Air Show

We took the boys to the Air Show in KC last weekend. They had a blast...and of course Rob and I loved it too. We ran into friends there as well so all the kids could run around together. While the Air Show part was only average, they had a lot of display and the kids zone was filled with bounce houses and giant slides, so that was a huge hit. They are still talking about seeing the jet car race the MiG17.

There is a Guard Chinook unit in KC, so the boys got to sit in a Chinook. This was definitely a highlight for them.

When I grow up...

The kids have to dress up next week for what they want to be when they grow up. Gabe has decided on a scuba diver and Anthony wants to be a firefighter, a builder, a mommy, a daddy, and a zebra. But after we were talking about what they wanted to be, Anthony asked me what I want to be when I grow up. I told him a mommy. He said, "no silly, what do you want to be after that. you have to grow up." I love my kids.

Right now Anthony is on a trip with Rob to get fish for the kids' fish tank. Gabe had to stay home and take a nap, but Anthony got to stay up and take a trip to Lawrence with Rob. He was so excited he sat on the porch with all his stuff waiting for Rob to come home.

Homework

Both of the boys get a little homework in PS. The first was to make a placemat and a poster titled "All About Me." Apparently I am not smart enough for PS. I just let them color the posters. We put some pictures on it too where required, but mostly I gave them free reign on how the poster looked. I am the only parent who did that! No, really. Out of 27 kids between the two classes, my kids were the only ones with posters that looked age appropriate. The others are beautiful. I don't want them to feel like failures at this...I want them to be proud of their work.

Ugh! Being a mom is hard. Why didn't anyone tell me this.

Swimming

We have taken the boys swimming several times at the outdoor pool on base. It is a super nice pool with a splash pad and a HUGE wading pool. Really HUGE...probably 15ft x 15ft. The boys love it. In Washington, we never went to the pool. For the most part, the days just don't get hot enough. But here, that is no problem.

The first time I took them, they hardly left the wading pool and wouldn't go near the splash pad.

The second time, Gabe began to venture into the big pool and Anthony followed reluctantly. Gabe is turning into quite the fish. By the end of the second trip, he was jumping in and swimming with a parent near by (always in a life jacket). Anthony actually left the safety of the wall, but only for a few feet.

The third time, Gabe is refusing to let you catch him when he jumps. You cannot touch him while he is swimming. If he thought I would get out of the pool while he swam, he would ask me to. (Just so you know, that isn't happening anytime soon) Anthony will now swim where he can't touch. The best part is that Anthony loves the splash pad. It has these pressure water guns that he thinks are fabulous. He doesn't care about getting blasted or anything. Gabe wants nothing to do with the splash pad. I guess to each his own.

We are going to try and go again on Sat if it is nice. I'll try to take Rob's underwater camera and get some pics or a movie...they are truly funny to watch.

First Day of School

This year both kids are in school. Even better, 2 days a week they are in school at the same time. That is right, I get 6 whole hours a week with no children. I hardly know what to do with myself. Anthony is an old hat at school and had no problems, Gabe was a little more apprehensive, but jumped right in without looking back. I was super proud.

They are going to St Paul Lutheran and they both love it. Gabe is so proud of himself when he heads into his classroom. He totally gets the routine and wants to do it "all by self." His teacher said he follows directions very well...glad he does for someone.

Anthony wants to walk to his class without me now. I am just not ready for that so he is still stuck with mom.

Anthony's Real Birthday

So we did a small party for Anthony with just family for Anthony's Birthday. My mom was in town and my dad flew out too as a surprise. He got a few gifts to include Legos...his new favorite toy.

Every year I make their birthday cakes. Anthony requested a great white shark cake...all I could think was REALLY?!?!

The best part is that Gabe wanted the teeth part, and Anthony wanted, "a piece of tail."

Here's the pics.

Children's Museum in Minneapolis

I took the kids with my mom to the Children's Museum in St Paul, MN. There was a special exhibit for Clifford, "The Big Red Dog." The boys thought this was great. They also have a whole water room and a place for the kids to dress up. But we started with Anthony's favorite, face painting.

Another Birthday, Yes, I know

So while we were in Minnesota, my Uncle Terry had his birthday. so we celebrated yet another birthday for Anthony. Yes, he got presents...his first lego set. He loves them. Which is great because Rob loves them too!

The best was that my Aunt Liz gave Anthony a cake with candles that don't blow out. He thought that was so funny. He just kept blowing them and blowing them. Adults will stop after the first time the candles relight...not Anthony. He just thought it was so funny.

The Lake

My mom and I took the boys to my Grandparent's lake place in Minnesota. I can remember visiting almost every summer as a kid, and I always loved it. It was a great place to escape the heat of Texas in August.

The boys had a great time swimming/wading, trying to catch minnows with a spaghetti strainer, driving the boat, and picking raspberries.

A New Heart

A good friend from college just got the best gift ever. His 3 year old daughter received a beautiful new strong heart. They have known this was a likely possibility since she was born. But they have been in the hospital for for 204 days waiting. If you want to read the great story, check out his blog on the side of mine, title "Tim Living Out Loud."

Summer of Fun

This summer we have seen a ton of friends. I am putting in all the posts...it may take a while. But, I just put in the posts from Our visit to the Shore, Anthony's Early Birthday, and our last visit with friends in WA.

It Ain't Easy Being Green...

At least in Kansas, it isn't. In Washington, we had a bin for comingled recycling (everything but glass) and separate glass containers that were picked up at my curb. Every grocery store had a drop off for plastic bags. Every store sold the reusable bags and gave a discount for using them. Not so much in KS.

If I want to recycle, I have to take it myself. They only take clear glass...nevermind that most beers (including Coors and Bud) use brown bottles. I have to separate all my recyclables, and there is a huge list of don'ts. GRRR!

So, that is the legacy WA had. I am now an avid recycler. While I am not a convert to global warming as the evil that humans inflict on the earth. I also don't want my kids to be able to power their home from the methane gas emitted from the landfill under their home.

Back to painting and cleaning!

Visiting Jersey

So we went to Jersey to visit family. Here are a few pics. Harriette and the boys picking tomatoes. At Aunt Angela and Uncle Ron's cabin fishing. And at Bob's. Yes, that is Anthony sleeping on the deck with a fly swatter. I still have more from the Intrepid, Central Park with Robyn, and Space Farm Zoo to post.

The Shore with Friends

We were so lucky to see Nara and the family this year at the Jersey shore. We were already scheduled to go to New Jersey to visit Rob's family. As it turns out, Nara and her family were there visiting her parents. So, of course we drove down to see them.

We spent two great days with them...and it wasn't nearly enough.

As I grow older, I am more grateful for my female friends. Most of my life, I had guy friends. But now, my female friends are what keep me going. Nara and I know each other from Alaska...and we couldn't be more opposite and more alike. But, the best part is that no matter how much time has passed, it is like we saw each other yesterday.

Her kids Ky (2 mo younger than Anthony...but due the same day) and Kenna (exactly 1 year younger than Gabe) got along great with my boys. The 4 of them floated around each other playing as if they have always been together.

It was fantastic! So, I know this is what everyone wants to see...here are the pics of the kids :-)