse.

I was trying to take pictures of him and he just didn't want to do what I asked, but decided he would pose for me his own way. What a ham!

And again, we all had our coats on, and Rudy eventually stripped down to his undershirt. It amazes me that he spent the first 2 years in a mild climate where people were always much more bundled up, and now he is always stripping down to less clothes. Even in the winter he will walk around the house in bare feet (until Paul or I get too cold looking at him and make him put something on).

Some of the characters in the play also played instruments. Rudy was fascinated that one played the guitar and had something to hold a harmonica, so he could play both at the same time. He was even more amazed when Paul informed him that he owned the same thing, so as soon as we got home, they had a little jam session, with Rudy trying out the holder (I have no idea what it is called!). As you can see, he didn't really know what to do with his hands!

Christmas Again

Today we celebrated Christmas with my family. Max and Rudy started out playing, then fighting, then ended the day planning a sleepover- for tomorrow!

First order of business was to eat. Then we gathered the kids for pictures. We learned last year, that we are much more success at getting pictures taken if it's done BEFORE gifts.

All the kids and Grandpa. See the craziness progress....

Then the usual group shot- not bad for a first try!

Checking out the presents.

Paige and Renee.

The kids, especially the three bigger ones, did a great job with opening gifts. They waited their turns, helped give gifts to the 'babies', and seemed to enjoy every minute of it.

Charlie pouring some of his milk into Lucy's new cup.

Paige enjoying a wagon ride.

Paige and Bill.

I snapped this picture about a second too late, but Rudy is right on the other side of Max and they are hugging good-bye. A nice ending to what was a tumultuous hour or so.

Various good-byes-

Paige giving Max a head butt as a good-bye.

Bill swinging Lucy down.

A nice family shot. These turned out slightly blurred and I don't know why - guess we need to play with the new camera some more!

Merry Christmas and Happy new Year.

The Day After Christmas Hike

After spending Christmas and Christmas Eve primarily at home, we decided we needed to get some fresh air the day after Christmas. It was a little cool, but not as bad as we expected. We think we headed to Harrisville Lake - a part of Wharton State Forest- but there weren't any signs indicating exactly where we were. We saw a number of cars parked by a trail and decided to stop there.

Rudy started the walk saying, "I hate nature." Sometimes he just likes to be ornery. When he asked me why i like nature, and I told him because it is peaceful, he started making a lot of noise. I told him nature was still peaceful, just not him!

And then the "expert explorer", as he dubbed himself, kicked in and he was all over the place.

He found ways into small underbrush....

... and convinced Paul to come in with him.

The sense of adventure from the Indiana Jones Wii game came into play, too. He was Indiana Jones and had tasks to complete as we went through the woods.

We found a lean-to built against this tree.

And some areas that may have been animal homes across the water.

A tree you can climb and sit in is always fun.

This tree looked like a ready-made tent.

I'm not sure if he is trying to climb it or do yoga!

This is Indiana Jones running and somersaulting through his adventures.

A panoramic view of the lake- a neat setting on our new camera.