In the pool

Evan's ready for water-play day at school,
or the pool, or wherever he can wear
his goggles and get wet!

We spent a lot of time in the pool this summer.  I just love how it's literally across the street!  So easy to go after school/work, or first thing in the morning, and not a hassle to go for a quick dip when we need some heat relief or to release some energy, then come home for naps.

Of course, with two little kids, there wasn't much picture taking happening - we were both in the pool with them the whole time. Both boys, but Evan especially, had a ton of fun (and worked really hard) swimming.  Evan's skills progressed quickly being in the water so often, and by the end of his 3yo summer he can use his kick board all the way down the pool and back almost 100% unassisted, jump in and be under without a problem, he's got the basics of arm movements down, and he can even fetch a toy at the bottom and push off the wall under water.

Today, at the end of the summer, he asked if he could use the diving board.  He's been waiting forever for that - he was asking about it last summer when he was only 2!  One afternoon we had the pool almost to ourselves, and with the lifeguard's consent, we gave it a shot.  Evan was a little nervous, and paused at the end, but didn't go back - he jumped right to me.  Oh, the happiness!!  And the repeats... he must have done another 20 jumps before he finally gave in to the blue lips and chattering teeth to skip happily home, proud of his new diving-board status. 

Evan's an Oriole!

We're very excited for Fall.  We've got football, cooler weather, apples and pumpkins, Halloween, and T-Ball season!  Yep. that's right: Evan has joined his first organized sports team.  The Northside Orioles (3-6yo) had their very first practice last night, and Evan was incredibly excited.  Mike volunteered to help coach, and was even more excited that Evan's an Oriole - Mike was an Oriole when he played "little" ball too! 

Who knew when we took this photo in May that Evan would soon BE an Oriole?!?

They started with some stretches, and running the bases.

Then there was a detailed but VERY important discussion, about where home plate is.  And which base we run to first ("that one"), and next ("over there") and next (we caught on to the pattern... "third"), and last ("fourth" No! Home plate!)

Next was a big discussion of how to hold a glove, on which hand, and how to throw.  They buddied up for throwing drills, and were able to work up to a respectable distance between lines of kids.  Evan was tossing some pretty well!

Lastly it was time to practice batting - everyone's favorite!  Evan listened well to Coach Pat, took two swings, then hit it nice and solid.

Time to run the bases... and guess who's not too far behind?  Drew wanted so badly to play with the big kids and was not at all pleased to be strapped firmly in the stroller most of the time.  

At the end of practice, an incredibly dirty, sweaty, and tired Evan declared T-Ball "very good."  He was a little disappointed that T-Ball doesn't just mean "run around a lot, hit the ball a lot, and have a party at the end."  The taking turns hitting, standing still while listening to Coach, practice drills, and lack of uniforms (yet) was tough for all the kids.  It didn't help anyone that it was 92 with 99% humidity either.  However, he's already talking about next week's practice, and the first game is in a couple weeks.  This is going to be fun!

Stylin'

"Mommy, can you put my hair in a jayhawk today? Pleeeaaaase?"
"Do you mean mohawk?"
"Yes, that.  Make it sticky-upy."

Fruits of our Labor

Earlier this summer we visited a small neighborhood "eat local" type festival and Evan got a free tomato plantling and pumpkin seeds.  Around the same time, we went strawberry picking in the fields, and the idea that food doesn't just come from the grocery store was reinforced.  Possibly the same weekend, we stopped at the nursery for some flowers to add to our planting beds, and they had a whole selection of strawberry plants outside.  Evan was overjoyed!  We brought one home, and Evan has been very patient, watching and waiting for his plants to sprout.

The pumpkin seeds unfortunately didn't make it through our vacation week in WI--they were doing fantastically, but ultimately got too dry--but the tomato and strawberry have thrived.  Our lone tomato isn't too big or too red yet, but every morning before school Evan cranes over the fence to see if it's still there (he's worried the deer will eat it) and if it's gotten any bigger.  The strawberries on the other hand are multiplying like crazy - I thought they'd be done in early July, but here it is mid-August and they're happier than ever! 

Brothers Go To School

While getting ready for school this morning, Evan realized that he and Drew have matching backpacks.  Well, not perfectly matching, he was quick to remind me, but "slimilar."  (Kudos to his teachers for teaching that word!)  However, he was thrilled to wear them together, and Drew couldn't have been happier to follow Evan's lead, though is backpack is nearly as big as he is!

My "momarazzi" moment as I crouched on the ground to get the shot then ran forward to get in position again got some sympathetic laughs from the other parents in the parking lot, but could these boys be any cuter?  And they're holding hands?  It melts this mommy's heart.  LOVE. 

Drew's First Haircut

Drew got his first haircut today.  It totally changes his look!  Mommy was very sad to lose the sweet baby curls :(  though it admittedly was time... his bangs reached down past his nose.  He seemed to know something was up, and protested getting into his car seat, which he never does.  But Evan was very supportive on the car ride and told him there was nothing to be worried about... "if she doesn't use the snippers (translation: electric clippers).  Those hurt.  Sometimes." (He just doesn't like the noise where he can't see it.)

Drew sat in the chair like a champ, but was none too happy about getting his hair cut.  He sobbed loudly the whole time, making everyone feel very sorry for him!  Even sitting in daddy's lap didn't help, and neither did Evan kindly giving Drew his Grover.  Drew was distracted for a second when Evan fell out of the chair next to us, but then quickly returned to crying big alligator tears.

Once he was out of the chair, Drew got happy again.  He checked himself out in the mirror, looking at both sides just like an adult.  He even kissed the mirror; I guess he likes his new 'do! 

After, we went next door to Sweet Frog's to "gradulabrate," as Evan calls it (i.e. celebrate) with some delicious ice cream and toppings. 

Here's Drew's before and after shots. Quite the difference! 

Softball

Mike's playing on a Spring softball team with a bunch of guys from work.  They're sponsored in part by Which Which Sandwich Shop, but Evan insists "it's Ghost Witch, because Witch Witch doesn't make sense."  They play every Monday, and we're having a lot of fun watching: we run, dig in the dirt, have a picnic, shag over-the-fence-balls, run, find the nearest playground, eat snacks, make new friends, run with our friends, get dirty, and at the end of the game, run the bases with daddy.  Whew.  Good thing mommy packs jammies in the car so the boys can fall asleep instantly after the game!