Vader Wouldn't Do That

So I found these pictures on my phone from last November and apart from being really cute, they reminded me of an article I read a few months ago that still makes me laugh whenever I think about it. I have told some of you before, but it bears re-telling.

So apparently the new Night at the Museum (Smithsonian edition) has a few Darth Vader scenes. Lucus Industries sent over a Vader Handler that followed the Vader actor around all day participating in conversations like:

"Darth Vader wouldn't do that."

"He wouldn't shake his head in frustration?"

"No, he's Darth Vader. He wouldn't do that."

For some reason, that just makes me laugh. Of course Vader wouldn't do that...he's Darth Vader. What were they even thinking? I am glad there are people in the world protecting Vader's image.

I think Gillian is capturing the appropriate Vader imperialistic air in these pictures. See, she gets it. (Shaking his head in frustration--seriously, what were they thinking?)

I finally did get a ghost of a smile however...I wonder what the Vader Handler would have to say about that.

Birthday Boy

We had an ice cream party for James since he can't eat birthday cake. He picked out a couple of his favorite ice cream treats. I can't believe I have a six year old. It feels a lot different.

One of his presents (from his friend Wyatt) was a paper making kit using recycled paper. Do they know James or what?

The Paces

Our friends the Pace's graduated from medical school this year (yes, it can be done). They spent most of the winter at away rotations and only came back for graduation. So they spent a couple weekends at our house and we had such a great time. They have three adorable girls and a cute little "Baby Boy Hunter" as Gillian called him. Can I just say everything is a lot easier in life with more adults.

Water, Water, Everywhere...

...but not a drop to drink. Since this might be our last summer in Norfolk, I am determined to get to the beach as much as possible. Our goal is to go at least once a week, if not more.

We have had a very rainy and cloudy spring and so most of our beach pictures are kind of gloomy looking...but that is the way I like it. Few things are prettier than a gray ocean.

One of Three

The kids and I watched some Star Trek: Voyager today and everyone got their Borg designations.

Three of Three

Two of Three

Gillian in a couple of the cute hairstyles I gave her in the past three months (okay, so these were the only two).

I know this last picture is a little blurry, but it is my absolute favorite. It looks like she is doing a little ho-down dance. In the recent months Gillian has shown great progress in controlling her moods and stubbornness leaving her with just her sweet, playful, side.

Girls Will Be Girls

I took the girls with me to James' t-ball practice and I looked away for just one minute...

South Carolina

The kids and I drove down to South Carolina for a week in early May to visit with Tim's sister Sara and her family.

I'm afraid these are the only pictures I took in South Carolina. I wasn't at the top of my game. It was too easy just to be lazy and let the kids take care of each other.

Lillian, James and Gillian. James was the only one brave enough to face down the horrific sun.

Oh look, she matches the flowers.

The advantage (?) of having really fine hair.

Eleanor, obviously less than impressed.

A Bunton Visit

Tim's parents and Uncle John came to visit us for the weekend sometimes during my missing three months (I actually can't remember when exactly...I'm sure that isn't a good sign). It was a truly terrific visit. Below you will see:

Nanna playing John's PS3, Lots of pictures of Babies with Grandparents, pictures memorializing Gillian's absolute attachment to John, and our visit to the zoo.

Easter

We celebrated Easter with our good friends the Talks. They hosted a brunch for all of us on Easter sunday. We had an awesome egg hunt with a bagillion eggs (80 at least). James' basket actually broke under the weight.

Sorry, just thought it was a cute picture.

I Made This

My first sewing project. When I was in Raleigh in February, I had my mother glued to my side while I made this to help me figure things out. I was kind of a slave driver, I even insisted on precedence over the kids. I figured it was due me since I never needed help with my homework or personal progress growing up.

Tim of course thinks I'm insane for not just buying a nightgown, but I wanted a nightgown that was super silky, not just rayon, and one that was super long with flutter sleeves and no Disney Princesses or Dora on it.

I like the way it turned out except that the sleeves are more bell-like than flutter and the back is ugly because the pattern went cheap and didn't have a yoke in back as well. But I'm not taking responsibility for that.

The Daddy Mug

Tim fell in love with Chai Tea recently, but constantly complained because the kid's mugs don't microwave well (they get hot) and he certainly can't use my mug because well, I'm the Queen of Everything and can't be expected to share.

Since no one can be bothered to just buy a new mug, Tim found another fabulous alternative... The Daddy Mug.

(in case you can't tell, it is my glass measuring cup)

It is daddy size and it is perfectly microwave safe.

Missing in Action

I am sorry I've been absent for so long from the blogging world.  Do you want to hear my excuses?  

Our computer was getting so slow it was nearly impossible to do anything on it.  Eleanor makes it really, really hard to be at the computer.  She loves the mouse and keyboard and has incredible  go-go-gaget-arms.  We finally bought an iMac and I couldn't figure out how the pictures would work on the new computer.  Life just got busy.  

But really I think I just got tired.  Everything seemed like too much effort and I moved so slow at everything that even the little daily things took forever.  I haven't even finished a book in three months.  I just haven't felt like it.  Nothing really seemed interesting enough to be worth the effort.  

But I am turning over a new leaf.  

I am starting with some February pictures that got left out because I felt like I was already too behind on March pictures.  

I promise, there will be more posts soon with our recent activities.

Girls at the Mirror

Eleanor spent a few months at the beginning of this year totally and completely in love with the mirror.  I would take it off the wall so she could play with it without me having to hold her.

I really think the girls look sweet in this picture.  I love seeing both of Gillian's profiles and I like that they are sharing a look.

Why does our joy of looking in the mirror usually evolve into this Norman Rockwell painting?