Spring Has Sprung

There is a definite correlation between nice weather and my lack of blogging. Now that it's finally pretty outside, the kids and I spend almost all of our free time at the park, on walks/bike rides or playing in the backyard. I am 100% an outdoors person and could totally do without TV and computers (well, within reason). I don't even have a cell phone. I may be the last person under 70 to be able to say that. My darling 68-year-old father even has a cell phone. Oh well. I've never been "hip" and I really don't care.

The past week was a lot of fun! We rented a pontoon boat on Cowan Lake on Saturday. This is one of our favorite warm-weather activites because the whole family can enjoy it, including Champy. Yes, even our beloved pooch gets to come along. Saturday was beautiful - 70s and sunny. We brought the fishing stuff, but only drop a line a few times. I was all about relaxing. We ate lunch out there, cruised around the lake a little, then headed back. The kids had a blast.

Straight-up Stinkers.

The Pear made me nervous about 5,000 times. He kept trying to get out of the gate onto the bow, climbed the benches, leaned over the sides, etc., etc.

She LOVES being on the boat. This is her fourth year!

Champ is just happy to be included.

We let the Worm drive the boat quite a bit this time. Not cutesy pose-behind-the-wheel-for-a-picture driving, but actual driving.

We had rain on Sunday and I accidently let Champ loose (didn't know the gate was open). I guess he found the nearby creek, because he came back gross. Taylor and I were forced to give him a bath, then hot showers for us!

Champ, pre-shake. Dare I say that he actually looks kind of thin??

All poofy post-shake.

Mike's basketball banquet was Sunday night. The AD organized a dinner and slide presentation to go along with the usual awards ceremony. It was awesome. I'll have to find a way to link to the basketball Power Point. It actually made me kind of teary-eyed.

On Tuesday, Mother (I always call my mom this, kind of as a joke because we are so NOT formal) came up and treated us to a trip to the Outlet Malls. Michael was a little gassy (I call my kids "Olde English Tudors" when they get like that. Get it, "Tooter"?) and not really too happy, but we did get some good shopping time in. Good ol' Mother even treated her baby to a few little things. She rocks.

We got an awesome treat on Thursday. My dear old friend Lea came to visit! Lea is probably my oldest friend (as in time, not age). I think we started hanging out when we were 5 and our older brothers played Little League together. She is so awesome and I could just talk to her for hours. We hadn't seen each other in years, so I was glad she got to see the kids (and meet Michael). I'll be planning a trip to her neck of the woods soon!

Lea swinging Taylor.

Taylor and the Pear. Michael usually takes awhile to warm up to people, but he liked Lea right away. Animals and kids always love her. I think that says a lot!

My old buddy and I.

Cutie!

Michael loves balls. It's one of his favorite words, too. Check out the video below. Watch it twice - once to see Michael's cuteness and a second time to see Champy's fat butt rolling around in the grass. I didn't even realize he was doing it at the time.

I'll end with a few more pictures from the week. Enjoy your weekend!

Michael is a dare-devil. He shimmies right up the steps on our playset. Hard to believe he just started walking three months ago!

Taylor is getting braver, too. She's mastered most of the challenges at the park.

The Pear loves to run around with Taylor's purses. It's hysterical.

Until next time,

Mommy Kel

Father's Day 2008

June 15: Since Mike and I are both sun lovers, we decided to take the kids out on Cowan Lake. We packed up the exersaucer, some snacks, a bottle and diapers and headed out. (Remember the days when leaving the house meant Mike and I waking up 15 minutes before we left empty-handed out the door?) The weather was perfect – about 80 degrees, sunny and no humidity. Taylor loves going out on the boat, but it was Michael’s first adventure. He loves being outside, so we weren’t too worried.

What a fun day! Michael just squealed and played and Taylor was thrilled to get a chance to drive the boat. (Now I know what I have in store for me in 12 years. I was a little scared when I saw her careening towards another pontoon boat.) Mike had a nice time relaxing in the sun and I even managed to relax a little.

Daddy, bear hugging his kids.

Proud Mommy. Poor Taylor had to keep cheesing while we tried to get Michael to look at the camera.

Taylor has already adopted my crappy driving habits. Eating, drinking, eyes off the road/water and one hand.

What a little cutie!


Nic pecs!

You too, Michael!

After baths to wash off sunscreen and splashes of yucky fishy water, the kids went down for naps. Afterwards, we headed to Grampa Taylor’s house. It was good to see Pops, Aunt Angie and Aunt Kim. It’s funny because I never lived in that house (except for free-loading for about three weeks before my wedding), but I feel like it’s home-away-from-home. We ate pizza, hung out in the yard and checked out the cicadas. Michael was unfazed by the buzzing bugs, but Taylor wanted no part of them. We did have fun putting them on poor Lanie Bear.

One cool thing to note: We saw a baby deer in the neighbor’s yard. Apparently, a family of deer frequently visits my dad’s suburb. Taylor quickly proclaimed, “I wish WE had a baby kangaroo in our yard.” Funny little girl.

I had to include this picture because Michael has only taken two or three baths where he didn't scream his head off. He was apprehensive, but did great.

Hanging out with Grandpa.


Until next time,
Mommy Kel