Forest Gump

Someone gave Mikie a shirt from the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company from Santa Monica Pier in California. It has a silly little shrimp on the front that Mikie loves. One day, in the car ride home from school (after a day of wearing the shirt), he started the following conversation:

Mikie: "Mom, can we get the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company movie?"

Mom: "Yes, we already have that movie at home."

Mikie: "Can we watch it when we get home?"

Dad: "Yes, but not tonight because it's a long movie."

Mom: under my breath "I don't think it's really appropriate. . . "

Mikie: "I love the army part of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company movie. It's my favorite part."

Mom: "How do you know about the army part? You've never seen the movie."

Mikie: "Because I'm smart."

I totally asked for that one. It's his standard answer anytime I ask him how he knows something. . . because he's smart.

The next day, I discovered the truth. Mr. Baker, the owner of the daycare had seen his shirt and asked him if he had seen the movie. As soon as Mikie realized that there was a movie, he started asking a million questions. He told Mikie it had a sad part about the army, to which Mikie replied "I love the army."

While I admire his patriotism, some days I swear the kid is three going on thirty.

Love, The Trahans

Garbage

There's no better way to boost your self esteem than listen to your three year old. . .

Mikie came home from daycare a few weeks ago, asking for a dream catcher. Evidently, they had one at daycare and it kept him from having bad dreams. Now, I could have very easily purchased a dream catcher on the internet. But, Mikie and I were going to be home that Friday, waiting for the new couch. And, in my never ending pursuit of being the perfect mom, I thought it would be fun for us to make one.

Off we went to Michaels. Mikie picked out the feathers and beads himself, along with a few unplanned purchases (like new train tracks and Thomas engines). After two days of hard work, I had a finished a beautiful dream catcher, woven with gold thread and adorned with red feathers and beads.

I proudly showed it to Mikie, asking "So how does it look?" My child's response? "It looks like garbage."

As I was about to order a new dream catcher on the internet, Mikie came in and begrudgingly told me (through gritted teeth) that "it was beautiful". I'm 99% positive Mike put him up to it.

The next day, I saw the "dream catcher" they had at daycare. It was actually an authentic war shield, nearly 3 feet in diameter, the center of which was white fur. In comparison, my 6 inch feathery concoction does seem to fall short.

Love, The Trahans

Chips and the New Couch

After eight years of the old couch, we finally broke down and got a new couch and chair. We were smart enough to get them upholstered in microsuede to easily remove any stains or spills. And, so far, Mikie has done a good job listening to the rules and hasn't bounced on it. Unfortunately, he slobbered all over it twice tonight. Exasperated, Mike took him up to bed while I cleaned up.

Five minutes later, Mikie came back downstairs to apologize. As he tried to explain what happened, I swore he said "Maybe it was sh**" that he got on the couch. As I think any mom would react, I screamed "What did you say?" To which he said, "Maybe it was chips that I was eating."

I reminded him that there would be no eating near the couch and sent him bounding back off too bed.

I don't know what we are going to do with this child.

Love, The Trahans

The Slip & Slide

Given Mikie's love of water and Mike's hatred of the kiddie pool (the weight kills our grass), we recently purchased a Slip & Slide. It keeps both Mikes happy. The little one gets wet; the big one can both water the lawn and easily put the Slip & Slide away afterwards before our lawn is affected. And, as you can see from the video below, both of them enjoy sliding on it. Listen carefully for the "amazing new trick" Mikie learned.Hope you enjoy your summer as much as we are.

Love, The Trahans

Wanted

Matthew "The Moocher" Ryan, seen here, is wanted in the state of Massachusetts on charges relating to kidnapping of Thomas the Tank Engine, and theft of other related toys.

Suspect is a white male, born January 2005 in California, measuring slightly over 3 feet tall and weighing between 30 and 40 pounds. His last known residence is in the state of New Hampshire. He has light brown hair and frequently refers to himself in the third person.

While not known to be violent or in possession of a weapon, the suspect uses his charm to convince you to share things. As seen below, once he has disarmed you, the suspect not so subtly stuffs possessions into his pants or shirt until he can make an escape. Anyone with information relating to this dangerous fugitive is asked to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals Office. A 500¢ reward is offered for any information leading to the suspect's arrest.

Love, The Trahans