Or From Sea to Purple Mountains' Majesty (or whatever). Anywho...off we are again, this time to the beautiful Tetons and Jackson Hole, WY. We're leaving this evening after our swim lesson (and going the "normal" way--said totally tongue-in-cheek, in case you couldn't tell). We'll be there for almost a week and are staying in an amazing hotel. We have lots of hiking, sightseeing, and shopping planned. And also dinners and visiting with the Oswalds. My folks are going fly-fishing a couple of days with Glenn, and I am sure Leya and I will be up to some sort of antics.
I will be blogging from the trip, so keep an eye out for new posts, if so inclined.
xoxox
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Praise for the mundane
I loaded the dishwasher and turned it on tonight after dinner. Apparently this was an impressive task to R: she clapped and said, "You did it! You turned on the dishwasher! Yay! I'm so proud of you, Mommy." I have to admit, getting such feedback makes daily household chores much more fun! :)
"That was fun"
Okay, we are safely home. So, let's address the flight issues since that is where the most drama lies....shall we?
So R wasn't ever AWFUL but she wasn't an A-plus passenger either. The first flight on Friday AM went fine, although we got there, went to check our bags at curbside, and were told the flight we were scheduled to take was delayed an hour and we would miss our connection, so we ran inside and luckily they bumped us up to a 6:55 flight. Thank goodness we were there early! We made the connection without problems. She did great for most of the flight to Orlando. The guy across the aisle from me decided he wanted to be chatty (after his 1 beer and 4th glass of wine) and was telling me what a good traveller she was while I stared at her, admiring how she was enthralled with the portable DVD player. I was all, "Yes, yes, isn't she? And she NEVER HAS EAR PROBLEMS." The words came out of my mouth, because she really never has had them. Lo and behold, 20 minutes later as we start our descent, she looked at me and cried out, "My ears HUUUUUURT" and started screaming and shrieking. So much so that I could not get her in her seat and buckled for the life of me, and the flight attendant finally came up and suggested that I just give that one up and hold her in my lap. She was nice about it, but I got the "do whatever it takes to make this stop" gist of it.
So we landed and got our bags, and R was feeling fine by then. David pulled up to pick us up and we seriously had a total Hallmark moment--she saw him, ran to him, arms spread open and screaming "DADDDDDDY!!!" and he scooped her up. Everyone around us stopped to stare and smile. Warm fuzzies for everyone.
I'll get to actual visit in a sec, just wrapping up the flight update. The return trip was okay, R was fidgeting a lot on both flights and I went ahead and took the preemptive strike on the Hous-Aus leg and just held her in my lap the whole time. She was pretty antsy and fussy by then. (Oh, and I had administered Benadryl earlier in hopes that it would help with the ear situation, which I think it did somewhat) I even resorted to just HANDING HER the bag of candy on that last flight. Luckily, she only wanted to sort them out and not eat every last one. She did tell me her ears hurt, but there was no screaming involved so we were all okay. We also had numerous discussions, at length, about the merits of using our "inside voice" while on the airplane.
After we got off each flight and were walking in the tunnel to the gate, no matter whether there had been drama or not, Reese would announce to no one in particular, "That was fun!" Sometimes it had been, sometimes I was still sweating and covered in sticky candy aftermath....
Oh, and I also did the most advanced diaper change yet on our descent into Houston yesterday but I will spare everyone the details on that one. You're welcome.
So, the trip itself, minus flights was fantastic. We had a great visit with David. He is doing so well. We all went to scope out DelRay Beach. For those familiar with the sitch, he will be living there for a little while--possibly into next year. It's a wonderful place, with a neat little town and a beautiful beach. He has several friends down there and it is a really good spot for him. For those not in the know, don't worry, everything is great. And he will be coming back to Austin, just not sure when.
Here's the sunrise Sunday morning, as seen out over the Atlantic, from our room.
Reese loved playing on the beach and swimming in the booms. She was very busy sorting out sand, too busy to pose for any pictures, as you can tell.
What, Mom?
Won't even look up while Daddy poses next to her!
My child plays in hotel furniture, part 3
Peacefully napping
Unfortunately, I didn't get many pics--David has a super fancy new digital camera and we have more pics on that one.
All in all, a great weekend visiting with Daddy and hanging out in south Florida--I have a feeling we'll be back very soon! We'll have to do some research and figure out when the sea turtles hatch--there were signs marking their nests ALL OVER the beaches, and I would love to see that happen. Preview of coming attractions....
So R wasn't ever AWFUL but she wasn't an A-plus passenger either. The first flight on Friday AM went fine, although we got there, went to check our bags at curbside, and were told the flight we were scheduled to take was delayed an hour and we would miss our connection, so we ran inside and luckily they bumped us up to a 6:55 flight. Thank goodness we were there early! We made the connection without problems. She did great for most of the flight to Orlando. The guy across the aisle from me decided he wanted to be chatty (after his 1 beer and 4th glass of wine) and was telling me what a good traveller she was while I stared at her, admiring how she was enthralled with the portable DVD player. I was all, "Yes, yes, isn't she? And she NEVER HAS EAR PROBLEMS." The words came out of my mouth, because she really never has had them. Lo and behold, 20 minutes later as we start our descent, she looked at me and cried out, "My ears HUUUUUURT" and started screaming and shrieking. So much so that I could not get her in her seat and buckled for the life of me, and the flight attendant finally came up and suggested that I just give that one up and hold her in my lap. She was nice about it, but I got the "do whatever it takes to make this stop" gist of it.
So we landed and got our bags, and R was feeling fine by then. David pulled up to pick us up and we seriously had a total Hallmark moment--she saw him, ran to him, arms spread open and screaming "DADDDDDDY!!!" and he scooped her up. Everyone around us stopped to stare and smile. Warm fuzzies for everyone.
I'll get to actual visit in a sec, just wrapping up the flight update. The return trip was okay, R was fidgeting a lot on both flights and I went ahead and took the preemptive strike on the Hous-Aus leg and just held her in my lap the whole time. She was pretty antsy and fussy by then. (Oh, and I had administered Benadryl earlier in hopes that it would help with the ear situation, which I think it did somewhat) I even resorted to just HANDING HER the bag of candy on that last flight. Luckily, she only wanted to sort them out and not eat every last one. She did tell me her ears hurt, but there was no screaming involved so we were all okay. We also had numerous discussions, at length, about the merits of using our "inside voice" while on the airplane.
After we got off each flight and were walking in the tunnel to the gate, no matter whether there had been drama or not, Reese would announce to no one in particular, "That was fun!" Sometimes it had been, sometimes I was still sweating and covered in sticky candy aftermath....
Oh, and I also did the most advanced diaper change yet on our descent into Houston yesterday but I will spare everyone the details on that one. You're welcome.
So, the trip itself, minus flights was fantastic. We had a great visit with David. He is doing so well. We all went to scope out DelRay Beach. For those familiar with the sitch, he will be living there for a little while--possibly into next year. It's a wonderful place, with a neat little town and a beautiful beach. He has several friends down there and it is a really good spot for him. For those not in the know, don't worry, everything is great. And he will be coming back to Austin, just not sure when.
Here's the sunrise Sunday morning, as seen out over the Atlantic, from our room.
Reese loved playing on the beach and swimming in the booms. She was very busy sorting out sand, too busy to pose for any pictures, as you can tell.
What, Mom?
Won't even look up while Daddy poses next to her!
My child plays in hotel furniture, part 3
Peacefully napping
Unfortunately, I didn't get many pics--David has a super fancy new digital camera and we have more pics on that one.
All in all, a great weekend visiting with Daddy and hanging out in south Florida--I have a feeling we'll be back very soon! We'll have to do some research and figure out when the sea turtles hatch--there were signs marking their nests ALL OVER the beaches, and I would love to see that happen. Preview of coming attractions....
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Wish Me Luck
Okay, not much to post about this week because I am slowly but steadily preparing (losing my mind) for R and my trip to FL. We leave tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m. (I know, so early, especially considering R likes to sleep in til 9ish most days). It's my first time to fly solo commercially with R (SOB SOB SOOOOOOOB story), and we have to connect in Houston. We have 45 minutes tomorrow but on our return we have 30 minutes. In IAH. Please God, let us stay in the same terminal, both days if possible, but really especially on Monday. The mental image of me, running between terminals, dragging Reese and carrying our carry-ons, while initially humorous, always ends in me falling down on the moving sidewalk and becoming airport road kill. Or maybe that's just in my version....
Also, in a fun and exciting twist, R has come down with a cold. In a phone chat with the pediatrician's office today (have I mentioned I like to obsess on things?), the nurse told me not to worry, all would be fine. Then she threw out this helpful nugget: she can now have children's Benadryl because she is 2. This has made my day, although I am trying not to get too excited--we are testing it right now to make sure she is not, as the nurse put it, "the one out of a million child who gets hyper instead of drowsy." Within 20 minutes of taking it, previously sleepy child was jumping on my bed screaming, "I want to DAAAAAAANCE!" Ahem. But, she seems to be napping now. If she stays down for the whole 3 hours, I will be administering this tomorrow as soon as we locate our connecting gate in IAH. I am not above, among other things, giving medicine if it ensures a smoother travel situation. I am also prepared to use food (candy) to bribe, and DVDs on our new portable DVD player to distract.
I seriously get butterflies in my stomach every time I think about this process tomorrow. I am trying to avoid thinking worst case scenario (getting kicked off the plane, like the lady on the news recently), just visualizing the fact that we will be on the ground in FL, visiting Daddy, tomorrow at this time. Except after we land, we have a 3-hour drive down to DelRay Beach. Poor child, we are keeping her totally sedentary and strapped in tomorrow. Well, it'll be worth it to see Daddy and play in "the booms" again.
Why I am telling you all of this? Oh, right. Because the thought of trying to drag along my computer case as an additional carry-on was pushing me way too close to the edge. That idea quickly went out the window, and some sanity was restored. So, no blog updates until Monday. But I should have some interesting stories and anecdotes (I am hoping the post-FL posts are actually more "anecdotal" than really long and complicated "stories") to fill everyone in on.
And since TS Dolly's arrival means no swim lesson today, I think I better take that as a sign that it's really time for me to go pack and prepare for tomorrow. We can do it!
Also, in a fun and exciting twist, R has come down with a cold. In a phone chat with the pediatrician's office today (have I mentioned I like to obsess on things?), the nurse told me not to worry, all would be fine. Then she threw out this helpful nugget: she can now have children's Benadryl because she is 2. This has made my day, although I am trying not to get too excited--we are testing it right now to make sure she is not, as the nurse put it, "the one out of a million child who gets hyper instead of drowsy." Within 20 minutes of taking it, previously sleepy child was jumping on my bed screaming, "I want to DAAAAAAANCE!" Ahem. But, she seems to be napping now. If she stays down for the whole 3 hours, I will be administering this tomorrow as soon as we locate our connecting gate in IAH. I am not above, among other things, giving medicine if it ensures a smoother travel situation. I am also prepared to use food (candy) to bribe, and DVDs on our new portable DVD player to distract.
I seriously get butterflies in my stomach every time I think about this process tomorrow. I am trying to avoid thinking worst case scenario (getting kicked off the plane, like the lady on the news recently), just visualizing the fact that we will be on the ground in FL, visiting Daddy, tomorrow at this time. Except after we land, we have a 3-hour drive down to DelRay Beach. Poor child, we are keeping her totally sedentary and strapped in tomorrow. Well, it'll be worth it to see Daddy and play in "the booms" again.
Why I am telling you all of this? Oh, right. Because the thought of trying to drag along my computer case as an additional carry-on was pushing me way too close to the edge. That idea quickly went out the window, and some sanity was restored. So, no blog updates until Monday. But I should have some interesting stories and anecdotes (I am hoping the post-FL posts are actually more "anecdotal" than really long and complicated "stories") to fill everyone in on.
And since TS Dolly's arrival means no swim lesson today, I think I better take that as a sign that it's really time for me to go pack and prepare for tomorrow. We can do it!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Lazy Summer days (& evenings)....
We are officially water-logged after the day's activities!
This morning, we had a "make up" swim lesson at RW pool, which actually doesn't qualify as part of the "lazy" day after all. Notice you have seen no pics of these lessons. That is because I am in the freezing pool working the entire time (as are the other parents), so no time for capturing the moment and what not.
After the trauma of the lesson, we stopped by the Shiflet's to enjoy their beautiful pool and to catch up--very fun! This time I have no excuse for the lack of photos, I just forgot.
And as if we have not been in the water enough today, R announced she wanted to swim after dinner, and wanted to wear her new "polka not" bikini (much thanks to Dan and Denise Klaich)...she looked so cute, I had to share...these pics are all snapped at various points between dancing and jumping. She likes to blur the line; it's very interpretative.
Then the mosquitoes started devouring us and we had to take cover inside...or as R just told Ma Pam on the phone, "The 'squitoes are REALLY BAAAAD, they bite my mommy." Exactly...now, off to another body of water: the bath.
This morning, we had a "make up" swim lesson at RW pool, which actually doesn't qualify as part of the "lazy" day after all. Notice you have seen no pics of these lessons. That is because I am in the freezing pool working the entire time (as are the other parents), so no time for capturing the moment and what not.
After the trauma of the lesson, we stopped by the Shiflet's to enjoy their beautiful pool and to catch up--very fun! This time I have no excuse for the lack of photos, I just forgot.
And as if we have not been in the water enough today, R announced she wanted to swim after dinner, and wanted to wear her new "polka not" bikini (much thanks to Dan and Denise Klaich)...she looked so cute, I had to share...these pics are all snapped at various points between dancing and jumping. She likes to blur the line; it's very interpretative.
Then the mosquitoes started devouring us and we had to take cover inside...or as R just told Ma Pam on the phone, "The 'squitoes are REALLY BAAAAD, they bite my mommy." Exactly...now, off to another body of water: the bath.
Shower for Baby Griffin Fo-do
We had a great time at the shower for Melissa, Janna and their baby girl, making her debut this fall!
Check out the food spread. Mmmmm. Notice how especially delicious those PAN FRIED panko shrimp look. Notice how I also angled the picture so they were in front. The rest of the food was (more) beautiful as well....
Kellen tries to curb his cupcake cravings by nibbling on the dining room table. They were worth the wait though! As were the delicious tarts.
Logan, charming the photographer with his big smile and blue eyes.
The moms opening gifts--Janna's prepared for her "cutie pie"!
Some of the many wonderful gifts!
What a fun afternoon and evening. We can't wait to meet you, Baby Griffin Fo-do! :)
Check out the food spread. Mmmmm. Notice how especially delicious those PAN FRIED panko shrimp look. Notice how I also angled the picture so they were in front. The rest of the food was (more) beautiful as well....
Kellen tries to curb his cupcake cravings by nibbling on the dining room table. They were worth the wait though! As were the delicious tarts.
Logan, charming the photographer with his big smile and blue eyes.
The moms opening gifts--Janna's prepared for her "cutie pie"!
Some of the many wonderful gifts!
What a fun afternoon and evening. We can't wait to meet you, Baby Griffin Fo-do! :)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Birthday celebration, part deux
We had a small get together of family and a few friends for R's real birthday, July 13th.
The guest of honor preparing for festivities.
"Oooh, I like your dress, Aunt Steff-ny"
"Can you dance with me?"
R did not want to go in the water--swim lessons seem to have made the pool less enticing--she's always very concerned about going under.
RJ plotting how he can get the vehicle in the pool.
Anticipating cake and candles
Happy Birthday!
Opening and opening and opening presents; Aunt Becky helps
A piano (apparently pronounced "pin-yo") from Ma Pam and Papa Mike
Playing some jams
Dora the Exploda--a pinata full of melted chocolate--RJ took several strong swings.
Um, no, I will NOT be attacking Dora today.
Uncle Bo steps in (pinata clearly hung on toddler level).
A great end to a great day.
The guest of honor preparing for festivities.
"Oooh, I like your dress, Aunt Steff-ny"
"Can you dance with me?"
R did not want to go in the water--swim lessons seem to have made the pool less enticing--she's always very concerned about going under.
RJ plotting how he can get the vehicle in the pool.
Anticipating cake and candles
Happy Birthday!
Opening and opening and opening presents; Aunt Becky helps
A piano (apparently pronounced "pin-yo") from Ma Pam and Papa Mike
Playing some jams
Dora the Exploda--a pinata full of melted chocolate--RJ took several strong swings.
Um, no, I will NOT be attacking Dora today.
Uncle Bo steps in (pinata clearly hung on toddler level).
A great end to a great day.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Go Shorty, it's your birthday
I can't believe it's already been two years!
From a teeny tiny bundle of joy...
...to an amazing little person, full of personality and curiosity!
We love you, Reesie, Reeser, Goosie. You've brought us indescribable, unimaginable joy and have taught us so much already. We can't wait to see what the years ahead hold. Happy 2nd birthday!
Love, Mommy and Daddy
From a teeny tiny bundle of joy...
...to an amazing little person, full of personality and curiosity!
We love you, Reesie, Reeser, Goosie. You've brought us indescribable, unimaginable joy and have taught us so much already. We can't wait to see what the years ahead hold. Happy 2nd birthday!
Love, Mommy and Daddy
Birthday celebration, part 1
Reese and all her adorable pals had a grand time at her "birthday playdate" on Friday! First, they played...
RJ flashing his winning smile at all the ladies...Cole and RJ were definitely surrounded by girls but were great sports!
Reese "pushes" Cole
Fiona, contemplating which toy to play with next
Then it was inside for lunch and cupcakes...Reese got a little help blowing out her candles, but she did really well. All that practice paid off!
Way to go, you did it!
The practice REALLY paid off
Mmmmm, Mad Cakes (also, And You Will Know Me by the Trail of the Cupcake Crumbs.....)
Hey guys, don't forget about me! Baby Farrah looking cute enough to gobble up herself!
Finally, we squeezed in some pool time.
Ainsley models her fabulous suit!
Janine and Lulu playing
Hmmm, what's this?
No, really Reese, what is that???
Signs of a good day!
Thanks friends--come back and play again soon!
RJ flashing his winning smile at all the ladies...Cole and RJ were definitely surrounded by girls but were great sports!
Reese "pushes" Cole
Fiona, contemplating which toy to play with next
Then it was inside for lunch and cupcakes...Reese got a little help blowing out her candles, but she did really well. All that practice paid off!
Way to go, you did it!
The practice REALLY paid off
Mmmmm, Mad Cakes (also, And You Will Know Me by the Trail of the Cupcake Crumbs.....)
Hey guys, don't forget about me! Baby Farrah looking cute enough to gobble up herself!
Finally, we squeezed in some pool time.
Ainsley models her fabulous suit!
Janine and Lulu playing
Hmmm, what's this?
No, really Reese, what is that???
Signs of a good day!
Thanks friends--come back and play again soon!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Playing pretend
I think one of my favorite of Reese's recent developments is her heightened interest in playing pretend. Make-believe is a big part of playtime these days, which was always a big thing for me as a child, so it is really fun (and brings back memories) to build forts, play dress up, or just make up silly stories and run with them. A couple of nights ago, we put on sume tunes, built a fort and pretended we were fairy princesses. Here's R in her very, very fancy costume.
Pleased as punch
Mommy, YOU wear it
Even though this was when she stumbled and caught herself against the wall, I love this. It wasn't intentional, but in the moment, it looks like she's got some mad dance moves.
And yes, the socks are an integral part of the overall look.
Pleased as punch
Mommy, YOU wear it
Even though this was when she stumbled and caught herself against the wall, I love this. It wasn't intentional, but in the moment, it looks like she's got some mad dance moves.
And yes, the socks are an integral part of the overall look.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Lazy Sunday
Here's a good end to a holiday weekend--pooltime with some friends! Reese, Kellen and RJ chill out in the pool.
Reese takes in the popsicle. "Hmm, what's this?"
MMMMMMM
Thank you to Mark Kitchen for the great pics, per usual. And for all the friends for coming over to hang. We didn't get any pics of Babies Claire and Quinn in the pool this time. There's always next time. I think Sunday Swims are going to become a staple for the remainder of the hot months....
Reese takes in the popsicle. "Hmm, what's this?"
MMMMMMM
Thank you to Mark Kitchen for the great pics, per usual. And for all the friends for coming over to hang. We didn't get any pics of Babies Claire and Quinn in the pool this time. There's always next time. I think Sunday Swims are going to become a staple for the remainder of the hot months....
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