Brothers

Just thought this shot at the library was cute...

What We Do When It's Scorching!

With family in town to look after the boys, Chris and I took the opportunity to do a couple hours down the Amite River near us.  We've tubed this river on a cabrewing trip...don't even ask.  Now we wanted to do it for real in our kayaks and this is not the river to do with the boys in the 105 degree heat.  But, we had a great day paddling.  I think it was too hot for the snakes and other critters b/c we didn't see a thing! 

We got these new wheel trailers for our kayaks b/c we've been burned in the past with having to lift our kayaks all the way to the water plus 2 kids and stuff.  It can be challenging.  So, we looked over these things that are just 2 poles with wheels on them that stick into the holes in your boat.   Then, they break down to ride with you to your get-out point....So Much Easier!!!  It's a good thing we got them because this walk was LONG!

Still walking...

Start of the trip under the Florida Blvd bridge.  It's not the prettiest river or the fastest river...but it was fun.

Meandering through the fallen trees and shallows

At about 3 miles down we went under the new bridge construction for the I-12 expansion.  Chris took about 50 pics of the construction from the river's point of view.  It was pretty cool.

Paddling

Things We Do When It's Sunny

Our neighbors just moved to the other side of town to be closer to work so we went to check out their new digs and their new pool.  Fun, Fun, Fun!   This was Adam's second exposure to a diving board in one week. He loved it!  

Things We Do When It Rains

We've had some rainy days here lately and there's only a few things to do around town that are indoors, entertaining for both me and the kids, and FREE!!  One day we went to the Mall to play at their indoor playground and ride the carousel (which is free on Monday mornings).  We rode the carousel a few times and got to test out the speed of the different animals.  Caleb also used this opportunity at the playground to go through a few diapers.  Let me just tell you it is a long walk to the nearest changing station and we did it 3 times!! 

Chris is in the picture because he got to come meet us at the Food Court for lunch...special treat!!

Happy Father's Day

Chris in his new leather butcher's apron for grilling.  Happy Father's Day!!  He also got matching charcoal chimney's from the boys. 

Adam Has Had A Run of Bad Luck

Adam has not been feeling well for a few weeks now.  Last Friday, his pediatrician wanted to look a little closer at things and ordered some tests.  Ultrasound of his belly, x-ray, and bloodwork.  Guess which one he flipped out on?!   He was ok with thee idea of a shot, but when we explained that the nurse was going to draw blood, he was not on board.  He explained that he wasn't ready and wanted to know the exact spot they were going to stick him.  After his right arm went dry, they had to draw from his left.  He wasn't happy.   He was trying not to be rude, but he got into the upper octaves of screams of panic.  Poor guy.  Thankfully, everything came back totally normal.  The pediatrician is now fairly sure of a diagnosis for a temporary problem.  We are hoping she is right.  Time will tell.  He was so brave that day and we are so proud of him. 

Showing off his bandaids from "giving blood"

Adam's Likes and Dislikes at 4 1/2 years old:

Loves string cheese and yogurt

Loves superheroes

Dislikes spicy food, but says he'll eat it one day when he's a  daddy.

Loves swimming or water of any shape or form

Loves pretending games with Daddy when he comes home from work

Dislikes cleaning up

Loves playing with his friend Bo

Dislikes sitting still at dinner, but loves saying the blessing

Loves Scooby Doo



Caleb Likes Hats

Caleb has a love/hate relationship with hats.  He loves to wear them, but gets so frustrated when he can't put one on all by himself.  This particular hat was not a problem.  He borrowed it from his 6 month old cousin, Lydia, who was visiting.  He felt very fashionable and felt it was a good substitute for a cowboy hat. 

Caleb's Likes and Dislikes at 19 months:
Loves to mimic anything and everything his big brother does or says. 
Dislikes the dogs licking his face
Loves to dance to music, but it looks more like he's galloping
Loves drinks of any kind
Dislikes holding hands to do stuff
Loves reading books with Mommy or Daddy
Loves drop-kicking a soccer ball right now
Dislikes diaper changes
Loves shoes...even other people's
Loves to review animal noises
Dislikes that he can't see what Mommy is cooking on the counter and screams, "Down, Down", which really means "Up, Up" so he can see
Loves playing with trucks and cars