Lazy Bums

Such lazy afternoons. The weather has been gorgeous lately. We don't have anything pressing going on right now, so Nick and I go for long walks around the hood, loiter at the nearby playground and lie around the backyard. My dad has a sweet camera, a Canon something. I borrowed it from him to beef up my photography chops. My pictures turn out pretty much the same, so I'm thinking it's not the camera. But hey, here are some pictures of Nick wasting the day away with his mama.

Kate's Birthday Bash

Yesterday was Kate Pittman's 2nd birthday party. Yay! Can't believe she is two, well almost. She had her party at Gymboree. She looked adorable in her pig tails.

Nicholas was so excited about attending, all we had to do was tell him it was at Gymboree and promise him some birthday cake. He did a lot of mumbling throughout the day, "birfday cake" or "birfday kate", we're not really sure. He had a wonderful time, despite a gazillion kiddos running around. And a gazillion kiddos running around is normally not Nick's cup of tea. But, they were all really well behaved and looked like they enjoyed themselves. I'm telling you, this whole Gymboree b-day party is not a bad idea. You don't have to worry about getting your house ready for a party, entertaining the kids and best of all, cleaning up.

Thanks for having us, we loved that we could help celebrate Kate's special day.

Top Chef

Can you tell by some of my post titles that I watch too many reality shows? Just wanted to post a few pictures of Nick slaving away in the kitchen. He's taken an interest in the kitchen since I always have the food network on the telly. Our favorite show is Barefoot Contessa. I like her recipes, he likes the little jingle (he always stops what he's doing to listen). On this particular night, he's cooking frozen peas. His technique involves transferring the peas back and forth from the big bowl to little ones and stirring them up. I can't tell you how many dropped peas I squished on the floor w/ my feet. Later, we had the "same" peas he cooked for dinner. He was quite proud of himself.

Globetrotting

A favorite pastime of mine during the holiday season is looking at the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. They just released this year's catalog. A trademark of their book is a section for indulgent, over the top, overpriced (you be the judge) gifts. And really, who couldn't use some of that during these tough economic times? Below is one of my faves, what's yours?

Harlem Globetrotters® On-court Experience

How cool is that?! I had given up on my dream of pursuing a career with the Globetrotters years ago. There were many roadblocks... being 5'3" with no discernible athletic ability, tops the list. You can help make my dream a reality.

The Great Pumpkin

Nick and I went to Wally world this afternoon, and he kept pointing at the pumpkin display. So I let him pick out a small one to take home. He was very proud of his new purchase and held onto it the whole time.

Me: Does your pumpkin have a name?

Nick: Walmart

Me: I know that's where we got it, but what is pumpkin's name?

Nick: Walmart

Me: Your name is Nicholas, and pumpkin's name is...

Nick: Walmart

There you have it. Consumerism at it's finest. Do not ask me why I asked if his squash had a name, my life is filled w/ inane questions and conversations.

I wonder what his reaction will be when I carve up his little buddy

I'm Nuts For You

I have found a new love. Nutella. I've heard of it for many years, and know it's very popular in Europe. But what do those across the pond know anyway? I've seen Giada on Everyday Italian cook with it. And on occasion hear my friend, Heidi (who is a very good sport btw, see 4 posts down), extolling it's virtue. She has even rhapsodized about it on her blog. I wanted to see what the fuss was about.

Sheer bliss. I thought immediately, this is a Ferrero Rocher, in heavenly form. Turns out it's made by the same company. You'll be surprised to learn, however, that it has little to no nutritional value.

Click here for a chance to win a free case (1 week supply) of Nutella.

Just Doodling

I generally try not to blantantly and shamelessly promote my son (all the time). But...

Nick loves to draw and color. I'd say he spends a couple hours a day perched at the kitchen table with his crayons and notepad. He's learned how to write his letters and numbers, most of them on his own. They are not perfect, but that's why I love it. Scott has also taught him how to draw different objects, among them, a TIE fighter and a Death Star. But, the other day, he surprised me by drawing a puppy (that's what he told me when I asked). Neither one of us taught him that. It is the cutest puppy I've ever seen.

Visitin' The 'Rents

The last few days have been rather uneventful, even w/ a two year old. I'm feeling a tad under the weather, so you're not going to see the normal "witty, in-your-face w/a plucky spirit" writing. Your disappointment is palpable.

We went down to Ft. Smith to visit my folks over the weekend. Scott and I like to visit b/c (other than seeing my family) we pretty much hand Nick over to my mom and we veg on the couch and stuff our faces . Have you ever seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding? My mom's just an Asian version of the bride's mom. We'll finish a huge meal and an hour later, she'll ask if we're hungry. She plies us with food constantly. Scott and I oblige her, of course, so we always come home feeling as if we've gained at least 5lbs each. Naturally, she sends food w/ us to take home as well. We always have a good time and Nicholas loves having his every whim catered to by my parents and his uncles.

Cruising along on his new toy lawn mower w/ Uncle Nghia

Too cool in his shades

Getting smooches from his Ba Ngoai

Yes, this is my handywork. Age 2 and he has perfected the yearbook pose. It will serve him well in the years to come. You can see it runs in the family.

Old School Marm... I Mean Charm

So I was called out by my friend, Heidi, for not posting her yearbook picture along with ours. Not one to pass up the opportunity to right a wrong, I'm dedicating this post to my super fly friend. The pics below are fresh, indeed.

That last picture was actually taken yesterday.

Wyatt Burp

Check out some pictures of the cutest little cowboy this side of the Mississippi. I love, love, love him in these pajamas.

The Patriot Act

My name is Amy Robinson, and I approved this message.

Yearbook Pics

So I found this neat website on my friend's blog, thanks Kim. This is what Scott and I would have looked like had we graduated in 1988. Scott probably did have this "business in the front, party in the back" do back in '88. Scary, I know. I think I'm looking pretty fly myself.

Oktoberfest-y

Though there was no lederhosen to be found (at the the cleaners), our get together was Oktoberfest inspired. We only waited 3 months to have our first big gathering. We were joined last night by the Pittmans, Kaisers and Knights. There was good food and conversations. We enjoyed ourselves and hoped everyone did as well. I believe the night was a success as the house is still standing. So no major catastrophe and very little tears (Scott couldn't help it, the Hogs got trounced again.) There were a total of 7 kids, 3 of them under 9mos. I wonder what our gatherings will look like when they start toddling around. I hope we find out at someone else's house.

A very big thanks to Shannon for getting us the big bouncy thingy. Nicholas loved it as did most of the kids that ventured into it. I loved it b/c he wore himself out. He was in it for at least 2 hours yesterday and he did the same today. He is now slumbering peacefully.

For some reason we don't have any pictures of the Knights, so if anyone else has some, please send me a couple so I can add. Thanks again for coming, everyone!

Yum!

You don't need a special occasion for a Rice Krispies treat. Make some today and bring it by.

Did I Stutter? pt. deux

Nick: Mickey Mouse ears?
Me: You want your Mickey Mouse ears?
Nick: Noooooo
Me: I don't know what you want
Nick: Mickey Mouse ears
Me: Do you want your Mickey Mouse ears?
Nick: Noooooo. pause Mickey Mouse ears.
Me: (don't do it. do not fall for it, don't ask him)
Nick: Mickey Mouse ears?
Me: You want your Mickey Mouse ears?
Nick: Noooooooo