Kids

Kids

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

How did we get to 16???

I want to tell you about A-Dog turning 16! 

However, I am feeling a bit guilty because I never recognized Hank on his birthday. It's sad that I didn't. It was way back in August.

It's because he's been a bad dog, and A-Dog has not.

Hank has resorted to taking himself for strolls around the neighborhood. A-Dog does not do that without asking.

Hank goes over to the neighbor's house and hangs out in the garage with Earl (Earl is elderly and LOVES LOVES LOVES to have Hank over to hang out-not helpful) and eats cat food and drinks all the cat water. A-Dog does not do that either.

Hank sneaks off in every direction, even though he wears a shock collar...cranked to the highest setting.  A-Dog...well let's just say apparently it is not actually legal to put shock collars on your kiddos....in case you were wondering. And thankfully, A-Dog does not sneak out...

But, Hank, Happy birthday. You are 7. Or 49. Or maybe nearly 50 now.  


Monkey LOVES Hank

Hank LOVES the misting system...

We love you Hank.

Sometimes we just don't like having to comb the neighborhood looking for you.

SO, let's get on with it!


A-DOG IS 16!!!!

We can hardly believe this guy is 16!


We have had an exciting season of Cross Country this year. As a sophomore, A-Dog consistently placed in the #2 or #1 sport for his high school.  At meets he placed in top 10 several times.  If you don't know, cross country is running...the course is always different terrain (not track) and it 3.0-3.1 miles.  


Usually in good weather...

And sometimes not so good weather...


We are so proud of the young adult that A-Dog is growing up to be. He is so responsible that sometimes I wonder how he manages all that he does. He always balances his school work, sports, clubs, Fantasy Football...and everything else....without us nagging him or trying to figure out if he has finished his homework. 

We tried to figure out how to deal with the 'car issue'. Ya know, we both felt that it should be something that he financially earned. However, how to you tell him to get a job when he is up every night until 9:30-10:00pm doing his homework or studying?? So, we decided school is his job and we just had to suck it up and deal with it ourselves. 


There she is. The Silver Bullet. Not to be confused with the beer. We had been teaching him to drive in my sweet husband's Suburban or his truck...but what we really needed to do was teach him to drive in the car he'd be driving. It makes it easier actually and he's been doing much better as of late. However, I have to tell you, as busy as he is...learning is limited and slow going. I suppose that is better for my insurance rates. :)

A-Dog has been really enjoying his Sophomore year. He recently found his true calling in Bobcat TV which is all about sports. Sportscasting, sports writing, filming, commentating....all things he loves. 

A-Dog - we love you beyond words. You carry more than your share of life right on your shoulders!  Always know that we have your back. We are here when you need us, and sometimes when you think you don't!  There is nothing that we love more than just enjoying you and the chapters in your life!  You will be successful in all you do as long as you keep God first!  Happy 16th birthday, even tho this post is seriously late!  (like so late your brother and sister turn 6 tomorrow! Ah, such is life!)

Annual birthday shopping - testing out massage chairs!

Cheers!

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Fall Break Extravaganza!

We took the kids to 2 theme parks over Fall Break.  The BEST time to go because everyone else should be in school.

We went to Legol@nd first because the little boys LOVE LOVE LOVE Legos. Mini P loves them too, but not nearly as much as the boys.  Last time we were at Legol@and, this is what we looked like...





I'm sure A-Dog isn't going to be too happy about me posting this picture...sorry bud, it IS kind of funny that you have a scowl on your face...

What on EARTH were we thinking?  Taking 8 month old twins to Legol@nd?? Oy!

Apparently we survived, but I have very little memory recollection of it.  That's what your brain does in extreme situations, it blocks it out so you never really remember the pain and discomfort. Like childbirth. 

But here we are 5 years later...


Notice someone missing? I guess 15 year olds do not have their pictures taken with creepy guys in minifig costumes....

Never fear, I found him...nearly maimed by a scary lion. 



As a side note, In 2009 we took the kids to Disn@yland. The twins were closing in on 2...again, what were we thinking???  But I made these shirts in green and yellow:


It helped me keep track of the kids and the kids keep track of us. For our trip, we added each theme park to a shirt...yellow was for Legol@and. 





It was a perfect trip. I think the longest line we waited in was about 5-7 minutes. The kids were all tall enough to ride the rides that they wanted to ride. Pure bliss.

Second stop was Knott's Berry F@rm for 2 days. 

I have very few pictures. Apparently, the lack of standing in line kept me from taking any pictures. Seriously. NEVER WAITED.  Sometimes we even just rode it twice, never getting off. Some rides had one other rider on it...

Agent P and Mini P
Or, no other riders...

Mini P and Monkey

Yup. It was nice and quiet!

We spent 2 days there, and well worth it. I am not sure what we would do next time if we ever had to stand in line and wait say 15 minutes for a ride (gasp!). We certainly were spoiled!  I love vacationing with the kids and building memories for them. 


It goes without saying that I would have rather been in Maui...just sayin'.

Cheers!