Farewell

This will be the last post until we are in Savannah, and I can't wait to share that experience with everyone. Just 2 more days until we're on our way. Piper is making her rounds to her favorites playgrounds as we prepare to leave.

He's done it! Broc has successfully completed his training and is now a graduate of CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) BOLC (basic officer leadership couse) training. Try saying that 10 times fast! You can just see the ease of fulfillment on his face.

My favorite father-in-law is here, as he usually is when we have any sort of need. He has flown in to help us with this moving process, and we couldn't be more grateful! Piper is also glad to be spending some quality time with her Grandpa.

Thank you for having us Missouri. Farewell for now!

CANDY

Piper insisted on wearing her rain boots this evening, which would be fine on any other occasion, except the occasion in which she is also wearing a giant milk carton. Leg restrictions and over sized boots made for a less then graceful Piper. Let me add that this worked in my favor, as I attempted the delicate ballerina vibe. Broc is not pictured, because let's face it, he's Broc and hid the camera before I could snap a shot of him in his Clark Kent costume. Boo!

We visited a few neighbors for the full trick or treating experience, but decided it would be better to man our post, letting costumes come to us. It's possible that Piper ate her body weight in candy today, but it's Halloween, right? We decided that we had enough sweets for awhile, so I sent the last of the candy with the last visitor. To be honest, I could have eaten more candy, but I'm glad it's not sitting around asking me to eat it. Happy Halloween!

The King and I

I will always hold a special place in my heart for musicals and old films. This clip is from "The King and I," which is a lovely movie if you haven't had the pleasure. Reading up on the film, to find out just how huge Deborah Kerr's petticoat was, I found that the story is based on real characters. Anna, a widow from America, went to Siam (called Thailand today) to teach the King's children English. Despite his seemingly barbaric behavior, she fell in love with him (I can relate!). Though things didn't work out for them, the fact that the script was based on something real makes me love it that much more. The book is called Anna and the King of Siam, which may be next on my reading list.
I'm trying to keep Piper busy this week while Broc is in the field. She's not the diligent packing assistant I hoped she'd be, any ideas?

Petunia

Broc had a mixer to attend last night, so after Piper went to bed, I had the house to myself. Usually a chick show and a spoon full of peanut butter would be in order, but occasionally I'll get ambitious, which brings us to Petunia. This little lassy is my first attempt at a doll, and I have to say I'm rather pleased with how she turned out. Sweet Piper has taken Petunia under her wing. She accompanied us out for a coffee, to the grocery store and to play at the park this morning. Piper threw her down the slide repeatedly, but afterward she held her close and said, "you okay Tunia?" That melted my heart a little.

At least she's cute, right?

2 year old Piper has been a challenge, possibly the largest I've ever faced as a person. She is a roller coaster of emotions, while I am trying to maintain my normally cool head. One moment she'll be making up songs about tupperware, and the next she is sprawled out on the floor, relentless sobs, no mercy. How can her switch flip so quickly, so violently? Yes she is growing, and has teeth coming in, but knowing Piper pretty well, I am fairly certain most of her outbreaks are emotional. Does anyone know of a good book for battling the terrible 2s?

In midst of this toilsome day, I made these felt hair clips for Piper. When life gives you a lemons, make accessories??

Eat it fish!

You should celebrate Saturday Mornings with an entire box of doughnuts. We did!

Ah, the joy of making your own wrapping paper. It's cheaper and fun for all involved! Piper went to a Birthday party this weekend. We played good old fashioned party games like pin the candle on the cupcake and clothespins in a jar. She was a good sport and patiently waited for her turn.

Piper was throwing rocks in this river today. She struck us so funny when she said in a demanding voice, "Eat it fish... Eat it!"

Countdown

There are 21 days until Broc's graduation, and 24 days until we leave for Savannah. Many of you already know that we found a fantastic house in the downtown area.

We have passed credit and background checks, so we are only a few signatures away from calling this home for awhile. I am very excited to have found this house, I can't wait to go and move our things in! I am preparing Piper as best I can for this move. I have told her that we're going to live in a new house, where we have a new place to sleep, eat and play. Where there will be new friends and new parks to visit. I have even shown her the online tour of the house. She agrees that this will be fun. At least once a day she asks, "watch new house on mommy's puter?" Back to cleaning out closets and packing little by little.