Rocktober 2010 Part 2

Our chilrens gave us a run for our money over Rocktober 2010.  Having 3 toddlers and an infant in the house certainly changed the dynamics.  There were lots of episodes of finger wagging and "no," lots of "mine" and tears.  And that was just between the daddies.  Just kidding.  Sort of.

But seriously, our children were such fun to watch as they interacted.  Each morning they couldn't wait to be with one another.  Of course, within five minutes they needed their own space.  

Here are some moments with the kiddos.

 

 

 This is perhaps my most favorite picture from the weekend for obvious reasons:

 

Uncle Kyle did an amazing job entertaining our little buddies.  

One of fifteen or so examples of our attempt to take a group shot. 

Nothing like a good bath time melt down. 

Here's to a new generation of buddies. 

Rocktober 2010 Part 1

 

The 4th Annual Rocktober Weekend is now officially complete.  The beds are made, the floors swept and there is no trace of our presence at the lovely lake house on Lake Norman. While we were there, however, the house was alive with activity.  I will save the kiddo stories for a later date.  But for now, some images of my most favorite people in the world. 

There were lots of conversations by the dock.

Some more meaningful than others.  Or perhaps more understandable.

There was lots of photographing.

 Because of moments like this:

And like this:

We mostly rested.

Outside provided just as good an opportunity to relax as inside. 

Or poolside. 

 

We ate.  A lot.  But I won't talk about that.  If I think about it too much I might get sick. 

Friendship is a sweet sustenance and it is worth the effort to maintain. 

The Bucklads-The Maslins-The Offners-The Murphys

Going strong since 2001.

Slow Progress for a Slow Process

When you are working on one of these:

And you have one of these:

accomplishing this feels great:

I guess I'll keep her around anyway. 

Or I might get the stink eye.

Potentiality

Very excited about what this stack will become! 

The Manny

Uncle Jamey is one of our favorite regular visitors at Chez Maslin.  He comes around every four months or so to pay us a visit and to escape the ridiculous Florida heat and lame grad classes. 

We made sure to prepare EB for the visit by training her to say "Jamey."  Of course, she opted for her favorite name currently, Amy.  As in Amy Berry, her other mother.  She refused to call him by his real name the entire visit.  It could have something to do with her inability to pronounce the "j" sound, but I prefer to think it is a choice she makes.  It's much funnier that way.   

Even with all of our preparation EB still responded to Jamey's arrival with this attitude:

She has become pretty good with the stink eye.  (PS- don't you just love her hair?  If anyone knows how to convince a toddler that she wants her hair brushed and pulled away from her eyes,  I am open to suggestions.)

Pretty soon, however, she warmed up.  It may have been the tossing in the air that did it.  

Or maybe it was the deep conversations regarding the latest celebrity appearance on Sesame Street. 

I'd say his attempts to get her to warm up worked.  Wouldn't you?

Uncle Jamey, there's a job waiting for you this May if you're interested. 

Looking for an Agent

Future Baby Gap model?  If it means free clothes, count us in.

Final Countdown

After many months of searching and having our hopes dashed time and again, our new outdoor furniture finally arrived.  I greeted the delivery man with such excitement I think he left here wondering if I had one too many espresso shots.  With a little irony in his voice he wished me luck piecing the set together.  

If he only knew.  My enthusiasm for a completed deck kept me focused and unswayed.  Even the sounds of a toddler wide awake from her afternoon nap did not deter my plan.  Well, for about five minutes, then I recruited her to help.  After an hour and a half of laboring the deck went from this: 

To this: 

Our cozy backyard get away is very close to completion.  Now it is just a matter of finishing touches.  Candles, potted plants, mosquito nets. . . you know, normal stuff. 

Looks comfy, huh?  

Come on over for a game of bocce or redneck golf.  We'd love to have you join us!