So You Think You Can Dance

So T.V. in the summer is pretty lame. Someone told me I should watch "So You Think You Can Dance". So I did. And this week, there was a really cool dance on there. Well, I enjoyed it anyways. I wanted to embed it, but it wouldn't let me, so just follow the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLoVJfqumuE

Again with the Boat

So I told you the story about the boat while we were on vacation. Well, my brother-in-law sent this email to all of us and has graciously agreed to let me post it. I think he is one of the funniest people I have ever met. Anyhow, here's what he sent:

Attached is the approximate path we traveled very slowly on the nightof June 19, 2008. We paddled (singular- paddle) about 1.5 miles (not counting zig zags) and got towed about 2 miles.

Of the 17 of us that left that evening, only 9 survived. Some were eaten, others drowned while trying to escape. Next time we should bring more licorice.

Maybe we can have a boat people reunion next year.

It's kind of hard to see where you're going in the dark.

*Insert Rocker Scream Here*

Loved this picture from our trip. Contrary to what it looks like, he was not pitching a fit.

We're Back!

So many pictures. So unwilling to write and write and write. So I'll give you a highlight. But first, the sister-in-law for which my husband mistook me (see previous post) is on the right in the picture below. What do you think? Is he off the hook?

Next is my favorite memory and picture from the trip. We took the boat out one evening, skied for about an hour and a half, stopped on a beach to have some watermelon and then pushed off for more skiing. So what are all the girls doing sitting on the back of the boat in the middle of the lake at night? Paddling with our feet ,of course. Why? Because the boat died and there was only one paddle aboard. That may be forgivable had it been the first time that week the boat had died - leaving people afloat on the lake begging others for a tow. But no. It was the third. But the men were so confident in their ability to fix the boat, they felt that two paddles would be superfluous.


Unfortunately, there aren't many people out and about on the lake at night. So we were stuck for three hours before flagging someone down to drag us to the dock. I felt sort of bad for all the men who were taking turns with the one paddle trying to get us home. The women had a pretty good time, I think. At least I did. Everyone seems funny when you're stuck in the middle of the lake at 11:00 at night.

Lots more happened. But I'll just let you look at the pictures. We had a great time. THANK YOU so much to my in-laws for having us and planning it - especially my mother-in-law, who offered to let the Boy sleep at her house while the Man and I stayed somewhere else. So, so nice.

And I absolutely cannot overlook our friends, the Pulley's, for taking Roxy in while we were gone. THANK YOU! She is so depressed to be back home with us.

Invisible

I just had to share this little tid bit. About an hour ago I was standing in my mother-in-law's kitchen when The Man walked in from the dining room. He was not standing more than 5 feet away when he said, "Has anyone seen Anna? Has anyone seen my wife?" Then he turned and faced me, looking right past me - still searching. I stood there staring at him but did not say anything. I was certain that within a second he would see me. He then pushed past me still asking, "where's my wife". He actually bumped into me. I thought it was a joke. But it wasn't. As he started to walk out of the room I finally said something. Apparently he thought I was his sister, so he never looked directly at me. I guess after almost nine years of marriage, I have become invisible. Now, should I use my powers for good or for evil? Hmmm...

*for those of you who wanted to see it, I'll post a picture of the sister-in-law when I get back next week.

We're in Vegas

And what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. So no details for you. Actually, we're visiting The Man's family. See you when we get back!

Things That Make you Go "Ew"

The Boy loves this toothbrush. It keeps him entertained for a substantial period of time when it's on. I don't have the heart to take it away from him now that he got a hold of it - even though it is the dog's.

I hear the collective "ew" now. Apologies to the mom's whose kids have also played with it. So I'm not the best mom ever. If it makes you feel better, there is a new brush tip on it. And I don't think this is any worse than the Boy opening his mouth really wide and shoving it in Roxy's face JUST so she will french lick him. Now that's gross.

Everything is Coming up Roses.....and Peonies

The pretty flowers are starting to bloom. Man, I don't miss Winter at all. I love my flower bushes!

Look at that Face

Loves His Daddy

The Boy loves to snuggle. And if you're laying in the floor, he'll cease that opportunity to climb all over you. Hmm...what's in here? C'mon dad, look at me!

Memorial Day

Well, we were supposed to end the Man's week long vacation with Niagara Falls on Saturday. Unfortunately, all three of us came down with a cold and we just did not want to do it. Lucikly, two out of the three of us felt over the hump by Memorial Day. So we went to the Pulley's and had some food and fun.


























The Boy loved the pool!

Thanks, Pulley's!

Busy, Busy, Busy

The Man took some vacation this week. We decided to stick around here and take some day trips. Unfortunately, the weather has been extremely uncooperative until today. So we have been lazing around quite a bit. And even though we have been many times before, Wednesday we took the Boy to the Play Museum and did two new things we have not done there yet:



Ride the Carousel...






...and see the Butterfly Exhibit, which was pretty neat.

Of course we had to stop for the fish. Or "shish" as the Boy calls them.


Today was still cool but not rainy at least, so we drove to Letchworth State Park. I was not aware that it had waterfalls. We took a short hike past the Upper and Middle Falls. Thanks to the Shelton's for letting us borrow their new backpack. Doesn't it look totally uncomfortable? The Boy really liked it, though. And that's what counts.




Then we finished with a picnic, where you can start to see the exhaustion on the Boy's face.




He fell asleep on the way home. It was lovely.

Bikes

What are you going to do with your economic stimulus check? Here's what The Man did with part of ours. First off, he got a bike as an EXTREMELY early birthday gift. So he bought me one for Mother's Day...

and then he got the the Boy a seat to strap on. He took it out for a spin today.

We think he liked it. But we just don't know since he refuses to smile when being transported around.

Wall Art

My sister bought me some wall art from UpperCaseLiving and I love it! It's great for our house because we have plaster walls, and driving nails into them is problematic. Anyone who has been here knows that my walls are pretty much barren. Anyway, I ordered something for the Boy's room and it looks so great. I wish I could display the actual picture of it, but since it has his name it in, I can't. But this is a picture of the design. For the blog, I used the word "BABY" in place of the Boy's name. Yay! Something on the walls!

No Gel Needed

The Boy got a little hot and sweaty outside one day, so of course, I decided to do this...

There's Something about Elmo

I've decided there exists one universal truth. Kids love Elmo. I am fairly certain the Boy has rarely, if ever, actually seen Elmo on T.V. His contact with Elmo consists of playing in the Elmo's World section of the Play Museum. But even then, he spends his whole time in front of the mirrors.

A few weeks ago we went to the toy store to get him some more age appropriate toys. He kept grabbing at the Seasame Street puppets. So I bought him Elmo and he loves it! It took him all of 30 seconds to learn the word "Elmo". He smiles when we bring it out and he snuggles it. There is just something to that red fur and big orange nose.

This is a Little Gross

Maybe I should have edited this picture, but I think most of you can take it. A few weeks ago I was at a baby shower. I had to bring the Boy with me because the Man was working nights. He was in his PJs and strutting his new skill of walking in front of all the ladies there. I decided to let him eat a few tomatoes and olives while we sat and chatted. Then he started doing one of his favorite things - standing on his head. Usually when he does this and gets attention for it, he gets all giggly and a little worked up.

My friend Seleta decided to take a picture of this from the bum side angle and just as she snapped, well, see for yourself.


What timing. Nothing like having your child yammy on someone else's carpet.

A Lil' Bit of Spring

We have a Dogwood tree just outside our living room window. It is finally starting to sprout and it looks so pretty! Thought I would share.

Ear Muffs

Why does he do this?

Oh What a Beautiful Day

We had some beautiful weather this week. Saturday we spent all afternoon out of the house. We took the Boy to the museum, ate outside at Dinosaur BBQ, and went to the park. After we got home, we all walked up to the convenient store and got Slurpee's.

Speaking of walking, the Boy has finally decided it is time that he get in the game. He now initiates walking without any help and prefers it to crawling. Just in time for summer! He enjoys the Wegmans store in the Museum a lot more now.

Here are some pictures from the park. I love that his ball cap finally fits him - I've made him wear it just about every day this week.


Just before we left and as the Boy was playing with some leaves, the Man commented on how nice it is that little guy doesn't put everything he finds in his mouth (just some things). About five seconds later, this happened....

I still say he's a genius.

Risky Business

This picture reminds me of Tom Cruise in the very famous underwear scene from Risky Business. I cannot get enough of his cute, lil tush. The Boy's that is. Not Tom Cruise's.

From Point A to Point B

The Boy is no-nonsense when it comes to his transportation. A few days ago, the Man decided to put him in the wheelbarrow and cart him around the front yard. Cute pictures, but I could not coax the faintest of smiles out of him, even though he was definitely enjoying himself.




It reminded me of his walker/riding toy we got him for Christmas. Dad would pull him all around the house on this, and the Boy would never once crack a smile. However, if dad stopped, the screaming would commence. He loved riding it - he just knows that driving is a very serious matter.

One of my Favorite Things

I love having my carpet cleaned. Having Roxy as a pet pretty much dictates that we do it every six months. I enjoy watching the Stanley Steemer guys work and see that dirt come right out. (A sidenote that people who know me well will appreciate: I love having everything off the floor, too. I'm looking into the dining room at this moment. The chairs have been moved out for now and that room feels so nice and uncluttered without them in there). And finally, I like watching the little (and not so little) dark spots vanish.

Allow me to share with you. Here are a couple of spots that were in the dining room. Exhibit A was a present from Roxy. I won't tell you what it was, but I'll give you a hint - it was yellow. Not only was there a spot, but the carpet is grey in general there (see left of spot) because it's a high traffic area. Exhibit B was dirt/mud from a potted plant that was overturned this week - culprit shall remain unnamed. So here are the before pictures:










Looking at the first makes me very unhappy with the mutt. But here are the after.









Ahhhhh, isn't it just wonderful?