Hell's Angels invade neighborhood

A dangerous motorcycle gang is on the prowl in St. Paul. Beware.

Stella spent the past weekend with her cousins, Aunt Kris, and Uncle Troy while Sara an I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary. Everyone had a good time and I think Stella enjoyed a break from mom and dad as much as we enjoyed a break from her - as they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Stella's first official day of preschool is tomorrow. We are all very excited, especially since a last minute spot opened up in the morning session. Naps are still definitely a part of daily life here, and everyone involved will be better off with the afternoon nap that attending the morning session allows for. We have entered the realm of the 3 year old tantrum and are reluctant to follow any course of action that might increase the frequency or duration of the outbursts. Losing a daily nap certainly seems like risky behavior in that regard.

The tantrums are really quite horrifying and generally involve a prolonged period of bloodcurdling screams accompanied by self flagellation - typically hands to head. There is not much one can do in these situations except try and control the urge to fight fire with fire and scream right back at her. The good news is once a tantrum passes, Stella seems to hardly remember that it even occurred, and proceeds pretty much as normal. The whole thing is tons of fun. As a side note, Stella and Roy have been developing a stronger relationship lately, which has coincided with her tantrums - perhaps they view each other as kindred spirits in domestic disruption.