I’m sorry to spring this on you like this, and especially that you have to read about it on the Internet. Sit down mom…we have a new family member. Straight from China. Yes, it’s true! The kids have wanted this to happen for years. And they are so excited! In fact, they have been fighting over who gets to hold him since he arrived and have barely set him down. They are pretty good about taking turns, not being too rough, and playing with him. He is mostly quiet, really doesn’t eat all that much (yet?), but is incredibly active for his age (although, honestly, we’re not sure how old he is). Our lives haven’t been the same since he got here – and I doubt they ever will be again. I hope you’re as excited as we are…his name is Mario. He arrived on December 25. Maybe at some point we’ll be able to also bring his brother Luigi over from China. Keep your fingers crossed for us.
A day in the life of our kids now starts out in the morning with “Can I play nintendo?” and resumes as soon as they get home from school with “Can I play nintendo?”. On the positive side, it’s one more very powerful thing we as parents can hold over their heads and threaten to take away if they don’t start behaving…ahhh, the power to take away their only source of fun…this is what parenting is all about.
Megan, on the other hand, could care less about nintendo. She is too busy constantly reminding me that I was born first, I’m the oldest, and I’m going to die first. It sounds so much sweeter coming out of her mouth.
I was recently listening to a Prairie Home Companion CD and they played a poem called “The Lanyard” by Billy Collins. I thought it was great, especially with him reading it. I hope this link brightens your day…The Lanyard.
Hope the ol’ guy isn’t teaching your children any bad things. Looks like he’s not too far from being 30. Just looked at the web site below and never knew Mario and his family, friends and enemies are so popular.
http://nintendo.wikia.com/wiki/Mario#Beginnings
Although I missed the Nintendo and Mario age, I’m right in there with Billy Collins. I wonder if he went to Camp Buffalo too? Just 3 days ago I decided to clean out my top dresser drawer. One of my treasurers I came across was the red and white lanyard I made at Camp Buffalo as a scout. Just so you don’t think I’m a selfish ingrate, I think it was one of several I made that year – I may have given a green and yellow one to Grandma and Grandpa. Hard for me to believe but it is nearly twice the age of Mario.
This is Super Bowl Sunday – guess it’s been a while since I’ve checked in on your website – sorry! I enjoyed the “Lanyard” recitation. Did you ever make a lanyard in Boy Scouts? I never received one, but then I never taught you to swim – guess we’re even – HEE HEE!! We really enjoyed those few days together in January and miss all of you so much!!! Stay warm – we’re suppose to get more snow Tuesday; we got about 10″ earlier this week and had a Snow Day at school last Wednesday. At this rate we’ll be going to school into July – UGH!!
That’s awesome that dad found a read & white lanyard in his dresser last week – how funny! I don’t know if I ever made lanyards. I think my talents were more focused on pressing shapes into chunks of leather. I’m also pretty sure at some point I made you dozens of pot holders and maybe a latch hook wall hanging. I’m hurt that you don’t remember.
We have yet to have a snow day this year, despite it being cold enough to freeze your flesh in less than 10 minutes. We are in that phase where it is so cold even Mr. Frost stays away and won’t deliver snow. I’m sure February and March will bring plenty more. It almost hit 50 yesterday – and the kids have been out a few times sledding.
I’ll have to read that Mario link to the kids tonight at bedtime. I had no idea grown ups had put so much thought into creating plausible explanations for all of these games – ha!