Holiday fun and poor table manners

It was a busy but fun holiday weekend for the Swanny clan.

We started on Saturday with the drive to my dad's house. The kids (and both of our dogs) played with Grandpa, Grandma Jodi and Jodi's neice and had a ball. Swanny and I celebrated the wedding of a friend of mine from my Rock Island school days. It was a beautiful day and ceremony and the reception was fun--for me. Swanny didn't really know anybody there, but was a good sport while I caught up with some friends. He did enjoy live-tweeting the dance action at the ceremony and the food was delicious, so don't feel too bad for him.

Yesterday, we made a long over-due visit to Peanut's (& Swanny Jr's) GGPA who used to be a loyal reader and commenter on this blog. I think he still lurks every now and then but we don't see or talk to him nearly enough. We had a nice time chatting and catching up. I was able to snap a good shot of GGPA, Swanny and the kids.


We attempted some shopping and a visit to Grammy Pam, but Peanut had reached her breaking point of fatigue and the 4-year-old beast that sleeps somewhere just below the surface emerged in a big way. Thanks Peanut for that tantrum-to-beat-all-tantrums that ruined anyone's shot of getting Whitey's while we were there. My favorite line during her diatribes, "You're not my mom. I don't love you!"

Peanut survived (barely) and we rounded out the weekend with a campfire and s'mores last night and breakfast this morning, once we found a place that was open. (By the way, I have no idea why I didn't take any pictures after the visit to GGPA's house...sorry.)

Needless to say, tonight when Swanny headed off for a few hours of work, I had 2 very tired children on my hands. (The dogs by the way are so tired from running around on my dad's 2 acres and playing with their Golden Retriever, that neither one of them woke up to eat dinner tonight). Early dinner and baths for the kids were top of my agenda this evening.

Apparently, no one told me that Swanny Jr. is on protest from broccoli.

My normally good-mannered little boy who will eat with spoon or hands anything I put before him proceeded to dump the broccoli from his bowl, toss the bowl to the floor and then--no joke, finger paint with his veggies instead.

Big Sis Peanut was eager to show off how a big kid eats broccoli.

Notice the majority of her veggies are gone and NOT on the table or floor surrounding her eating location. She was quite proud to be the role-model on this one. A nice change as I have asked her no fewer than 3 times this weekend either in build up to fit or in the midst of one, to remind me who the baby in our house is and then to think about who at the time was acting like one...

Eventually Swanny Jr. caught the hint and ate most of his veggies. (With generous amounts still landing on the floor).

Hopefully a good night's sleep and a back-to-normal routine tomorrow will help bring our good table manners back!