Monday, September 29, 2008

Emily - 0, voice recognition software - 2

Last time I battled with, and finally outsmarted, the voice recognition software in the car. This time it was on the phone. I lost. Today I was trying to get through to a real live person (a feat in and of itself) at my credit card company, but the Fates (and a two year old) were working against me.

Phone: If this is correct, please press, or say, one.
Ben: MOMMMMMMMMMMY!
Phone: I'm sorry, I did not understand your response.
Me: frantically presses 1 over and over
Phone: If this is correct please press, or say, one.
Ben: MOOOOOOO-OOOOOOMMMY!
Phone: I'm sorry, I did not understand your response.
Phone: Please press, or say, your 16 digit account number, now.
Ben: MOMMY! I need WATER!
Phone: I'm sorry, I did not understand your response.
Me: bangs head on desk. bangs phone on desk.
Phone: I'm sorry, I did not understand your response. Returning to the main menu...
Ben: Mommy? Can I have water? Water? Mommy, water?
Me: gives up. hangs up.

Best Shot Monday - my girl

This picture is from a weekend at the lake in late August. Claire kept wanting me to take pictures of her making funny faces, but I caught this one when she was in between funny faces and just being herself.

I am determined to make the time to get to visit all of the other great shots going on over at Best Shot Monday, and you should, too!

Saturday, September 27, 2008

funny

Claire and Ben having an imaginary phone conversation. Please note that apparently phone conversations best take place at top volume!

B: Hello, who are you?
C: My name is Claire Pyatt, P-I-T-T-T-T-T-T-T.
B: And my name is Ben Pyatt, T-T-T-O-O

Monday, September 22, 2008

Best Shot Monday - Say CHEEEEEEEESE

Ben and his buddy Ethan, cheesing for the camera.


To see more shots from Best Shot Monday make sure to check in with Tracey over at Mother May I!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Best Shot Monday - Claire and Patrick

The week before Labor Day I had to work, but the kids weren't in school yet. We paid a fortune to the babysitter for the first two days, and then my parents took the kids down to the lake for the last three. We managed to get there on Friday while the kids were still napping, and so I got this absolutely adorable picture.



Patrick is a dog my sister got from FAO Schwartz. He was bequeathed to my parents when Sarah started moving into apartments that were far too small to house a giant stuffed puppy, and now he is Claire's buddy when she's down at the lake. He sleeps on her bed at night, and when she "rests" in the other room he has to go with her.

Sometimes now Claire can act so mature, but moments like this make it easy to see how little she still is.

Go over and check out Tracey's pictures of her daughters, and everything else that will be shared at Best Shot Monday!

Sunday, September 07, 2008

and we'll have fun, fun, fun...

A few weeks ago we attended a Beach Boys concert with my parents at Wolftrap Foundation for the Performing Arts, which is, conveniently, just a few minutes from our house. This was our birthday present for Dad, and everyone had a great time - particularly the kids.


Ben took a while to warm up because we had to wake him up from his nap to get in the car and go, so he settled in with Nonno to eat some cheese and crackers.

Claire and Nonni had a lot of fun dancing.

Doesn't Ben just look thrilled? I actually like this picture of myself, though, so I'm posting it anyway. :)

Me, trying for something a little different. Those in the family will recognize the picnic blanket in the top right from picnics 25 years ago (or more).

Ben finally decided to bust a move.

Last dance - awwww.

I love this picture, even though you can't see my dad's face, and while snapping away I didn't notice that woman behind Claire. Something about the way she is looking at him.

We really had a fabulous day - good food, good wine, fun music, a patch of shade, and a very enthusiastic crowd. I think that we will all be eager to go back again next year.

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

First Day of School

Today was Ben's (and my) first day of school. The entire ride to school every time we passed kids waiting at the bus stop or saw a school bus he told me, "Those kids are going to school. Just like me!" He was very eager to begin his day - particularly since it started with sitting down at the table at school to eat his yogurt and cereal bar. Yum! He didn't even notice my leaving, and I was too stressed about making it to work on time that I didn't even have time to cry. I did tear up a little when I recounted it to my office mate later in the morning, but we all survived.

Of course I couldn't resist taking some pictures before we left the house - we were only running a few minutes behind.

First I asked Ben for a thumb's up. Instead he flashed me his gang signs.

Wait, that's better - complete with a totally cheesy grin. That's my boy!

And of course Claire couldn't resist getting in on a photo-op!

When I picked Ben up he was just getting up from his nap. All we can get out of him about his day was, "I went outside and played and stuff and sleeped." Sounds like a busy day to me! When I ask him about his teacher, Miss V., he tells me that she helped him go potty. (She told the parents at the meet and greet a few weeks ago that she would have the whole class potty trained in 2-3 months. Good luck with my stubborn boy, I will support you every step of the way. He told me tonight that he is excited to go back tomorrow, so that's a good sign. I think we're going to have a great year!