Lisa: she speaks for the trees

Ever since Grandma read Nora The Lorax, her favorite spot on our walk around the block has become this stump. She stands up there and dramatically announces that she is the Lorax. I think we need to read the book again so that she can expand the game.

Lisa: Hogle Zoo

One of the best parts of Blake being laid off is that he can go to the zoo with me, Nora, and Alex. A 2:2 kids-to-adults ratio is a lot more fun than 2:1.

Lisa: Wednesday

Jillian and Rylee joined us for our weekly walk around the block with Alex.

Lisa: zooin'

This is Nora's favorite shirt to wear to the zoo. She likes to match the zebras.

Lisa: run around the block

This is one of those days Nora and Alex took their walk around the block at a dead run. The house with the hedges is their favorite place to stop and explore--it's for sale, and I helpfully included the phone number here so you can put in an offer.

Lisa: This is Halloween

Between putting together costumes for Jillian's birthday party, Voices rehearsals, and starting all the homemade Christmas gifts, this was not the year for making Nora an incredible hand sewn Halloween costume. The princess outfit (complete with accessories) that my mom bought for Nora fit the bill perfectly, and she loved it. No bad-mom guilt necessary.

Also starring: Blake, in his goth funeral outfit, Jami and Alex (looking adorable as a tiger), and E--who became Alex's favorite walking buddy.

Lisa: summertime

Alex and Nora, painting the back patio with water.

Lisa: binky buddies

Looks comfy to me.

Lisa: cuddle time

Who doesn't like to cuddle during a movie? With some snacks?

Lisa: Who is in charge, here?

My mom brought over a new swimsuit for Nora while I was tending Alex, and before I knew what was happening she was wearing it, then she and Alex were dragging out the pool, Alex was filling it with the hose, and they were hopping in.

Lisa: Share with Nora!

I guess Nora thought Alex was hogging the piano.

Lisa: Tuesday morning

Nora and her buddy Alex, watching a movie and catching up on a little Eastern philosophy reading.

Lisa: squeezable

Alex hugged Nora some more.

But, having seen these knees, can you really blame him?

Lisa: someone taught that kid right

Alex learned about hugging. AWWWW!

Lisa: Kix

Snacktime with Alex.

Lisa: blocks

Just playing blocks with the A-man. Or, as Nora calls it, "building robots."

Lisa: Halloween

When I saw this shark costume on Mighty Junior, I had to get it for Nora.

It's no wonder Alex is afraid of her--I think sharks are probably the skunk's natural predator.