One pack

We've been asking Mason to "show us your sixpack" and he sucks in his gut. Kenzie points out that there might be a more appropriate name for it.

Swing batter

Anybody else think we should start saying, "swing bat" instead of "swing batter"???

Lake Chelan

We went camping at Lake Chelan this weekend. The weather was HOT. We had a great time in the water. Mason did a face plant in the water as soon as we got there, so he was a little cautious thereafter and hung out in the sand. Fun equation of the day: dirt + water = mud.

Kenzie likes her floating bathing suit, but the water was just a bit chilly. Instead, she treated Grammy to a mud bath, but got a little offended when Grammy decided to wash it off. Grammy gave in and let her slop her up again.


Although the park didn't offer much privacy and our "neighbors" were a little cooky, we had fun--and even a little bit of sleep the second night. On the way home we went the long way and stopped at the Rocky Reach Dam and had lunch in Leavenworth. We drove home with the windows open and marveled at how beautiful Washington can be when the clouds clear. Both kids slept much of the way home, making the ride even more serene!

Ball boy

Here's a subject that I'm surprised to realize has received no Blog attention to date. Mason is obsessed with balls. He says the word "ball" no less than 100 times a day. It is without question his most common word, with "bat" becoming a close second. When we drive past a soccer or baseball field, he squeals "Ball!" Sometimes it's the first thing he looks for when he wakes up in the morning. He carries one with him the majority of the time.

I have tried to be careful not to push him too far in a direction that his DNA might naturally take him. But, this is definitely a case of Nature over Nuture. In all truth, I would prefer that he not take a liking to throwing things, especially indoors. Here's a picture of Grampy playing an impromptu game of catch (in my living room).

Usually he doesn't just say "ball," rather "ball, ball, ball, ball." This weekend we introduced him to t-ball. Here's some video of Grammy giving him his first lesson. "Where's Grampy?" you might ask...he's fishing in Alaska. Mason found Grammy to be a pretty fair playmate. She even pitched while he/I hit the ball. He definitely has a new favorite hobby. And two bats to go with it...who bought bats for an almost-2-year-old anyway???

Goofie

Signing demo

Alki with Nathan

Monkey pinning

I gotta quit checking on him at night as I can't resist taking pictures. This time he was pinned by the monkey. (And I didn't wake him up tonight.)

Snuggling with friends

Since I woke Mason up taking this picture, I thought I should post it. I thought he was so cute with his "friends" all around him, and him holding Conrad.

More video archives

I've uploaded some old videos:

The premie

- 09/2004

First bath/target practice

- 09/2004

Jump baby

- 01/2005

First eats

- 01/2005

First bath together

- 01/2005

Kenzie's third birthday party

- 06/2005

The story of Chirpie going down the drain

- 06/2005

Sleep song

- 07/2005

I am listening to you

I told Kenzie this morning, "go change your shirt."

Her reply: "I am going to go change my shirt. I am going to listen to you. [Pointing her finger at me.] If I don't listen to you then I am going to get consequences. I do not want consequences. So I am going to listen to you."

But, yes, she did go change her shirt.

First school year: COMPLETE!

Krista, Mianna, Kenzie, Reagan, Nathan, Luke, Aidan. Back: Ms. Janet

Kenzie's first year of preschool is officially over today. Ms. Janet had a party for all the kids and their families to celebrate the beginning of summer. Kenzie says that she's going to miss her teacher and her friends. We've decided to put her back in the same school next year with the same teacher. Ms. Janet is great with her. She doesn't confront her, but is very consistent and firm--exactly what Kenzie needs! Here are her end of the year comments about MacKenzie:

MacKenzie has become socially confident! She uses her words when needed. It is amazing growth in her social development. She enjoys learning and will do well in the afternoon program next year! I will miss her hugs! Janet.

She told Cindy that Kenzie's growth really has been remarkable. In thinking back, I remember being nervous about Kenzie hitting the other kids. She didn't share, and didn't know how to pal around with other kids. Now she has her mermaid buds, shows empathy (what a concept!), and really likes to play with the other kids. Yahoo, progress!! And here's the report card to validate it!

Prince Aidan has lost his crown

Maybe she's still a little humored by Aidan (notice the way she's looking at him), but he does not hold the bright spot in her heart that he once did (and the tooth is still missing). You can also see best-friend Krista to the right.

Background reading:

Going to China and we're gonna get married

Prince Aidan

Day of reckoning

Heart breaker

Aidan's tooth

Anything but Aidan??