Let me reintroduce myself...

I have been told by the 6 of you that it's been a while since I've provided an update. So, here goes a feeble attempt to update you on the circus that is our life. Life has been crazy with the Barton 4 this fall and I'm sure your house is nuts too. (If not, please just tell me it is so I feel a little bit better about my state of affairs.)
Ahem, Connor started at a new elementary school in August (1st grade - can't believe it), Quinn turned 3 (going on 13), I started a new job, Preston started a new job, Quinn got potty trained, we got a dog, we potty trained the dog, we sobbingly gave the dog back to the rescue organization, I ran my subaru into the garage, I took Connor to the ER (he's fine) with a terrible case of croup/whooping cough, 2 of us survived the stomach flu, we celebrated Thanksgiving amongst family and friends, one of us turned 35 (boo hoo!), Preston got his first day of skiing in for the season, and our Christmas lights are hung.
Good hell - glad that's all in the rearview mirror.
Right now we are in the midst of Christmas shopping, with the kids list changing by the minute. What have you been up to lately?

Soccer Season Complete

Connor enjoyed an amazingly fun season with the Wizards. It was an incredible group of parents and kids and we lucked out on weather (except as you can see for the last game). It was a wonderful feeling to cheer on the team - even when they suffered some devastating losses. During one game Connor said, "I can't even watch any more. We are getting destroyed!" But, he always ended the game with a smile and a snack. And really - what's better than that? (To which I would respond, uh a trophy?) But, I am reminded that it's only 6 year old soccer.
We look forward to another season in the Spring - assuming of course that his interests have not moved on to say something like the xylophone. But, if it does I will cheer from the parents section of the xylophone concert, "You play that man!"

Oh dear you're 3, how can it be?

Today my darling Quinn you are three years old. I'm not sure how this can be. I so vividly remember the day we welcomed you into this world and how it felt to hold you that first time. It felt like my heart would burst.
And then Connor met you and fell in love with you immediately. From that point on the 2 of you have been coconspirators against your father and me.
You are the family princess, sass master, goofball and diva (you stripped that from me long ago).
I adore you and can't imagine this world without you - oh how bland that would be.
All my love, Mama.

No more Mr. Wiggles...for now

Inflation has hit home at the Barton Casa. Connor lost his first tooth and the Tooth Fairy left a Lincoln. I don't know about you, but in my day a tooth got you about a quarter.
It was a pretty painless first tooth loss - he was running down the hill and yelled, "Mom, I just lost my tooth."

Negligent

It has been brought to my attention by my readers (ok, just one reader) that I have been negligent with posts this summer. I'll agree with that statement and promise to try to do better.
It has been a bit of a crazy summer. I've been home with the kids, but we've barely been home.
We've taken trips, adopted a dog, hit numerous parks and swimming pools, and explored much of Denver. It has been an amazing couple of months and the kids have taken huge leaps in development.
Monday, Connor starts first grade at Powderhorn Elementary (YEAH!) - his first foray into public school. He can even ride the bus!
Quinn is headed back to preschool the end of this month!
Over Labor Day weekend we will head back to Manhappiness to cheer on the Cats against UCLA and spend time with family and friends.
It's been a great summer with lots of funshine!

All in a days work

Yesterday while at Target the kids were falling just slightly short of my expectations (holy hell, they were HORRIBLE). So, the consequence is not being able to get the free cookie at the bakery. When I broke the news to Quinn she screamed, "What? I don't get a cookie? You are ruining my life." Yeah - she's 2.

Later that day, feeling like mother of the year I told Connor that we weren't going to go to the pool with degrees in the 70's and chance of rain. "Mom, you are totally wasting my whole summer."

So, there you have it. I've pretty much got this parenting thing licked. Now taking calls.

The Graduate

In the midst of Quinn's colicky days someone once told me when times are hard the days may drag on, but be careful because the years will fly by. That is certainly true, because I'm not sure how my little guy is 6 years old and graduating from Kindergarten. Yesterday, bursting with pride Preston and I watched Connor and his class graduate. As a parent there is nothing like watching your child smash through milestones. It's joyous and a bit sad at the same time. As I sat there with tears in my eyes watching these children, I envisioned how quickly the time will come that we are watching the next milestones and the next.
But today, we're just going to savor the moment and the diploma because although the year did fly by there were days that did drag on with counting charts, spelling tests, nap times and Weekly Readers.
Congratulations Connor. We are so proud.