Family Day!

Daddy skipped work this afternoon and we enjoyed some family time in Roanoke!

Swim lessons... The joys...

Yes.. I have the kid who doesn't go under water.. It kills me!!

I grew up at the pool. Spent hours (8+) each day during the summer at the pool since both parents worked. We loved it! We had the choice to leave at lunch or stay all day.

 I worked snack bar when I was old enough, then coached swim team and lifeguarded. I guarded/coached all through high school and college. Do you know how many kids I taught to swim?  I'm now the Youth and Recreation Director at the country club where I run the POOL (and summer camps and a million other things).

The pool. My life 80+ hrs per week in the summer. And there's Burke. The non-swimmer. Well, after a summer of playing in the pool and not going under it was time for lessons. I tried the best instructors (at BCC of course) and nothing worked so it was time. I had to pay and commit. I heard great things about VT lessons so we tried. F.A.I. L. (Not sure it was Burkes fault.. They were good week one. Then it was bad. BAD! so next CAC. I know the people who run it. I've known them for a long time.  We're colleagues, friends. Surely it would be great! F.A.I.L. We tried to sign up for another session but they had a waiting list. So BAC was next... Last chance before summer!! It had to work. Burke is almost 4! I don't care if he can swim the length of the pool, go off the board or even the slide. I just want him to know boundaries and how to save himself. BAC = S.U.C.C.E.S.S. we still have 4 more lessons but I have a little boy who goes under!! I teach lessons, I'm WSI certified and I can tell you there is no point in lessons until your kid goes underwater. Just take them to the pool and play until they figure if out! No, I didn't listen to myself, but of course he taught himself in the bathtub and I guarantee he'll be swimming this summer. Success :) and he's so happy and proud. And don't worry... He's almost already taught Campbell!

Saturday Fun

Since I decided to download Blogger I feel like I might actually blog again!! Saturday we had a fun family day. It was Spring Game so after our usual Mikes lunch, we headed to the Kids Festival. We were really hoping to see the Hokie bird but it didn't happen :( We were lucky to get there early so Burke could play a few games before it got crazy!! We headed home after for some much needed napping! We did make it out to dinner and grocery shopping so we got most of our stuff done :)

Dinosaur fun!!

Living in a small town is awesome! And living in a small university town is even better!! Today they had a Dinosaur show from New Zealand come to town sponsored by VT and the Children's Museum.. They did a Dino Dig first followed by a really neat show!  We skipped the app based Dino Dig and just snuck in for the show.  I don't think Burke would have enjoyed the scavenger hunt (or maybe I wouldn't have enjoyed it without Campbell napping?)  Burke is really into dinos these days so I was excited to take him! Did I mention it was FREE!?!

They had various dinosaurs, but we didn't have great seats until the TRex came out, so this is what you get.  I HIGHLY recommend the show!  I think it's safe to say most of Blacksburg showed up.

Perfect afternoon for a show!

VERY intense!!

Campbell even loved it :)  He went in for a big hug when the T Rex showed up!

And by FREE, I mean.. I got suckered into the blue T Rex, but how can you deny this kid? ;)

No Dog No..

A couple of weeks ago while at our friends house we established Burke was allergic to cats.. Like immediately had welts all over his face allergic.  We've never noticed this before and he's been around them before, but this could have been the first time he was all over one.. Not 100% sure.

We've been around dogs a lot.  My parents have a dog and Ashley (my kid's second mom) has one too..  The kids love dogs and want one.  Well, today we established Burke is DEFINITELY allergic to dogs too.. Puffy, itchy eyes, face welted... ALLERGIC.. poor guy...

I think we'll be heading to Build a Bear for Burke's beloved dog... we will be a NO dog family for a while!

Go Dog Go...

I'm not sure where it is coming from but Burke is sooo into dogs right now.  He will go anywhere and tell anyone he is getting a dog.  We have NEVER told him this and have NO intention on getting one anytime soon.  That doesn't stop him.  He's a determined little guy. He's told complete strangers as we're out walking (well, stranger to him, not me :)) , he's told me he will have a "baby dog that never grows up", he has assured me that Santa would bring one if all else fails.. and the latest.. He'll just become a fireman ,because they have dogs, of course!  Poor guy.. We are NOT getting a dog :)

Two days in a row, I've managed to post!

At Campbell's 15 month appointment yesterday we found out he is 23 lbs (50%), 31.5 inches (65%) and 19 inch head (85%)... He's 100% perfect and way ahead of other kids in speaking and motor skills.. but let's be honest.. There's really no test for that and frankly I don't care..  He's happy, he's smart, he plays well with others and enjoys life.. WINNER! :)  Let's stop comparing kids and birthdays and just pay attention to each kids needs!  That being said.. I LOVE BIRTHDAYS!! but let's not fixate on our kids age and abilities.. Each child is perfect in their own way :)

Terrible.

Painting our masterpieces :)

Enjoying some nice weather!

Saturday Family Night at Chickfila

I have become quite possibly the worst blogger. EVER.  But I'm okay with that.  Life is busy and work is busy and two kids is VERY busy.  In the past 3 months we've celebrated Christmas, a trip to Disney World,  Valentine's day, been to the doctor at least 8 times, Burke started preschool and who knows what else.  We are loving life and enjoying time with our boys.

I've been working normal full-time hours in my "part-time" season, watching boys full-time and started a side business planning events with my best friend. I'm definitely enjoying it, but exhausted at the end of each day :)  Ashley and I are planning a wedding, 2 baby showers,  graduation party, 50th bday party and Burke's bday.  Yes, we both work full-time too!  But we enjoy it, which is important :)

Brian got a promotion!!  I am so proud of him. He's still working hard at VTTI and playing games when he's not helping with the boys.  We finished our second half-marathon in January at Disney World.  It was fun to do together, but of course we didn't train like we should have :)

Burke is in preschool now 3 days a week.  He loves it!! Although some days, he doesn't want to go, he never actually fights me when we get there.  He's also doing gymnastics and swim lessons.  He's not really a fan of swim lessons, but it is what it is :)  he LOVES gymnastics! He's pretty good at playing with Campbell, but sometimes is just a little too much. Campbell is very independent and really just wants to be left alone!  He's very into video games (Kinect with daddy), any disney movie, trains and buzz.  Captain Hook and tick tock croc are pretty awesome too.  He's resisting naps these days, but is good at keeping quiet during rest time by reading books and playing legos.  He naps about 3 times per week and has quiet time the other days.

Campbell is 15 months old!  I really can't believe it.  He LOVES food. ALL food.  Sometimes it is a problem but... He is weighing in at 23 lbs.  We go today for his 15 month check up so we'll have more stats, but he's my big boy :)  He has a pretty extensive vocabulary (i think?).  please, cheese, dog, mouse (mickey), Buzz, Ball, book, mama, dada, "bu" (burke), cow, duck, quack, all done, bye bye, hi, hot, choo-choo, and more.. probably some other things but I can't remember.  He loves to play by himself and would play with the batman imaginext toys all day if you let him! He's a decent napper at about 2 hrs each day and a great night sleeper :)

This is just a quick recap.  Maybe I'll get back into blogging more. Maybe not.  Oh well :)