Fish Stories

Charlie, Scott and my Dad just returned from their annual fishing trip to Arkansas. This was their 4th year. My dad has a good friend, Gene, who retired down there. They spend the drive down listening to books on tape and the blues. They get up before the sun and head out in Gene's fishing boat for the morning. Gene's friend, Dorothy, makes them delicious homemade pies and ice cream. It really is a sort of "man's dream-come-true". Next year, Sam will be old enough to go, too. I'm so glad for this time Charlie gets with both his dad and his grandpa. But I'm even more grateful for the chance for Scott and my dad to hang out. My dad has just three daughters, and I never once got the feeling growing up that he wished for a son. But it's obvious from Scott and my dad's relationship that he would have really enjoyed one sooner. (Scott once told me that he considers my dad his best friend). When they returned this time, my dad gave me a big hug and said, "Thanks for giving me grandsons". You're welcome, Dad :)


Here's Charlie (and Gene) with the hybrid striped bass he caught. It weighed more than Mary!

Play Ball!

The moment Sam has been waiting for -

For the past 3 years, Sam has watched longingly as Charlie participated in America's favorite pastime. Sam is really into sports in general, but especially baseball. If there is a clean jersey in his drawer, he wears that, every time. He loves wearing Charlie's uniforms from years past. And he loves playing baseball. He will play catch with himself in the back yard for hours. In the winter, he plays in the family room - 'announcing' his plays. I've even heard him say something about "Crede" while talking in his sleep. Sam would wear his cleats to every one of Charlie's games, "in case the coach calls me in". Which he did two years ago. Charlie's team was short a couple of players, so Sam got to sub. He was playing with kids 3 and 4 years older than him and he even got a hit! He was presented with the game ball that day!

Last year, Sam participated in "Tiny T-ball" for 4 and 5 year olds through the park district. It was a huge disappointment for him - most of the other kids had no idea what was going on, and they didn't follow the "rules" of the game. This year, finally, Sam gets to play real T-Ball through our community's private league. He would rather be at the level without the batting tees (he's been hitting pitched balls for at least 2 years now), but it's a start.

We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo

We spent a couple of hours at the Brookfield Zoo today with some passes from a generous friend. It was chilly, but nice, because it was practically empty. There were only 30 or 40 people at the dolphin show - which meant Charlie and Sam both were chosen to 'help' with the dolphins! It took every ounce of self-control to keep my own hand down when they asked for volunteers...



Mary got a kick out of them, too!

We also really enjoyed the Mexican wolves and a short tram ride.

This is why we don't valet -

-and also why one must be 16 to get a driver's license. At 5, one just doesn't have the judgement/reflexes/experience necessary to be responsible for 4,000 lbs. of metal.

Sam decided to take a little joy ride down the driveway this afternoon. Thankfully no one was hurt (or arrested - the police showed up).

Apparently Sam grabbed my keys from the hook in the kitchen and got them into the ignition. He didn't actually start the car, just got them turned enough to get into neutral. He told us he jumped out (onto our driveway) as the minivan was rolling into the street. I heard him crying and went outside to investigate. My first reaction was one of confusion and disbelief - I wasn't sure what I was looking at exactly. Because, what was my car doing in the street, when I was in the house?!? I sent him inside and called Scott to come look. After the initial shock, it was a little funny. The entire back window is gone and there is a huge dent. Sam had to talk to the police officer who happened by. He was very scared and crying, "I don't want to. They're going to throw me in jail." The officer was actually laughing, as well (not in front of Sam). He had a hard time filling out his report, though, because the system kept kicking out the driver's age of "5". After Sam shared the entire story, and we explained, gravely, why Sam must never do that again, he fell asleep for an hour and a half. Learning to drive is exhausting!

After moving the car into the garage, Scott and I shared a bottle of wine outside with Mary. You know what they say - when life gives you lemons, have a drink.

Oh, and Charlie's comment? "It's not funny, but it will make a good blog". Heh.

Halfway

Charlie turned 9 today. A couple of weeks ago, it dawned on me that 9 is halfway to (legally) being a grown-up. That realization (among other things) threw me into full panic mode!

While We Were Out

On Friday, Mary and I came home to this ~

That morning, Scott took the training wheels off Sam's bike, and in the time it took to put air in Charlie's tires, Sam figured out how to ride! He is so amazing! 5 1/4 years old and riding a two-wheeler on his first attempt.

Charlie learned how to make an omelette this week. He treated me to a denver omelette Saturday morning - delicious! I'm so proud of them both.

Earlier in the week, Grandpa and Pam took them to Wabasha, Minnesota to watch eagles. They stayed at the Historic Anderson House Hotel and slept with Arnold. This is actually where Charlie learned to make the omelette - they ate at the Sunday brunch and he asked the chef there to show him how. Throughout the week Pam also cooked, cleaned and taxied the boys about - what a blessing!

Even though they visited us in the hospital most days, it was a long week away and I missed them fiercely. I'm so happy to have all my babes within arm's reach once again.

Gotcha!

I asked Charlie and Sam if they would rather have meatloaf and mashed potatoes



or cupcakes



for dinner tonight. The joke was on them, though, when they realized that the "cupcakes" were actually meatloaf with mashed potato frosting and the "meatloaf and mashed potatos" were actually cocoa krispie treats with vanilla ice cream! We had fun fooling each other (and a few others) all day long.





Okay, I feel like a huge dork after reading the above post. But honestly, their reaction makes it worth it!