Monday, June 25, 2012

Boat Buddies

Maybe it is because we spent most of last summer at home with a newborn, but we are taking advantage of all mini-vacation opportunities this year! Sarah had yet to experience the lake since our lake house is not ideal for a baby (or a walking toddler) due to the many hazards it contains - sharp rocks, multitude of steps, wide spaced railing - basically it is a death trap for young children. But our baby has a need for speed, and we knew she would be thrilled to take the boat for a ride. With gorgeous weather and our trusty babysitters in tow, we were ready to hit the water! 


But the ramp to the dock looked like this:


So Baby was confined to her personal pool on the upper deck. 



Max was not intimidated by the incline! Nothing was going to keep him and Babba off the lake.




Max's excellent driving skills led us to a sandy beach perfect for exploring




and some rock climbing!



Max fell off the rock immediately following this picture. 
His triumphant wave proved a little too enthusiastic.


Max remained Babba's sidekick for the entire weekend. There was more beautiful weather,


Boat rides


Swimming


and fishing lessons!



Max informed us the lake was his FAVORITE place. "I've been waiting all year to go back to the lake!"





Back inside, Max gave all his snuggles to his boat buddy.



Sarah discovered new friends in the wild. She sounded a bit species confused when she roared at the bear figures.



And she didn't seem to realize that the lake-sized bathtub was not the actual lake!



When he finally left Babba's side, Mommy instructed Max on strategy for the greatest game ever. He clearly inherited his mother's talent at Uno and was able to defeat Mimi.


Sainted Mimi spent most of her time inside the house entertaining Sarah and protecting her from harm.


Despite the drawbacks, Lake Jocassee remains one of my favorite places as well. And watching the sun rise with this spectacular view is my personal image for the word peaceful.



Sunday, June 17, 2012

All Hail The Daddy!

Father's Day 2012


"My Daddy"
By: Max, age 4 1/2

My Daddy's favorite food is pasta.
My Daddy likes to play with Max.
My Daddy's favorite restaurant is Panera.
My Daddy's favorite color is all the colors.
My Daddy is good at not letting Sarah get my toys, doing things for me, and playing trains with me (and Sarah, too).
My Daddy knows all about my sister and what's going on.
My Daddy's favorite thing to do is play tools with me.
When my Daddy feels sad, he can have a map or play to feel better.
It's funny when my Daddy makes funny faces.
If I could give my Daddy something special it would be a puzzle or a book.
Thank you Daddy for keeping me when Mommy's not here.
My Daddy loves me because he loves me!

Man Time

"My Daddy"
By: Sarah, age 14 Months

My Daddy is Dada.
Daaadddaaa.

Helping Daddy with his tie

Happy Father's Day!


Monday, June 11, 2012

14 Months


Dear Sarah,

Talk, talk, talk! We certainly don't have any concerns about your ability to communicate. I swear you are already saying two-word sentences: "I get" and "Bean Cat" and "Brown Cat". You also say book, ball, bye-bye, milk, Max, Mama and Dada - all the important things! And if you aren't able to say the word, you still get your point across through gestures. Sarah, you are bossy and not afraid to let your temper show. I suspect we are in for trouble during your toddler years.

Come on lady, push!

My little girl is a flirt. You LOVE men - even ones you don't know. While at the pool one day, you kept waving at a man swimming laps. You almost flipped over my shoulder trying to get his attention and did not cease saying "bye-bye" with a huge grin until the nice gentleman responded. The greatest charms are reserved for your Babba. Your face lights up when he arrives for his weekly visit and you insist on being picked up immediately. Babba is completely smitten. After raising 3 daughters and 3 grandsons, I think this Babba was ready for another sweet girl. Given your interest in the opposite sex, I suspect we are in for trouble during your teenage years.


Eating is another skill at which you excel. If you are missing, the first spot to check is the pantry. Several times I have caught you rummaging through the diaper bag to retrieve your snack trap and help yourself to a goody. You continue to out-eat your brother on a daily basis. We refer to you as the garbage disposal, and some of your meals contain an unappealing combination of leftovers. Walking is only slightly inhibited by the cup of milk or handful of cheerios you like to carry around. Left alone, you will happily circle the house with your treasures.

This snack trap is mine!
Sarah, a new affinity has developed for golf...or anything involving a club. Daddy puts you in your little car with the golf club and you play polo in the yard.  Another fun game is hide-and-seek. You roar with laughter after locating your brother's hiding place! The tent and balls provide hours (well, extended minutes) of fascination.





We love our happy, silly girl!


Love, Mommy

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Touch A Truck

Trucks, machines, and service vehicles invaded downtown Greenville for the annual Touch-A-Truck extravaganza! Max had eagerly anticipated the event and planned his itineary carefully; diggers topped the list, naturally.


It's hard to believe how much our boy has changed in two years!

2010

2012
And that we have a new fan to introduce to the excavators! Sarah found one just the right size for her.


Ahhhh.....don't scoop me up! I'm just a baby!


A quick turn at the levers, and then Max spotted the only thing that could make Touch-A-Truck more exciting - his best buddy!


It's Rivers!


The boys explored the trolley and got a chance to ring the bell.





The police car's siren was too loud for little ears and fire trucks are so last year. However, the school bus caught their attention and led to a rousing round of "The Wheels on the Bus" for Sarah to enjoy.



Who knew a bucket truck could hold two occupants?


After exhausting the wheeled entertainment options, the boys met some new friends - some living, some bronze.



A trip to feed the ducks in the Reedy River turned into a nature lesson. Rivers proved a knowledgeable teacher about insects, reptiles, and animals of all types.



Sweet friends.


Sarah declared the outing a rousing success!