Friday, July 27, 2012

Hitting the road

We knew as we approached the summer of 2012 we wanted to take a vacation out of state.  It had been awhile since we visited family and friends in both NY and MI so we planned a three-legged trip to both areas.  But we didn't predict that 6 months later Michael's ENT would still not give him the, "Okay" to fly.  So onto the back burner those visits go. Bummer!  Instead, we decided on a road trip back up to the beautiful Pacific Northwest.  Which is where we are now, getting ready to start our trip...

We have had a GREAT trip so far! The boys were a delight all two and half days on the road. I have a LOT of experience with road trips and know exactly how boring they can be for a child.  So with this first hand knowledge I did as much research and pinning on Pinterest.com as I could to find creative and fun ideas to keep the kids distracted.  There were so many fun ideas that even I was excited for them.  Here are a couple of the fun things I came up with: 1)  Purchased about a dozen or so gifts from the dollar section of stores (an equal amount for each child), wrapped them and kept them in the front seat with me so when the kids started to become fidgety or impatient I pulled out a gift for each of them to unwrap.  They LOVED it, which means we loved it! 2) Purchased some new games off Amazon.com that came highly recommended that took 2 or more players so we could play them together in the car.  This one was another great hit, because then it didn't seem like everyone was always doing their own thing, but we had something new and fun we could do together...always a big hit with me.  3) Found some fun multi-compartment containers that we stocked each morning with snacks so that the boys could keep next to them and pick at during the day as they pleased....this one proved to be very very handy.  So those are just a few ideas that proved to be great fun for the boys, which in turn made Michael and I's driving much more pleasant.

Wrapped gifts

Storage containers for toys, markers, macaroni beads, etc...
Happy faces as we pull out of the driveway....

First nap of the car trip.

Still smiling as we check into our hotel after day 1.

Opening one of his gifts

One of the fun games
Day 1 we left the house around 1:30 and ventured to our hotel in Stockton.  We made excellent time on the road which allowed time for the boys to run around for awhile and burn some of that pent up energy.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

At the Ranch

We took the time to have dinner with our framily, the Layels, and then head over to Buffalo Ranch to see the horses and do some horseback riding.  The Layel’s friends own the ranch so we were able to feed, brush and play with a few of the horses. Auntie Kris loves horses, as do I, so we thought for sure the boys would.  Carter is just a lover of all animals so we were pretty confident he would be okay, but we really weren't sure what Josh’s take would be.  They both surprised us and seem completely in their element with the horses, and kept asking when we could go back on our way home. 
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I think I fell in love with this horse, Rocky (above). He’s like a teenager with a great personality.  He would nod his head at the boys, and stomp his foot for his treats.  He was quite the character and absolutely beautiful. 
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I’m thinking horseback riding lessons next summer for both boys.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Turning 3

We hear it all the time, “Where has the time gone, or ‘Really, it’s all ready been another year?”  But it’s so true!  Where has the time gone?  How is it my baby is already turning 3? 

Carter is one of those kids that is just a delight and you can’t help but smile when around him.  He is very easy going and very easy to please.  His dimples will melt your heart, and his expressions will have you in a love trance before you can blink.  He has more girlfriends than his father had in his entire life (and that’s saying something..just kidding, seriously, please don’t repeat this to Michael Winking smile)  Carter, you are a ham and half with your silly dances, songs and facial expressions..  We love how you want to do things by yourself, but ask for help when unsure of something.  It cracks your father and I up that you just love to tackle Josh and do it so well…right at the knees.  You love building zoos for your animals, playing outside, jumping on the trampoline, and reading books.  Carter you are such a delight and we are honored to be your parents.  We look forward to watching you learn and grow.  Love you, Roo!

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Trying to dry off on the warm pavement…

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I will post more pictures from my computer about Carter’s birthday party a bit later… stay tuned.

T-Ball Time

If it wasn’t for the love of baseball and possibly, not probable, Mike’s maturity, Josh was allowed to play T-ball this year for the YANKEES!  As most people know Michael has a very strong dislike (I dislike using the word, hate, but it is probably a more accurate description of the level of enmity Michael has) for the New York Yankees.  There has only ever been two times in my life where I have ever seen Michael not openingly admit his “dislike”.  The first time was with my Pop pop, who has since pasted, but lived in NY his whole life and loved the New York Yankees.  The second is when he found out Josh would be wearing a New York Yankee jersey and cap, even when it was A-Rod’s #.  Although Michael’s first reaction to finding out Josh was on the Yankee’s was asking for a trade…this is where I would insert the maturity factor, although I understood.

Needless to say, Josh played T-ball for the Yankees and LOVED it!  He two awesome coaches (who we plan on requesting for coach pitch) and some great teammates.  Unlike soccer, Josh seemed to really get into the game of baseball. He asked questions for clarity and would actually request to go outside and practice.  Needless to say, Michael and I enjoyed baseball as well then.  Josh’s favorite position was first base, but had the opportunity to try each position.  His coaches made sure everyone rotated through the different positions in an effort to keep their attention drawn to the game and gain a better understanding of the game as whole.  Josh made some great catches and lots of great hits.  Way to go, Josh!

The Yankees were one of the best T-ball teams this year, only being beat by one team. Can’t wait for another year of baseball and this time coach pitch.

Coaches talking to the team before a game.  Notice who is wearing a Yankee jersey?

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I love this photo of the kids all lined up listening to the coaches….

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