Swing Away!

Monday when we were at the park for Aidan's picnic, he wanted me to push him on the swing. I thought this was really sweet - my newly nine-year-old still wanted pushed on the swing. Once I tired out from pushing his almost 80 pounds "Higher! Higher!" I sat on the swing beside him and we swung together. I don't know how long it has been since I've been on a swing.....but I forgot how fun it is - that exhilarating feeling of flying through the air! I've just been thinking of swinging since that night. Don't know why, but I guess it reminded me how lucky I am to get a glimpse of the wonderment childhood every day. But mostly, I've just been thinking I need to play more. Kids get to have so much fun, why can't I have some of it too? As I gear up for months of more work than I can handle, feel free to remind me.....

Another Year Older (sigh) or Halfway to 18 (double sigh)

We have officially wrapped up the month-long birthday celebration for Aidan. He is now a nine year old boy. Some people regard this as the beginning of the "tweens" of which I am thoroughly NOT ready for. He fits the description to a tee...One minute he is oh-so-boyishly cuddling with me on the couch, the next he is oh-so-teenagery rolling his eyes at me because I apparently said something utterly ridiculous. I can see some challenging teenage years in the near future all too well (insert loooong sigh).

July began with a bang...literally. The weekend of the fourth, Aidan was bombarded with parties, gifts, sweets, and fireworks. We had two birthday celebrations. The first one with my side of the family and all the summer birthdays. The second with his cousin Jacob on Kip's side of the family. He got more gifts than a boy could want and that was just the beginning.

Last week we invited 7 school friends to join us for swimming and laser tag. He loved it! We had a yummy cookie cake (thank you Joanna) and 3 rounds of laser tag...and more gifts than a boy could want.

Yesterday, after another fun day with cousins, I asked him what he wanted to do on his birthday since we were all done with parties. He declared that he was in charge all day and that we should cook out - so he was in charge, and we did cook out. He had a great day. Here's how it went: Sleeping in past 9, Cookies and Cream ice cream (his new favorite) for breakfast, lunch with Grammy, all the tv he could handle, and a picnic in the park.

We cooked spicy brauts (another favorite) at the park, took a paddle boat and a train ride, played on the equipment, swung as high as we could, frisbee, and cookies for dessert. Sounds like the perfect birthday to me! Oh yeah, and more gifts than a boy could want!

E-I-E-I-O

Everytime we say anything about the farm, Owen sings E-I-E-I-O. Then he repeats over and over "fahm, E-I-E-I-O, fahm, E-I-E-I-O." It's so cute!

It reminds me of Aidan as a little boy. He would always see McDonalds when we were in the car and yell "Old McDonalds!" I can't remember when the last time he asked me if we could get a chicken sandwich at "Old" McDonalds, but it doesn't seem like very long ago...time flies...

Spirit Names

We went swimming with my sister Jacque and her boys tonight. Aidan informed us while we were playing in and around the pool that he had given us all "spirit names" - for what purpose we have no idea. I'm not sure if they are random or if he had given it any previous thought, but here is the list of names he came up with:

Aidan - Dangerous Eagle
Riley - Fierce Lion
Aunt Jacque - Nice Dolphin
Reece - Chunky Chipmunk
Owen - Skinny Bird
Dad - Stinky Fox
Mom - Chunky Squirrell

I know that I would prefer any name that doesn't include "chunky" but I have to believe that he meant no harm to my ego. Kip has probably already forgotten that his spirit name includes the word "stinky."

I guess we can see his pecking order here!

My Awesome Brother

I've been dreaming of updating the tile in the entryway and on the fireplace for a few years now. My brother came to make my dreams come true this weekend.

Step 1: Demolition (Fun)

Step 2: Prep for Tile (Backerboard not fun)

Step 3: Lay Tile (hours later...kinda fun),

Step 4: Look at Pretty Tile and Smile (Really fun)

Step 5: Clean Up Mess (I'm sure you know the answer to this one)

Step 6: Wait (no, no, not another unfinished project...),

Step 7: Grout (I'll let you know how this goes - I'm on my own for this step).

Thank you Shawn!!!

Very Mini Vacation

We love to go to Tablerock Lake each summer. It seems like this summer has been flying by so we decided (kinda last minute) we better make a quick trip to the lake. We usually camp with the pop-up camper, but last year was so miserably hot, we decided to get a hotel. Down on Tuesday and back by late Thursday - it was the quickest trip we've ever made! The weather was cool enough that we could've camped and we had some rain most of Thursday. Despite all that, we did manage to have some fun. I loved playing tag in the water with Aidan. He and I laughed for about an hour with our game. Owen was finally comfortable getting in the water by day two on the boat and he giggles as we swished him around. He's going to be a little fish I think...

Haircut...Curls Gone...Again

I hope we see those curls again, but Owen looks like a new boy today. I loved the curls, but a few days ago I noticed he was pushing the hair out of his eyes, so I conceded it was time for a haircut. Jaime is pretty much a hair genius, but when she turned on those shears and Owen exclaimed "All done!" we knew we were in for a tough one. He was pretty wiggly but she somehow managed to produce a great cut. When it was over all he needed was a kiss from Aunt Jaime and some assurance that she was "All done"..... for now anyway! Thanks Jaime!!!

Fwimming?

We spent much of the weekend celebrating. The 4th of July...Birthdays...more Birthdays. Owen has taken to the pool so much that every time we go to the farm, one of the first words out of his mouth is "Fwimming?" Each day we had to delay him somewhat because of meals and rain. But, even with all the rain, we managed to get in the pool a few times this weekend. I love Owen's "eyes" or "oggees" he always has to wear - on the top of his head. Gotta be like the big kids!

We also had a great birthday party at Joanna's house. My sister can throw a backyard party like no other. Thanks sis for setting up so much water fun! I didn't have my camera so please send me some pics!!!