Well, I can't believe I haven't blogged in a VERY long time. It's not that things have been quiet. Not at all, really. There was our 7th year Anniversary, Zoo Boo, Halloween, Damon's 33rd birthday, Thanksgiving and now Christmas holiday is upon us (and past by the time I actually finished this blog) and it's a New Year! I may post some pics from the previous events sometime but instead of catching up I think I'll just move on with the blog thing.
I am thinking today about the fact that 10 years ago I had not even had my PC a very long time and was so excited. I know technology should make things simpler and streamline things but it doesn't always feel that way.
First, there is Facebook. I love it in most regards. I love keeping in touch with friends and it has been so fun "knowing" what is going on and seeing pictures from people's lives. It makes me feel less isolated in these big suburbs we live in. But, is it real? I think back to communities where people lived in close proximity and really were involved in people's lives. Not just commenting on someone's "status" but borrowing a cup of flour, dropping the kids off to play and just dropping by to say hi. I really miss that life. I sometimes wonder what my kids idea of connection and community will be.
Then, there is shopping. I no longer even have much fun just browsing or looking around stores and malls. I used to really like to do that. Now, I have usually searched online, know what I want and just go in for the kill-- versus hunting for the right thing, the right price, etc. I guess that does make things simpler and faster. Maybe it's my life stage . It's not much fun browsing in the mall with 2 preschoolers in tow and when I have time without them, that just isn't my favorite way to spend my time.
One area of technology I am dragging my feet on is the whole texting world. I am doing so not in a boycott manner or anything but definitely intentionally. I really don't feel I need to be so connected to another "techie thing" So, just give me a ring- still have a land line even! Anyway, just things I've been pondering. I really feel there are not enough hours in my day and wonder if technology is helping or hindering that feeling.
Dec 4, 2008
Oct 13, 2008
Scarecrow Tradition
The Clouse gang got together Sat pm for the annual Scarecrow party. Damon attended for the first time this year. Kyle had our idea which was Wall-e the robot from the Disney movie. I thought it was a good idea. Let's just say Damon got on board with that idea and it turned out very cute- a little laborious, but cute.
Some highlights:
Field Trip
This was a field trip to Russell Farms. The first attempt got rained out but the make up date was beautiful and it was a very fun time. They have a hayride, movie in a grain bin to educate them on the planting and harvest process, talk about various animals with time to pet them, craft and story time about pumpkin, chore time where they can practice pitching hay, gathering eggs and several other things. Allison loves tagging along and really warmed up to Kyle's friend, Hunter. I kept having to tell her to give him some breathing room. More pictures on facebook.
Reaping the benefits
I think having the kids 2 years apart is starting to reap some rewards. Recently I have noticed a BIG change in how the kids are playing together. Kyle's imagination is exploding and he has been including his little sis which is a big hit to her. One day they played for 2 hours - they had a truck behind the lazy boy upstairs, sick stuffed animals that kept "puking" and they would take them to the hospital in my room to get them better. By the end of it all, there were about 10 stuffed animals all tucked neatly into the Master bed. I have so enjoyed watching them.
In this picture, Kyle was driving the kids out to the pumpkin patch to pick out a pumpkin (reliving his recent outings)
Oct 1, 2008
Zoo Sex Education
Allison educated about 4 other 3 year old girls at the zoo yesterday. While viewing the Walrus' she pointed out that the Walrus had a penis. It surprised me quite a bit and then she just kept repeating it and thinking it was so funny. We left quickly and I was hoping the girls thought she said "peanuts" because it did kind of sound that way. Yikes! After several recent conversations with both my kids, it's time to get the series ordered!! I will certainly welcome all the help I can get on parenting this topic.
The Princess and the Pea
I haven't tried putting a pea under Allisons mattress. BUT, if I did, chances are she'd feel it and have a meltdown! Allison inherited a gene from my family that is so frustrating right now. It is a known fact that Clouse's can't stand tags touching them, anything itchy on their skin... you get the point. So, as the season changes, so do the possible irritants. I am trying to remember back to last fall and remind myself that the same drama is repeating itself. And, remembering that it did subside, not lasting all fall and winter.
The 3 big issues (and battles when I force the issues) are underwear, socks and what to wear. Allison wants control of her wardrobe.
I'm learning to stay a step ahead of the outfit situation, offer some choices that are all acceptable and on days "off" to allow anything goes. The underwear situation I believe is under control. She had refused to wear any of the ones I had and finally found that gymboree would suit her finicky heiny so that has solved that problem.
Donning of socks is the battle of the week with temps dropping. She freaks out (understatement) every morning this week (50 degrees is socks weather, isn't it?). It's the crease on the toes that sends her into craziness. I found comfort seam socks but they still have a small thread at each corner. If I snip that thread (put a hole in one of the new socks doing this) it has worked with about 50% success. Today, after the battle was won (by me) I asked (cautiously)about 1/2 hour later how her socks/shoes were feeling and she said fine. We discussed that it takes a while to get used to them and that she needs to give them a chance every morning. So, if you think of it at about 830 on M, W, F, say a prayer her feet will be tolerant and that her Mom will have patience.
The 3 big issues (and battles when I force the issues) are underwear, socks and what to wear. Allison wants control of her wardrobe.
I'm learning to stay a step ahead of the outfit situation, offer some choices that are all acceptable and on days "off" to allow anything goes. The underwear situation I believe is under control. She had refused to wear any of the ones I had and finally found that gymboree would suit her finicky heiny so that has solved that problem.
Donning of socks is the battle of the week with temps dropping. She freaks out (understatement) every morning this week (50 degrees is socks weather, isn't it?). It's the crease on the toes that sends her into craziness. I found comfort seam socks but they still have a small thread at each corner. If I snip that thread (put a hole in one of the new socks doing this) it has worked with about 50% success. Today, after the battle was won (by me) I asked (cautiously)about 1/2 hour later how her socks/shoes were feeling and she said fine. We discussed that it takes a while to get used to them and that she needs to give them a chance every morning. So, if you think of it at about 830 on M, W, F, say a prayer her feet will be tolerant and that her Mom will have patience.
Booster Seats
The Virginia-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute found Wednesday that 13 booster seats don't put children in the best position to be protected in a crash.
Car seat safety and guidelines are something that I have a bit of a passion about. I just don't think there is great education out there on them and many listen to the guidelines on the boxes of the seats which are not always compatable with the Transportation dept safety guidelines.
I am also again aware that although Kyle can buckle himself in, it is rarely with the belt untwisted and at the right points on his body. I'll be returning to helping him do that and he still rides in a 5 pt harness on long highway trips. He will for 17 more pounds! (65# is his carseat max)
Anyway,
Car seat safety and guidelines are something that I have a bit of a passion about. I just don't think there is great education out there on them and many listen to the guidelines on the boxes of the seats which are not always compatable with the Transportation dept safety guidelines.
I am also again aware that although Kyle can buckle himself in, it is rarely with the belt untwisted and at the right points on his body. I'll be returning to helping him do that and he still rides in a 5 pt harness on long highway trips. He will for 17 more pounds! (65# is his carseat max)
Anyway,
worth a readto keep our kids safe.
Sep 3, 2008
BMOC
Kyle was "big man on campus" today. He was so excited about going to preschool. On the way to school he asked if he would be in the Christmas program this year and I was explaining that he would be with the graduates this year in the big program because he is one of the oldest and biggest kids (actually he may be the oldest) in his school this year.
As we pulled in the parking lot, he must have noticed that I was parking and the conversation went like this:
K: You aren't walking me in are you?
M: Yes. You have a lot to carry and I want to make sure you know where to hang your backpack
K: I don't want you to walk me in. I want to be dropped off.
M: Are you sure?
K: Yes!
M: OK. I can drop you off. (then I will be less late to my meeting)
Kyle gets his backpack on and picks up his placemat homework and asks
K: What else do I have to carry?
M: That is all.
K: That isn't too much
I think-- OK already! -- so I just wanted you to need Mommy to walk you in a little bit today but I can get over it. I am thankful you want to be independent today.
Kyle got out of the van and walked as tall as I may have ever seen, taking huge strides with his chest puffed up big. I saw a teacher following him and at the door she even stepped away, realizing that he wanted to do it alone. He did tell me that Avery's mom helped him find where to put his backpack and I'm thankful I had already said hi to she and her sister as they walked by me in the dropoff line and had informed them that Kyle was insisting to be dropped off. (lest I be viewed as a deadbeat preschoolers mom!)
He had such a fun day at school and seems very comfortable there. It is a blessing and I was proud for the second time this week!
Sep 2, 2008
Bragging a little
OK. I gave a warning so don't read if you are sickened by mother's bragging about their kids!
Tuesday I made myself a dentist appt for 11 pm. It was just a dumb thing as my friends who I swap care with aren't available and it's close to lunch time but instead of cancelling, I decided to take the kids. I must have been in a fog when I scheduled that visit.
So, tuesday consisted of me getting my driver's license renewed, returning library books, picking out 2 new DVD's and then heading to my appt with both kids in tow. I wasn't sure how this would turn out. If I had either of them alone, I would not have hesitated but with both I was a bit nervous.
They did GREAT. They put 2 stools by me, they put in one of the libray DVD's, had a snack and didn't make a peep or need one reprimand the entire time I got my teeth cleaned. Everyone in the office was so impressed and it was a proud Mom moment! Little do they know that they just raised the bar for themselves! :)
Tuesday I made myself a dentist appt for 11 pm. It was just a dumb thing as my friends who I swap care with aren't available and it's close to lunch time but instead of cancelling, I decided to take the kids. I must have been in a fog when I scheduled that visit.
So, tuesday consisted of me getting my driver's license renewed, returning library books, picking out 2 new DVD's and then heading to my appt with both kids in tow. I wasn't sure how this would turn out. If I had either of them alone, I would not have hesitated but with both I was a bit nervous.
They did GREAT. They put 2 stools by me, they put in one of the libray DVD's, had a snack and didn't make a peep or need one reprimand the entire time I got my teeth cleaned. Everyone in the office was so impressed and it was a proud Mom moment! Little do they know that they just raised the bar for themselves! :)
Aug 30, 2008
Chrysalis
Four of the five caterpillars made it to their chrysalis stage. The 5th appears to be in his also but didn't hang from the top of the container so was transported to the butterfly habitat on a napkin. I have informed Kyle that I'm not sure that one will make butterfly stage so he tells everyone it is dead. I've retold him again and again that it might be ok but he is content that it's dead.
Anyway, Kyle had a friend playing Thurs and I was obsessed with checking the caterpillars. 3 had successfully entered this new phase and the 4th was just hanging in "j" from the top of the container. I had just checked within a 1/2 hour of Kyle telling me they were all in their cocoons. I said I didn't think so but when I checked, he was right. I wished I had seen the transformation because it had to happen somewhat quickly.
So, now we wait and should have butterflies sometime next week. It is a very cool little science experiment.
On a side note, the fish (Boaty) has been renamed Bologna. Five year old brains are very interesting!
Anyway, Kyle had a friend playing Thurs and I was obsessed with checking the caterpillars. 3 had successfully entered this new phase and the 4th was just hanging in "j" from the top of the container. I had just checked within a 1/2 hour of Kyle telling me they were all in their cocoons. I said I didn't think so but when I checked, he was right. I wished I had seen the transformation because it had to happen somewhat quickly.
So, now we wait and should have butterflies sometime next week. It is a very cool little science experiment.
On a side note, the fish (Boaty) has been renamed Bologna. Five year old brains are very interesting!
Aug 25, 2008
Creature updates
Well, I think I have had a few references to our new fish in the house. We have had Boaty (named by Kyle because he has a boat statue in his fish bowl) for a few weeks now and all is well. He seems happy (that is only assumed since he is not floating in the top of his bowl) and Gma and Gpa even brought a live plant today since they read the fish like to lay against something. I was actually getting ready to remove all the rocks and boat because they make it dirty and hard to clean. Now, Grandparents are even spoiling the family fish!! I have lost total control.
The other creatures came via mail last Wed in a box that said "Live Butterflies. Open Immediately." And, so we did. Kyle had been checking the box constantly, waiting on the UPS/Fed Ex truck and stalking each one we'd seen around town the entire week. The cup contained 5 larvae which were small and not moving. I feared the worst but the instructions said that they would move and grow in a day or two. I happened on a nature center the next day that had an exhibit stating they eat constantly for the first 7-10 days and grow 200 times ther size (or something like that) Well, ours did start moving and have gotten to be huge catepillars. They are still in the container they come in. They have spun a lot of silk to protect them and help them move and several are making their way to the top of the container where they are supposed to hang, form their chryssalis and then we move them to the Butterfly habitat (the birthday present Kyle got) They will be there, feeding on sugar water and then will emerge into butterflies in about another week after they are moved. It is all quite fascinating, actually. I hope they all survive their transformation and that when we set them free they don't have any crash and burn landings!
The other creatures came via mail last Wed in a box that said "Live Butterflies. Open Immediately." And, so we did. Kyle had been checking the box constantly, waiting on the UPS/Fed Ex truck and stalking each one we'd seen around town the entire week. The cup contained 5 larvae which were small and not moving. I feared the worst but the instructions said that they would move and grow in a day or two. I happened on a nature center the next day that had an exhibit stating they eat constantly for the first 7-10 days and grow 200 times ther size (or something like that) Well, ours did start moving and have gotten to be huge catepillars. They are still in the container they come in. They have spun a lot of silk to protect them and help them move and several are making their way to the top of the container where they are supposed to hang, form their chryssalis and then we move them to the Butterfly habitat (the birthday present Kyle got) They will be there, feeding on sugar water and then will emerge into butterflies in about another week after they are moved. It is all quite fascinating, actually. I hope they all survive their transformation and that when we set them free they don't have any crash and burn landings!
Aug 20, 2008
3 and 5 year pictures
Link to the kids most recent photo session.
Customer name is : Melinda Emgenborich (notice name misspelled if you try to log on)
Customer name is : Melinda Emgenborich (notice name misspelled if you try to log on)
Aug 17, 2008
Chuck E Cheese
Kyle and Allison really wanted to have a party here and I was kind of hesitant but after it was all over I decided it was well worth the money and was SO easy. No cooking (Grandma Kerry made cupcakes), no cleaning and it was great fun for everyone.
Kyle invited his friends Bryce, Luke and Matthew. Allison invited her friends Taylor and Ben.
The older boys thought the big rat (ChuckE) was kind of funny but the smaller ones hovered in the back and didn't want anything to do with that part of the birthday experience.
Aug 16, 2008
Three Years Old!
Allison turned 3 today. She was very proud and excited about that status. She really loved her purse that is like Mommy's and carried it to church and out to eat. She chose a pink cake (of course) and her restaurant of choice was Olive Garden. It was a fun day but they are looking forward to their party at Chuck E. Cheeses tomorrow.
Aug 11, 2008
State Fair
When Kyle was born, the State fair had just started. So, every year in between birthday celebrations, we try to squeeze in the state fair. I see online that next year they are actually doing a 3 year trial of extending the dates and making it a longer running event.
This has to have been one of the best from a weather standpoint. We are definintely in a sweet spot right now with days so mild and low humidity. It could stay like this all year with maybe one month of cold and snow (I'd miss that white stuff!)
The Riley Fun Farm was our first stop. Kyle's 4th year to do these fun things and they tweak and make it better every year. He really enjoyed and was into all the fair fun. We petted animals at the FFA exhibit and saw Johny Appleseed at the DNR building(no, that is not "do not resuscitate" for you medical friends out there!) I thought we'd get there around 10 and leave by 1 or so. WELL, at 1 pm, we had just ridden a few rides, won Hello Kitty and hadn't even had lunch! So, after lunch we headed out about 230 pm. If Miss Allison hadn't been so tired, we would have stayed longer but it was very evident that we needed to get out of dodge before she totally melted into a heap of fit! She hung in there and slept over 2 hours after.
This has to have been one of the best from a weather standpoint. We are definintely in a sweet spot right now with days so mild and low humidity. It could stay like this all year with maybe one month of cold and snow (I'd miss that white stuff!)
The Riley Fun Farm was our first stop. Kyle's 4th year to do these fun things and they tweak and make it better every year. He really enjoyed and was into all the fair fun. We petted animals at the FFA exhibit and saw Johny Appleseed at the DNR building(no, that is not "do not resuscitate" for you medical friends out there!) I thought we'd get there around 10 and leave by 1 or so. WELL, at 1 pm, we had just ridden a few rides, won Hello Kitty and hadn't even had lunch! So, after lunch we headed out about 230 pm. If Miss Allison hadn't been so tired, we would have stayed longer but it was very evident that we needed to get out of dodge before she totally melted into a heap of fit! She hung in there and slept over 2 hours after.
Birthday fun
Kyle had a fun day and really loved his new boom box and butterfly treehouse. The larva haven't arrived yet but I've heard it is a very cool thing to watch them "morph" into butterflies. It is becoming a zoo here with those and his betta fish he got for his birthday!
The cake he picked out and helped decorate. It was too beautiful! Thankfully 5 year olds don't care that the balloons look like sperm and the green is gaudy!
Aug 6, 2008
5 Years Old!
August 7, 2003
August 2008
Kyle turns 5 tomorrow. I can hardly believe Kindergarten is a year away. It is such a blessing to watch him mature and to witness that brain of his reason and think. This week alone I have heard him have "suggestions" in our day to day occurrences that have made me very aware of his ability to generate alternatives when solving a problem. That is such a cool thing. He'll tell me one of his ideas and say "is that a great idea, mom?" Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, not so much. :) But as he matures (and dependent on his fatigue level) he's much more able to roll with the "not so much" answer to his ideas.
He is choosing to spend his day at the Bounce Zone with a friend and picked to eat at Cracker Barrel for dinner. He is getting what we hope will be a very fun present. His love for music continues. With 3 guitars, keyboard and a drum set, we thought another instrument wasn't so much needed. So, we got him a boom box and a CD. I'm sure our eardrums will live to regret this decision but I know he's going to love rocking out and leading worship. He'll either be a rock star or worship leader- too early to tell which but you know what Mom is hoping for!
We celebrated with Clouse family last Sat pm (Nate's 8, Kyle's 5, Allison's 3) and then he'll have his friend party the 17th with his littl sis at Chuck E Cheeses. It is our first party off site but they are very excited.
Wonder how early he'll rise to start his fun day?
August 2008
Kyle turns 5 tomorrow. I can hardly believe Kindergarten is a year away. It is such a blessing to watch him mature and to witness that brain of his reason and think. This week alone I have heard him have "suggestions" in our day to day occurrences that have made me very aware of his ability to generate alternatives when solving a problem. That is such a cool thing. He'll tell me one of his ideas and say "is that a great idea, mom?" Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, not so much. :) But as he matures (and dependent on his fatigue level) he's much more able to roll with the "not so much" answer to his ideas.
He is choosing to spend his day at the Bounce Zone with a friend and picked to eat at Cracker Barrel for dinner. He is getting what we hope will be a very fun present. His love for music continues. With 3 guitars, keyboard and a drum set, we thought another instrument wasn't so much needed. So, we got him a boom box and a CD. I'm sure our eardrums will live to regret this decision but I know he's going to love rocking out and leading worship. He'll either be a rock star or worship leader- too early to tell which but you know what Mom is hoping for!
We celebrated with Clouse family last Sat pm (Nate's 8, Kyle's 5, Allison's 3) and then he'll have his friend party the 17th with his littl sis at Chuck E Cheeses. It is our first party off site but they are very excited.
Wonder how early he'll rise to start his fun day?
Jul 22, 2008
"My hands smell like...
doap (soap)." That is what Allison kept telling me at bedtime tonight and insisting I smell her hands. I am used to those certain consonants not coming quite clear and don't usually even think about them. I must have been in a crazy state tonight because inside I was having a laugh attack at her telling me her hands smelled like dope!!
PRAY!!!
If you ever click on the my "blogging friends" link, you may have come across Leslie's battle with cancer. Please pray for Leslie- RIGHT NOW!- as she is in ICU and having a difficult time breathing.
Her son, TJ, shares Allison's birthday. Pray she will be strong enough to enjoy his 3rd birthday.
My emotions with this whole thing are so mad and frustrated. Lots of crazy questions I have about this, that is for sure. BUT, I do believe that God can bring good out of this and I also believe he has the power to heal. All I can say is - anytime now, Lord!!
Her son, TJ, shares Allison's birthday. Pray she will be strong enough to enjoy his 3rd birthday.
My emotions with this whole thing are so mad and frustrated. Lots of crazy questions I have about this, that is for sure. BUT, I do believe that God can bring good out of this and I also believe he has the power to heal. All I can say is - anytime now, Lord!!
Jul 19, 2008
Vacation Part 2
Despite arriving very late on Sun pm to the island, the kids were up a little before 6 am and we were on the beach before 8 (that included a trip into town for breakfast items from the local grocer). The kids loved the beach and waves.
We all got a little too brave by Tues and had a wave that took us all under. Kyle head butted me and gave me a little shiner on my left eye. I was thankful for strong swimming as he had a choke hold around my neck. Damon hoisted Allison above his head and was slammed into the rocky beach - a knee scrape. We stayed a little closer to shore after that. Kyle even apologized later in the day (unnecessarily) for hurting my eye. How sweet!
The other time at the resort were spent shopping, renting bikes and just relaxing. It was very enjoyable. We also enjoyed some seafood which is always a treat when near the ocean.
We then headed north via Asheville NC and saw the Biltmore House (or castle as we called it to make it more of an adventure to a 5 yr old boy!)
The grounds were beautiful and the town very charming. We decided this would be a good getaway for just Damon and I one day. After one night in NC, we were home to Fishers by 1030 pm. The car trip we survived. Wed was not a fun one. Allison only slept 20 min and screamed a lot of the rest of our day. I felt like I'd been through a battle by the time we reached NC and it was that day we decided our vacations in the near future would be 6-7 hour car rides, cheap flights or adult only! It was a trying day. I was reading the book "Grace Based Parenting" on this trip and was praying for wisdom in the car on Wed for sure!!!
Other good reads I had were the Shack and A girl named Zippy. Very different books but fast, enjoyable reads. I'm so thankful I can ride and read.
Jul 18, 2008
Vacation- Part 1
Well, we started out our vacation taking 1 hour to get out of Fishers. We planned a quick breakfast stop but then Allison's stomache kept hurting (or so she said) and she'd complained about this the last time in the car. With a history of carsickness on Damon's side, I was paranoid that she was going to get sick so we kept stopping. Then, many requests for bathroom breaks. Finally, we just put a pull up on - she is way too smart for us. I thought we would never get into KY, let alone GA!
Anyway, after 11 hours of driving and stopping we made it to Atlanta GA for the Clark Family Reunion. We spent 3 nights and days there. It was so fun to see all the cousins. They are so close in age and had a great time. The grandparents were so kind to watch all the kids so the cousins could enjoy breakfast out. Damon's stellar surfing skills found a quaint local french place for breakfast that we all enjoyed a lot! Grandpa sacrificed a lot with this babysitting job!
We also enjoyed the aquarium while we were in Atlanta and the kids did great in the hotel. They didn't get naps so were WIPED OUT by day 2 with all outside, swimming and late nights but they rallied, took car naps and all survived!
We then headed south to Amelia Island via Macon GA to visit the Robeys
and Savannah for a stop at Uncle Bubba's restaurant. It was 1030 Sun pm when we finally got to the island- a little piece of heaven on earth.
Anyway, after 11 hours of driving and stopping we made it to Atlanta GA for the Clark Family Reunion. We spent 3 nights and days there. It was so fun to see all the cousins. They are so close in age and had a great time. The grandparents were so kind to watch all the kids so the cousins could enjoy breakfast out. Damon's stellar surfing skills found a quaint local french place for breakfast that we all enjoyed a lot! Grandpa sacrificed a lot with this babysitting job!
We also enjoyed the aquarium while we were in Atlanta and the kids did great in the hotel. They didn't get naps so were WIPED OUT by day 2 with all outside, swimming and late nights but they rallied, took car naps and all survived!
We then headed south to Amelia Island via Macon GA to visit the Robeys
and Savannah for a stop at Uncle Bubba's restaurant. It was 1030 Sun pm when we finally got to the island- a little piece of heaven on earth.
Jul 6, 2008
4th of July
The kids might have had their latest night ever this weekend. We went to downtown fireworks which started about 10 pm, ended about 1020 and then after a walk to the zoo and a long wait to exit, it was about 1115 when we departed. Allison was asleep about 1/2 mile later and Kyle about 2 miles later.
Allison learning to "oooh and ahhh" at the fireworks
They were so tired Sat (I am glad I had to work!) and then spent the night with E's Sat pm so Damon and I could go to Conner Prairie with our small group. It was such nice weather and the symphony was fabulous! I just love going and the patriotic music is probably my favorite. They really set the scene for the fireworks that conclude the evening and I think they may be the best I'd ever seen. It was quite the show.
After all the activity and then overnight, the kids were exhausted tonight and we need to get rested up before vacation at the end of the week.
Jul 3, 2008
No fear
This is the best comment to tell how Allison feels about water. She has always loved it. I didn't take my camera to my brother's Mon but we had the fun time of swimming with the cousins all Mon afternoon.
Kyle did great navigating in the shallow end and getting face/hair wet with no protest. Allison was wild and I couldn't take my eyes off of her for a second. She was all over the pool in a swim ring and even jumped off the diving board to me in the deep water.
Here is a pic of her in the tub to show her love of water.
Kyle did great navigating in the shallow end and getting face/hair wet with no protest. Allison was wild and I couldn't take my eyes off of her for a second. She was all over the pool in a swim ring and even jumped off the diving board to me in the deep water.
Here is a pic of her in the tub to show her love of water.
Jun 28, 2008
24 year old friends!
I don't mean friends that are 24 years old but friends I've known for nearly 24 years!! I had the privilege of getting to see 3 good college friends that I met nearly 24 years ago on my first day of IU. It is always so fun to see them and a good thing Michele visits from Washington annually so we all get together!
Kyle captured the night in photos. He really liked Rhoda the dog and Joenne's husband, Tony, is always his best friend for days after we see them. One of the only bigger dogs we've been around that left him alone and so he couldn't leave her alone. Allison would even walk on the ground without screaming when Rhoda would come by. Good doggie therapy for them last night.
Tony- Kyle's best friend
Rhoda's water bowl
New Cousin
Kyle and Allison had a new 2nd cousin born on 6/6/2008-- William "Will" Hunter. He was adorable and we did get to visit him in the hospital but I didnt' get around to posting it until now. His big sister, Sami, turns 9 in a couple days and was just beaming. He was a long time answer to prayer for her, I know.
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