Life with kids

We have had a low key week. Luckily Allie's fever was only a 24 hour thing (actually not even that). Unfortunately, Gabe is snotty and coughing as well as myself.

Gabe getting down from the chair through the armhole.....because....he likes to make things difficult.

Why use a door when you can climb! And this kid can climb!

Our pitiful turtle sandbox is neglected. I always forget to put the cover on and it stays full of rain water. Gabe doesn't seem to mind the extra water in the sand and will climb in without thinking twice. This was an impromptu bath that happened mid day this week. Of course Allie had to get in on the fun sink bath too.

What to do after baths you ask? Let's go get dirty again. It's a constant battle keeping the house and kids clean. I don't know why I even bother trying...

Whose child is this? I'm serious he is all boy. He was digging in the dirt like a dog; throwing it behind him. I caught him this afternoon stuck underneath our club chair in the den. All boy, I can't say it enough!

He does have a sweet side.

My family

Allie decided to run a fever in the middle of grocery shopping. When I got her home to take her temp it was 102. I'm hoping it is a 24 hour thing.

Stephen is having a live draft, as I type, for his 2nd (yes, that is #2) fantasy football team. You would think one fantasy league would be enough! I just don't get it.

Gabe is ALL BOY!

I found him stuck like this, this morning (notice his body is through the leg of the tray).

We also had a babysitter last night so Stephen and I could meet some friends for Stephen's birthday dinner. Apparently, the 14 year old babysitter was downstairs with Allie when she heard a "thud" come from upstairs. Gabe had climbed out and fallen of his crib.

And I saved the best for last.

Izzy is forever banished from sleeping with us at night. I have been sleeping poorly for awhile now, all because of Izzy scratching/licking/sneezing/shaking/clawing/stretching/bar-king/taking the covers off of us by trying to get under the covers herself/etc./etc./etc. I have had enough. We now lock her in the bonus room.

I will smile

Stop the presses.

I rushed the kids outside the other day, because Allie said the three words that never come out of her mouth; I will smile.

I have been trying not to be as pushy and constantly in their faces taking pictures lately.

And there she is with the smile (well, fake smile) on her face. Her cooperation lasted all of about 22 seconds until something else caught her eye, and she was off running in the yard being an energetic 3 year old.

My how the tables have turned. I couldn't get this one to smile for me and he is usually ready and willing. He has been teething lately and not quite himself....so I'll excuse him this time.

The kids at Lake Keowee

Just wanted to share some pics of the kids on Lake Keowee. I'll keep the useless ramblings to a minimum.

Gabe and his buddy Zac.

Don't you just want to scoop this one up and kiss him.

This was taken when Allie was watching us jump off the big rock from the previous post.

Allie got frustrated that her oars weren't working.

This was the first time I caught him standing up on his own (without pulling up on something first). By the way, Gabe is walking everywhere now.

The child ate 4 large chunks of watermelon. He kept saying "muh, muh" (translation: more).

The flying squirrel

See those wackos climbing up this beautiful piece of rock that God placed on Lake Keowee?

That would be my me and my husband.

We are still young at heart...but our bodies are feeling it today!

This pic is worthy of a close(r)-up.

I remember telling myself jump as far out as possible so I didn't go down bouncing off the rock. That explains my legs. As far as my arms, I was directed to hand on to my life jacket with my elbows in. This move has been since dubbed "the flying squirrel".

Stephen had no problem jumping off. This really was a long way down - 25-30 ft. You jump, and it feels like you hang in the air forever before you hit the water.

Rob had never jumped off the highest point of the rock. (You can jump at about 15 ft as well...which he had conquered before.) His competitive nature drug him up to the top this time....where he contemplated.....and contemplated. It was pretty funny. He would count to 2 and back out at the last moment.

Finally, he took the plunge.

Lake Keowee really is a beautiful lake. The water was surprisingly clear and the mountains in the background were an added bonus. Sure would be a nice spot to retire........

What it takes to be Pop

It's hard work being Pop.

You have to share lemonade on a hot afternoon...

Ride carousals.

Squeeze your caboose into a child's caboose cab car and take a train ride through a popular shopping complex.

Dance like nobody is watching.

Play barbies every free second of a toddler's day.

Effortlessly love grand kids with every possible moment in time.

New game

Another new favorite game Gabe likes to play...


Everything he eats he puts on top of his head.



Boys can be much messier than girls.