In their Shoes

So what is the deal with kids shoes. I really don't understand it. First there are "toddler" shoes. They go from size 2-13. Then you move to "kids" shoes, which start at 1 and go up. When do they merge with adult sizes??? I am so confused. Do they go all the way up through kids sizes first, then adult? If so, I would think they enter adult at size 6-7 or something. Anyone get this???

My Little Boy Never Ceases to Amaze

About a week or so ago, Big Man decided he was potty trained. We had not started really working on this - were waiting for later this fall. But he literally woke up one morning and declared he was not wearing diapers. Daycare had told us they were more than ready to work with him ( I think he was the only one in diapers in his class), so we said, Ok. Packed up a bunch of clothes and underwear and off he went. He had a couple accidents the first few days. But that was it.

The scary thing was that he decided he wasn't going to wear diapers at night either. I explained to him that I was so proud of him and he was doing great - but his body might not be ready yet, and he might sleep through it. He insisted. I insisted. He work diapers 2 more days, and woke up dry both. So he is in underwear 24/7 now. UNBELIEVABLE! I expect some fall-backs in the next few weeks, but man, that was easy. (did I just curse myself??!)

Give the Girl the Right Shoes, and She can Conquer the World!

That quote is attributed to Bette Midler, and I live by it. I kinda have a shoe thing. In fact, it has gotten so nuts that I am now collecting artwork of shoes. Oh yeah. DH has allowed me to hang them in my shoe closet. I think he doesn't want to think about the fact that I own them (or the shoes either).

My current pair of shoes are these beauties. Aren't they amazing? They were HAND-PAINTED for ME! I found a cool shop on Etsy where she paints on all kinds of things - including shoes. They are reasonably priced too. She will custom make them for you in whatever size. I cannot tell you how many compliments I have received on these.

My Life - Written Down

So in preparation for our great vacation next week, I am writing down everything I can think of about the kids schedule to help out my mother in law. Obviously, the simple things like lessons (when they are, where they are, etc) are on there - but also what day each has PE (must wear sneakers), if they are buying/bringing lunch, etc. Honestly. You don't realize how crazy your life is until you have to write it out. How is there space for another thought in my head - I have no idea!

You Must Read This Book

I recently read "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. This book is soooo good. It is a novel set in the 1960s in Mississippi. It tells the story of a young white woman who decides to write a book about the experiences of black maids/nannies in her community. It is so great and so poignant - a friend of mine who read it said she had to keep putting it down because she was scared for the characters. We have not before had a such a great voice for black women during the civil rights movement and all the work they were doing to keep their families together and fed, and clothed, and housed. And what they had to deal with at work and at home and in their communities. It is a fabulous book and I can not rate it more highly. I strongly recommend you read it. What is really amazing is that it is a debut novel. I cannot wait to read the next thing she writes!!!

They have already sold the rights and it will be made into a film.

Hawaii- bound!

So DH and I are going to Hawaii for a week soon!!! Without the kids!!!! (thank God for Nanas) We cannot wait. Honeymooned there 13 years ago and have wanted to go back. I have a conference in Waikiki (read: work paying!) and we used frequent flier miles for DH's ticket.

We are going to the Big Island for 2/3 days (mostly Hilo). We cannot wait to see the volcano. We have already booked a bi-plane ride over the volcano. Staying at an awesome looking B&B, and will have a rental car.

We will be in Honolulu for 4/5 days, staying at my conference hotel in Waikiki. We have booked a catamaran sunset cruise there.

Any other must -dos? Food recommendations?? We know we want to snorkel. Any other things to see/do (We have seen the wreck of the Arizona and Pearl Harbor before).

Would love any tips.

Natl Book Festival

Went to the Natl Book Festival this weekend. I highly recommend it if you are in the area. There are tens of authors - doing readings and signings, and lots of other stuff. The PBS kids tent had tons of coloring pages and other activities, and they had their own stage with Elmo and others. Also lots of characters (Clifford, Sid the Science Kid) around to meet your kids.

We love Mo Willems - author of Knuffle Bunny, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, and the Gerald and Piggie series (among others). We stood in line 1 1/2 hours to get his autograph. That was a little nuts - and I wouldn't do the book signings again ( the lines were all insane) - but it was fun. The kids really enjoyed.

Another tip - do NOT buy your books there. The Borders tent to buy books had a 45 line to pay, and the books were not special - same as you would get at any bookstore.

Next year we will go and hear more readings and see more stuff - no autographs. Definately worth the trip though!