Dog Days of Summer

So, we made it back. In one piece. Well, four pieces, but you know what I mean. We are back into our routines...the time change in Iowa did us all some good! The boys now sleep until 8:30 or 9:00 am every morning. It's amazing.

We've been hitting the waterpark a lot. And swimming in the pool. It's really so hot out it's hard to do anything outside that doesn't involve water. The dogs don't even like being outside. But we are enjoying A LOT of family time.

Drake and Trey are growing daily. I really can't get over how funny our kids are. I'm sure every parent says that, but seriously. They are funny. Drake has always been a little comedian, but the things that come out of his mouth these days...it's hard not to laugh. His obsession with Transformers continues. He has now memorized 75% of the lines in the Transformers movie. Everything in his day to day activities somehow relates to Transformers. Matt and I are seriously over it.
And Trey- he's only 10 months old- but he's naughty! Downright naughty. He's climbs on EVERYTHING. And out of everything. Out of the high chair. Onto the table. Up a chair. Onto the couch. He knows exactly what he's doing. He takes one look at us and laughs. And laughs. And laughs. He's smart too. He may be quiet- but he knows exactly what is going on. I can't wait to see what he grows up to be.

Anyway, Matt and I just had our 8th wedding anniversary. It's so crazy to think about where we started when I look at our lives today. I never could have imagined. We are headed to the Keys for the weekend (Nana and Poppy are staying with the boys and the dogs...first vacay away. Nervous....but oh so excited!!). We are going scuba diving for the first time in 3 years and 10 months. You mathmeticians out there can figure out why =) I am looking forward to just sitting. I told Matt that I might even get some noise cancelling earphones to enjoy my time away even more.

Vacay Parts 2 & 3!

We have been so busy these past couple of weeks that I haven't had time to update our blog- not to mention that the places we've been visiting barely have cell reception, much less internet. It's actually quite peaceful and relaxing knowing that no one can reach you. I've barely had my phone with me- if at all for the past two weeks.
We had the amazing opportunity to visit Matt's aunt and uncle's cabin in Minnesota on the most peaceful lake I've seen. I think we saw one other boat. We had the best time. There was no t.v. No computer. No phones. I'm shocked Matt and Drake survived- but we did. I think it was a great way to recharge.
We then headed to Matt's grandparents in Minnesota- as they had yet to meet Trey. We spent a couple of days enjoying small town Minnesota- including a dinner at the VFW along with a "early bird" game of Bingo. We then headed back to the cabin to surprise Matt's cousins from Nebraska and Texas and their kids so that we could all be together for a couple of days. The kids had a blast. I know that my kids have never slept or eaten so well. It's been a great experience for us all. Matt got to go back to his college days and wakeboard and tube and I even decided to give skiing a go again. Drake got to fish and Trey got to be spoiled by whoever got their hands on him. They had the cutest little chippies (chipmunks) at the cabin. They would crawl right up onto your body for peanuts. I was quite the chippie whisperer- getting one to crawl through my hoodie pocket =) I would have brought one home if Matt would have let me!
We are now in Wisconsin at my Dad's cabin on the river. It's been pretty rainy, but we did get out on the boat yesterday. It's just so relaxing on the water.
Matt and I have been talking at length about getting back to the Midwest. We love the summers here, but aren't ready for the snow yet. So for now, we are just entertaining the idea of spending our summers here. It will be good for the kids to be around family and good for us to get out of the Naples heat for awhile.
Who knows what's in store...if I had a money tree, we'd buy a cabin on a lake with a boat...someday maybe!
Will post pics once we get home...ahhh. Home. While I love it here, it will be nice to not have to pack ALL OF OUR STUFF (anyone with kids knows what I'm talking about here) over and over again.

We're on Vacation! Part 1...

Now that I have a moment to breathe, I thought I'd fill everyone in on our first leg of our vacay.
We left Florida on Tuesday...Matt per usual, yelling at everyone (me) to hurry because we are going to miss our flight. Arriving at the airport TWO hours early, I felt more nervous than I usually do about traveling. Boarding an airplane with two small children is nervewracking! Already, while we were waiting for our plane to arrive, an older couple asked where we were sitting- as if to make sure that they were no where near us on the plane. I can't say that I blame them.
Drake was an angel on the plane. Fell asleep watching Transformers (surprise right?)...but Trey. Trey. I have no idea what got into him but he didn't sleep a wink. NOT A WINK. A three and a half hour plane ride and the kid had ants in his pants. It was quite possibly the longest plane ride in my life. Thank God it's over.
We spent our first night in Garner. Gma and Gpa Keraus made Drake a special Dinosaur room. It has two twin beds in it. So I took one, Drake took the other (Matt on the couch) and Trey in a pack-n-play. By 2 am it was Michelle, Drake and Trey in one twin bed...Matt still on the couch. Do we see where this trip is going?
We are now in Ankeny at Nana and Poppy's. Drake is following Kyle around like I knew he would. If Kyle isn't in the room, Drake is asking where he is. It's very cute- and I'm sure Kyle will be exhausted when we leave. Trey is loving all of the attention- especially from Poppy. It's very sweet.
Matt has been hitting the Track Nationals meet and the College World Series all week. Does this mean I get next week off?

=)

More to come...

He's 3!

So the biggest news obviously is that Drake is now officially 3 years old. I really don't know where the time has gone. As Matt so politely let me know, he's not a baby anymore. Every day he needs us a little less. And he's right. Every day he's gaining a little more independence. Very sad. But very exciting. He's such a smart and energetic and creative little boy. I can't wait to see what he makes out of life.

We had a Transformers party. Of course. The kid eats, sleeps and breathes Transformers. I am Bumblebee. Matt is Bulkhead. Trey is Prowl and he of course, is Optimus Prime. He watches Transformers 2 every single day. LOVES all of the action and the robots. He YouTubes Transformers all of the time too. Falls asleep every night with that dang iPhone in his hand =)

We had friends and food and the pool. And a great Transformers cake. He got lots of good loot (all of which we don't need, but what are you going to do??) and was exhausted at the end of it.

One fun present he got was a Betta fish. He named it Hawkeye (after a little nudging from Daddy). And he wanted to play with it. Why wouldn't he? We weren't paying attention...and there were cups from the party left on the table (kids LOVE cups and water). Except these cups had a little bit of beer left in them. When I found him, all of the leftover beer had made it's way into the fish bowl. Along with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. He was literally playing with the fish. While funny...Hawkeye joined the angel ranks shortly after. RIP Hawkeye.

Drake fell asleep with his Transformer balloon in his hand...great day!

Now that Matt is out of school, we seem to be equally busy. I had recital last weekend which is always an all day affair. Trey was a trooper for one show, but then had to join Drake and Daddy at home. We bought a summer pass to the local water park and have been twice already. The boys (and us!) love it. Drake goes down the slide face first and is getting over his aversion to having his head under water. He'll be a fish by the end of the summer. Already has a lifeguard tan  (think: top of the butt- so cute!)

We are prepping for our 16 day vacay to Iowa/Minnesota/Wisconsin. Excited and nervous all at the same time. So much to do before we leave. So many things to pack. WHERE DO I EVEN START!!!

After a long day at the waterpark...

Water-Swing!

Daddy & Drake on the lazy river....

Mommy & Trey splashin' around

Stuff

Geez. Where do I start? Let's go back to swim class. I'm sorry moms, but this blog entry is about you.

So as you all know, Drake has been in swim class for about a month now...he wasn't getting much out of the first class he was in, as the other kids wouldn't get in the pool, therefore he had no motivation to do anything other than what he could already do. So we wanted to try another class of the same level of kids, that the teacher claimed was more advanced. Well, it's a possibility that he just said that the kids get in the water. I don't know. We were going to try it. So this Saturday, that's where we were. I was excited to see what Drake could accomplish if he saw other kids swimming, going under water, etc. Instead what do I see? A group of mothers, all getting into the water with their preschoolers! I immediately thought that we came at the wrong time- "is this the mommy and me class?"- nope. Preschool level 1. You've got to be kidding me? These were 3 and 4 year old children (one still in diapers may I add), that were clinging to their parents in the water for dear life. And the moms were allowing- encouraging even- the behavior. After initially being angry about the situation, I felt bad for these enablers and their kids. They are just setting themselves up for a liftetime of enabling their children...as a teacher/coach of high school kids, Matt and I have often seen the results of this kind of parenting. It's not a good situation...95% of these kids go off to college and are back before the first semester even ends. Ugh.

Okay- I'm done venting. On to more fun things! Drake is anxiously awaiting his 3rd birthday...2 more weeks! Where has the time gone?? I actually think it's funny that he's only turning 3. The kid is wise beyond his years. Too smart I think sometimes. We can't wait for preschool to start in August. I think he's going to thrive with a teacher that's not me =)

Trey's teeth are still pushing through. 3 or so on the bottom....4 or so on top. Of course all coming in at different rates. Still looks like a hillbilly! Yesterday he actually took a couple unassisted steps as well! I don't know if I'm excited or scared. 2 boys running around the house?? Ok, I'm excited. I think it will be fun!

This holiday weekend we did some fun things. Saturday we took the boys to a "fun day" of sorts at one of the local parks. They had bounce houses, a playground and a fountain park...Drake was in heaven. And Trey can't wait to get out there and play- soon! Yesterday we hung out with our newly acquired friends...see, we've been neighbors for like 4 or 5 years and we just started hanging out a few weeks ago. They are our age, went to school in the Midwest and have a new baby...so it's absolutely ridiculous that we just started hanging out. Funny how life gets in the way of new friendships...better late than never!

Spare Time...

In my free time (hee hee hee) I like to make letters for my friends' nurseries or kids' rooms. Here are some pics of some that I've done recently...

(this is actually in Trey's room!)

If you are wondering what itsy bitsy is...well....it's a little business that my mom and I are starting. When Trey was born, she made all of these wonderful burp clothes, bibs, changing pads, etc. for me...they are so amazing. After talking about it for awhile, we (and when I say we, I mean I talked her into it) decided to go into business! She's the talented seamstress and I throw in design ideas here and there and will market/sell them. We should have our website up and running here soon...in the meantime, here's a little sample of what we do!

If you or anyone you know might be interested in any of our things, please don't hesitate to send them our way!

day to day stuff...

Trey is standing up now...a lot! He seems so little to be standing. I don't remember Drake standing by himself this early. I'll have to check his baby book...wait. Where is that thing? Ugh. Anyway. Trey is very happy standing. I won't be surprised if he's walking by next month.

He's also got what we call a "snaggle-tooth". It's awful. Just one tooth coming in from the top. We laugh now, but seriously, it's not the cutest thing. I'll be thankful when the other one comes down lol.

It amazes me at how much he loves his older brother already. He will follow him anywhere. I can't get him to concentrate on anything if Drake is in the room. Eating has been a big struggle. I have to put Drake in another room so that Trey will eat. 

I see a great friendship in the future. Right now Drake is a little annoyed with the whole thing. The other day he got mad at me because I wouldn't leave Trey in the car while we went into the store. We've had to have many talks about the fact that Trey is indeed part of the family :) 

Drake's doing well with swim lessons. He's still the only one in his class that will get into the pool. Which is great- because he gets one-on-one attention, but I wanted him to see other kids swimming under water (giving him the courage to do it himself). So next week we are going to try another class where apparently all of the kids go under...I'll keep you posted. Every day he's in the water he gets a little braver. Selfishly, I just want to stop worrying about him around the pool =) Trey is also getting very comfortable in the water. CLICK HERE to see a video of him "swimming"!

Drake is also very efficient on the computer! We have recently let him go to town with Disney Preschool games...he can't get enough...CLICK HERE to watch him in action...


Matt's lease on his car is coming up soon. We started looking for cars this weekend. I hate it. I hate everything about it. I know what I want. I know what we can pay. Why does it take an hour of sitting in the dealership lobby to tell me yes or no? It's aggravating. Someone needs to create car buying online. We can haggle over email or IM and then they drop the car in my driveway. Leave the keys in the mailbox. Hmm...maybe I'm onto something!


2 1/2 more weeks of school. Then we'll have Daddy home with us. Haven't decided if this is a good thing or not! Very excited for our Iowa/Minnesota/Wisconsin trip...it'll be good to get back to the midwest for awhile.

Finally...Wait...it's Friday again?

I have no idea how it got to be Friday again. Another week has flown by and I have no clue where the time has gone. I have been subbing at the studio a lot for the past couple of weeks. All of the baby classes. 2-6 year olds. What an eye opener. I'm so thankful to have little boys! These girls are all little princesses who LOVE to tell me that I am doing everything wrong (Miss Lisa- their regular teacher- is Disney wrapped up in one person...that I am not!). I've come to terms with it though and am now just having fun with it. But seriously. Thank GOD for little boys. They may be dirty and rowdy and energetic...but at least there is no drama. Yet anyway =)

Matt had his State track meet last weekend. One of his guys got 2nd in the 110 hurdles WITH an injury. He's now headed to Nationals at Drake University. We are going up a few days before our summer vacation was supposed to start so that we can watch him run. Matt's very excited. Now that track is over (another blessing in my book), Matt is home a lot more and we are trying to teach Drake some new laws of the house.
1- We eat dinner together as a family. You must try whatever Mommy makes and you must ask to be excused. No, chocolate cake is not dinner (as much as Mommy disagrees!)
2- You must sleep in your own bed. This is definitely going to be a work in progress.
3- Wait. We are still trying to do 1 & 2...baby steps.

Drake started swim classes last Saturday. I was so worried that he wouldn't get in the pool without me, but ALAS! He was the only one who got in the pool at all! One mother was so determined to get her daughter (ahem, daughter) into the pool, that she got in with her. WITH HER CLOTHES ON. That was a determined mommy. It made no difference. The little girl still screamed her head off. I was a very proud mommy that morning.

Trey has all of his teeth coming in at the same time. I can literally see them all trying to push through at the same time. I feel so bad for him. That's got to hurt. He's also all over everything. And not sleeping. I remember Drake going through this though too...so hopefully it's just a phase. Words with Friends (app on iPhone) and Suduko get me through nighttime feedings. What did I do before my iPhone??

Last, but not least, we...I mean Matt is done with Grad School. We had a fun surprise dinner with friends last weekend to celebrate. It's so nice not to have to worry about homework and quizzes and tests again!

Here are a few photos I've touched up and added my flair too...thanks Missy V. Starr for the great website and tips!

Finally Friday

So it's been a crazy busy week! I had my last dance competition this past weekend in Lakeland (close to Tampa). The girls did great. They worked hard this year and it paid off in the end. I took Trey with me-- he was such a trooper. He hardly slept at all (we are at the competition from 6am- midnight usually) and he didn't peep a word about it. He's such a good baby. Loves being held and played with by anyone. Just smiles and laughs all day. He's clapping now. It's so flipping cute. We say "Yay Trey!" and he giggles and claps. Love.

Matt had a big week. We- oops- I mean HE just finished his grad school. Finally. Two years have come and gone. I can't believe it. We only hope that the stress and deadlines will open some really exciting doors for his career.

Drake is turning into such a little boy. "Friends" from down the street came and asked if he could come out and play the other day. Matt and I just kinda looked at each other like- what do we say? Ultimately we said the kids could play in our back yard so that we knew they couldn't get into the street or get stolen (a parents worst nightmare!). I think Matt was more distraught than I. I was thinking- yes! Go play! I can get some things done! LOL. Matt said- "That's it. It's all over. We're never going to see him again!" Like he was off to college or something. Very fatherly. Very cute.

Drake is also starting Swimming Lessons on Saturday. And I feel bad. I lied. I did. I lied. I said he was three already so that he could be in the class where I don't have to get in the pool. Not because I'm not bikini ready- but because I think he'll do better in the pool without me. If I'm in the pool, then he acts scared and won't let go of me. But if he's in the pool with just kids (or anyone but me for that matter) he's fine. Besides. He technically turns 3 in a month. So it's just a white lie. Those don't count right?

We've got Teeth!

Trey bird FINALLY had some teeth break through. He's been snotting and cranky for a couple weeks now, so I figured it was coming....and sure enough, this morning we have two new beautiful bottom teeth! He won't keep his mouth open long enough to get a picture, but as soon as I do, I'll post the pics.

We've had quite the fiasco going on around here. As you know, we had the pool cage rescreened and have been working on the boys' bathroom. On top of that- our air conditioner finally died. I was terrified. Where were we going to get that kind of money to replace the system? Our money tree in the backyard wasn't blooming as well as I'd hoped this year =)

Anyway, knowing people helps so much. A friend of a friend ended up installing one on the sly for less than half the cost of having a air company come in and do it. We are now officially broke...but cool. Now Matt will stay cool (and calm) this summer. We all know how grumpy he can get when he's hot. And hungry. But that's another blog entry in itself.

I have a dance competition this weekend in Lakeland (near Tampa). I'll be taking Trey with me (Matt doesn't do overnights until they are 1- just another thing I'll be talking about in my book!) but Drake will be staying home for a fun filled Daddy/Son weekend. Matt thinks it's time for Drake to get out on the golf course. We'll see!

The bathroom is still in progress. I'm 3/4 of the way done...it's such a transformation...and an easy one at that! I thought I'd need thousands of dollars to make it look up to date and fresh....but it turns out I'm doing it with just over $100! I can't wait to finish it, just need to find the time!

Speaking of time, I had hoped that being a work-at-home mom would give me more time in the day. Turns out there's still only 24 hours to work with. Everyday I'm shocked when I see it's 5:00 on the clock. Most days I have no clue where the day went. I definitely work harder now than I ever did working full time. The good news? I wouldn't trade it for the world =)