Thursday, April 2, 2009

Spring 09

I realize it's about time I post something new. Just to show you that I do try to be a bit more timely in my posts; please refer to the paragraphs below. I've copied and pasted some notes from a never-before-published post.


Spring Break - March 28- April 2
Traveling with an eleven year old and a 21 month old is good cause for unsightly events in the eyes of others, but in our case we've been very fortunate and perhaps the only unsightly event would be Jack running and jumping with all his might in the sand without a diaper or pants hiding the parts that he so affectionately calls pee-pee and poopy. Ah, no, I am sure there were more, but overall our spring break has gone quite well! And the best part is that it isn't over yet!

My anxious anticipation for this trip really didn't have to do with getting away from work, but actually to observe Kyle and Jack in a setting that I am so fond of, and that would be so new to them. Thus far they seem to be enjoying themselves!


...Kyle can't seem to catch enough lizards, always quick to be an awesome big brother at the same time, ensuring that Jack gets to catch a glimpse. Gregg and Kyle went tarantula hunting last night, but I'm not sure if they were successful. Kyle also saw his first mongoose today when we walked the Reef Bay Trail. He thought they were pretty cool and at the end of the trail he exclaimed, "That was fun!". Snorkeling has taken a bit for him to get used to, as most of you may recall swimming is still a work in progress. He has a life vest though, and every beach we've gone to he and Gregg have gone out to explore.



Jack has a love-hate relationship with the water. He desperately wants to go to the "water" and the "beach" every day, but once we arrive he shakes his head "no" over and over again. He has come to love running and jumping and playing with his "guys" and cars in the sand though. He and I have spent a few hours each day on the beach doing just that while Kyle and Gregg are out snorkeling. Jack has been a delight to watch as he has learned new words and takes everything in stride. The past two days he has skipped his nap due to refusals to fall asleep in the arms of a parent or a booster seat on winding roadways (as that was all that was available), but amazingly he's hung in there with only a few tantrums along the way. He hiked a large portion of the Reef Bay Trail, and still managed to keep from falling asleep in any ones arms, on any ones shoulders nor in the car on the way to or from the beach.


Current Time:
The beach and sun are far away, but still a wonderful memory for all of us! Pictures are posted on FB if you're interested!


Kyle started swimming lessons again, five weeks of "level three". Last week was his first session. He claimed he was a little bit nervous before the lesson, but when the hour was over he shared with enthusiasm, the words I love to hear from him, "That was fun!". He's doing quite well academically, still noting P.E., Art and Recess as his favorites (I don't blame him). With the end of the school year near he has lots of school activities he's looking forward to: a day on a schooner in Lake Huron, Besser Museum, and Mackinac Island to name a few. He continues to be a spectacular big brother by playing and reading every evening with Jack.


Jack hasn't slowed down a bit. He loves to play with Kyle and Daddy, often "shoeing" his Mommy away. I would say, his favorite toys at the moment are empty boxes, cars, trucks, trains, his ABC school bus and his little animal figures (specifically the hippo, lion and elk). Oh, and I suppose I should throw in the blocks that form a bridge over his train tracks, spiderman, the tick, and his St. John souvenir, "turtle". He also has a thing for baths as long as they don't involve washing his body. Today he had three and was hoping for four, at which time bedtime occurred instead. He loves to read books and talk and his milestone for the week was getting through a whole church service without being dropped off at the nursery due to incessant talking.


With spring upon us Gregg is busy planning on "all things outdoors". So-much-so that school seems to get in the way. Due to the snow days, he'll be at school through June 12th, with the kids going until June 9th. His fishing trip with my dad and brother is schedule for June and our family get together in July.


I am well and work is good. Beginning Monday a few changes will occur within my department of which I am thankful for and looking forward to (wahoo!). Other than that, just having a blast, loving God, and appreciating His gifts!