Swim, Swim and Swim some more...

Its summertime in the desert and that means we spend a lot of time in the pool, trying to stay cool.

This past weekend was no exception.  We decided to have a pool party with Jarrett's family since his brother Nolan was in town from NYC.  It was wondeful to have everyone together and we had a lot of fun. 

Here are some photos from the pool party...

I'm not sure if they were playing Keep-Away or if Sharon and Jeremy were just referring the wrestling match between Nolan and Jarrett

Jarrett and his Mom

Papa playing catch with Gabriel

Alex getting ready to jump in!

Cheese Bennett!

I think they are practicing to be in the Vegas show "O" someday

Although it is hard to see there are 5 grandkids in the pool with Nana

What a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon. 

Until next time,
angie

Am I hearing this correctly?

Yesterday the boys and I went swimming.  After we were done, I went inside to change while the boys said they wanted to play outside.  When I finished changing I came outside to hear the boys pretending to be adults and having a conversation about their girlfriends.  I listened for a while and then I just had to grab the camera. 

How can it be they are talking about this?  This is way too early in my book.

Girlfriends???? Kissing???? WHAT!!!!  Oh my, I can feel the gray hair growing right now.

Until next time,
Angie

Ah, well, there you go…

Lately Michael and Gabriel have picked up the saying “Ah, well, there you go” and they must like it because they’ve been using it every chance they get. In fact, they don’t seem to care if it works in the situation or not, they use it.

For example…

Mom: Boys, I just found your goggles, they were in the swimming bag.

Michael: Ah, well, there you go.


Dad: Gabriel, I just put your cereal on the table. Now please go eat.

Gabriel: Okay Dad, ah, well, there you go.


Gabriel: Michael, you pretend I’m the teacher and it is show and tell.

Michael: Okay Gabriel…. Here’s my Batman toy, I play Batman with it. Ah, well, there you go!

I tell you, it seems more often than not, they use their saying more times when it doesn’t fit than when it does. I didn’t realize how often they were saying it that until recently when Jarrett brought my attention to it. Since then, I feel like they say it as often as teenagers today use the work “like” in their sentences.

So the other day, we asked the boys where they heard that saying. Figuring they heard it at school, we were a little surprised when they said from Bob. “You know Bob, Bob from Bob and Barb who came to visit us in the winter.  Mom, Bob always said “Ah, well, there you go” and Bob knows a lot so we can say it too. We’re getting big and we’re smart now.

After explaining their case to me, I just smiled and replied… “Ah, well, there you go!”

Until next time,
Angie

Chocolate Pudding

This afternoon someone helped me make chocolate pudding.  His job was to stir the pudding mix into the milk.  I gave specific instructions to stir it slowly and to let me know when he got all the lumps out.  And before I set him free on mixing the ingredients together I added one last reminder: "Were not going to eat the chocolate pudding now... it is for dinner tonight."

I went back to preparing the rest of the dinner and minutes later when he finally said he was finished I turned around to see him smiling. 

I said, "Gabriel are you sure you didn't taste any of the pudding?"

He turned his head to the side, smiled a big smirk and said, "Okay mom, I just had a little taste I promise.  And, how did you know?"

I'll leave that for you to decide.  I don't think you've had to be that good of a detective to solve this case...

Until next time,
angie

Puberty...

While I prepared dinner the other night Michael was sitting at the kitchen table cutting out a pig project he had made at school.  He was very involved in the process of cutting out the pig and I watched as he moved his open mouth in the same direction he moved the scissors. A true sign he is really into something.  Not speaking a word (which is a feat in itself for Michael), he was focusing on cutting and I could tell having a conversation in his mind.

I went about my business preparing dinner and let him alone to think and focus on his cutting skills.  Then out of nowhere Michael and I had the discussion I've wondered in my head how I will ever feel comfortable having.   It was a topic I though I had at least 5 more years to prepare for.  It was the talk about puberty.  I know I could hardly believe it myself....

As he turned the piece of paper and successfully finished cutting out the pig's snout, he looked up, put down his scissors, set the pig down on the table and said, "Mom, when can I get a mustache?"

"What honey?  What did you say?" I said.

"Mom, when do you get a mustache?  I want one.

Looking directly at him and walking over to the table I smiled and said, "What do you mean a mustache?"

"You know mom, like the one Dad has?  The one he gives me whisker rubs with."

Again making the mistake of not thinking before speaking, I immediately blurted out, "Oh honey, you'll get one when you go through puberty.  You'll just have to wait a few years."

Sitting quiet for just a second, I could tell he was reviewing every word carefully as it hit his ears.  Then he smiled, got up from his chair and headed toward his shoes which were on the floor right next to the couch.  As he started to put on his shoes he said, "No Mom, can you take me to  poobertea (puberty) now so I can get my mustache?"

Deciding I was a chicken and not ready to have the "puberty" talk yet, I just said, "Honey, I promise to take you someday but right now we have to eat dinner okay?"

Okay Mom, maybe we can go tomorrow? to which I simply replied... "Maybe"

Until next time,
Angie

What to get Dad for Father's Day?

Yesterday on our way home from school I told the boys that Father's Day is coming up and we have to think of something good to get Dad.  Then I asked the boys what they think we should get him and here's how the conversation went.

The first thing out of Gabriel's mouth was, " Hmmmm....Mom do we have a little bit of money or a lot?"

Thinking to myself, oh he's becoming money conscious, isn't that nice, I responded, "I think we have a little bit of money Gabriel. Why, what do you think we should get Dad?"

Gabriel:  "Mom, do we have enough money to buy Dad a motorcycle?"

Why again did I think he was becoming money conscious???, I laughingly said, "Um no Gabriel, we do not have enough money to buy Dad a motor cycle for Father's day."

Gabriel:  That's okay Mom, you can just buy me a new motorcycle okay?"

And before I could even respond to Gabriel's comment, Michael piped in:  "Mom, when is it Kid's Day so you and Dad can buy me a present?"

Until next time,
Angie

Visitors!

On Friday, May 20th we happily welcome visitors from Iowa. My parents and youngest sister MaeLyn decided to come out for Gabriel’s preschool graduation and in planning their trip they invited some of their friends to come along. It turns out those friends were Aaron (MaeLyn’s boyfriend), his parents and family. Although Aaron’s sister couldn’t make it, his brother Lucas and Lucas’ girlfriend Bree decided to come out to sunny and warm Arizona for a vacation.

As you may remember, last November I posted about a terrible accident that had happened involving my sister’s boyfriend and since then Aaron and his family have been going through a lot. Thankfully Aaron continues to get better, is very optimist and driven about what his future will look like and although his road to recovery is a long one, we are so thankful that he’s here and doing so well. With all that he and his family have gone through, I think they were welcoming a vacation (and a well deserved one if I may say).

Last Friday, when Jarrett, Gabriel, Michael and I went to the airport to pick everyone up, we could hardly contain our excitement. This would be our first time seeing Aaron since the accident and the first time meeting his family. As we waited in the luggage area for them to come out of the security checkpoint, I was nervous to see Aaron for the last time I saw him he walked tall at least 6ft 3inches. This time I knew we’d be seeing him a wheel chair. Again I thought to myself, how thankful I was that we were just getting to see him. I remember how scary that first night was after the fall and how they didn’t know just how bad everything was.

And then, out from security they came, Aaron, MaeLyn and Joanne, Jerry, Lucas and Bree and with hugs we welcomed them to Arizona. I have to say I think Aaron looks wonderful and although I know it has been a long journey so far, I think he’s doing an amazing job adjusting. I can tell from his spirits, determination and his family support, I truly believe also that one day (and hopefully soon) he will be standing (and walking) tall.

Although the Heyings were probably looking forward to a quiet and relaxing vacation, we have given them exactly the opposite.  We kept them very busy and the event planner inside me, prepared a detailed agenda of activities for each day. On Saturday we got them tickets to a Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game and on Sunday, we had everyone over for a pool party at our house. With the nice warm weather everyone was getting into the pool and the boys were very excited for Aaron to get in as well.

The boys playing train... Lucas, Gabriel, Aaron and Michael

Then MaeLyn and Aaron had a water gun fight against Lucas and Bree

I won't say exactly who won but poor Bree looks like she's been getting the brunt of the spray.

Jerry's shoulders were great to jump from!

Aaron was a little nervous about going in the pool, and with good reason to be. I can’t imagine how scary it would be to not be able to feel anything from your waist down and I understand from his one and only time of going swimming before, when he got into the water his feet floated which threw off his balance and resulted in him struggling just to keep his head above water. I too, would be very reluctant about getting back in. But it seems just like the fighter Aaron is, he conquered his fear and got into the pool. I felt like I was watching a hero achieving a great feat. Aaron got in the water and played with the boys, participating in several water gun fights, a water choo-choo train and a back floating contest (which he won)!!! As wonderful as all that was, the most moving and eye-watering experience was this….

Aaron asked to be stood up so he could take a picure.  I think it is pretty clear they were beaming.  If I remember correctly, I think Aaron said, "This is the way things should be."

 And then this happened...

Aaron and MaeLyn were hanging out together in the pool when all of a sudden MaeLyn called Lucas over to watch something and soon enough everyone was soon watching Aaron move his legs. Although I had my shades on, my eyes were filled with tears as we watched Aaron do something he has been trying to do for months. With celebration cheers and high fives, it was fun to witness Aaron’s confidence in the water increase and his bravery be rewarded. Truly awe-inspiring.

Although the video is kind of hard to hear, here's Aaron focusing on trying to move his legs.  You can see how everyone was around him, watching in awe as he put all his energy into moving his leg up and down.

MaeLyn and Aaron sharing a celebration moment!

 On Monday we took the Heyings (Aaron’s family) to the AZ Science Center where they went through the Body Worlds exhibit while Jarrett, the boys, my mom, dad and I toured the center for the first time as a family. While the others had fun looking at human bodies that have been plasticized, we toured different exhibits, including the body exhibit, the blocks exhibit, the movement and magnet section and more.

Grandpa and Michael investigating a huge stomach

Michael climbing!  One of his favorite things to do.

Looking through a block at the science center...

Michael's turn!

The structure they built

 It was a fun afternoon which ended with a visit to Rustler’s Rooste for dinner.  We ended up arriving early and got to spend sometime playing shuffle board.  While the adults played shuffle board, Michael did his best to put the moves on Lucas' girlfriend Bree.  Michael and Gabriel both thought Bree was very pretty and spent a lot of time telling me just how pretty she is.  At the restaurant Michael decided it was time she give him a kiss so he kept telling her she was his girlfriend.  Bree went along with it and said she'd give into his request and give him a kiss on the cheek if he was good at dinner.   On his best behavior, he must have really wanted her affection as he behaved very well and did indeed get his kiss.  Bree~ the boys are waiting for you to come back!

At the end of dinner they bring coton candy for dessert.  It wasn't the kids who were going after it either!  Someone else, I won't name names, was really excited about it!

We took pictures of the Phoenix skyline before leaving.

The Heyings!

Gabriel and his friend Lucas!

On Tuesday and Wednesday the crew headed up to northern Arizona to visit Sedona and Flagstaff before going up to the grand canyon on Wednesday. Mom and Dad had a surprise for them.  As they told the Heyings they were going to visit the Grand Canyon, instead they drove them to an airport where they had reserved a helicopter for them to ride on.  I understand there is no better way to view the Grand Canyon than by helicopter.  So that is just what they got to do!  Although we weren't able to go, we were just as excited for them and anxious to hear what they thought.

Right afer the ride I called Dad and he passed the phone to Aaron.  One of the first things Aaron said was, "I think I'll become a helicopter pilot. That was awesome!" 

On Wednesday night we went to the Casino Arizona Showstoppers performance and then spent a few minutes gambling.  Joe and Sharon, Jarrett's parents were able to join us.  It was a lot of fun.

Thursday, May 26 we looked forward to celebrating with Gabriel on his pre-school graduation.  The morning was pretty quiet and for lunch we took Gabriel out at BJ's before going to to the school to watch him graduate.  It was a great ceremony and one that I'll highlight in detail separately.  I will say though that Gabriel was blessed to have more family and friends in attendance than any other graduate.  It was wonderful to watch him beam with pride that he had so many loved one's present to watch him achieve probably the biggest accomplishment in his entire life. 

Gabriel walking up to get his diploma

Gabriel and his teacher Ms. Stacey

Thursday evening Joe and Sharon invited us up to their home for a tasty dinner.  As the last night that Jerry, Joanne, Lucas and Bree were in town, we enjoyed a tasty dinner and the company even more.

And then, in what seemed like a blink of an eye, some of the crew had to depart as their vacation was over.  Friday morning Jerry, Joanne, Lucas and Bree went back home but promised to come back and visit again.  Which we'll be holding them to their promise!

I was thankful that my parents, MaeLyn and Aaron were staying through Memorial Day.  The weekend flew by as we visited Kartchner's Caverns, went to see Hangover 2 and had another pool party. Although we were busy, the weekend gave us some time to talk and catch up on conversations we hadn't been able to have in a long time.

After swimming we sat outside and talked.  Because I was hot I brought out the spray bottle filled with water. Michael and Aaron had a lot of fun torturing MaeLyn with the cold water.

On Sunday, May 29 I celebrated my 31st birthday and after having Mom, Dad, MaeLyn, Aaron, Nolan and the Petersen's over to swim, we decided to go over to Native New Yorker for dinner.  We ordered pizza and wings.  Can you tell who liked them?

When Aaron was in the hospital, we wanted to send him something to let him know we were thinking of him.  When I asked the boys what we should do they insisted that we make Aaron, MaeLyn and his mom "Super Hero" bracelets.  The beaded bracelets you see Aaron and MaeLyn wearing are the bracelets the boys made them.  When Gabriel and Michael were putting the beads on the thread they both said, "Mom, these super hero bracelets will give Aaron super hero power so he can get better."  I shared that with Aaron and I guess they (including Joanne) have been wearing them ever since.   We were very touched!

The dinner crew!

On the last night before Aaron and MaeLyn had to go home.  Can you tell how much fun the boys had with them?

Okay, well we all had fun!

Going home :-(  I was sad to drop them off. 

Having my parents, MaeLyn, Aaron and they Heying family visit Arizona was truly a blast.  I don't think I've laughed so hard for so many days in a long time. 

I hope the Heyings had a nice vacation too and I promise next time I'll resist my planning urge, and give you the relaxing and stressfree vacation you didn't get this time.  Thanks for coming to visit. 

Until next time,

Angie