If it weren't already past his bedtime, I could've watched Kian take a bath tonight all evening long! He was having so much fun pouring and stirring and pouring some more. Guess what the only things he was playing with? His bathtime pouring pitcher, a small plastic drinking cup, a large plastic cup from Taco Bell, the lid, and the straw! For at least a half an hour! This kid is so cute and he is such a thinker. I swear I could hear the gears spinning while he was 'playing'!
I am going to say this is my favorite age...every age so far has been my favorite age. We've never slid backwards (that I can remember). He is such a sponge! Absorbing and learning about everything he sees, hears, touches, tastes, smells, and experiences.
I decided to run to the craft store this afternoon after I picked him up from daycare. First stop was Joann Fabric, which didn't have anything of what I wanted. But it was fun to let him walk through the store a little with me. At one point, he was pushing the cart under me and I was holding him back, making him work really hard! He's like our dog, Maggie...he needs to be WORKED!
So we carried on over to Michael's and wandered and wandered. Kian was the oh-so-patient accompaniment that I needed. All it takes is something new in his hands every five minutes or so. So easy to do in a store! Especially when mommy is wandering and wondering what to get. The only reason he got a little fussy was when I tethered him into his carseat to head home AND he was hungry! I didn't even have a diaper bag with me, but luckily I at least had a couple of satsumas, which he loves. We stopped to grab Chinese at Haggen for mama and Daddy and Kian just hung out close by but wandered just enough to curb his curiosity. Such a good boy! He EVEN helped me carry the chopsticks!
I like this blog...I can post lots more of my thoughts about this little boy, my family, and our happiness than on facebook and the people who want to read it can, and those that don't aren't 'stuck'! If you are reading this, thanks for caring. I love this kid!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
tradition overload!
We have started our holiday traditions with Kian! I'm slightly obsessed with creating our own family traditions, not having had a whole lot growing up. He is so much fun right now!
Every morning, whoever gets up with Kian helps him find our elf, "Elfie". If you haven't heard of Elf on a Shelf and you have young kids, you have to check it out! Kian is starting to realize the elf is there and enjoys looking for him. According to Pinterest, the elf can get VERY creative on hiding spots and activities, but we're taking the easy way out this year and just hiding him around the living room for now. In the future, our elf will be zip-lining across the room, doing snow angels in a pile of sugar, trying to steal a toy, taking a bubble bath in the bathroom sink with little marshmellows, and on and on!
Also, right when we get up, we take him to the Christmas tree, which has a foot pedal to turn on the lights. We get ready, then count to three and "magically" turn on the lights! I almost gave it away a few days ago when I turned them off while he was watching...without doing the magic! I think we may have slipped by, he's forgotten, for now!
We bought an advent calendar that looks like a wardrobe on the outside and has 24 little drawers inside. I filled the drawers alternately with Reese's peanut butter cups and little bell ornaments. It's taken a while for him to figure out that we have to unwrap the candy first, AND he thinks he can eat the bells. Maybe not such a great idea, mama! Oh well! It's fun, nonetheless!
I am also going to take 13 books (for now, I'm going to use the many books he already has, that he hasn't even seen yet) and wrap them individually. I will put them in a special 'book box' and he will open one on Christmas and one each month until next Christmas. I am going to cheat a little until he's a little older and save the Dolly Parton Imagination Library books for next year to wrap for next Christmas! Smart Mama!
We have a couple of toy trains for Kian that have been given as gifts. We bought the tracks for one of them to set up by the Christmas tree and I'm so excited to see this and to add to it each year.
I'm a cheese ball. Yes, I like cheese, in all its many forms! And I love my family!
Every morning, whoever gets up with Kian helps him find our elf, "Elfie". If you haven't heard of Elf on a Shelf and you have young kids, you have to check it out! Kian is starting to realize the elf is there and enjoys looking for him. According to Pinterest, the elf can get VERY creative on hiding spots and activities, but we're taking the easy way out this year and just hiding him around the living room for now. In the future, our elf will be zip-lining across the room, doing snow angels in a pile of sugar, trying to steal a toy, taking a bubble bath in the bathroom sink with little marshmellows, and on and on!
Also, right when we get up, we take him to the Christmas tree, which has a foot pedal to turn on the lights. We get ready, then count to three and "magically" turn on the lights! I almost gave it away a few days ago when I turned them off while he was watching...without doing the magic! I think we may have slipped by, he's forgotten, for now!
We bought an advent calendar that looks like a wardrobe on the outside and has 24 little drawers inside. I filled the drawers alternately with Reese's peanut butter cups and little bell ornaments. It's taken a while for him to figure out that we have to unwrap the candy first, AND he thinks he can eat the bells. Maybe not such a great idea, mama! Oh well! It's fun, nonetheless!
I am also going to take 13 books (for now, I'm going to use the many books he already has, that he hasn't even seen yet) and wrap them individually. I will put them in a special 'book box' and he will open one on Christmas and one each month until next Christmas. I am going to cheat a little until he's a little older and save the Dolly Parton Imagination Library books for next year to wrap for next Christmas! Smart Mama!
We have a couple of toy trains for Kian that have been given as gifts. We bought the tracks for one of them to set up by the Christmas tree and I'm so excited to see this and to add to it each year.
I'm a cheese ball. Yes, I like cheese, in all its many forms! And I love my family!
Saturday, November 26, 2011
The holidays are here!
So, it's been a while. A little too long. Where do I start! Kian's been sick almost all Fall! uggghhh! On antibiotics now for a nasty rash around his mouth for the past month AND sinus infection! It's all finally going away, thank God! Runny nose+mouth rash=notsohappybaby! When he is in a good mood, he is soooo much fun! But he seems to be going through some cranky times again. Maybe it's the whole "being sick" thing, I hope. or teething. Who knows! Nevertheless, we love him and enjoy spending as much time playing with him as possible.
Kian is such a curious, bright, inquisitive little guy. His favorite things are things he's never seen before. He cracked me up this morning when he took the remote control from me and put it in the entertainment center on top of the vcr...slightly out of his view. Within a minute or two, he forgot where it was and started wandering in circles, looking for it! He even put his hand on his head and scratched! It was so cute!
Today, he saw some new Christmas decoration that I bought was sitting up on top of a couple of tubs of decorations, just out of his reach. He rolled his little wooden train over to the tubs (which is about 4 inches tall), stood on top of it, and reached for the bells! He still couldn't reach them, but it gave us a giggle!
Lately he loves rocking chairs. He climbs into any of the 4 rockers we have in the house (one of them being his) and smiiiiiiles while he rocks away! He's gotten somewhat more affectionate lately, too, and this is often when we get hugs, kisses, and snuggles from him, which we haven't had for a loooooong time!
We had a great thanksgiving 'brunch' with the Bray's in Anacortes (the BEST baked french toast EVER!) We spent some time with Grandma, Grandpa, Jodie, Mayson, Carla, James, Jackie and her two boys Tony and Carter. I even tried taking the three little boys outside to play but there was too much wind, too much dog poo, and nothing to play with!
From there we drove to Stanwood for dinner with my family. We watched Kian with an eagle eye on the way there, hoping and praying for a nap between family functions-half hour was the best we could get. We saw Russ, Kari, and Carter, along with Grandpa Gary, Tim, Anita, Vicki, Brad, Brooke, Ashley, Brittney, Scotti, Jason, Barb, and Matt. It was a little quiet there, without my cousin Ingrid's family since they moved to California. Brooke, Carter, and a slightly whiny Kian kept us entertained, though!
Today, we met Vicki and the girls at Santa's Den in Marysville for our annual trip to see "THE REAL SANTA!" The girls have been seeing him for about 20 years, and now we've joined the tradition. We even had their dog, Chloe, and our Maggie there! It was fun, although Kian didn't want to have much to do with Santa...mostly just wanted us, not that he was afraid of Santa. Just a little fussy today.
Kian is such a curious, bright, inquisitive little guy. His favorite things are things he's never seen before. He cracked me up this morning when he took the remote control from me and put it in the entertainment center on top of the vcr...slightly out of his view. Within a minute or two, he forgot where it was and started wandering in circles, looking for it! He even put his hand on his head and scratched! It was so cute!
Today, he saw some new Christmas decoration that I bought was sitting up on top of a couple of tubs of decorations, just out of his reach. He rolled his little wooden train over to the tubs (which is about 4 inches tall), stood on top of it, and reached for the bells! He still couldn't reach them, but it gave us a giggle!
Lately he loves rocking chairs. He climbs into any of the 4 rockers we have in the house (one of them being his) and smiiiiiiles while he rocks away! He's gotten somewhat more affectionate lately, too, and this is often when we get hugs, kisses, and snuggles from him, which we haven't had for a loooooong time!
We had a great thanksgiving 'brunch' with the Bray's in Anacortes (the BEST baked french toast EVER!) We spent some time with Grandma, Grandpa, Jodie, Mayson, Carla, James, Jackie and her two boys Tony and Carter. I even tried taking the three little boys outside to play but there was too much wind, too much dog poo, and nothing to play with!
From there we drove to Stanwood for dinner with my family. We watched Kian with an eagle eye on the way there, hoping and praying for a nap between family functions-half hour was the best we could get. We saw Russ, Kari, and Carter, along with Grandpa Gary, Tim, Anita, Vicki, Brad, Brooke, Ashley, Brittney, Scotti, Jason, Barb, and Matt. It was a little quiet there, without my cousin Ingrid's family since they moved to California. Brooke, Carter, and a slightly whiny Kian kept us entertained, though!
Today, we met Vicki and the girls at Santa's Den in Marysville for our annual trip to see "THE REAL SANTA!" The girls have been seeing him for about 20 years, and now we've joined the tradition. We even had their dog, Chloe, and our Maggie there! It was fun, although Kian didn't want to have much to do with Santa...mostly just wanted us, not that he was afraid of Santa. Just a little fussy today.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
yet another cold!
Kian and I are both sick...AGAIN! What is with this?! I go years without a fall cold, and now I'm on my 2nd one a few weeks into fall! I could blame it on Kian being in daycare, but hello...I teach! I think I have plenty of germs around there! This one has hit me harder than the last one. Last night my nose was COMPLETELY stuffed, like during my csection, and it scared me. That sounds weird, but true. I am missing 6 conferences today, and I'm hoping I'm feeling at least a little better tomorrow, since I have about 10 conferences and I don't want to reschedule those!
We are trying to prepare for daylight savings time with him. He almost always goes to bed around 6 or 6:30. We've been trying to push him out to 6:30-7 instead. He is still waking somewhat early, some days it's 4 or 4:30, but more often it's 5:30. Wonder what this weekend will bring!
I just heard some interesting news yesterday about a guy that I met at the Y a few years ago. He flirted with me, made me feel like he was 'interested', etc. I thought maybe it would lead to a date, at least. But, things got weird, his live in girlfriend got ahold of my email and told me to leave him alone. Nuff said! He disappeared for a while, then showed up a little and things were awkward, but I met Jeff shortly after that and life went on! Now I find out that he may be a convicted child molester living under the radar! This is what I've learned...most of the disappointments in my past are there for a reason. Either I learned something valuable from them, or they just weren't meant to be! Thanks, God!
We are trying to prepare for daylight savings time with him. He almost always goes to bed around 6 or 6:30. We've been trying to push him out to 6:30-7 instead. He is still waking somewhat early, some days it's 4 or 4:30, but more often it's 5:30. Wonder what this weekend will bring!
I just heard some interesting news yesterday about a guy that I met at the Y a few years ago. He flirted with me, made me feel like he was 'interested', etc. I thought maybe it would lead to a date, at least. But, things got weird, his live in girlfriend got ahold of my email and told me to leave him alone. Nuff said! He disappeared for a while, then showed up a little and things were awkward, but I met Jeff shortly after that and life went on! Now I find out that he may be a convicted child molester living under the radar! This is what I've learned...most of the disappointments in my past are there for a reason. Either I learned something valuable from them, or they just weren't meant to be! Thanks, God!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
3:45 a.m....really?
Kian has been waking earlier and earlier lately. We used to brag that he slept for 12 hours...it's coming back to bite us in the butts. He still is grumpy and tired around 6 pm and goes down right around there. We tried to hold him out last night, to no avail. Now he's waking anywhere between 3:45 (this morning) and 5:30. It was Jeff's turn today. Needless to say, he's a little grumpy and tired. I didn't really get to enjoy my 'sleep in' day because I kept hearing Jeff try to put Kian back down, to no avail. He is already on his second nap, hopefully out of 3 today.
This is tough.
This is tough.
Friday, October 14, 2011
TGIF!
I have not felt this elated to have a Friday in a looooong time! Not to mention, it was a 2 hour school day and we were 'ordered' to leave campus right away! OK, don't gotta tell me twice, although I did pack an extra load of stuff to do at home this weekend.
It has been a rough month at work, and on top of that, Kian is growing and changing into a somewhat whiny, screeching, non eating, waking up at 4:30 am toddler-although strangely, he is getting a tad more snuggly, too. Gotta give him credit, he's been sick off and on (like me) for going on a month now. His appetite has completely changed in the past month. He has a tooth that I can feel the ridges poking through the skin. AND he started daycare full time and doesn't get to hang out with mommy and Brooke all day every day!
Work, is work. It is too much. Always too much. But I love those darn little kids so much that I keep doing the crap work so that I can teach those brilliant little friends of mine! Right when I feel like I can never do anything right there, I get an email from a parent telling me how much their child loves me and how happy they are that their child has me for a teacher this year...just in time!
My heart smiles. I love my baby. I love my husband. I love my job...most of the time!
It has been a rough month at work, and on top of that, Kian is growing and changing into a somewhat whiny, screeching, non eating, waking up at 4:30 am toddler-although strangely, he is getting a tad more snuggly, too. Gotta give him credit, he's been sick off and on (like me) for going on a month now. His appetite has completely changed in the past month. He has a tooth that I can feel the ridges poking through the skin. AND he started daycare full time and doesn't get to hang out with mommy and Brooke all day every day!
Work, is work. It is too much. Always too much. But I love those darn little kids so much that I keep doing the crap work so that I can teach those brilliant little friends of mine! Right when I feel like I can never do anything right there, I get an email from a parent telling me how much their child loves me and how happy they are that their child has me for a teacher this year...just in time!
My heart smiles. I love my baby. I love my husband. I love my job...most of the time!
Friday, September 2, 2011
4 sleeps...
I like ellipses lately....you know what I mean? those three dots that leave you hanging? I use them A LOT it seems. Texting, fb, blog...etc.
Anyway, I have 4 more sleeps and 3 days to prepare for the latest adventure in my life...teaching a 2/3 split class, with 2/3 of them being 2nd graders and 1/3 of them 3rd graders. I haven't taught 2nd grade in over 6 years, so it will be interesting. I think my room is about 95% ready, physically, but now I need to focus on planning, lessons, kids, nametags, and all those other logistics.
I also will be leaving Kian again, for full days with the best daycare ever. Beth already loves Kian and appreciates his crazy, busy livin'! I feel so blessed to have found such wonderful caregivers like Thessa, Beth, and all the sitters we've had. Never really have to worry!
Jeff is settling into a routine with studying, and in good spirits. He's taken up fishing, out this afternoon/evening. I'm glad he's got something fun and interesting for him. Gives me some quiet time at home!
Anyway, I have 4 more sleeps and 3 days to prepare for the latest adventure in my life...teaching a 2/3 split class, with 2/3 of them being 2nd graders and 1/3 of them 3rd graders. I haven't taught 2nd grade in over 6 years, so it will be interesting. I think my room is about 95% ready, physically, but now I need to focus on planning, lessons, kids, nametags, and all those other logistics.
I also will be leaving Kian again, for full days with the best daycare ever. Beth already loves Kian and appreciates his crazy, busy livin'! I feel so blessed to have found such wonderful caregivers like Thessa, Beth, and all the sitters we've had. Never really have to worry!
Jeff is settling into a routine with studying, and in good spirits. He's taken up fishing, out this afternoon/evening. I'm glad he's got something fun and interesting for him. Gives me some quiet time at home!
Monday, August 22, 2011
summer days are dwindling down...
Oh, bummer. Where has my summer gone? It has been a pretty good one, considering I've only been to the beach oh...maybe 4 times! Counting Chelan and Birch Bay! Not good! But, Kian, Jeff, and I all have somewhat of a tan, although they will disappear fast, and I'm proud to say we got them while using sunscreen!
Today I had the honor of hosting 4 mothers/friends from MCEP (Marysville Cooperative Education Program) to paint my classroom while another one stayed home with Kian and Brooke from 8:30-1:30! I am so blessed to be part of this program! We worked from about 9-1 and got 2 coats of paint up! It looks so lovely! Now I can move forward in high speed finishing putting everything in its place.
Tomorrow, the kids and I have a lunch date with a friend of mine (I hope they are happy enough so we can actually visit for a while). After Kian's afternoon nap, we will head to Family Day at the Casino for food, fun, rides, and the like! We have another playdate Thursday with my friend Tamara, who has a little girl Brooke's age and a little guy who's 3. Should be fun!
Nothing else too exciting...Jeff started back to school to get his BA degree online with Arizona State University and I'm stressed about getting everything done for school...it will work out. Thank you, Lord, for all of our blessings, but most of all for our health, happiness, and peace.
Today I had the honor of hosting 4 mothers/friends from MCEP (Marysville Cooperative Education Program) to paint my classroom while another one stayed home with Kian and Brooke from 8:30-1:30! I am so blessed to be part of this program! We worked from about 9-1 and got 2 coats of paint up! It looks so lovely! Now I can move forward in high speed finishing putting everything in its place.
Tomorrow, the kids and I have a lunch date with a friend of mine (I hope they are happy enough so we can actually visit for a while). After Kian's afternoon nap, we will head to Family Day at the Casino for food, fun, rides, and the like! We have another playdate Thursday with my friend Tamara, who has a little girl Brooke's age and a little guy who's 3. Should be fun!
Nothing else too exciting...Jeff started back to school to get his BA degree online with Arizona State University and I'm stressed about getting everything done for school...it will work out. Thank you, Lord, for all of our blessings, but most of all for our health, happiness, and peace.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
a Hunting we will go, a hunting we will go...
Well, we started off our day, today, August....ummm.....Tuesday, August 16 hunting for breakfast. Yes, apparently that's what you have to do in Birch Bay on a Tuesday, even in the middle of the summer. One might think that many places would be open for breakfast. But, no. We asked at a restaurant last night where a good breakfast place would be (we aren't eating out that much, just happened to be two meals in a row.) Thunderbird Cafe, right down there past the intersection. We rode our bikes down last night around 7 and it was dead. Apparently, they don't serve dinner. So, we set off on our bikes this morning around 9. We headed north to the Thunderbird, but it was still dead. We see no hours, nor people. We give up on that place. We turn around and head south to the little place by the C Shop (our fave ice cream stop.) Choices, choices...hmmmmm....breakfast sandwich or breakfast burrito? AND they are both pretty much microwaved breakfasts...not out of the freezer, but still. Burritos for us, and they weren't bad.
We continued south after breakfast to find the State Park. We head along the water, then I spot a sign that says, State park 1 mile, take a left; even though the road we're on continues right along the water. So we take a left and head up a quick but steep hill (I'm pulling Kian), along a country road with no shoulder and rough pavement for what seems like a few miles, at least! We finally find the State Park and head in. Through the woods we go, coming out on a familiar looking road right down by the water. Huh....we coulda gone that way, avoided the big hill, and gone probably a little less far. Oh well, it was good for us!
We meander back (and by meander, I mean, weave back and forth across the road-it was very quiet and I was having fun looking at the water, the beach houses, etc.) Jeff makes fun of me, but I love it! We stop to talk to a sweet older lady trying to sell her boat. Take it she's a widow, very sweet, no idea what to ask for it. Jeff gives her a little advice, she admires Kian (who doesn't!), and off we go again!
Kian goes down for a record setting nap of 15 minutes, lunch, and then we're off to the beach to hunt for out dinner! A fellow condo0-dweller recognizes us and sees us digging stupidly in the sand for clams that break apart even with Jeff's hands. They tell us to move south a few hundred yards to the rocks...those manillas just fall into your hands. JACKPOT! A minute later, we find gold. Kian's happy sitting on a bed of seaweed, sucking on rocks and clamshells while we are breaking our backs digging for tomorrow night's dinner! But, alas, an hour later we both have our limits! We trudge back to the condo for Kian's LONGEST record breaking nap (sea air is the ticket, I think!) of a little over an hour, then we're off to the pool!
My darling husband doesn't love the water, but to appease his sweet wife and play with his adorable son, he joins us and I am so happy! I love our little family playing in the pool and soaking in the hot tub.
Oh yeah, during Kian's shortest nap, mommy managed to bake a new recipe of pecan brownies (I threw some choc. chips in them too) with a peanut buttery goo on top! They are DELISH! I shared some with the front desk and maintenance, and a co-op family also staying here...they like me now! LOL!
We are gonna be sore tomorrow....
We continued south after breakfast to find the State Park. We head along the water, then I spot a sign that says, State park 1 mile, take a left; even though the road we're on continues right along the water. So we take a left and head up a quick but steep hill (I'm pulling Kian), along a country road with no shoulder and rough pavement for what seems like a few miles, at least! We finally find the State Park and head in. Through the woods we go, coming out on a familiar looking road right down by the water. Huh....we coulda gone that way, avoided the big hill, and gone probably a little less far. Oh well, it was good for us!
We meander back (and by meander, I mean, weave back and forth across the road-it was very quiet and I was having fun looking at the water, the beach houses, etc.) Jeff makes fun of me, but I love it! We stop to talk to a sweet older lady trying to sell her boat. Take it she's a widow, very sweet, no idea what to ask for it. Jeff gives her a little advice, she admires Kian (who doesn't!), and off we go again!
Kian goes down for a record setting nap of 15 minutes, lunch, and then we're off to the beach to hunt for out dinner! A fellow condo0-dweller recognizes us and sees us digging stupidly in the sand for clams that break apart even with Jeff's hands. They tell us to move south a few hundred yards to the rocks...those manillas just fall into your hands. JACKPOT! A minute later, we find gold. Kian's happy sitting on a bed of seaweed, sucking on rocks and clamshells while we are breaking our backs digging for tomorrow night's dinner! But, alas, an hour later we both have our limits! We trudge back to the condo for Kian's LONGEST record breaking nap (sea air is the ticket, I think!) of a little over an hour, then we're off to the pool!
My darling husband doesn't love the water, but to appease his sweet wife and play with his adorable son, he joins us and I am so happy! I love our little family playing in the pool and soaking in the hot tub.
Oh yeah, during Kian's shortest nap, mommy managed to bake a new recipe of pecan brownies (I threw some choc. chips in them too) with a peanut buttery goo on top! They are DELISH! I shared some with the front desk and maintenance, and a co-op family also staying here...they like me now! LOL!
We are gonna be sore tomorrow....
Monday, August 15, 2011
Gotta love Birch Bay
Well, we are in the throes of enjoying our weeklong vacation in Birch Bay, thanks to Mom and Dad Bray! We arrived Friday evening, after a somewhat busy day doing errands and packing. I kept feeling like we were packing too much, so I left a few items off the list, and now regret that. I wish I had brought Kian's little floatie for the pool, but we'll survive without it. Turns out, we forgot quite a few things that were more important, so Jeff actually had to make a run home Saturday morning. While he was at home, we realized the main thing he THOUGHT he had forgotten, was here all along. Even as he was driving back, I also realized I forgot to pack extra swim diapers. When he arrived back here, he found out he had packed no shirts...only undershirts! Soooo, a trip to the mall was in order for Sunday.
Our goals for the week are:
1. Eat out once a day (except for ice cream and/or shave ice...that's allowed every day!)
2. Spend a little time almost every day out on the beach, swimming in the pools, and biking.
3. Relaxing, reading, sleeping, napping, resting, you get the picture!
The resort/condo here at Birch Bay feels as if maybe we are in Hawaii, or at least another state. It reminds me of the Worldmark resort in Kihei, Maui. The condo is right across the street from the beach, and there's somewhat of a view from almost every unit. We are on the back side this time (we were here when we got engaged, Friday, June 13, 2008), with less pool noise but more maintenance noise. But, we also had some cool ambiance music from the bar across the parking lot yesterday afternoon! Having a one bedroom unit, and having a son who is used to sleeping in his own room, we are making due by putting his pack-n-play in the closet! No jokes here, please! It is working pretty well, though Kian is often up before 6, where at home he is not awake until 6:30-7 sometimes. Still hoping it will get better before we leave. At least he is still sleeping all night and taking decent naps.
Kian experienced his first taste of an ice cream cone Saturday afternoon. Daddy let him taste his...he soon regretted that, since Kian confiscated it and made it his own. Better Daddy than me...I don't know if I would have let go so easily! We have the cutest pictures of the four steps of take over! Sunday evening, Kian warranted his own, kiddie cone! More laughs and giggles were had by Mommy and Daddy, as he devoured his own cone, down to the last bites! Mess was made, but hey, it's vacation!
Some time was spent shopping for groceries and shirts yesterday (Sunday), and we got to have lunch with friends Shawn Jenkins and her family between winning soccer games for daughter Dominique!
We are off now to listen to a presentation for the condos, which will bring mom and dad 1,000 points, and a gift card for us! Hope it's worth it. We'd love to own, but just don't have room in the budget for now.
Happy Summer!
Our goals for the week are:
1. Eat out once a day (except for ice cream and/or shave ice...that's allowed every day!)
2. Spend a little time almost every day out on the beach, swimming in the pools, and biking.
3. Relaxing, reading, sleeping, napping, resting, you get the picture!
The resort/condo here at Birch Bay feels as if maybe we are in Hawaii, or at least another state. It reminds me of the Worldmark resort in Kihei, Maui. The condo is right across the street from the beach, and there's somewhat of a view from almost every unit. We are on the back side this time (we were here when we got engaged, Friday, June 13, 2008), with less pool noise but more maintenance noise. But, we also had some cool ambiance music from the bar across the parking lot yesterday afternoon! Having a one bedroom unit, and having a son who is used to sleeping in his own room, we are making due by putting his pack-n-play in the closet! No jokes here, please! It is working pretty well, though Kian is often up before 6, where at home he is not awake until 6:30-7 sometimes. Still hoping it will get better before we leave. At least he is still sleeping all night and taking decent naps.
Kian experienced his first taste of an ice cream cone Saturday afternoon. Daddy let him taste his...he soon regretted that, since Kian confiscated it and made it his own. Better Daddy than me...I don't know if I would have let go so easily! We have the cutest pictures of the four steps of take over! Sunday evening, Kian warranted his own, kiddie cone! More laughs and giggles were had by Mommy and Daddy, as he devoured his own cone, down to the last bites! Mess was made, but hey, it's vacation!
Some time was spent shopping for groceries and shirts yesterday (Sunday), and we got to have lunch with friends Shawn Jenkins and her family between winning soccer games for daughter Dominique!
We are off now to listen to a presentation for the condos, which will bring mom and dad 1,000 points, and a gift card for us! Hope it's worth it. We'd love to own, but just don't have room in the budget for now.
Happy Summer!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Chelanagain!
We got to spend another short weekend in Chelan last Sunday and Monday, but it was better than the long weekend we had a couple of weeks ago. We got to spend time with friends, go out on Kian's first boat ride-he loved it, of course-and spend time at the pool and the beach.
Summer has finally popped out here in Western Washington, though just barely...only a few minutes or so above 80 degrees, but I don't mind much! I like this 70+ degree weather, not too hot, but warm enough for summer fun! We are headed to Birch Bay up north for a week with Kian and hope the weather holds pretty well for us, since we will spend lots of time biking, playing on the beach, and swimming in the pools at the condo, thanks to Grandma Janie and Grandpa Brian! My nephew Matt will stay here to dog/cat sit for us.
We just had a family picnic in place of a full-on reunion, since hardly anyone from out of town could come (Happy to see Kelly Jo and her family from Georgia and cousin Ron with his granddaughter, Summer from Oklahoma). It was nice seeing aunts, uncles, cousins, and 2nd cousins that we don't get to see very often-we all live around here from Deming to Sedro Wooley to Camano to Marysville but life happens.
We are off to Anacortes for a while again this weekend to see Bray family for birthday celebrations! Should be fun! Kian is walking everywhere now, though still pretty wobbly. It's so much fun! He's going to keep us busy!
Summer has finally popped out here in Western Washington, though just barely...only a few minutes or so above 80 degrees, but I don't mind much! I like this 70+ degree weather, not too hot, but warm enough for summer fun! We are headed to Birch Bay up north for a week with Kian and hope the weather holds pretty well for us, since we will spend lots of time biking, playing on the beach, and swimming in the pools at the condo, thanks to Grandma Janie and Grandpa Brian! My nephew Matt will stay here to dog/cat sit for us.
We just had a family picnic in place of a full-on reunion, since hardly anyone from out of town could come (Happy to see Kelly Jo and her family from Georgia and cousin Ron with his granddaughter, Summer from Oklahoma). It was nice seeing aunts, uncles, cousins, and 2nd cousins that we don't get to see very often-we all live around here from Deming to Sedro Wooley to Camano to Marysville but life happens.
We are off to Anacortes for a while again this weekend to see Bray family for birthday celebrations! Should be fun! Kian is walking everywhere now, though still pretty wobbly. It's so much fun! He's going to keep us busy!
Monday, July 18, 2011
back on the line....I mean, online!
Well, after not having internet on my 'puter for almost a week, partly because of our vacay to Chelan, it looks like I'm back in action. According to THIS Dell representative, we should never have used Webroot antivirus software with a Dell (we've had it for a couple of years on Jeff's computer, but it's mine that's acting up.) Anywho...appears to be working now. Thanks, hun, for spending a couple of hours on the phone with them tonight so that I didn't have to!
Somewhat of a busy day today....regular physical and bloodwork for me...doc says I'm doing great! Cousin Brittney babysat Kian so mommy could get out for a couple of hours. Then we went to the neighborhood park for a while. After lunch and a nap, I took Brooke and Kian to the beach at Lundeen Park for an hour or so. Kian had a ball! I made a new friend...Ava...a 6 year old socialite like me! Brooke made a new friend with "Brianna". Kian liked the water. He sat in an inch or two with tiny waves for about a half hour just playing with a shovel and pail! When I finally noticed he had sand on his mouth, I tried washing it off, and that's when he started fussing. We headed up to play in the sand near the concrete stairs and he had another half hour of fun, just wandering around!
We just had a wonderful long weekend in Chelan with our friends, Mike and Karen Felch (she used to teach with me at Quil.) They just finished their dream/retirement home in Manson, and have extra bedrooms downstairs just waiting for us. We met and hung out with their friends, Mark and Nancy (and little grandson, Anthony-3). Jeff had fun fishing once alone and once with Mark in his boat. Karen and I went shopping, sightseeing, and to the beach (and also to get shave ice!) Mostly we just hung out on their big, beautiful deck with a 180+ degree view of Lake Chelan and watched Kian move the deck furniture from one end to the other, practicing his walking! Kian did well sleeping in a new place, after the first day, except when he had to sleep in the same room with us. For some reason, he woke around 5 and as soon as he figured out we were in there, he was UP AND READY TO GO! One of the days, it might have been the guy on the lawn mower/John Deere next door mowing the 5 foot tall 5 acres at 5 a.m. for 5 hours!
Kian is a good traveler, fussing only about the last 20-30 min. mostly because he was tired. Next time we may try driving at night...muah ha ha ha! NOW we know the trick! We loved it enough, even though the weather was CRAPPY most of the time, that we are going back in two weeks. We will have the chance to go on a bigger boat (well, Kian and I didn't go on ANY boat this time), play at the elite beach at Wapato, AND swim in the pool there, since friends will be staying there! Woot woot!
Somewhat of a busy day today....regular physical and bloodwork for me...doc says I'm doing great! Cousin Brittney babysat Kian so mommy could get out for a couple of hours. Then we went to the neighborhood park for a while. After lunch and a nap, I took Brooke and Kian to the beach at Lundeen Park for an hour or so. Kian had a ball! I made a new friend...Ava...a 6 year old socialite like me! Brooke made a new friend with "Brianna". Kian liked the water. He sat in an inch or two with tiny waves for about a half hour just playing with a shovel and pail! When I finally noticed he had sand on his mouth, I tried washing it off, and that's when he started fussing. We headed up to play in the sand near the concrete stairs and he had another half hour of fun, just wandering around!
We just had a wonderful long weekend in Chelan with our friends, Mike and Karen Felch (she used to teach with me at Quil.) They just finished their dream/retirement home in Manson, and have extra bedrooms downstairs just waiting for us. We met and hung out with their friends, Mark and Nancy (and little grandson, Anthony-3). Jeff had fun fishing once alone and once with Mark in his boat. Karen and I went shopping, sightseeing, and to the beach (and also to get shave ice!) Mostly we just hung out on their big, beautiful deck with a 180+ degree view of Lake Chelan and watched Kian move the deck furniture from one end to the other, practicing his walking! Kian did well sleeping in a new place, after the first day, except when he had to sleep in the same room with us. For some reason, he woke around 5 and as soon as he figured out we were in there, he was UP AND READY TO GO! One of the days, it might have been the guy on the lawn mower/John Deere next door mowing the 5 foot tall 5 acres at 5 a.m. for 5 hours!
Kian is a good traveler, fussing only about the last 20-30 min. mostly because he was tired. Next time we may try driving at night...muah ha ha ha! NOW we know the trick! We loved it enough, even though the weather was CRAPPY most of the time, that we are going back in two weeks. We will have the chance to go on a bigger boat (well, Kian and I didn't go on ANY boat this time), play at the elite beach at Wapato, AND swim in the pool there, since friends will be staying there! Woot woot!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Busy days of Summer have arrived
From Saturday, June 25
Yesterday was one of our first days of summer and it was packed with fun! First Kian had his 9 month check up…he weighs 21 lbs 13 oz and is 29 inches long! He got a completely clean bill of health! We loaded up Brooke, Kian, Maggie, 3 bikes, and a bike trailer and hit the road to Anacortes. Our first stop took us to Gere-a-Deli for lunch, where Jeff used to work. It shows a lot that he still likes to eat there after working there for a couple of years!
We unloaded the bike gear at a parking lot in town and headed out toward the water. It was a good trip of about 6-7 miles with me pulling Kian and Maggie pulling Jeff with her Walky-Dog leash! I LOVE this ride because it goes along the water for a while then out across the bay on an old railroad bridge. We got back to the car, tired and thirsty. This led us to Grandma and Grandpa Bray’s house for drinks and a break. We were going to head to Washington Park Beach, but Kian needed a nap, so we hung out there for dinner. Homemade chinese chicken salad, homemade rolls, fresh cantaloupe and watermelon, and homemade brownies with ice cream on top for dessert. After all this, we were headed home with a tired dog, a tired kid, and a sleeping baby! Let the summer begin!
best laid plans...turn out GREAT!
Well, today was a mass of confusion. I was trying to get someone to watch Kian for a while so I could take Brooke to my new school for a little bit to check on things and move a few things around. That kept falling through, so I gave up, deciding to spend the day at home. Well, then things started to roll. A friend called and wanted to watch Kian for a while, so I grabbed Brooke and Ashley and we headed out.
Upon checking into my new classroom, it looks like everything made it over in the move, though a few things got spilled and bent up a little (at least I didn't have to move it all!). With just an hour to work our magic, Brooke, Ashley and I got quite a bit done and I am feeling very optimistic about the classroom!
We stopped and had lunch at La Ha, then headed home to relieve wonderful Mary and get the girls home. Thanks, Mary, for a little reprieve.
I never know what to write here, but I do want to document some of our daily lives.
Upon checking into my new classroom, it looks like everything made it over in the move, though a few things got spilled and bent up a little (at least I didn't have to move it all!). With just an hour to work our magic, Brooke, Ashley and I got quite a bit done and I am feeling very optimistic about the classroom!
We stopped and had lunch at La Ha, then headed home to relieve wonderful Mary and get the girls home. Thanks, Mary, for a little reprieve.
I never know what to write here, but I do want to document some of our daily lives.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
another (rainy) summer day!
Trying a new blog for the Bray family news. I hope this one is easier to manage!
Well, Brooke and I sit here watching the rain, while Kian naps. We were holding out hope for our first day at the beach this summer...the first one EVER for Kian. I have sand toys, beach chair, beach towels, floaties, and the like packed already, but it looks like we may be heading to an indoor pool instead!
We just returned from our first baby story time at the library. It was cute! There were only two other little boys there, and they were a lot younger...4 and 5 months. Kian LOVES the singing and finger play! Brooke was a great sport and played along (she loved it!)
Well, Brooke and I sit here watching the rain, while Kian naps. We were holding out hope for our first day at the beach this summer...the first one EVER for Kian. I have sand toys, beach chair, beach towels, floaties, and the like packed already, but it looks like we may be heading to an indoor pool instead!
We just returned from our first baby story time at the library. It was cute! There were only two other little boys there, and they were a lot younger...4 and 5 months. Kian LOVES the singing and finger play! Brooke was a great sport and played along (she loved it!)
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