"This Fun"

Last night we attended a birthday party at Pump It Up for the first time. I had heard many great things about this place before, so we were all excited to check it out. We had been telling Taylor that she was going to a big "jump house" so she had been looking forward to it all day. In fact, she repeated the phrases "this fun" or "this yummy" countless times.

The ice cream and dessert didn't start until 8:00 pm, and we couldn't tell her "no" and have all the other kids eating in front of her. So we let her enjoy her little treat. Even though she had bounced her little body for an hour and a half straight, she still was wired from the sugar and finally fell asleep at 10:00 pm. Funny thing is, Hank woke both her and I up at 9:00 am this morning. Taylor has never slept in that long.

Anyway at Pump It Up, they have a super big slide. Hank had taken Taylor down the slide several times. We must have been distracted because within a minute we lost sight of Taylor. Now granted there were at least 30 other kids around, and we had Landon to tend to as well, but how could she have gotten away from us so easily? Next thing we know, she is sliding down the slide all by herself. No fear in this kid whatsoever. She amazes me. I think she was the youngest kid to go down the slide by herself. (Well, we can chalk that up to another trait she inherited from daddy.)

Tiger Woods? Maybe, Maybe Not

So the $5 golf set from Walmart was a BIG success. Both kids like it in fact! But Taylor has taken to golfing just like her grandpa and daddy. I had the new set hidden in the garage for a rainy day when we needed something new, and yesterday she spotted it and had to have it. So within 24 hours, she has gotten better at the sport. Thankfully yesterday, she only whacked Landon and I each one time. I tried to show her the art of swinging, but of course is took a professional (daddy) to really teach this kid some skills. It been fun and well worth the five bucks.

So today was the second day in a row that I took the kids to the pool by myself. We have had such a great time, and the water feels pretty heavenly. I think the pool will be a weekly occurrence for us. Both Taylor and Landon like to make "laps" around the pool by walking on the seated ledge and circling the edge of the pool. It wears little Landon out so much, that he falls asleep as soon as I get him buckled in the carseat...it's happened both days. It's been fun to see all of our different neighbors and friends at the pool too. Any of my non-Vistancia resident friends are welcome to join us, we would love the company!

A Full Weekend

I love long weekends. They are usually packed full of fun activities and lots of family time. This weekend was no different. Saturday morning I met up with two of my girlfriends for our monthly breakfast and catch-up session. So Hank took the kids to visit Omie (Oma Mies). Later in the afternoon I took both kids to get a haircut. Taylor just got a little trim, but Landon had a major haircut. He looks so cute. Now I call him my little marine. I was totally surprises that both kids just sat in the stylist's chair and didn't cry, whine or complain. They just let the ladies cut away.

Sunday morning we headed off to church and let Taylor play for a little bit before heading home for naptime. After naptime, we headed over to our long-time friends Steve & Angie's home where we celebrated one of their son's 5th birthday. Landon decided that he could walk as long as he was pushing a toy. Soon he will be off and running like his big sister. The kids didn't go to sleep until 10:00 pm. Thankfully Landon slept in until almost 9:00, but Taylor was up at 7:00 ready to start the day.

So today we took the kids swimming with Grandma, Grandpa and Omie. It was perfect late-morning weather, and we enjoyed an early picnic lunch by the pool. The weekend has gone by quickly once again. I love spending time with Hank and the kids as a family. I couldn't imagine it any other way!

On a HIGH note, Taylor is pretty much potty trained while we are at home. She was getting 8-10 cookies a day for each deposit she made on the potty that we had to reassess our reward system. Now she gets half a candy bar after dinner if she has had a good day. I notice when we are out running errands, she'll either choose to pee pee in her pull-ups or tell me to take her to the potty but leaves me empty handed. In any case, we are delighted that she has decided in her own timing that she is ready. She really likes to show off her Elmo underwear and loves it when we clap and cheer for her.

Hello Summer

Tomorrow is Taylor's last day of school. So we prepared some special gifts for her teachers. She'll start back up right when Ryland is due. I have a feeling it's going to be a long summer. I have finally convinced myself that I can take two kids to the pool without Hank around. Taylor will just have to wear floaties or a life jacket so I don't have to worry about her every move while making sure Landon stays above water. Wish me luck!

Surviving the Summer Heat

Today was the 10th day in row where we hit triple digits. I've never hated the heat more than this summer. I guess it's probably because I am so pregnant and already hot most of the time, and also because it puts a damper on our outdoor activities. Half the time when Taylor wants to go outside and play, I have to tell her "no" because it's too hot.

So this week, we laid low a lot. I will really have to get creative with coming up with a fun summer schedule. Taylor's last week of school is approaching, and soon I will have to entertain her with something. Let me know if any of you have any great ideas.

Mommy's Special Day

First, I just want to say "Happy Mother's Day" to all of those wonderful, hard-working mommies out there! What a blessing and joy it is to be a mother. I ran into an old friend today who reminded me how blessed I am: One, because my mother and mother-in-law are still alive. Secondly, because I have been graciously been given the chance to be a mom...something I don't take for granted.

My morning started off with the kids giving me their handmade gifts. This was definitely the best part of my day. Even Landon made me a card. It's all too cute and something I plan to scrapbook. This afternoon, we headed over to my in-laws and celebrated with family. The kids always have a good time and especially like to roam the golf course behind grandma and grandpa's house.

So now tomorrow is back to reality. But what a great weekend we had!

Desert Ridge & "Princess Outfit"

This morning the kids and I met my Mom at Desert Ridge so that Taylor and Landon could play in the water fountain. Taylor loved it so much last year, so I knew she would be happy to go back there today. Let's just say: Get there early. We arrived at 10:30 and the place was packed. I highly suggest this place and can't wait to go back. Today Oma gave Taylor her first ballerina outfit, but Taylor calls it her "princess outfit". She tried it on this afternoon and loves it. Thanks Mom!

Taylor continues to make us laugh. Today at dinner she was eating fish sticks and was hiding a chunck of her fish stick under her chin. She had it discreetly tucked in between her chin and her neck so we couldn't see it. While her head was crunched down to keep the fish stick in position, her big eyes looked up and she said, "Where's the fishy?" She has such a sense of humor, and we are loving it!

Landon has a sense of humor too! He thinks it's really funny to throw food off of his highchair...even when we have told him "no" many, many times. So while my floors and walls are a mess in the kitchen because of him, I wouldn't have it any other way. Our "mess" means there is life in the house...and Lord knows how long Hank and I have prayed for that!

So Taylor is upstairs in the shower right now singing at the top of her lungs. Here are the lyrics to her latest song. I asked Hank tonight if he was practicing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star with her because she almost knew the whole song by heart. He said he wasn't, so that's another thing we chalk up to Montessori School.

The NEW Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
twinkle twinkle little star
wonder wonder what you are

up above the world so high
wonder wonder what you are
(and the chorus repeats on forever)

Enjoying Every Season and Moment

Well Taylor, Landon and I have been having good quality time together since Thursday, and Mommy has been in CA for her annual girls trip. Rachael left the kids with one present to open each day that she would be gone so we have been filling the time with fun activities. Some of those activities were playing with the Playdough for Taylor and the Blue Balls and McDonald Farm DVD for Landon.

I'm extremely thankful for the family that God has given to me in Rachael, Taylor, Landon and soon Ryland! I sometimes can't believe 3 kids are soon to be our reality. But playing with the kids is a blast and watching them grow is like watching the Flash do a couple laps around the track. That doesn't make me sad it just makes me realize the importance of the NOW and the awesomeness that's in counting to 10 and saying my ABC's. Of course more then I ever thought I would, and in different beats and rythems, but nevertheless awesome. As a Dad, I'm enjoying every moment in the seasons of my kids and looking forward to my relationship with them as we ALL grow up together.

On another note, Taylor has had a very successful Saturday in potty training. All of I sudden I hear, "Daddy! Peepee in potty! I did it!" and to my surprise I've heard this twice today. So we are on a roll and have also been celebrating these successes of Taylor's.

The kids and Daddy shout, "We Love YOU Mommy!"