Happy Late (Very Late) Father's Day!

Father's Day has come and gone and I find myself behind on things again. Disappointing F-Day for Jim, but I am sure he's getting used to it. He did get to take a 3+ hour nap. What more can a dad ask for? We started the day watching the new "Alice In Wonderland" - as soon as it came on Zoe had to put her Alice costume on, followed by me doing her hair. These opportunities with Zoe don't present themselves too often so it was fun. Unlucky girl inherited my hair, so the locks lasted all of about 20 minutes.

Lots of pictures from outside, lots of sunshine and heat just how we like it. We didn't get "big slide" out this weekend, but we blew up Dexter's baby pool which he loved. It was hard to keep the other two out. Against my better judgement I made a water slide out of the playground slide. It was really fast and Zoe hit the ground hard a few times before she figured out to put her feet down first. Next time I'm going to put a slip in slide at the end of it - that's if Jim doesn't read this post first and not let me.

Kellan had his last day of 1st grade on Tuesday. I asked one of his teachers if he graduated and her reply was "He would pass on charm alone." Not sure if that's what I was looking to hear, but it is nice to know he's liked by all and he really is a good kid. His class had a poetry reading. His poem was about his two best friends. I still need to download the video and will post soon. Listening to the kids was one of the funniest 20 minutes I've ever experienced - topics ranged from friends to family, animals to sports and then took a turn for the worse by some with death and destruction. Definitely some classics. Kellan's grades weren't as good as they were last semester and he ended on a low note as far as reading. I bought him a clip lamp for his bed and he's been an avid reader these last few nights. We're hoping he'll keep it up since he does enjoy it; we'll be helping him throughout the summer.

Jim's home now with the three of them for the next five weeks, wish him luck, wish us all luck. He's already had two other kids (at the same time) over to play and will be managing five at a time at least once a week.

I spent about an hour weeding in the rocks one afternoon. I was worried Dexter would have a rock in his mouth every other minute. It didn't take him long to stop putting them in, he kept himself occupied by just piling them on the pavement. I think walking is going to come sooner than later, he's learned to do the crab crawl and stays off his poor little knees a lot now.

This is the same slide Auntie Karen gave Kellan for his first birthday; it's making its rounds with all the kids.

Loving the watermelon

Last Kid's Quote:

Kellan had a situation in a public bathroom, so Jim followed him in...

Kellan: "Run"

Dexter and Kellan "playing" the Wii. / Summer Fun

Vacations Underway

A lot of happenings over the last couple of weeks. I think we are all finally healthy, a bit sleep deprived, but no more hacking. Dexter had to take two different antibiotics for his ear infection.

Jim went on this summer's baseball trip two weekends ago. He and his friend, Chris, went to Kansas City then drove to St. Louis. Other than Jim being sick, they had a great time. In the mean time, I survived four days, three nights with the kids. I told Jim he was fired when he came home, I'd much rather have his job. I guess, easy for me to say after a few days vs. seven years. The kids were great, Dexter had one bad night, but him and Zoe let me nap the next day. I think it was the first time I've had four days in a row off, without being sick and without going on an airplane. It was very nice.

Kellan had his first baseball game. Unfortunately Jim missed it since he was out of town. They won in grand fashion. I was thoroughly impressed with the huge strides they made from playing last year - they actually could field and knew where to make plays. Their second game only went a couple of innings due to thunder and lightning, the third game was rained out. We're going to be playing baseball all summer at this rate.

Zoe finished her first year at pre-school. The school had a two and a half hour party after school. It was mostly for the kids going on to kindergarten. Sad for Zoe since she's only one of a few kids staying back another year. Her "best" friends all graduated. She will be by far one of the biggest kids, most people were shocked she's only four and a half.

We finally turned the air condition on...for a week. This weekend we had hail and fifty degree temps. Will it ever stop? We're back to 80's and 90's this week.

I feel like I have lots of funny stories, but as usual none come to mind. Dexter is becoming more and more independent by the day. I can't believe his first birthday is right around the corner. Still no first steps. He's a crazy little eater, loves to be outside and go swimming, and I dare to say back to sleeping through the night now that his ears have cleared (I'm sure I just jinxed us).

Happy to see Dad after his trip. Mean mom makes him cry when it's nap time. I think he was very happy to see Daddy. Definitely a time I'll never forget.

Nacho picnic.

Time for a bigger hat; I can't believe it lasted as long as it did.

Watching Kellan's baseball game.

After Kellan's game, Zoe decided to put on Kellan's uniform. This is her impersonating Kellan.

I think this may be the only picture I have of Dexter sleeping since he was an infant. We had to wake him up to go somewhere so figured I'd sneak a picture first. We were going to Zoe's cooking class which was canceled, but we were never called. Now I know how Jim and all the other parents feel about having to wake a sleeping baby. I was so mad since he was still a sick little guy.

Will the touching ever end?

Ditto from above.

Fascinated by Kellan playing the Wii.

How can one look so happy and the other look so scared?