This happens to be the only weekend for the next month that we don't have anything going. It has been nice actually just hanging out at home, enjoying the sunshine, and time together. We bought a fire pit at Target on Friday evening and roasted marshmallows for S'mores altogether. They were sticky and sweet. Yesterday we went to the Bouncy place with Michael & Emily and kids, then out to Panera Bread for sweet brunch treats. I dragged my family around to a few garage sales but didn't see anything that we needed (I have a few items in mind that I've been keeping my eye out for). The rest of the day was spent cleaning house, watching the kids play for hours in the wading pool in the backyard and getting haircuts (I got mine chopped pretty short, and Emilio and John went and got theirs done as well). We grilled shishkebobs for dinner and watched Meet the Robinsons after the kids had their bath. Today we went to church, stopped by Safeway for some gum and Popsicles (Emilio's incentives for being a good boy at church today, he's had a hard time leaving us the past few weeks and refused to participate). This afternoon I have a friend from Portland stopping through with her parents and then John's mom gets in from Chicago tonight.
Sharon (my mom in law) is coming for the week to help out with the kids while I teach dance at Elite Performance Dance Camp, Emily's camp that she and her business partner started four years ago for WA state high school dance teams. I have three routines to teach this week and a coach's session to lead. I'm really looking forward to stepping into the dance world again, it has been a while. I will try and take some pictures of the experience to post on here.
I hope everyone is having a happy sunshiny weekend as well!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Swimming update
So, Emilio ended up refusing to get in his swimming class again today, at least for the majority of it. He finally got in the last ten minutes. As soon as he was acclimated to the water he started bobbing under, flipping around, acting like a fish basically. The teacher kept looking at me as if it was so surprising. She had probably come to the conclusion that the kid didn't like water. I looked at her and said, "oh yeah, the guy can swim, he's just being a twerp!" I've come to the conclusion that Emilio is just not the kind of kid that will be pressured into anything, which can be a good thing I guess when he gets older. For now, it just really irritates me!!! He was all smiles at the end of class and didn't want to get out of the water. Goodness gracious, I know for sure God is teaching ME lessons through my spirited, strong willed little guy. I love him though, he sure adds spice to my life!
All under the umbrella of "FUN"
The last couple of days I've been taking the kids down to one of the local swimming pools for "Fish School," four days of swimming lessons. Gabi is in a class with me and loves it! She is uninhibited in the water, splashing, blowing bubbles, kicking, climbing and jumping to me, and even letting me dunk her. It is really fun to see her play in the water.
I signed Emilio up for a Preschool 2 class on his own at the same time. He's had swimming experience one day a week from September until May this year. During that time he mastered holding his breath, bobbing, going under water to retrieve toys, kicking pretty well, and at times his "scoopy arms." So, I thought that this class would be perfect for him. Well, he has refused to go into the water the last two days of swimming lessons this week. He isn't able to see Gabi's class from where he is at and I think it freaks him out not being able to see us. He's been like this when we drop him off at church lately too, cries hysterically for us for a few minutes and then finally settles down. So strange really since he's been left for shorts stints for a couple years now at various places. Anyway, the swimming lessons thing has really bugged me, which may be part of the problem, he can tell that it miffs me. I've tried bribes with candy, buying him new swimming goggles yesterday, going to Target to get something on the last day as a reward, etc, but nothing has seemed to work.
So, this is my new tactic today, we shall see if it works. I was able to switch him to the class time before Gabi's today and tomorrow. He met his new teacher yesterday and I'm hoping/praying he gets into the pool today. The kid really does love water! I'm thinking that if Gabi and I are watching his class he might feel more secure. After his class he can come and enjoy watching Gabi and Marco (my nephew who is also taking with us) in their Starfish class. So, I'll have to post what happens. It is funny the lengths I'll go to as a mom to put some "FUN" in my kids' lives, and how often it isn't all that fun, but a heck of a lot of work on my part. They are worth it, but goodness gracious does it ever build character in me more than anything. :)
I signed Emilio up for a Preschool 2 class on his own at the same time. He's had swimming experience one day a week from September until May this year. During that time he mastered holding his breath, bobbing, going under water to retrieve toys, kicking pretty well, and at times his "scoopy arms." So, I thought that this class would be perfect for him. Well, he has refused to go into the water the last two days of swimming lessons this week. He isn't able to see Gabi's class from where he is at and I think it freaks him out not being able to see us. He's been like this when we drop him off at church lately too, cries hysterically for us for a few minutes and then finally settles down. So strange really since he's been left for shorts stints for a couple years now at various places. Anyway, the swimming lessons thing has really bugged me, which may be part of the problem, he can tell that it miffs me. I've tried bribes with candy, buying him new swimming goggles yesterday, going to Target to get something on the last day as a reward, etc, but nothing has seemed to work.
So, this is my new tactic today, we shall see if it works. I was able to switch him to the class time before Gabi's today and tomorrow. He met his new teacher yesterday and I'm hoping/praying he gets into the pool today. The kid really does love water! I'm thinking that if Gabi and I are watching his class he might feel more secure. After his class he can come and enjoy watching Gabi and Marco (my nephew who is also taking with us) in their Starfish class. So, I'll have to post what happens. It is funny the lengths I'll go to as a mom to put some "FUN" in my kids' lives, and how often it isn't all that fun, but a heck of a lot of work on my part. They are worth it, but goodness gracious does it ever build character in me more than anything. :)
Sunday, June 22, 2008
6 years ago today......
John and I got married on June 22nd, 2002. We have managed to move 4 times (3 times to totally different states), had two children 19 1/2 months apart, changed jobs several times, and made lots of memories in the past 6 years. I feel blessed to have John as my husband and the father of our two kiddos.
This afternoon we dropped Emilio and Gabriela off at my brother and sis in law's house and John and I went on a Geocache on the Green River trail. Aside from getting off track about 3 miles at one point (while on foot) we found the other clues with no problem and found the geocache box of treasures together. We were proud of ourselves. We then went to Duke's Chowderhouse for dinner (the macadamia crusted halibut was amazing!) It was a peaceful, adventuresome day together as husband and wife.
Up on a lookout, Clue #2 for the day
After 4 clues we made it to the Geocache hiding spot and found it quickly!
We took a small turtle with a movable head and a funny face with squeezable eyes for the kids. We added a green goldfish, a marble and a yellow mini clothespin to the cache. We also made a recording in the log book.
This afternoon we dropped Emilio and Gabriela off at my brother and sis in law's house and John and I went on a Geocache on the Green River trail. Aside from getting off track about 3 miles at one point (while on foot) we found the other clues with no problem and found the geocache box of treasures together. We were proud of ourselves. We then went to Duke's Chowderhouse for dinner (the macadamia crusted halibut was amazing!) It was a peaceful, adventuresome day together as husband and wife.
Up on a lookout, Clue #2 for the day
After 4 clues we made it to the Geocache hiding spot and found it quickly!
We took a small turtle with a movable head and a funny face with squeezable eyes for the kids. We added a green goldfish, a marble and a yellow mini clothespin to the cache. We also made a recording in the log book.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Interactive Blogging!
I really enjoy reading blogs that ask questions to their readers (yes, I did get this idea from Heather, you are an inspirational blogging friend my dear). So, I think I will start asking questions too, as I'd love some blogging interaction people. So, come on, jump on into the blogging world and have a little fun writing to me today friends. Here goes;
1. What summer trips do you have planned?
2. What do you currently have on your feet?
3. What is your alltime favorite summertime dessert?
I'll answer first;
1. We are going to Boise, Idaho with John's family for a family Reunion in July. We are also trying to plan a weekend away in Bend, OR at a family friend's home in August.
2. I currently have on blue flip flops that my friend Jenny bought me in Hawaii. I really should call them "slippers" though cause that's what the Hawaiians call them.
3. I really love Fruit Pizza (similar to this recipe, but with homemade sugar cookie crust and no orange flavoring) in the summer. Nothing really beats it for me, I have a hard time turning that down. Although, fruit pies (especially blackberry or strawberry rhubarb) could put up a good fight for my heart, or stomach I should say, too.
1. What summer trips do you have planned?
2. What do you currently have on your feet?
3. What is your alltime favorite summertime dessert?
I'll answer first;
1. We are going to Boise, Idaho with John's family for a family Reunion in July. We are also trying to plan a weekend away in Bend, OR at a family friend's home in August.
2. I currently have on blue flip flops that my friend Jenny bought me in Hawaii. I really should call them "slippers" though cause that's what the Hawaiians call them.
3. I really love Fruit Pizza (similar to this recipe, but with homemade sugar cookie crust and no orange flavoring) in the summer. Nothing really beats it for me, I have a hard time turning that down. Although, fruit pies (especially blackberry or strawberry rhubarb) could put up a good fight for my heart, or stomach I should say, too.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Dad's Day
After church on Sunday we met my bro and his family at a park to picnic altogether. It was a beautiful day and we all enjoyed the sunshine and fun lunch fixings! We sure are thankful for the great fathers that John and Michael are!
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Last Friday I took the kids down to Tacoma to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium with some friends from our small group. They liked seeing the walruses, beluga whales, polar bears and sea otters. Emilio's favorite part was playing with his friend Austin who is five years old. He also liked annoying the heck out of the peacocks wandering free at the zoo. Gabi was at a nice stage to enjoy the zoo finally too and prefered getting out of the stroller and walking herself much of the time. We had a nice morning altogether.
Looking at the huge walrus together.
Admiring the beluga whales
Gabi showing off her lunch!
Emilio badgering the peacock.
Buddies
Emilio and his friend Austin
Cute little hermit crabs
Atop the Alligator
Sea otter slides in the new Kid Zone
Looking at the huge walrus together.
Admiring the beluga whales
Gabi showing off her lunch!
Emilio badgering the peacock.
Buddies
Emilio and his friend Austin
Cute little hermit crabs
Atop the Alligator
Sea otter slides in the new Kid Zone
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Summer of Books
I love to read, but ever since I've had children I can just think of so many other things I should be doing when they are occupied or sleeping (laundry to pull in or out, meals to prepare, floors to sweep, etc). I also find myself wanting to veg in front of the T.V. at night when they are finally down because I'm tired and reading makes me sleepy when I'm already toast. But, in the summertime, the longer days, and lack of interesting T.V. programs (except for a few, my alltime favorite, So you think you can Dance is on of course) makes me want to pick up a good book. I like to catch up on reading time in the summer. Here are my summer book lists so far but I'd love to add to them if any of you have suggestions.
Read so far-
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd (thanks to Heather)
Becoming a Woman of Purpose by Cynthia Heald
Books I'm currently reading-
Sunrise by Karen Kingsbury
The Search for Significance by Robert S. McGee (I really need to finish this one, picked up last January and read most of it but haven't finished. Not that it isn't good, just a lot of food for thought---meaty food for thought).
Books I plan to read-
No Other Gods (Member book) by Kelly Minter (doing a bible study with this one)
Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary series by Francine Rivers
Bringing up Boys by James Dobsen
Read so far-
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd (thanks to Heather)
Becoming a Woman of Purpose by Cynthia Heald
Books I'm currently reading-
Sunrise by Karen Kingsbury
The Search for Significance by Robert S. McGee (I really need to finish this one, picked up last January and read most of it but haven't finished. Not that it isn't good, just a lot of food for thought---meaty food for thought).
Books I plan to read-
No Other Gods (Member book) by Kelly Minter (doing a bible study with this one)
Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary series by Francine Rivers
Bringing up Boys by James Dobsen
Esa's B-day
A few weeks ago when we were in Portland for the parade we also attended our good friend Esabella's b-day party at Wilshire Park. It was a blue skied, sunny day and the kids had a blast running around the park, making foam crowns and wands (it was after all, a princess themed birthday much to Emilio's dismay), hitting a pinata open and collecting the candy, and moshing cake! The funniest thing that happened during the party was Gabi (who happened to be the youngest walking party guest) volunteering to whack at the pinata. She ran up in her pretty sundress, complete with a newly bejewled crown and said, "I can do it," and proceeded to give out all she had with the stick. It was pretty darn cute. Of course Emilio wasn't about to be shown up by his kid sister and went up and aggresively swung at the pinata as well almost taking out two party guests while he did it. We all laughed hysterically at his fervor. Here are a few cute shots captured at the party.
Monday, June 9, 2008
I Love A Parade!
We took John's mom (who was in town on business for the week) down to Portland on Friday and his father flew in that evening. We all stayed at my folk's place and woke up early in the morning for the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade (thank you to Mom and Dad for waking up at the crack of dawn and scouting out and keeping a spot for us on the parade route). We warmed up breakfast burritos (yes, they were New Mexican inspired ones with green chilies, just not authentic NM green chilies, boo hoo)I had made the night before, bundled up and headed down to our location early so we could people watch and see the pre-parade festivities. One of the highlights were the plastic Dora and Spiderman blowup dolls Grandma bought for the kids. Gabi was in love with her Dora doll and talked to her throughout the parade!
We were very concerned about the weather holding out for us, but aside from a few misty sprinkles, we were okay, the sun even came out a few times. We all enjoyed the parade immensely. Emilio danced and directed the bands for the better part of the morning while Gabi watched from her mini U of I chair with Dora in tow.
Both kids took a great nap after the parade and so did Grandpa! Us gals, my mom, Sharon and I ran to the Adidas outlet and scored on some new digs.
Later in the afternoon we took everyone (all but my Dad who was working away on his new backyard fence) to the Mt. Scott swimming pool! We had a blast going down the swirly slide, lazy river and whirlpool.
In the evening we had a nice BBQ, roasted S'Mores and played cards, Hand and Foot to be exact.
We had a very nice breakfast at the Cadillac Cafe on Sunday morning before John and Sharon had to fly back to Chicago. What a fun filled, packed weekend!
We were very concerned about the weather holding out for us, but aside from a few misty sprinkles, we were okay, the sun even came out a few times. We all enjoyed the parade immensely. Emilio danced and directed the bands for the better part of the morning while Gabi watched from her mini U of I chair with Dora in tow.
Both kids took a great nap after the parade and so did Grandpa! Us gals, my mom, Sharon and I ran to the Adidas outlet and scored on some new digs.
Later in the afternoon we took everyone (all but my Dad who was working away on his new backyard fence) to the Mt. Scott swimming pool! We had a blast going down the swirly slide, lazy river and whirlpool.
In the evening we had a nice BBQ, roasted S'Mores and played cards, Hand and Foot to be exact.
We had a very nice breakfast at the Cadillac Cafe on Sunday morning before John and Sharon had to fly back to Chicago. What a fun filled, packed weekend!
Emilio's Picture Portfolio
Lately Emilio has been grabbing my camera and shooting up a storm. He gets down on his knees, lays on the floor, tilts the camera, anything to get a great shot. His choices in images to photograph are pretty interesting too. Here is a peak at some of his best work. I think it is pretty good for a 3 year old!
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