Fishing

The whole car ride Jonathan talked about how the first thing he wanted to do when he got to the cabin was to go fishing.  And that he did!  Diana was very curious about the lake and went swimming...well more like walking around in the water.  I think both kids were happy to be out of the car. 

Car Trip

We started off on our road trip bright and early this morning with Brad waking us all up at 5 am. We were all in the car and on the road at 5:25. Jonathan was so excited that he talked for 15 minutes straight, just long enough to prohibit any falling back to sleep for anyone. Diana had her first melt down around 6:20 and signed "all done". Boy, if she only knew how long she would be in the car and were we in trouble!!! At the same time, Jonathan asked, are we in Minnesota yet? After I told him that we wouldn't be there until after breakfast, lunch and dinner, his eyes got huge and said "that's a really long time!". At 7:30 I discovered that Diana had got another tooth, top front right! Might explain why I was up with her at 1 am last night. 8:00 o'clock we were at the windmills in Indiana. The kids thought the windmills were pretty cool, Diana even was entertained by them for awhile. 8:30 was our first stop of the day at mcdonalds for breakfast and a potty break for the little guy. Diana fussed a little bit but fell asleep at 9 am and slept until 10, which was perfect timing for us to get through Chicago without her screaming. The kids did well for almost another 2 hours, we stopped for gas and think it was a break we all needed, well maybe need Brad. The traffic outside of chicago and in wisconsin was heavy, think a lot of people heading to cabins for the holiday weekend. We ate the lunch I packed in the car and by 1:30 both kids were zonked out. Jonathan had drool coming down his face and Diana was snoring. I was loving watching my kids sleep, they were so peaceful. Until it was too good to be true...Jonathan woke up with a leg cramp screaming, which of course woke up Diana. At least they got 45 minutes of sleep. Periodically I would let Jonathan open "presents" which were new toys for him, so this entertained him. Diana started to become more of a challenge as she never fell back to sleep so now she was shy about 3 extra hours of sleep she normally gets. Luckily we made it through, lots of toys were being used but we survived. Once we hit MN things started going down hill...we ran into road construction and then heavy cabin traffic. We were averaging about 70 mph which was unbelievable. Finally around 5 o'clock we met up with Grandpa Gordy in st cloud and he took Jonathan. This allowed Diana to fall asleep which was a very good thing. We pulled into the cabin at 6:20 (eastern time)...so about a 13 hour car ride. Not bad considering I thought it was going to take us 15 hours. I believe brad said it was 850 miles. The kids were wonderful and Brad did an excellent job driving! Now for vacation!

GB & Grandpa Weeks Save the Day (week)

It's been a long week to say the least. Monday I personally had a busy day with a doctors appt in the morning (GB watched the kiddos), went to the zoo with GB in the afternoon and then I had a meeting at the hospital (Devon watched the kids). I am going to sit on a board for Good Samaritan hospital regarding patient care and how to improve. I figured it was the least I could do considering I felt I got excellent care. Tuesday we had a playdate with olive in the morning but then I dealt with my truck most of the day. When I took it in on Saturday for an oil change I asked them about my brake pads, which are fairly new. Sure enough I had "faulty" brake pads, the bad news they didn't have the premium ones in stock...so it had to be brought back in on Tuesday. This was the 4th time I walked home from Carx with the kids (about a mile), wouldn't have been horrible but the weather was starting to get HOT! We all know I don't do heat well. Well then on the way home from picking it up, I realized my air conditioner didn't work anymore. My ac had been fixed by the dealership less than a year ago, so now I needed to get in there before we leave for MN. Uncle Kyle saved the day thurs night by going and getting the truck with brad and a measly fuze later ($2 part...$90 bill) my ac works. Yea! Now it was on to packing and figuring out how in the world I am going to entertain the kids in the car for 15 hours. Needless to say I didn't have much time to play with the kids this week and without a car most of the week, our options were limited anyway. Luckily for all of us GB and Grandpa Weeks saved the day. They wanted to take Jonathan swimming on Friday! Hurray! Seriously it was such a huge help and I am not sure would have gotten everything done or had my sanity. It was a break I needed plus it wore Jonathan out! Thank you so much GB and Grandpa Weeks!

(sorry for all the details, can you tell I am in the car and have time to blog?!?)

Downward Dog

Today Diana learned how to go from sitting on the floor to standing by herself without pulling up on anything.  I think this will really help with her walking.  Lately I have been seeing her do what I think looks like her version of the yoga position, downward dog.  Now I understand why she has been doing this...she was trying to figure out how to get up.  I thought she was just being silly.  :-)

Slumber party 2

Diana and Jonathan spent the night again at GB's and Grandpa Weeks' house. This has been planned for awhile as we were going to emily's in Columbus for her house warming party. Diana had a rough day, screaming her head off basically and not sleeping...think it was her teeth. Luckily she was good for them, or so they say. Sunday we met them at the pool. Diana has no fear and Jonathan is getting better at swimming. Must be those swimming lessons from GB!

Vacation Bible School

Jonathan attended vacation bible school this week at his preschool, Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church.  This years theme was "Adventures on Promise Island: Where Kids Discover GOD's Lifesaving Love."  I think Jonathan enjoyed bible school and seems to have learned a lot from it already.  I do think some of the sessions when everyone was together in the main sanctuary was a bit overwhelming to him, as it was ages three to fifth grade and a couple hundred kids.  I bought the music cd and we listen to it quite frequently.  It's very upbeat music and has catchy versus.  For instance, Jonathan can now spell Bible and Promises.

First Steps

Diana took her first steps today!!!  Video hopefully to come soon.



Clapping

Diana figured out how to clap tonight!  I have been working with her on it here and there but she never has seemed interested in learning, too busy.  Well tonight Jonathan was putting on a concert for Diana and I with his drum.  After he was done and bowing, I clapped.  Shortly there after Diana started clapping.  She was soooo proud of herself, well ok so was I.  It was really cute.  She kept doing it and smiling really big.  Video to be posted soon.

Ortho Update

Diana had her 6 month Orthopedic followup appointment today with Dr. Mehlman.  I had no idea that they would be taking xrays today but I guess I should have guessed.  Taking xrays of a 1 year-old who doesn't like to be held or confined was quite interesting.  Like most things with Diana, they had to bring in an extra helper.  Jonathan got to stand behind the window with another girl and at one point I heard him say "What does that button do?"  Her response, "I am not sure, but let's not touch anything."  Dr. Mehlman was very pleased with the xray pictures, aside from a little fussiness from her moving so much, he said that they bone structure is lining up as it should, which is great news.  He looked at her feet and watched her walk and said that she looked great too.  We don't have to go back for another year!  I guess things can still change with her growing and walking now, so we aren't completely out of the clear but it sounds promising.  After next year's appointment, if all looks well then we won't need to go back unless I see an issue.  Fingers crossed!

Cousin Natalie

We watched cousine Natalie today and the kids loved having her over, especially Jonathan.  Natalie is so adorable and such a good little baby.  Jonathan entertained the girls for most of the play time before they both went down for their naps.  Jonathan can be quite protective of both of them.  He was the most protective of Natalie though, probably because Diana kept trying to take all of the toys. 



Slumber Party

Jonathan and Diana got to have a slumber party at GB's tonight! I say GB's because Grandpa Weeks is in Ireland. Brad and I were celebrating our 6th year anniversary and Bev offered to help watch the kids so we could celebrate. Brad made me an excellent dinner at home, had some good wine, got to sleep in and enjoyed church on Sunday morning without kids. The kids loved spending time at GB's. Diana is really into getting in and out of things, particularly chairs. She fell in love with Grandpa Weeks chair, lucky for her she didn't have to fight him for it. Jonathan just loves everything GB does and all of her toys so he had a blast.

Swimming at GB's

Today we went to GB and Grandpa's pool.  Jonathan gets braver and better with his swimming every day we go.  Today his thing was in the big pool was to push off the steps and swim to GB.  He got pretty good at it.  Diana loved the water and I think would have walked under water in the baby pool if I would have let her.  The girl has no fear and a lot of determination.  It shall be an interesting summer at the pool with her.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Birthday Daddy!  Brad of course doesn't like to make a big deal about his birthday so we kept it pretty low key with a family dinner at home and his favorite tradition ice cream cake, made by GB.  I think the funniest part of the day was Diana constantly trying to open Brad's presents before he even got home.  Daddy was nice and let both kids help him open his presents.



Sayings

The things Jonathan says some times just make me smile.  Tonight when we were tucking Jonathan into bed, he said, "I missed my house so much, I am gonna give it a big hug and kiss tomorrow."

Oh and instead of reading books at night now, Daddy has to get out his fishing map and tell fishing stories.

I wanna be like Dad

Today Jonathan decided that he needed to go mow the lawn with Dad.  Before I know it, he was outside with his lawn mower and his shirt off just like Dad.  No wonder he doesn't like to wear his shirt, he thinks it's cool because Dad does it.  It was actually really cute though, it was like a little mini-me running around out there.

We are working on teaching Diana how to use a spoon...she doesn't quite get it.  Maybe one day.  Also, do you like her Pebbles pony?  Thanks to my friend Christa who proved me wrong that her hair is long enough for a pony.



Happy Birthday Grandpa Gordy & Daddy

We had planned on celebrating Grandpa Gordy and Daddy's birthday tonight when they got back from fishing but due to bad weather, they aren't going to make it home until really really late.  Too bad for them, we enjoyed their ice cream cake without them.  Honestly though, after hearing about the emergency landing on another lake I am happy they made it home safely and when they did.  Daddy caught the biggest fish of the trip!  Yea Daddy!

Day 5 in MN

We ended our trip in MN with a hurrah. We went to the St. Paul Children's Museum and had breakfast with Curious George. Jonathan was very excited to see George, Diana on the other hand, not so much...she would cry when she got close to him. As long as he was far away she was good and thoroughly enjoyed playing with a piece of yarn.

After seeing George, we explored the rest of the museum center.  What a wonderful place!  We definitely will need to come back here.  There was a Curious George exhibit, a nature playscape, a city and so many wonderful other exhibits.  This I think might be the highlight of the trip. 

Diana did much better taking a picture with the pretend George.

Why not some good o' fashined fun with a sprinkler?!? It was the first time Diana has gotten to run through a sprinkler and she loved it. This kid seriously has no fear and not much bothers her, while aside from Mommy being out of sight and dogs.

 I love the way Diana looks at Jonathan.  The picture above captures this pretty well.  Absolute admiration.

Day 4 in MN

Auntie Heidi took off of work again today! Diana is feeling better, never got sick again, but I think her teeth are bothering her as she has been real crabby. We went to Nana's gym so she could show off the kids a little bit. Jonathan had fun playing on the rings and lifting kettle bells. Diana was all over the place so we didn't last long. We then went to a place called the Works. It's a mini science/engineering museum for kids. Jonathan had a blast and already wants to go back. 

While Diana was napping today, Jonathan got to sew with Nana.  He loves to push the pedal and "help." 

Uncle Jason came over after he was done with work, around noon, and played. Jonathan I think needed some boy time so it was perfect. Auntie Heidi and Uncle Jason took him to the baseball field, "a real live baseball field" as Jonathan would say.

Tonight my friend Rachel, her husband Dave and kids Luke and Taylor came over for a pizza dinner and to play.  It was so much fun to watch the kids play together and get caught up.  I bet our kids would be good friends if we lived closer. 

 



Day 3 in MN

Diana got sick this morning, which put a damper in our plans as we were supposed to have a play date with some of my friends and their kids today. We ended up having a lazy day at home. We played some tennis in the morning across the street, which is very convenient to have tennis courts across the road from my parents house. Jonathan is getting quite good at tennis. While Diana was napping in the afternoon, Jonathan and I made a "city" with chalk out on the sidewalk. He was quite creative in what he wanted to draw, a racetrack, lake with cabins, apartments, bank, church, grocery store and gas station to name a few. We then laid in the grass for awhile with Nana playing Ispy and figuring out what the clouds looked like.

Day 2 in MN

Auntie Heidi took the day off from work to play with us today. Yea!

We went to a really cool bookstore, Wild Rumpus.  Jonathan has been there before but it was the first time for Diana, Heidi and me.  There are all sorts of animals in the store.  Jonathan really liked the rooster and the hairless rat, which he sat and watched for a long time with Nana.  Diana enjoyed sitting in a chair, pulling books off the shelves and exploring with Auntie Heidi.

 Afterwards we went to the Malt Shop for lunch.  This was one of Auntie Heidi's and my favorite places to eat when we were little.  It was always a special treat!  The place hasn't changed which was pretty fun.  Jonathan enjoyed his chocolate malt and milk while Diana zonked out in the car and slept through most of lunch.

Grandma Carol and her dog Bonny came over for a visit in the afternoon. She asked me if I am tired? She said she was exhausted just watching the kids play. That's my life! ;) But I love it and wouldn't change it.

Just because we didn't do enough today, we decided to ride bikes also.  Diana can push with her feet on riding toys, but she goes backwards.  It's cute.  Jonathan is enjoying his "little" bike (it's smaller than the one we have in Cincy) because he can turn it around himself on the sidewalk. 

First Day of MN Vacation

We arrived in MN around 7 pm yesterday and will be spending a week in the cities while Brad goes to Canada fishing with Grandpa Gordy. Diana was a hot mess on the plane...i think she was mainly tired and couldn't get comfortable, plus she didn't understand why she had to be held. I think the poor flight attendant had to pick up her pacifier 5 times. Jonathan was up REALLY late last night getting into trouble with grandpa Gordy. Today we went to the park Chutes & Ladders. It's a park that I played at when I was younger. We packed a picnic lunch and had lots of fun but it sure was hot! Tonight I got together with my friends from high school while Nana, Heidi and Jason watched the kiddos.  Jonathan enjoyed playing with all of Grandpa Gordy's tools.  Luckily Uncle Jason was here tonight to fill the void of Grandpa Gordy being gone. It was a fun evening for all of us.

Computer Time

Today Diana and Daddy got to have some bonding time while Jonathan and I went to a really fun Red's themed birthday party.  Brad was just telling me a story about what Diana did while we were gone.  I didn't believe him at first but he had a picture to prove it.  I don't know why I doubted that Diana would do this. 

"She was playing under the desk for awhile.  Then she scooted the stool over.  Next thing I heard was her pounding on the keyboard."  She climbed up on this step by herself and helped herself to "playing" on the computer.

She seriously is into everything these days.  I think her favorite area is my corner cabinent.  She managed to spill a bunch of cherrios out of it the other day.

Determined is an Understatement

For all of you who do not get to see Diana all that often and have not gotten to witness her "spirited" behavior, here is a picture of her trying to fit in a basket that was way too small for her.  Bless her heart though she was so determined she did not give up.  After some crying, getting mad and throwing the basket, she was finally was able to squeeze herself into this basket.  She needed help getting out of course but she wasn't going to be happy until she got in there.