Drum Set

The kids have created a very cool drum set using empty boxes, pillows, plastic chairs, toys, box tops, and a Dora Bat and a Batman sword for drumsticks. I know I am probably just crazy but I swear Jonathan is good on this drum set. I think Anna is not quite big enough to be able to use the unwieldy drumsticks effectively.
They are also using a Disney Princess guitar. They are switching between guitar lessons and drum lessons. Jonathan plays the drums while Anna plays the guitar. I don't know why I am writing about this, you'd really have to see (and hear) it to fully appreciate it.
Jonathan just got Dave's jug of apple cider out of the fridge and came lugging it in here, saying, "Mama, I want some chocolate milk." I told him it was definitely NOT chocolate milk. That would have been a nasty surprise!
Jonathan and Anna have too many toys. I think I spoil them a little because I grew up a little spoiled. I think Dave spoils them because he did not grow up spoiled. My point is, that they have too many toys, but what do they treasure the most? What do they battle over the most? A ball of purple yarn. They call it Stringy and talk about it like it is the family pet. I often take Stringy away because she (yes, it's a she) makes me nervous (I am afraid they will hurt themselves) and also because she causes such intense squabbles. When they discover her in her hiding spot, they rejoice and give her a big hug. The other night Anna found her and clutched her to her chest, crying, "Oh, Stringy! Oh, I missed you, Stringy!"
They have been attached to this same ball of yarn for months now. It baffles me a little, but also I find it charming.
Only 9 more days until we leave for our cruise. We are going to be boarding the ship a little later than we had planned, because it turns out that Anna's Thanksgiving Feast is on the same day. And there is no WAY we can miss that. She is so proud of all of the surprises they are working on, and they have been practicing for when they go on the stage. She said the girls are wearing aprons and the boys are wearing hats. But it is a surprise! (Sounds like Pilgrims, no?)
Well, it is time for me to go put the little monkeys to bed. Jonathan just announced, "I am going to put my pajamas on. I will be in the bed."
He is such a little man. So responsible! I am wondering if Anna will go to bed on time, since we both took a late afternoon nap. Dave is at practice, and it seems like no matter how hard I try, I am always asleep by the time he gets home.
I never ate dinner. I am on this oatmeal kick right now. I bought those Irish oats (I don't know why, but I swear they are much better). I mix in a handful of pecans, a little brown sugar, and a spoonful of peanut butter. Oh! My! Goodness! I could eat it all the time! I don't know why I thought of putting peanut butter in my oatmeal, but it is delicious! Actually, I think I thought of it because I tried a new flavor at Coldstone's. Brownie batter ice cream with fudge, peanut butter, and a brownie mixed in. I was thinking it would be peanut butter syrup, but no, it was a spoonful of peanut butter right from a jar. How clever, and super yummy.