Classic Hilton's

One of the more magical moments of our Halloween is the transformation of pumpkin to masterpiece. Our "artist in residence", aka Daddy, is as skilled with a knife as he is with a script!  The Master and the Apprentice Brooklyn models a potential silly face. This year our pumpkin face was inspired by the recent "tooth-capades" of our children.  For Brooklyn, two missing front teeth. For Grayson, a tiny tooth making it's first  appearance . This side is dedicated to Grayson's tooth. This side is dedicated to Brooklyn's missing teeth. Is that not the greatest representation of our family in this moment? Love it!! I look forward to seeing how this tradition will grow in our family. 

Traditions are the tent-poles of a family's identity.  One of my favorite fall traditions is our trip to Berry Patch Farm for pumpkin picking! Berry Patch Farms This was Grayson's first visit to the Patch, but Brooklyn is an old Pro! Mommy sang "Old McDonald"... ...to Grayson's delight! Enjoying some time with Farmer Nana. Sassy Lil' Miss! Hay Ride! Selecting the perfect pumpkin. Found it! Yum, pumpkin! Aw man!! Monarch, of all I survey! Pumpkins...nam nam nam nam nam!! This is more like it! And that's why we go to the pumpkin patch!   

While I wait for my pumpkin patch pictures to upload, I need to say some things about a stupid letter and policy that was recently brought to my attention.  I knew when we took a 10 day vacation in the middle of September, that there would be consequences . Ten absences without a medical note is sure to raise eyebrows. But Mrs. Pope was so great about it. She gave Brooklyn some work to do so she wouldn't fall behind and was very supportive of all the wonderful educational benefits of such an exciting experience. Anyway, parents received a policy reminder during conference week, about the same time I received a standard letter from the principal informing me that a social worker may need to get involved to help us improve Brooklyn's attendance. But what really got my goat was the page on the back of the policy with Attendance Tips for Parents, particularly this one: As a rule of thumb, children should only be absent in cases of illness or emergency. Absences due to shopping

It was a big night in the Hilton household. One of those delightfully ordinary days, filled with little more than chores and play.  In honor of the great book I was reading,  Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet  ( See my recommendation here! ), I cooked a tasty dish of chicken stir fry and noodles, which was enjoyed by the whole family. Even Nana and Bob-Bob joined in on the fun, which was an extra special treat for me. The bath and bedtime routine was seamless, and just as we were settling down for the night, Brooklyn came running into Grayson's room with the tiniest tooth in her hand and the biggest hole in her mouth!  I cannot believe how small that tooth is! Such an itty bitty thing to symbolize the huge transition she is making from little girl to young lady.  It got me thinking... This year has been (and I'm sure will continue to be) challenging. Warning to my parent friends: It's only gettin' harder!! But it's also been awesome as Brooklyn and I hav

I'm so overwhelmed! Brooklyn deals with it by playing with whatever she wants and leaving it on the floor...in whatever room in the house she happens to be in. I've been stewing over this for several days now, and I think I've come up with a plan to deal. Now obviously there is nothing new in this plan. It's all about taking what others say and customizing it to work for you. Here is what I'm thinking: Brooklyn's toys can be divided into the following categories: Little people/barbie, dress up, home living "baby", home living "kitchen", puzzles/games, and art/school.  So this weekend, Brooklyn and I are going to sort her toys into those categories. We will then sort each category into "favorites" "donate" and "storage". The donated items will be donated to needy children or the trash (depending on the condition of the toy), favorites will be put away in her room and playroom (which are already semi organized

  October 5, 2011 Grayson James Delano is seven months old and could not be cuter if he tried! No big changes from last months report, except that everything is just a little bit better. Steadier when he sits, neater when he eats (but only a little bit!), and just a tiny bit more intention to his movement. He's starting to scoot backwards and sideways and roll with more purpose.  He loves playing the "Hilton variation" of peekaboo, which consists of us closing our eyes and saying "nightime" then opening them and saying "daytime!". He's rediscovered the pacifier and now enjoys that AND his special blue blankie at nap time.  All in all I feel like we've gotten in to a good routine. I love this stage of development and watching his personality emerge!  Wait! I've got this!