Yes, I work and not just Mom work. I know it's at home, in shorts and a tank top, but I do work. Trust me I work with customers everyday, but it has been over 3 years since I have been on a business trip. For a quick recap, I used to travel 4 to 5 days a week for work, that lasted 2 years. Then for the next 4 years, I'd have a few trips a year to California...but for the last 3 years, I have not left my home for work. Nope, I haven't. The only time I have been dressed up in 3 years have been for weddings or funerals. Honestly, that's it!
Until now...next week, I'll be back in front of customers and colleagues. I have a few days I figure out if I even own anymore business clothing. Last outfit I wore like that was post- bad IVF days. My pants were a bigger and roomier, due to "swelling" from all the fertility meds, and the like. Ugh. Due to my "closet cleaning" those outfits are GONE and NOT in contention for business wear for next week.
I might actually wear a pencil skirt and heels, heck lets add some pearls - it will go with my hint of gray hair that I have not colored. Speaking of hair, guess I need to ensure that blow dryer and flat iron still work. And make-up?! Oh man, I have A LOT to do to prepare here. You'd think I'm planning for a European excursion, whereas, in reality, it's a 4 hour drive up I-71. Honestly I have avoided this stretch of highway for 3 years. Last time I drove it I about had a minor anxiety issue. After working through it with a friend, we think it was really anxiety from the unknown of the adoption. I'm hoping this the case... if it's not, it means I am scared of really HIGH bridges. Here's hoping I can make it over that guy in 1 piece.
Yes, I am going back into the world of smiling and dancing in front of customers (not real dancing, but that tap dance you do to keep customers happy and well amused). I am lucky the colleague that is meeting me is a great friend I speak with daily- yet we have not seen each other in easily 3 years. I've not met his 2 kids, and he's never met mine. Last time we met, his wife was pregnant with baby #2 and I was still dreaming and hoping for our adoption to work.
But, now. It's time. The kids are a little older, Jeff and I have help coming (thanks Mammy!) to ensure the kids will be looked after. I have my I-pad and Jeff has his I-Touch so we can face time... I just hope we all can make it. I know I will miss my family like crazy, but it will be nice to know I still "have it" in the business sense. To prove to myself and my company that I still am an asset even though I have 2 kids. And secretly, it will be nice to have a little quiet to myself....but I bet after 10 minutes I'll be wishing for all the noise associated with my family. I think I might even have to borrow a peng-peng from CC and little kitty-meow-meow from Connor just in case I need a little slice of home. Oh, and I should bring 1 hotwheel and randomly toss it on the floor in the hotel room. I'm not sure I could go a day without stepping on one of those... :)
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
July 21- Home Coming
I've sorta of blogged about this day, but not really. Every morning while I brush my teeth, I see a photo of this day. The moment right before D handed Connor over to us to begin our life as a family. We are all smiling through our tears. I will forever have that photo where I can see it everyday so I can remember the blessing she is to us. I am torn to post it, so I won't. But, it is wonderful.
In Ohio, we had to wait 72 hours before Connor's birth parents could terminate their rights. All with a single signature. We had hoped all the "paper work" would be complete by the time we arrived at the hospital to bring Connor home. But, due to a late social worker, we got to be outside the room as D signed away her parental rights. Her Mother was by her side, her boyfriend was in the hall pacing. Talk about heart wrenching and high anxiety. That was a moment during the adoption process I did not want to be present for. For her, the finality of it all was right there on paper. Then 10 minutes later, the same pen was handed to me, then Jeff for our signatures for Foster Placement (adoptive placement happened a few days later after BirthFather terminated his rights). The same pen. Amazing how quickly rights were revoked and given. No more questioning either of our decisions; they were essentially final.
After our signatures, per hospital policy, D had to ride in a wheelchair out of the hospital with Connor on her lap to be discharged. We went outside, then had to ride around the parking lot with her - as per the hospital - she had to be in the car with her baby, ok my baby; all of ours baby. We then stopped to take pictures and then gave tearful good-byes and see you soons.
This day was more emotional than Connor's actual birth. But, we got to bring our baby home. OUR SON... to OUR HOME... He was finally home, and we could finally breathe. Being adoptive parents, we had to have a social worker visit within 24 hours at our home, then we had one within the week, then our visits were monthly until our adoption was final. Our parenting adventure really began on this day, July 21, 2008. Three years later, let me tell you what an adventure this has been; I can't wait to see what is next.
In Ohio, we had to wait 72 hours before Connor's birth parents could terminate their rights. All with a single signature. We had hoped all the "paper work" would be complete by the time we arrived at the hospital to bring Connor home. But, due to a late social worker, we got to be outside the room as D signed away her parental rights. Her Mother was by her side, her boyfriend was in the hall pacing. Talk about heart wrenching and high anxiety. That was a moment during the adoption process I did not want to be present for. For her, the finality of it all was right there on paper. Then 10 minutes later, the same pen was handed to me, then Jeff for our signatures for Foster Placement (adoptive placement happened a few days later after BirthFather terminated his rights). The same pen. Amazing how quickly rights were revoked and given. No more questioning either of our decisions; they were essentially final.
After our signatures, per hospital policy, D had to ride in a wheelchair out of the hospital with Connor on her lap to be discharged. We went outside, then had to ride around the parking lot with her - as per the hospital - she had to be in the car with her baby, ok my baby; all of ours baby. We then stopped to take pictures and then gave tearful good-byes and see you soons.
This day was more emotional than Connor's actual birth. But, we got to bring our baby home. OUR SON... to OUR HOME... He was finally home, and we could finally breathe. Being adoptive parents, we had to have a social worker visit within 24 hours at our home, then we had one within the week, then our visits were monthly until our adoption was final. Our parenting adventure really began on this day, July 21, 2008. Three years later, let me tell you what an adventure this has been; I can't wait to see what is next.
 |
| Welcome Home Connor Our neighbors were so surprised...no one knew we were expecting |
 |
| Connor the day he left the hospital His going home outfit was chosen by his birth mother |
 |
| Connor's Birth Mother, Birth Grandmother and his hands |
 |
| Connor at home |
 |
| The Howell's |
Monday, July 18, 2011
Happy Birthday Connor Josef
Words cannot explain the miracle you are to us-- all of us. You are an amazing little man who keeps getting more and more amazing every day. We love you!!!!
Here are some highlights from his party...
![]()
Here are some highlights from his party...
 |
| Hot Dog Bar, and lots of food! |
 |
| The Birthday Boy! |
 |
| Curious George and Baseball- does it get much better? |
 |
| Cupcakes!!! Shameless, unsolicited plug by me: cupcake toppers created by Cakes by Jodi on Etsy www.etsy.com/shop/pastrychefjodi |
 |
| Singing 'Happy Birthday' |
 |
| Blowing out the candle! |
 |
| Gifts! |
 |
| Placing his birthday "salties" in his pocket |
 |
| Family... |
 |
| Goodnight Birthday Boy- we love you so very much! |
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Three Years ago....
July 17 @ 10:30pm
Three years ago, I was staring at my cell phone. Waiting. Feeling nauseous. and waiting. And praying. And waiting... Waiting for a call from Connor's birthmother to find out what was going on. I was too nervous to do anything. It did not dawn on me to pack a bag, or a change of clothes, food, nothing. I was one ball of nerves. I remember laying on my couch clutching my cell phone. I phoned my family, Jeff phoned his family. And we were waiting. Almost too nervous to even breathe. I don't think Jeff and I even really spoke.
Connor's birth mother had phoned us earlier in the evening stating she was in the hospital with contractions but she might be released. That was at 7:30pm.... Three hours later we were still waiting. We had the line to an angel on the inside of the hospital, looking for updates for us. There were none...
Two hours later, at 12:30am, on July 18th we received a call, to come to the hospital....
Thinking of a courageous nineteen year old who was wise enough to realize she wanted better for her son. I hope we are doing her proud. We are doing our best to raise our son. I have a feeling she is thinking of him right now, and where she was three years ago, right now. I hope this moment fills her with more joy than sadness. I will never understand how she was strong enough to think of her baby before herself. I will never understand how to ever thank her. Seriously, how can you ever thank someone for making you a Mother? How can you ever thank someone for making you a family?
D, I can never thank you enough. On this eve of Connor's birthday, know we are thinking of you, praying for you, loving you, and hoping you see the joy through any tears this day brings you. Our little man is about to be three. It's time to celebrate. He is one amazing little man; just like the amazing woman who give him life, and gave us a family.
Three years ago, I was staring at my cell phone. Waiting. Feeling nauseous. and waiting. And praying. And waiting... Waiting for a call from Connor's birthmother to find out what was going on. I was too nervous to do anything. It did not dawn on me to pack a bag, or a change of clothes, food, nothing. I was one ball of nerves. I remember laying on my couch clutching my cell phone. I phoned my family, Jeff phoned his family. And we were waiting. Almost too nervous to even breathe. I don't think Jeff and I even really spoke.
Connor's birth mother had phoned us earlier in the evening stating she was in the hospital with contractions but she might be released. That was at 7:30pm.... Three hours later we were still waiting. We had the line to an angel on the inside of the hospital, looking for updates for us. There were none...
Two hours later, at 12:30am, on July 18th we received a call, to come to the hospital....
Thinking of a courageous nineteen year old who was wise enough to realize she wanted better for her son. I hope we are doing her proud. We are doing our best to raise our son. I have a feeling she is thinking of him right now, and where she was three years ago, right now. I hope this moment fills her with more joy than sadness. I will never understand how she was strong enough to think of her baby before herself. I will never understand how to ever thank her. Seriously, how can you ever thank someone for making you a Mother? How can you ever thank someone for making you a family?
D, I can never thank you enough. On this eve of Connor's birthday, know we are thinking of you, praying for you, loving you, and hoping you see the joy through any tears this day brings you. Our little man is about to be three. It's time to celebrate. He is one amazing little man; just like the amazing woman who give him life, and gave us a family.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Magnum Gewurztraminer, Happy 11th Birthday!
Dogs are miracles with paws. ~Attributed to Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy
 |
| Magnum Gewurztraminer Howell, born on July 14, 2000 |
Sire: King Elvis Freedom O'Miller
Dam: Bluebelle Vesta O'Miller
Magnum was named after a police dog, and his middle name ,Gewurztraminer, it's wine I fell in love with on our honeymoon. With it being German, I thought it went with the whole German Doberman Pincher concept. After we named him, I realized his name basically means -"Big Bottle of Wine." Yep, we are the classy ones (FYI- Higgins (our other Dobie) his middle name has to do with German beer).
The breeder was my very good friend, Lara's, Dad. Mag was a wedding gift from 2 dear friends, Lara and Susan. He was probably the gift we have honestly used the most and he was not on our registry. Talk about people getting creative with gifts... Nah, we were thankful for our little bundle of fur and HUGE feet.
Today we celebrate Magnum's 11th birthday! Reaching 11 years is a pretty big deal for a Doberman, we are lucky he has blessed us with the last 11 years. Sadly, we do not know how much time we have left with our Mag-pie. He was recently diagnosed with bone cancer, and his tumor is growing. This just breaks our hearts. As much as I should say our cats were our first babies - let's be honest - the cats are pretty self-sufficient. But, doggies like Mag, they need us. Mag was truly our first baby. Our first fur-baby as a couple. God knows we treated him like one - puppy seat belt and all.
I brought Magnum home on September 1, 2000. I remember this day, as, it was the day I defended my thesis. I traveled up to Michigan, stayed with Lara, then went to defend. On my way down I-75, I stopped in Mt. Blanchard, Ohio at the Miller Estate. A note about The Miller estate: it is the home where Chickens will balance on your head, and were mopeds get wrecked and college roommates pose for pictures looking 'mangled in a ditch' in efforts to re-created the moped carnage (Kel and Suz!). Yes, lots of inside jokes occurred at the Miller home, including if I ever ate squirrel (nope), our two crazy black cats, Lenny and Squiggy, and the house is down the road from the famous Grandma Miller cookies (hope you are still baking cookies in heaven!). Lots of fond memories of a place I only visited a couple times.
Anyway, I picked up Magnum, and he road with me for 2.5 hours in a puppy crate. He cried the full 2.5 hours. About 2miles from home, I went to check on him and ended up rear-ending the car in front of me. Luckily there was no damage and we were all OK, but, very memorable ride. I remember feeling horrible that I ripped this puppy from the world he knew to come live with us. But, I knew, with enough love and patience we would have this dog intertwined in our hearts forever.
Jeff cared for Magnum those first few weeks; we were still not married and Jeff was living at our house alone (insert reference to me being a 'good' Catholic girl - no shacking up for me- NO WAY (My Mother and Grandmother would have killed me, it simply was not an option)). Anyway, Jeff and Mag really bonded. When we returned from our honeymoon, we enrolled Magnum in puppy school. We did puppy school and agility training with Mag for a few years. I was on the road to becoming a crazy dog lady...but then, I went on the road for my new job. When I used to travel, I'd travel with 2 little picture frames, one of Jeff and I, and one of Magnum.
We love our Magnum and I wanted to take a moment to wish my puppy a very Happy 11th Birthday. He's the best office dog, best couch sitter, best leaner, worst farter, most loving, gentle and sweetest doggie ever. I love you fuzz-butt Pup, pup, bestest pup-ever (just don't tell Higgins I said that)
Now for the Magnum Picture Parade....
 |
| About 3 weeks old, from his baby book (by Suz and Lars) |
 |
| About 3 months old- Look at his paws! |
 |
| Mag-pie and Me, Oct 2000 |
 |
| Super-Dog! First Halloween 2000 |
 |
| Christmas 2003ish? |
 |
| Mag eats snow- 2002 |
 |
| Easter 20o3 iah |
 |
| Pimp Dog 2001 |
 |
| Mag squishing up his nose |
 |
| Mag and Higgins first meet Sept 2003 |
 |
| Hocking Hills 2003 |
 |
| Angelic Jeff, Gramma, and Mags |
 |
| Meeting Connor July 2008 |
 |
| Mag and Calista- Nov 2009 |
 |
| Office Dog 2011 |
 |
| Mag 2011 Happy Birthday you beautiful ambassador of Dobermans |
Friday, July 8, 2011
Ready...Set...FREAK!
T-minus 10 days until Connor's birthday
T-minus 9 days until Connor's party
T-minus 36 days until Calista's birthday and party
And no, I have no idea what the "t-minus" means - however I could google for a definition. Anyway, it sounds cool and with Atlantis just going for it's last mission, it seems appropriate.
Let's place this in perspective, this week is like my week before Thanksgiving. You know, the week you start to plan the menu and such, and then you pause and realize Christmas is coming around the bend quicker than you expected. And holy crap did we get our Christmas card picture taken yet? And where is that garbage can for that Turkey (will post recipe for garbage can turkey later- trust me it's AWESOME)?! Then lots of other rambled, jumbled thoughts begin to cloud your brain...
Right now, my Thanksgiving is Connor's party/birthday, and the looming Christmas is Calista's party/birthday. Hence why I have a pit in my stomach. Hence why I have commenced freaking out, like any rational party planner. (Insert image of Parker Posy in Best In Show, looking for her dog's favorite toy, the busy bee. She's not planning a party, but it's still a good freak out scene. Oh look, for your enjoyment, here's the you tube link: Best In Show Freak Out)
Hence why Jeff just steps back, drinks a beer and thinks, "She does this [ freaking out] every event she plans. Best I step out of her way until she assigns me a duty. Better yet, I think I should go hide or cut the grass." Yep, for 11 years I've been like this. It took Jeff about 5 years to realize this was my normal, it took me about 8 years to realize I am a party planner freaker-outer.
Yes, I have a known history for freaking while planning a party, freaking while preparing for the party, and the day of the party- I have been known to have steam coming from my ears as my head spins a la the Exorcist. I'm pretty sure Jeff would even compare my party preparation mood to that of a possessed woman. This is also why my beloved husband goes to get ice, or beer, or gets the kids, or does whatever he can to stay clear of his crazy possessed wife 1 hour pre-party. It's safer for him that way.
So, I am sitting here, writing a menu, trying to decide if it's really feasible. I just ordered more than necessary for tableware, favors, balloons, etc - for BOTH parties. Yet, I still sit here going, "Will it be enough? Will it create the prefect baseball/Curious George/Kai Lan theme? This year I am even trying to have our menu fit the theme -- well a little bit. Where as I could go nuts serving tons of Chinese food for CC's KaiLan party, not everyone likes that. But, hot dogs, peanuts, cracker jacks, bananas? It's gonna be a regular Curious George goes to a Baseball game sorta feel.
But, until that first guest arrives... I will be on the edge of calm or freaking out. It's a delicate edge that I willingly walk, as I LOVE to have people over and throw a nice bash! It's just that planning freaks me out a lot more than it should - and THAT is a function of my delightful Type A, perfectionist, must-be-in-control-at-all-times personality. One day I might relax....
Yet, I still freak. The parties will be great, the kids will have fun, our guests should leave full and with smiles. Our house should be a mess, we should be exhausted, I should have icing in places where I did not have icing earlier in the day, the kids will run around on their sugar high, the food will be gone, the beer mostly drank (except of the super secret emergency stash), and the dogs will even be exhausted.... but -- those are signs of a good party. And at the end of it all, I smile and finally relax.... until the next event....
T-minus 9 days until Connor's party
T-minus 36 days until Calista's birthday and party
And no, I have no idea what the "t-minus" means - however I could google for a definition. Anyway, it sounds cool and with Atlantis just going for it's last mission, it seems appropriate.
Let's place this in perspective, this week is like my week before Thanksgiving. You know, the week you start to plan the menu and such, and then you pause and realize Christmas is coming around the bend quicker than you expected. And holy crap did we get our Christmas card picture taken yet? And where is that garbage can for that Turkey (will post recipe for garbage can turkey later- trust me it's AWESOME)?! Then lots of other rambled, jumbled thoughts begin to cloud your brain...
Right now, my Thanksgiving is Connor's party/birthday, and the looming Christmas is Calista's party/birthday. Hence why I have a pit in my stomach. Hence why I have commenced freaking out, like any rational party planner. (Insert image of Parker Posy in Best In Show, looking for her dog's favorite toy, the busy bee. She's not planning a party, but it's still a good freak out scene. Oh look, for your enjoyment, here's the you tube link: Best In Show Freak Out)
Hence why Jeff just steps back, drinks a beer and thinks, "She does this [ freaking out] every event she plans. Best I step out of her way until she assigns me a duty. Better yet, I think I should go hide or cut the grass." Yep, for 11 years I've been like this. It took Jeff about 5 years to realize this was my normal, it took me about 8 years to realize I am a party planner freaker-outer.
Yes, I have a known history for freaking while planning a party, freaking while preparing for the party, and the day of the party- I have been known to have steam coming from my ears as my head spins a la the Exorcist. I'm pretty sure Jeff would even compare my party preparation mood to that of a possessed woman. This is also why my beloved husband goes to get ice, or beer, or gets the kids, or does whatever he can to stay clear of his crazy possessed wife 1 hour pre-party. It's safer for him that way.
So, I am sitting here, writing a menu, trying to decide if it's really feasible. I just ordered more than necessary for tableware, favors, balloons, etc - for BOTH parties. Yet, I still sit here going, "Will it be enough? Will it create the prefect baseball/Curious George/Kai Lan theme? This year I am even trying to have our menu fit the theme -- well a little bit. Where as I could go nuts serving tons of Chinese food for CC's KaiLan party, not everyone likes that. But, hot dogs, peanuts, cracker jacks, bananas? It's gonna be a regular Curious George goes to a Baseball game sorta feel.
But, until that first guest arrives... I will be on the edge of calm or freaking out. It's a delicate edge that I willingly walk, as I LOVE to have people over and throw a nice bash! It's just that planning freaks me out a lot more than it should - and THAT is a function of my delightful Type A, perfectionist, must-be-in-control-at-all-times personality. One day I might relax....
Yet, I still freak. The parties will be great, the kids will have fun, our guests should leave full and with smiles. Our house should be a mess, we should be exhausted, I should have icing in places where I did not have icing earlier in the day, the kids will run around on their sugar high, the food will be gone, the beer mostly drank (except of the super secret emergency stash), and the dogs will even be exhausted.... but -- those are signs of a good party. And at the end of it all, I smile and finally relax.... until the next event....
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Fourth of July Weekend
Now presenting a multitude of pictures from our Fourth of July celebrations.
Celebration #1 - My Dad and Amy's Enon, OH
Ideally, this was supposed to be where the kids first saw fireworks. Dad's place is next to a VFW that does a huge fireworks display. We were all very excited. HOWEVER, due to some technical issues (i.e. Activa and I are not friends), we left early before any fireworks. A very fun grill out, but Momma wrecked the littles first fireworks experience. But, before my Activa kicked in, we played, watched the Daytona race, ate, visited and had a lot of fun. Calista had on a very cute patroit dress, but after and hour she looked at me, pulled the dress and screamed, "OUT!" So, much for my girlie girl; she switched to shorts and t-shirt and (of course) her signature beads. By the end of our day, I had to very tired and happy kids.
Celebration #2- Uncle Dan's and Aunt Kelly's House
Typically, the Beacon Street Gang has some great fireworks. However, for some reason this year, the fireworks were on hold. Blah, opportunity #2 for "Let the Littles See Fireworks" is thwarted. This was not a bust, on the contrary, we all got to hang out, grill, play in the water and laugh. Oh boy we laughed, spent time together and were all just silly. I was very photo happy on this occasion... check them out...
Later this evening, the kids crashed, while Jeff and I watched fireworks on our driveway.
Celebration #3- Aunit Nee-Nee and Uncle To's House
This celebration WAS on the 4th of July! We all got to swim in the pool and eat WAYYYY too much! Connor decided this was the day he was going to swim in his life vest. He did GREAT!!! Also, he decided it was time to graduate from jumping off the side of the pool, to trying the diving board. He was fearless - which is completely opposite from last year where he clung to me like a pilot fish on a shark. (FYI- yes I goggled "fish that sucks on a shark" to come up with that analogy).
Not to be shown up by her brother, Calista also decided to jump from the diving board - WITHOUT life vest. She did it 3 times, and once completely went under. She is one brave little girl!!! Time to get them both swim lessons, I am amazed at how much they REALLY love the water. Needless to say, I was also in the water a lot. So, not as many pictures as I'd like. But, I really enjoyed spending the time with the kids!
Now.... PICTURES!!!!
We had a lovely weekend spending it with our families. I just wish I would have take more pictures, and that we would have been able to do the fireworks...There is always next year -- or -- maybe they will get to see our big Labor Day WEBN Fireworks.. hmm....
Celebration #1 - My Dad and Amy's Enon, OH
Ideally, this was supposed to be where the kids first saw fireworks. Dad's place is next to a VFW that does a huge fireworks display. We were all very excited. HOWEVER, due to some technical issues (i.e. Activa and I are not friends), we left early before any fireworks. A very fun grill out, but Momma wrecked the littles first fireworks experience. But, before my Activa kicked in, we played, watched the Daytona race, ate, visited and had a lot of fun. Calista had on a very cute patroit dress, but after and hour she looked at me, pulled the dress and screamed, "OUT!" So, much for my girlie girl; she switched to shorts and t-shirt and (of course) her signature beads. By the end of our day, I had to very tired and happy kids.
 |
| Amy, CC, Jeff, Connor, Dad, and Kim |
Typically, the Beacon Street Gang has some great fireworks. However, for some reason this year, the fireworks were on hold. Blah, opportunity #2 for "Let the Littles See Fireworks" is thwarted. This was not a bust, on the contrary, we all got to hang out, grill, play in the water and laugh. Oh boy we laughed, spent time together and were all just silly. I was very photo happy on this occasion... check them out...
 |
| CC and her signature beads...even while in the Alligator pool |
 |
| Connor Swinging on the big swing |
 |
| Hi! |
 |
| Miss Pretty...still with her beads |
 |
| I love my Uncle's smile on this one as he cracks up at Connor |
 |
| The girls...Mom, CC, Me, Aunt Kelly and AnnMarie |
 |
| Uncle Dan and Chris |
 |
| Nana and Connor |
 |
| Goose on a Goose |
 |
| Mommy and Connor |
 |
| Leaning...and Eating a Zinger |
 |
| CC and her friend the Goose The Goose was the hit of the party! |
 |
| Kids preparing to get drenched |
 |
| Connor throwing water at CC as she laughs |
 |
| OK, this photo is just cool with how the water looks |
Celebration #3- Aunit Nee-Nee and Uncle To's House
This celebration WAS on the 4th of July! We all got to swim in the pool and eat WAYYYY too much! Connor decided this was the day he was going to swim in his life vest. He did GREAT!!! Also, he decided it was time to graduate from jumping off the side of the pool, to trying the diving board. He was fearless - which is completely opposite from last year where he clung to me like a pilot fish on a shark. (FYI- yes I goggled "fish that sucks on a shark" to come up with that analogy).
Not to be shown up by her brother, Calista also decided to jump from the diving board - WITHOUT life vest. She did it 3 times, and once completely went under. She is one brave little girl!!! Time to get them both swim lessons, I am amazed at how much they REALLY love the water. Needless to say, I was also in the water a lot. So, not as many pictures as I'd like. But, I really enjoyed spending the time with the kids!
Now.... PICTURES!!!!
 |
| Stepping up on the board |
 |
| Walking to the edge |
 |
| Cheese for Mommy |
 |
| The Big JUMP |
 |
| SPLASH!!! |
 |
| CC with Aunt/Godmother Katy (and Matt) |
 |
| Kaiden, Samarra and Connor cousins swimming |
 |
| Learning to "walk" around the pool |
 |
| My boys of Summer |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)