whatever

I've been kind of blocked on what to blog about.  It's been a while since I actually posted something that was more than random thoughts or pictures.  Part of the problem is my fear of being boring.  And part of the problem is that my favorite part of anyone's blog is the pictures, so I have a hard time getting motivated to do much more than that.

So in honor of that thought, I'm going to post more randomness.  But if you find it boring, feel free to look at these pictures and leave it at that. ;)

I got to spend some time this weekend with two of my brother's kids, Elsa and Jax.  I've missed them since the month I spent in San Diego.  We had a blast together.  I love that our kids play so well together . . . about 90% of the time.

Charlie starts preschool tomorrow.  The countdown is nearly complete.  We bought him a new backpack and some new Fall clothes.  He's so excited!  Every morning the first words out of his mouth are, "Do I get to go to preschool today?"

Charlie is determined to be Sora for Halloween.  He's a character on an old playstation game that Charlie played like three times back in February when we were running out of indoor things to do.  I thought over the last 8 months, I'd be able to change his mind, but he's as determined as ever.  I've finally decided to give in and although it made me terribly sad to do it, it's also a little freeing to let go of the control over what he should be for my favorite holiday.  Now I just have to figure out how to make the costume . . . and decide whether I'm still going to have matching costumes for Mike, Peter and I, or to just go random for this year.

Peter is now tall enough to turn on the light in his room.  We spent two nights scolding him, turning it off a million times, taking away his toys (both at bedtime and at 2 in the morning . . . then again at 2:30 . . . and again at 3 . . . you get the picture), before I had the genius idea to take the lightbulbs out.  Now we can't turn the lights on even in the day, but we've been sleeping more soundly ever since.

Mike is currently designing a freeway overpass at work.  He's pretty excited about it, but a little stressed as well.  The design needs to be done in the next month or so, although in true fashion of a state job, it won't get started for another couple of years.  Still, this is a great opportunity for him.  And may mean a more permanent position for him here in the area.  Right now he's an EIT.  This could mean a staff engineer position for him when he takes the professional licensing exam.

Anyone have any amazing cupcake recipes?  My mom and I have decided to perfect the art of making cupcakes.  I know, kinda trendy right now, but what can I say.  My mom got into watching Cupcake Wars on the Food Network and we decided it would be something fun to do when she's in town. Oh and frosting!  Got any amazing frosting recipes?