Week in Rewind: June 26

Last Friday, Daddy ran the Media 5 Miler. He did great. It was a hot night, but he made the most of it.    The little guy and I enjoyed our night as well. This race has such a community feel about it. And when we saw Cecily Tynan, the local weatherman, I jumped at the chance to get a picture. She was more than accommodating...the little guy not so much. Cecily is an elite runner (who tore her ACL skiing), but she is an even sweeter person. Nice to see a celb, without major attitude. 

Ironically, the weather played a major role in our week. On Tuesday, we had 85 mph straight winds come through area. Let's just say nature always wins that battle. We had just gotten out of the pool and shower when it hit. I've never seen such wind (even with Sandy). After watching our gazebo go, I knew it was time to hit the basement. You could hear the house battling the elements. In the end, the house won, no real damage. Our big tree in the front, not so much. 

We're lucky. Many others have a much worse picture. The roads have been blocked for days by trees and power lines. And no electricity..which brings me to a conversation between daddy and mommy last winter. 

Mommy (before projected massive snowstorm):  we need a generator. 

Daddy:  we don't need a generator.  

Mommy: but they (Cecily) are projecting an end of the world storm. 

Daddy: I'm not going out to get a generator.   

Fast forward an hour...daddy hauling his butt to Home Depot for the last generator. 

Fast forward to the next day. Daddy: see I told you we don't need a generator.  We got 1 inch of snow

Mommy: darn you Cecily Tynan. 

But you see the key to winning any argument is simply waiting it out. And let's just say mommy won that argument this week. As in non-stop generator for 3 days!  

Week in Rewind: June 15

Tonight we head over to Media to watch daddy run. The little guy has been at this race every year since arriving. And it's not hard to eventually seeing him running it. For now, mommy has to keep him entertained with plenty of food and observations...like "too short" shorts man. Or college kid in costum who really shouldn't be running. And don't get me started with kids who can run faster than mommy. As for the competitive racers, daddy is right there. Neat race. Fun community atmosphere

I don't know how I missed it...but the little guy and I went to the dentist a few weeks ago. Mommy was a tad bit nervous. But he handled it like a champs. And yes his bottom two teeth are there. Holler!  Ladies his pearly whites are cavity free

Week in Rewind: June 12

As parents, we couldn't be more proud. The little guy officially graduated from pre-k last night. Sure, there are mixed emotions.  When we started four years ago, everything was new to the little guy: this country, culture, language, and family. But I think we knew he would be alright on that first day of daycare. He bawled like a baby for 10 minutes and then saw the toys. Off he went not looking back. That's hard on a parent...but what's best for a child.

With that smile and quick charm, he has made fast friends. And as he has grown, that inquisitive nature has turned questions into answers.  There was karate, where he learned his native tongue. And soccer, where he did more running than kicking.  We have enough crafts to fill a house. And have heard the ABC song more than words can say.  Shared laughs, temper tantrums and hugs. Found out what is really important in life, our hearts and minds.

Through it all, we still recognize the little boy we picked up in Korea. Those nonverbal clues that only parents can recognize. And last night, we saw them all: laughter in his eyes, the arched eyebrow as he joked with his friends, the confident stride of a child that has accomplished so much, with ease.

As parents, we have been lucky enough to enjoy the ride.  So as we enter a new chapter, we're ready for the next ride.

Week in Rewind: June 6

We had one amazing weekend.  Both sets of grandparents for one lucky little boy.  And Uncle Larry who added to the fun. Yeah

It started off on Friday night and the little guy's last soccer game.  Now, let's just say the little guy gave it his best. But after running around for 15 minutes in the heat.....well, let's just say, soccer may not be his game.  I knew the dream was over when will running and looking back for the ball, he literally ran through the small goal...only to have the ball go through shortly thereafter.  Nice try buddy.  He was more into the free water ice after the game.  And let's be honest, he still looked good in his uniform, bright neon spikes and all.

The next day, we headed to the Lion King. I admit, mommy took a chance that the little guy would sit the 2 1/2 hours. But, I knew we were ok, when the animals came out and he screamed with delight.  He got a little buggy after intermission. Overall, he was entertained and we keep fielding questions about it.  Unfortunately, someone was not in the mood for pictures afterwards.

On Sunday, the family met again (bright and early) for the little guy's baptism. Where he, once again, became part of the show. After having the holy water put on his head, he promptly shook his head and hands.  It was an amazing sermon that we take to heart. It took us awhile, to find a church that we were comfortable with, but I'm glad we found this one.

Afterward, we headed back to the house for our lunch. The little guy iced cupcakes with the Grandmoms.  Played baseball with the boys. And swam his legs off. He is one truly loved little boy and we are lucky to have such great family involved. You know that your lucky, when your Aunt in Ohio gets up at 4am to make fresh Whoopie pies...and they were delicious.

Week in Rewind: July 29

We had a busy Memorial Day weekend. Spent most of it at home, but the days went so fast. The little guy was the first in the pool. Despite frigid conditions, he jumped right in. I have no idea how kids can tolerate cold water. Mommy, not so much.

We introduced the little guy to toasting marshmallows. See Mr. Boy Scout. Let's just say we struggled getting the fire going...but baby, we eventually nailed it. And the marshmallows weren't too bad as well. Next up, the intro of S'mores...rocking his world

Then there was putt putt and the driving range. Someone loves to hit things. And let's just say putt putt is done at warp speed.  But the boy has some game

But the big news is....wait, for it, the little guy rode his bike without training wheels...and nailed it. He jumped right on and started off, no fear.  Those balance bikes work wonders.  I'm pretty sure that I wasn't riding a bike before the age of five. In fact, I vaguely remember riding my pink bike around the pool..only to fall in the deep end. With the bike on the bottom, my dad upset, I was told not to ride circles around the pool. But that did not deter me, no, no my friends, instead I rode circles around the house, grooving a dirt path...and resulting in a very upset daddy. On my behalf, I was told not to ride around the pool....let's just hope the role's are not reversed with the little guy.

And finally, Memorial Day is about people who served. And this handsome lad, served his country well. I never saw someone beam so much when he was gifted with another flight in his training plane. Pretty awesome to watch.  We miss Great Grandpop..but something tells me he's smiling down from heaven.

Week in Rewind: May 22

This week, the little guy took in his first baseball game. It started well enough.  Blue skies, perfect temperature, dollar dogs.  The little guy wasn't interested in all of that...he was in it for the water ice.  This little treat is quickly becoming his favorite. And when he saw it at the park, he wanted it.  Which made taking pictures a little difficult.

Once we settled in for the game, someone had a ton of questions. They ranged from where is first base to look at the big tv screen.  Oh yes, the little guy has rock star written all over him.  The only little glip was the hour rain delayed...which seemed so much longer. Luckily, we headed for cover before the masses and had a nice little place close to home plate.

Speaking of baseball, we had our last tball game on Wednesday. We're going to miss that team. Great kids and parents. As for the little guy, he nailed the ball twice with two big swings. It's amazing how far he has come.  He now can throw, hit and somewhat field.  And most importantly, he has love for the game.  When we received his trophy, there was a huge smile. He couldn't wait to bring it to school to show everyone. Makes a mama proud.

Week in Rewind: May 15

Last weekend, we headed over to Great Grandmom's for Mothers Day.  It was a beautiful day.

And she looks simply amazing. Four weeks removed from knee surgery and moving around better than most 40 years old. Now, that's my kind of gal.  I often tell my hubby how lucky he is to have her  in his life. (Let's be honest, we're all lucky). But as a grandchild that lost her grandparents much too young, I know how precious it is to have her.  To a beautiful lady, inside and out.

Now the boys on the other hand. They wore their mommies out. Running, jumping, screaming in delight. Can you tell which one was the ring leader...you got it, the little guy. I'm noticing more and more that he loves to make others laugh. He gets this cute smile and raised eye brow, the boy is becoming quiet the ham.

Yesterday, while the little guy was getting out of the shower, it dawned on me he's got some serious leg and upper back muscles. No wonder he's strong as an ox. To be honest, there were clues. Like the time when he was two, he picked up a heavy box and moved it like it was nothing.  Or how about the ability to open the baby gate with his big mitts.  Ladies, this boy is solid.

Funny facts:

Mommy, I love your hair color. (Me: thank you). It doesn't matter who has the nicest hair (wait, what)

Daddy: you can only bring 1 toy to school.  But daddy (quickly grabbing of multiple toys), I'm only bringing this one. (The others are hidden in my pants)

Did you drink the remainder of the Keifer?  No (with a total Keifer mustache)

And my favorite. I told the kids at school, I was having a pool party. But no girls. (I'll have to remember that one when he turns 16)