Siskel & Ebert

Last weekend when the power was out, we drove all over trying to find something to do with the kids. We finally decided to check out the movies. However when we drove up, the only movie that seemed like it could possibly work was Percy Jackson & The Olympians - The Lightning Thief. We were a little concerned so Josh and I started discussing the movie, and whether or not the kids could sit through a non-animated movie, and more importantly whether or not it was too scary for them. After Josh and I discussed it for a few minutes, Paxton interjected...

Paxton: I was reading in the newspaper this morning that this movie is really good and is NOT too scary for 4-year-olds or 2-year-olds. It's only scary for 3-year-olds.

Josh: Wow, Pax, that's great that it was so specific.

Note: If you have no clue about this movie, here is a link to the preview. http://www.percyjacksonthemovie.com/

Followup: There's a scene in the movie where the 3 heroes go to a garden nursery and look for a pearl but realize Medusa is there. Yesterday as soon as we got to a local nursery to flower shop, Paxton turned to Benjamin and I and said seriously, "Let's split up."

Doing Great Things

Every day in preschool, Paxton's teacher asks a "Question of the Day." Up until now our favorite was "Can you touch your nose with your tongue?" And Paxton was very proud because he can indeed and was the only one able to do so. Well now yesterday's is a particular favorite of mine as well.

Morah Shanna: "Have you done anything important?"

Allie: "I helped my sister Dana."

Joseph: "I saw Laurie Berkner."

Marissa: "I found Daddy's ring."

Paxton: "I checked my email."

(Please note Paxton does not have nor has he ever had email)

Life is short

After staying up til midnight last night (yes midnight...we're terrible parents) both boys were needless to say, exhausted. While watching TV, Benjamin fell asleep in my lap. I moved him to a cradle position and then held him for a bit when Paxton entered the room.

He walked up quietly, kissed Benjamin on the ear, gently pet his hair, looked up at me and said...

"Is he dead?"

Scary Movie

Daddy: Paxton do you want to watch Beauty & the Beast or The Dark Crystal?

Paxton: Actually, I want to see The Dark Crystal.

Mommy: He's not allowed to watch The Dark Crystal!

Daddy: Paxton, Mommy doesn't want to you guys to watch The Dark Crystal. It might be too scary for Benjamin.

Paxton: I'll protect him. I'll cover his eyes during the scary parts.

I'm Innocent I Tell Ya

As Paxton and Benjamin play in the other room we can hear giggling and occasional crying. After Paxton has been reprimanded once for hurting Benjamin (and denying it), the boys continue playing until we hear a bang and Benjamin crying.

Daddy: What happened Benjamin?

Paxton: (running up) I didn't do anything to him...again!

Somone's Getting a Time-Out

After throwing a tantrum because Mommy made fish sticks instead of chicken nuggets...

Paxton: (still in tantrum mode) You're a bad mommy!

Mommy: Why?

Paxton: Because you keep making bad decisions!

It's What Makes the World Go 'Round

For Christmas, Paxton and Benjamin received piggy banks with no withdrawals. That is to say, the kind of piggy bank you have to smash with a hammer to get your money.

This has been explained to Paxton.

The other day, Paxton asked for money so I gave each boy a quarter. I took Benjamin's new piggy bank off the shelf and let him insert the very first quarter. I then shook it so he could hear the coin rattle around inside.

Paxton: Now you can't have the money, Benjamin. If you want it, you have to break it but you should only do that when you're four years old. Or five. Or six. Or if you want a car. Or a piece of candy.