I think every parent loves

when their kids play together. And Gwen isn't nearly old enough to really play directed things, such as answering questions and doing exactly what you ask her to.

Trevor had a rough day (listening-wise) yesterday, and I was a few minutes behind with dinner so Trevor decided to get back on his old "Nascar" that has practically fallen apart from use. Add to that, that he is WAY too big for it, but somehow he still manages to get on it. I think a big part of that is that Gwen has a similar "bike" that she has figured out how to ride around on.

So anyway, while I was finishing up dinner, Trevor got on his Nascar, and wanted to play as though they were driving around on the city streets. Gwen followed along willingly. They had plenty of stop lights, and even a few races but no screaming was involved. Yes, Trevor was his usual directing self, but for some reason Gwen was happy just to have someone to play with.

Hopefully more and more of these times will present themselves. I delayed dinner by a good 10 minutes just to continue the nice playing.

What a mess

I know it's a wonderful phase. But it's not one I'm caring much for. Gwen has been finding the toys that we keep in boxes and "reorganizing". ALL of Trevor's cars have ended up either behind Trevor's computer or between the bookcase and TV stand. We have two baskets full of cars....the ones from the movie Cars and the random cars from everything else. I guess I should be proud of the determination because there are SO many cars. But not happy when both of the baskets are empty.

We also have a basket full of pretend food and pots/pans/cups etc to eat or cook said food. She has decided to toss all of that down through the banister to the basement. I'm not sure what the attraction is to make all these toys disappear, but it seems to be a phase. Or that's what I'm telling myself.

This seems to be swapped for reading books. I cannot get her to sit down with me and read books anymore. I guess she just wants to make things go. She has enjoyed being with her babies and walking outside.

And it's not to say she doesn't help if I ask her to clean up. But she will get distracted into doing what she was doing to start the mess. And of course it isn't nearly as fast to clean up as it was to make the mess. Guess I'll just have to live through it for a while.

The free weekend

I guess I shouldn't be surprised, because I actually like it. We had a "free weekend" this past weekend and then got invited to do a bunch of stuff. Russ was able to get his yard work that he wanted done, and we had a nice afternoon of Golf on Sunday.

Trevor had Cartoon Capers last week. It wasn't a huge hit, as he had a few of them last summer and he wasn't a big fan. He'd rather be doing something that is sports or activity related. This week is Gymnastics.

Trevor did his school supply shopping on Saturday and then grabbed lunch at Target on the way out. He was very excited to get the items on the list and was also excited to eat lunch afterwards.

Then on Sunday, Trevor played his first 18 holes. I was very happy he made it all the way through. Although there were a lot of run-ins with the beverage cart ladies, and he had cheese curds at the turn, so I'm guessing that is what kept him going.

On to the next thing!

Our first swimming pool

Actually, it was our first trip to play at a swimming pool. I brought Trevor and Gwen to one of Trevor's friend's houses for a little swimming time after Gwen's nap yesterday. THANK YOU TAMI for having us over! It's hard to get over there unless Gwen is well rested and I figured it had been long enough since we had been over there.

Trevor of course thought that he'd have no problem swimming so he went from the shallow end to treading water in the deep end, trying to figure out how to get over to the side and getting nowhere. After I explained that he needed to stay on the shallow side of the pool so he could touch, he started experimenting with wanting to jump off the side of the pool. They had some noodles in the pool which Trevor is familiar with how to use them to stay afloat.

So then he started jumping off the "platform" and swimming underwater, holding his breath and all was good. Trevor's friend Mason is a very good swimmer, so it was good for Trevor to see someone his age swimming as well as Mason does.

Gwen of course wanted in on the action. She went in a boat and an infant floaty that had her feet in the water. Then she got comfortable enough to want to be away from me, of course not understanding that she couldn't float on her own. I guess next time I'm going to have to get her her life jacket. She really wanted to go up and down the kiddie slide that they had going into the shallow end. But I couldn't help her up and down it so she had to wait for me.

Then it started to downpour and we had to get out of the pool. I'm sure we could have stayed an extra long time, but it was a good time to get back home. The water was a great temperature and we all had a great time.

A week at the lake

What crazy weather. I know that it isn't completely strange to have such cool weather, but oh my goodness. It sure isn't fun when you go somewhere that you hoped to spend time in water, or at least in the sun.

The kids had plenty of activities. Trevor played lots of baseball with bubba....and he really is getting better. Both his hitting and throwing. Guess there isn't going to be stopping him from being left-handed. He also played quite a bit of golf which was more of a spectator sport for us. We went golfing on Thursday morning, and at least that was a sunny day, although windy and chilly still. He was able to go swimming on Wednesday....or was it Tuesday...one of the days and found a friend to play in the water with.

Gwen had one shot in her pool on Monday, but she still had fun. She rode her bike on the road which was a little plastic foot powered riding toy. She got pretty quick and can go up and down the street with it. She also liked to throw rocks in the lake. I think she would have gone swimming if it was warmer, and in order to combat her sand dislike, she will wear her sandals, even into the water. When she had socks on she still was going into the water to get rocks. Never mind that there are plenty on shore.

She also liked to "play buttons" and read books and play with the decorative birds that Trevor plays with. I never knew that the buttons that she plays with could be such a great teaching instrument. She loved to learn about the colors and by the week she could name most of them. Red, yellow, grey, pink, green, black, white, brown, gold, orange....and then we would count the ones of a certain color.

The kids are infatuated with the local restaurant owner. Whenever we are in town, and we see a shop or log-cabin type design, Gwen asks if we are going to "see Lana?" When we are at the restaurant, Trevor has to color a beautiful picture for her, and tell her what has been going on with him lately, as well as talk with Tim when he comes out to say hi. It is such a different situation for the kids to be somewhere where they know the restaurant owners, so it's been fun for us too. Although I have warned Lana that both of my kids are infatuated with her.

I took the new boat out for a little drive and learned how to dock it and all the little buttons...in case I ever want to take it out. Ha. We'll see...but it's still nice to know. Both kids also discovered watching ants. You'll have to ask Trevor what he saw when he was watching an ant. He found it VERY interesting. Don't worry, it isn't too gory ;-)

And of course, the highlight of the trip was going to Club Twilight....aka the Rollerskating Rink. It is still under construction, and wonder if it is ever going to be finished, however, it was still a fun time for Trevor and Gwen. She didn't skate but watched us do so and while the music was playing, they had the music videos on a wall. Gwen clapped after every song. Trevor got more confident and did fall once. But more embarrassed than hurt, he understood that it wasn't too big of a deal to fall. Granted he wanted to be done after he fell....but one more time around and he added a few tricks that he saw a girl doing.

So we'll maybe be back another time this summer. To the rink....we'll see. I'm hoping next year we'll finally get some nice weather. I'm sure Gwen will want to be in the water with all of us.

Golf stuff

So I've been behind. We were at the cabin this week...not the best of weather, but what can you do about that.

Last weekend, I'd like to record as my first sub-100 score recorded. At least at my "home" course. I know I've never gotten one at Tartan, but I don't know that I have ever recorded my score at EVERY course I've played at...so there is a slight chance I might have gotten under 100 somewhere else.

So that was pretty cool.

Then on Thursday, Trevor and I played 9 holes at Skyline. I don't think I have ever played at the course before, and after parring the first hole, I thought I might be on a good streak. After Trevor beat me on the 2nd hole, I decided that was the end of the good luck. Oh well. It was fun to see that Trevor now has "good shots" and shots he wants to hit over again. And that he could ride in the cart for his good shots.

We had a nice burger buck lunch and headed home for a nice but windy day at the lake.

Meanwhile, Russ and his dad competed in our club's member-guest tournament and finished 3rd overall on Friday and 2nd on Saturday. So golf has been good lately! Can't wait to see if we can do anything next month for the Championships.

More on the rest of the week later....

Tennis

That was the school for the week. And the bus ride. And golf lessons on Friday. So we've finally gotten a taste of what the summer is going to be like. He has 4 more "school" sessions this summer where he will be able to ride on the bus.

He seems to have liked Tennis. He scraped his knee one day, but otherwise had the class with his friend Elizabeth. I guess he might have tried to convince her to ride on the bus with him because her mom was questioned as to if she was picking her up, or if she was supposed to ride the bus.

I also discovered that the pick-up time was changed from 1:10 to 12:50. Oops. So on Tuesday I was late, but from then on, I was there on time. Didn't change the fact that Trevor still wanted to ride the bus. I see a few kids in the morning and then in the afternoon walking to the school and home, and they go right by our house. Hopefully during the school, when Trevor gets older, he can walk to and from school with some other kids. Then the neighbor across the street might walk too.

Gwen had a good time with her class. She participated fully in the "circle time" for the first time. Which was very cute. And of course her favorite song to sing is the good-bye song from class. It usually is a distraction from whatever else is going on.

Happy Birthday Dad!

So, long ago, my mom asked us kids to come up with a list of 60 things I love about Dad. As with just about everything my mom asks me to do, I did it with a groan. For some reason, I have a very pessimistic attitude about these things. As a result, it has been pretty cool, and very much a time to reminisce.

About a month ago, while in the midst of putting this list together, I had a horrible nightmare. Trevor has been infatuated with death and dying, we went to a Twins' game and he started fixating on Kirby Puckett and why and how he died, and then an extended family member suffered a loss in their family. So one night compacting all these events, I had a nightmare that my dad had died. No real details about it other than we were all very sad and that because we were not able to give him this list of 60 reasons, we read it as his eulogy. I have always heard that it is so unfortunate that it isn't until someone has died that you get a chance to list off the wonderful things, so when I woke up, I decided it was an awesome time to be able to list off the memories and other things I was so thankful to have my dad around for. I am not trying to be a debbie downer by recounting this dream....just how it changed my view of this "task".

As a secondary thought....MAYBE...if my other siblings are brave enough (after my dad says it would be ok) that they could post theirs as well? I'd love to read what their memories are and perhaps relive the ones I might have skipped over.

So...without further adieu.....I give you.....60 reasons why I love you, dad.....


1) For introducing me to the sport of golf
2) For gently suggesting I take a few lessons at Tartan Park
3) For letting me take friends out golfing at Tartan
4) For not being extremely competitive with me when golfing. I know that is why I enjoy the game so much
5) For taking care of my sporting equipment needs from gifts to regripping my clubs
6) For being a (silent) coach at all my young sporting events
7) For coming to so many of my sporting events
8) For renting out the Lake Elmo Gym so we all could play around with basketball and other fun stuff
9) For bringing me to the YMCA all those times for swimming lessons
10) For introducing me to racquetball/tennis at the YMCA and Piney Ridge Lodge
11) For watching The Muppet Show, Dukes of Hazard, and those crazy 3D movies on TV with me
12) For sharing all that popcorn
13) For taking me to watch “Speed” before I was 17
14) For helping start and participate in an annual golf outing with Kevin, Brian, and me
15) For being a Bears fan. It was fun to watch them win the Superbowl with you
16) For helping me out with my math homework
17) For going to college and instilling that having a college degree is important
18) For showing me the value of money and objects – especially saving and not getting into debt
19) For helping teach the value of money and not being in debt by paying college expenses
20) For letting me balance the checkbook a few times. I LOVED IT!!!!
21) For giving me a car so I had transportation to school and my high school jobs
22) For our many trips to the science museum and omnitheater
23) For explaining to me that cars are one thing that you let other people take care of when they need it
24) For letting me interview you for a school project thereby giving me a glimpse at life for you before marriage
25) For helping me get my first new car
26) For valuing religion enough to make it a part of your life through attending church services
27) For bringing me and having me help out at the charity/volunteer events
28) For your drink-timed grilling style. It is yummy
29) For giving me your Big Mac pickles
30) For your cleaning/organizational skills
31) For showing me good qualities to have in a father
32) For showing me good qualities to have in a husband
33) For not yelling, except in extreme cases
34) For teaching me independence and responsibility at an early age
35) For teaching me about loyalty in many different ways
36) For bringing us kids in to work with you on a weekend and letting me go under the floorboards as well as letting us make “Wanted” posters
37) For bringing me to “take your daughter to work day” and arranging meetings with coworkers. I learned a lot about corporate work and how much people respect and love to work for you
38) For having and putting together the Christmas Train
39) For being such a kind and caring grandfather
40) For always trying things once
41) For being polite in dropping us off at the door before going to park the car
42) For thinking of us when you get prizes or samples. I love the free gifts!
43) For being a “handyman helper” with all our house projects
44) For making me understand (through experience) that taking a ticket stub with you is a good idea in case you don’t remember where your seat is
45) For gently reminding me to be a good daughter/granddaughter when I have been out of the loop or simply unintentionally forgetful
46) For visiting your dad every spring break
47) For braving the crowds at Disney World
48) For all the bar trips at Piney Ridge Lodge
49) For taking Meghan and me to Washington DC
50) For taking Marisa and me to LA
51) For taking Anne and me to San Diego
52) For letting us all come out to Denver to watch you play in the Invitational. I will always remember our stop in South Dakota
53) For captaining the DandyLiz
54) For being a roller coaster rider
55) For bringing me to the drive-in A&W stand and getting those mini A&W glasses of root beer/root beer floats
56) For coming with us to the casino at the cabin
57) For taking us to the Embassy Suites for an in-town “vacation”
58) For thinking of Russ and I and getting us the weekend getaway at Maddens
59) For being the father-of-the-bride and all that it entailed. It was wonderful to share that with you.
60) For visiting me in the hospital the January after Trevor was born. It meant a lot to me.

Two quick things....

It was a partial lunar eclipse at 5:30 am this morning. That explains what happened to Gwen. That's all I'm going to say about that.

Number two....would I be a complete nerd if I mentioned how EXCITED I am go to school supply shopping with Trevor? I found his list. Can we go today? Can I go without him? He trusts me to pick it all out for him, right? (I'm teasing....but seriously....WHEN CAN WE GO???)

I always remember it being this way...but still crazy

So after the 4th of July comes "back to school" season, right? How crazy is that. I think the public schools around here have not even been out of school for a month, yet the retail stores are in full swing with back to school gear.

But Trevor started Tennis as his weekly program and got to ride the bus. He was very excited to be able to do this. I think we deciphered that his friend Elizabeth was in the class with him, and that he might have suggested that she come with him on his bus ride back home to the elementary school. But really, until 6th grade, this is going to be one of the only times he is going to be riding the bus to get to "school". He was picked up with a few other kids at the Elementary school, driven to the school where he had to find out where the Tennis group was meeting (by asking one of the adults at the entrance) then get back on the correct bus and off at the correct stop. His bus was scheduled to arrive at 1:10 at the school, and the city asked me to allow for up to a half hour because the first day of the session is always a little confusing. I actually got there a little earlier than I meant to, at 1:00 and the bus was already there. I saw Trevor get off, so I was happy about that. He started to walk over to the car, and I saw that an older girl was following him, making sure he got to where he needed to go. So that made me feel better.

I was asking him about class, and got words out of him like, "volley, service line, baseline"...so at least he's learning the terms. He said he's having a good time, and I think that he is. He does seem to like sports stuff...and he's learned a few things like scoring from Nintendo Wii Sports. And he's named his racket "Russell". No idea why....He's also said that he needs to clean "Russell". And that he plays Tennis left handed. Which is pretty normal for him. He plays Nintendo left handed too.

So we'll see what comes of the camp. Maybe I'll take him out to the nearby tennis court to play a bit this weekend.

Weekend of the 4th of July

We had a change of plans this year and went to Russ's grandparent's farm for the long weekend. I had never been before and thought it was a good chance to visit. Trevor discovered the true meaning of "meadow" and went on 5 or so meadow walks over the course of the weekend.

He also got some fishing in, although he didn't catch anything. There was someone else on the dock that caught a fish so he did get to see and touch one. On Friday, Tracy and Teresa came so both kids got some new attention.

Trevor got to go swimming on Saturday, and to set off a few fireworks. We decided to head home after the fireworks so we could beat the traffic on Sunday. I hope everyone made it to where they needed to go in time! It was an interesting drive for us as I was driving through a lot of smoke from fireworks, and then I thought that the smoke continued in the cities, but it turned out to be fog/mist. It had rained right before we got home, but it was warmer than when we had left. And I always saw the moon, never any clouds....so very strange weather.

But it was a wonderful weekend. Great food...great company....oh...and found out that Gwen likes to ride on the ATV....Trevor doesn't care one way or the other.....such an interesting family!

Off week....

So this week was off for Trevor's programs. But next week we are back on with Tennis. I have decided to try him with the busing as that is what he REALLY wants to do.

This week we pretty much just tried to sleep and relax as much as possible. We went out every day for a short activity, but the CRAZY WEATHER was just not cooperating. BLAH

As for Gwen...she is really enjoying her activities....doll house....SUCH a good $1 purchase at a garage sale....playing with the kitchen and pretend food....she is a chef now!....and playing with the buttons at the lake house or anything like it at home (checkers). She also likes to read books and read books and read books. It is so cute and such an inexpensive toy if you can find them at garage sales. Or at least they are one of the least guilty pleasures for getting the kids.

So we are off in a few hours for the 4th. Time to start packing!!!