BBQ

We hosted our first BBQ at the new place - side note: friends had to wheel down theirs as we still don't own one -- and had a fun afternoon of sprinklers, cold bevies, hamburgers and cupcakes. Rhys was the big kid at almost 4.5 and did a pretty good job making sure all the littles were entertained.

Our guests were two of our favorite new couple friends, but sadly both are moving this year away from St Louis and back to their homelands (Melbourne and New Haven, CT area). Their combined friendship has made St Louis much more enjoyable for all of us...but at least we have more places to visit in the coming years. Australian Open, anyone?

Summer

The Little Sister gets to shine.

Claudie loves looking up to Loden.

Hello, World

Dom and I talked today about how we have somehow made two dare-devil children. I can see it from Dom's genes but mine -- we were more about non-combat sports and playing it safe.

It is true that the children like speed and wheels and are generally pretty fear-less -- however, the best part about today was watching Rhys head outside to the backyard to eat his Popsicle and taking a minute to look up to see if the baby birds had returned. (Ok, maybe you would have had to see it as I did from the kitchen window when he didn't know I was looking).

He truly has a sweet nature (just ask his teachers!) and even though parenting him keeps me on my toes, I wouldn't trade him in for anything.

Love him!

Water Day

Yesterday was Water Day at school and Rhys and Claudia were able to wear their swimsuits for a fun-filled hour plus of washing the playground. As noted before on this blog, you need several swimsuits, towels and bottles of sunscreen here in the "lower Midwest". And it looks like it will be close to 100 degrees this weekend. Luckily, the swimming pools will be open.

Claudia with our friend Belinda and baby Eddie (Jock's brother).

C with best buddy J enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Things are a blooming...

...and we aren't sure what they are or how to take care of them. We are in need of some gardening advice -- when to prune, trim, dig out...you name it.

Buying a first home -- rather past the time most people have a home with a yard - means we have had to purchase a lawn mower, a leaf blower, a rake, a shovel - and I think that might just be the tip of the iceberg.

All this natural wonder can be stressful -- so, I must remind myself to watch the flowers bloom on whatever tree or plant they are -- and enjoy the wonder.

Summer is here...

The slip n' slide is out, swimsuits are on, and fun in the neighborhood continues...

Rhys captures the moment -- and yes, I did slip n slide on our front lawn.

The excitement...

Getting ready for visitors.

His first few rides...

This was taken by a proud papa when Rhys' training wheels came off. I think he was more excited about the bike than Rhys' first steps.

We credit the balance bike to his easy transition...not our coaching talent. These days, Rhys is doing stand-up tricks and riding with the neighborhood gang...much to our consternation. Now, I need to dust off my wheels (literally as the last time I rode the bike it was 2006) so we can go biking together. We should find an inexpensive used bike for Dom and a carrier for Claudia -- and we can become a biking family.  Isn't it great what your children can bring back into your lives as they take away sleep and spontaneity.

And sorry for the side-ways video...Sheila, can you post the free service you use to fix video? I know you are one of our five loyal readers. Thanks!

Beauty

Tractor fun

You are never too old, or too young, to ride a John Deere tractor.

Cancer

What a scary word that is...my mom fought her battle in her early 40s against breast cancer, thought she was "cured," but it returned at 65 in her bones. Fortunately, there are treatments for hormone-based breast cancers today that didn't exist 23 years ago. And she is doing great. I visited recently to check in on my mom and Ed - and to see the lingering tornado damage from 2011.

No visit is complete without reference to their great love -- the DOG. Claudia would have been in heaven.

Mom and Ed - doing great after health and nature scares from the last year.

Having a few zen Thoreau moments in New England's nature-- you just have to! 

Firetruck park

Twelve to 18 months ago Fire Trucks were Rhys' number one interest. We would visit the fire station...get all the fire truck books out at the library...and watch fire truck shows. Interests change -- these days, Rhys just wants to ride his bike (who can blame him really) - and he has little time for organized sports like T-ball or soccer or swim lessons (even though he did get promoted to the next level, it isn't top of his list right now as it interrupts bike time).

Claudia, on the other hand, can't wait to play "football" - I think she means soccer and has special football socks she likes to wear while she kicks the ball. So fun to enjoy and learn about what they like to do...