Warpspeed

October, a combination of light speed and stillness. I have been living very full days and watching the kids developing at such a speed its dizzying. (Note to self, insert bon-i-fidee photo of the most dangerous predator on the block, long overdue thanks to the Holtys)

"mi nnme iz iiingo umtoa, hu hilld mi fdr, retr ttta di!" shhe shouted.

what was that Tanya? she repeats with emphases, frustrated that I didn't get the joke. Urged on by her siblings, we repeats again (and again...) and at last it hits me.

Tanya, its "Prepare to die, pre-pair-too-die"

We had watched "the Princess Bride" over the weekend, and that, combined with a trip to the Maryland Renaissance Festival had inspired a few hours of daring doo and sword fights. We had three Inigo Montoyas running around challenging us to duels for over a week.

We made a short day of the Ren Festival but the kids did great and Masha enjoyed it too. Next year we shall try to put some costumes together for a longer adventure. I have found it easier to present them with the new experience like this, I had thought of building it up over days with picture books and the like, but the language is still a bit daunting and there are soo many obscure angles to try to explain it was easier to say, "yep, that's the way the dress 'round here" and give them a turkey leg.

Inigo Montoya, and his taste for revenge have only been out weighed by the impact of three Swedes and a Norwegian. We had a movie night a few weeks ago and watched ABBA's Momma Mia. They can now parrot all 16 tracks on the cast album I dug out of the closet from when Heidi and I saw the show in London on stage.

We also made a couple trips to Rock Creek Park for some creek playtime, rock hopping and boat floating before the ice sets in for the winter. (and for you NCIS fans, we did not see Ziva, DiNozzo, Abby or any scene tape.)

And last, but not least, the newest adoptee in the family, Chi Chi! she is a 9 year old terrier mix who is a hoot to watch bouncing up and down the stairs at the house. She puts up with the kids just fine and Masha took to her at first lick.