Friday, July 6, 2012
Introducing Technology
Gaga is an avid solitaire player and we asked her if she wanted to try playing Solitaire on Scott's iPad. After resisting for a while, she finally gave in and tried to play. Scott helped her play one game, but then she was done and said would stick with her deck of cards.
The zoo
Gaga wanted to take the boys to the little zoo in town. Since it was going to be a hot day, we tried to get there early, but we were moving a bit slower than we had planned. We had a nice stroll through the zoo and stopped often in the shade for water breaks.
Gaga and Karsten were leading the way to the zoo. How cute are they?
We kept trying to show Karsten the fish you could see swimming in the water, but he was distracted by the swans.
The peacocks were walking all over the zoo and we kept hoping they would show their feathers, but no such luck. This one hopped up on the fence when Karsten walked over to get a close look at him.
This little monkey was swinging everywhere by his tail. It was amazing how he would swing, then use his hands and feet to climb, then start swinging again!
Karsten enjoyed watching him.
Headed over to check out some more monkeys.
This sign was in front of the chimps - do you suppose they had to add this because a chimp threw 'other material' at someone? EWWWW.
The lions were so pretty and majestic. They stalked around their cage and would not look at or acknowledge us.
Watching the tigers who were stretched out in the shade trying to stay cool!
The stroll around the zoo put Liam to sleep!
They both looked at me at the same time - win!!
I really like this one!
Karsten sweet talked Gaga into three rides on the horsey.
And Liam slept through the whole thing!
We stopped at the water park area on the way out. Just when Karsten got up the nerve to run through the water, it turned off.
After a nap to recover from the fun at the zoo, we had Gaga's kool-aid popsicles before we went over to Kevin and Nancy's for dinner.
Gaga and Karsten were leading the way to the zoo. How cute are they?
We kept trying to show Karsten the fish you could see swimming in the water, but he was distracted by the swans.
The peacocks were walking all over the zoo and we kept hoping they would show their feathers, but no such luck. This one hopped up on the fence when Karsten walked over to get a close look at him.
This little monkey was swinging everywhere by his tail. It was amazing how he would swing, then use his hands and feet to climb, then start swinging again!
Karsten enjoyed watching him.
Headed over to check out some more monkeys.
This sign was in front of the chimps - do you suppose they had to add this because a chimp threw 'other material' at someone? EWWWW.
The lions were so pretty and majestic. They stalked around their cage and would not look at or acknowledge us.
Watching the tigers who were stretched out in the shade trying to stay cool!
The stroll around the zoo put Liam to sleep!
They both looked at me at the same time - win!!
I really like this one!
Karsten sweet talked Gaga into three rides on the horsey.
And Liam slept through the whole thing!
We stopped at the water park area on the way out. Just when Karsten got up the nerve to run through the water, it turned off.
After a nap to recover from the fun at the zoo, we had Gaga's kool-aid popsicles before we went over to Kevin and Nancy's for dinner.
Dinosaurs and Marshmallows
When we went over to Kevin and Nancy's house for dinner, Nancy got out Michael's dinosaur collection for Karsten to play with. He had so much fun setting them up, making them talk and walk.
For a while, Liam was content to chew on his toy and watch Karsten play dinosaurs, but then he scooted his way over and tried to grab dinosaurs.
Nancy enjoyed playing dinosaurs with Karsten.
After dinner, Kevin was going to toast marshmallows on the grill. Karsten was so excited because he loves marshmallows. We tried to convince him to let it cool for a while, but he was impatient. He waited for the minimum time then bit into it.
Then he cried and spit it out in Kevin's hand - sorry about that Kevin. :)
And then he was upset but we cajoled him back to good spirits by giving him non-cooked marshmallows.
For a while, Liam was content to chew on his toy and watch Karsten play dinosaurs, but then he scooted his way over and tried to grab dinosaurs.
Nancy enjoyed playing dinosaurs with Karsten.
After dinner, Kevin was going to toast marshmallows on the grill. Karsten was so excited because he loves marshmallows. We tried to convince him to let it cool for a while, but he was impatient. He waited for the minimum time then bit into it.
Then he cried and spit it out in Kevin's hand - sorry about that Kevin. :)
And then he was upset but we cajoled him back to good spirits by giving him non-cooked marshmallows.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Hello Gaga!
The drive from Colorado Springs to Gaga's house was much quicker than we expected. We had planned to stop along the way for lunch; however, both boys were sleeping so we kept driving.
We were excited to see Gaga and she was glad we had finally made it to her house! We toyed with her the week before when we were debating about rearranging our vacation because of the fires.
She has this cool green chair that was begging for a cute picture of the boys.
We had good attempts at a picture - they had been sitting for several hours and did not want to sit for a picture.
Karsten discovered that Liam liked the remote control digger as much as he did.
Then he got out his dinosaurs to play with Gaga.
Uncle Kevin, Aunt Nancy and Michael came over and we wanted to get a picture of the boys with their cousin Michael. Would you believe this was the best picture of the several I took? I know Michael's eyes are closed and neither Karsten or Liam are looking at the camera, but it really was the best one!
Uncle Kevin and Liam chatting.
We had El Charito for dinner - I had to point that out to make my mom jealous! El Charito has the best enchiladas smothered in spicy pork chili and amazing tacos with shells that are fried tortillas. YUM!
We were excited to see Gaga and she was glad we had finally made it to her house! We toyed with her the week before when we were debating about rearranging our vacation because of the fires.
She has this cool green chair that was begging for a cute picture of the boys.
We had good attempts at a picture - they had been sitting for several hours and did not want to sit for a picture.
Karsten discovered that Liam liked the remote control digger as much as he did.
Then he got out his dinosaurs to play with Gaga.
Uncle Kevin, Aunt Nancy and Michael came over and we wanted to get a picture of the boys with their cousin Michael. Would you believe this was the best picture of the several I took? I know Michael's eyes are closed and neither Karsten or Liam are looking at the camera, but it really was the best one!
Uncle Kevin and Liam chatting.
We had El Charito for dinner - I had to point that out to make my mom jealous! El Charito has the best enchiladas smothered in spicy pork chili and amazing tacos with shells that are fried tortillas. YUM!
On the road again
On Thursday, it was time for us to hit the road again and head to Gaga's house. We had a wonderful breakfast with everyone, then Liam got to snuggle with Grandma Heeke for a bit while we got everything loaded into the car.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Great holiday
We had a great day on the 4th - we relaxed, enjoyed time with family and watched the kids play. Can't think of a better way to spend the day!
Since the pools were just filled up, the water was quite chilly. The first time they sat down in the water, they popped right back up gasping for air because the water was so cold it took their breath away!
But Kimberly decided to be tough and get her hair wet. When she was done, she asked Karsten if he could do it.
And so he did!
Then they played on the balance bean for a bit.
Then it was back to the pool to cool off again!
Filling up the pool with some more {cold} water!
Liam and Scott watching the pool fun from the shade.
Karsten was excited that Scott wanted to get in the pool with him.
Taking a break from the water for lunch.
Right after we finished lunch, Scott went inside to get something and we heard him exclaim 'Well hi - we didn't know you were coming!!', then his cousin and his family walked outside. They have three little girls and as soon as they saw the pools, they ran out to their car to get their suits.
The kids started playing together like they'd known each other for ages.
We were celebrating the 4th of July AND Kimberly's birthday. Janeece got a bunch of balloons which were a huge hit with the kids. This is my attempt at capturing their parade with the balloons.
Karsten swinging with Uncle Steve.
Aunt Bobbie brought bubbles for all the kids. She even brought a teething toy for Liam since he couldn't blow bubbles - how sweet was that?!
Alana and Scarlett blowing bubbles.
Gabby
Karsten spent a lot of time putting the wand in and out of the bubbles.
Liam was intently watching the big kids blow bubbles. Occasionally, he would try to grab a bubble he saw floating past.
One of the girls saw how Liam was trying to catch the bubbles, so they decided to blow bubbles so Liam could catch them.
I think Kimberly enjoyed her birthday celebration!
Karsten played all sorts of games with the girls. After they had a tea party, they moved along to another toy. After a few minutes of that toy, he came back to have another tea party.
Everyone helping Kimberly blow out her candles.
Janeece was so thoughtful and kind and got each of the kids a gift because she didn't want them to feel left out when Kimberly opened her gifts. Karsten got this cool set of dinosaurs. Uncle Kevin was standing by Karsten after he opened it and said 'wow, those are cool dinosaurs'. Karsten looked at him and said 'yep, want to play?', and off they went. I think Karsten surprised Kevin when he asked him to play. :)
Uncle John had a good time playing with Liam. He makes fun cartoon voices that entertain all the little ones.
Scott's cousin Andy is so good with the little kids - he ran all over chasing and playing with the them. Here he is playing with some sort of little dolls with the girls. I don't know what they're called - if it's not a truck or a ball or a dinosaur, you won't find them at my house!
Karsten came up and said, 'look mommy, I have a necklace like you!'
After a fun day of relaxing, chatting and playing, all of the kids were worn out. We put the boys to bed and after an initial battle from Karsten of 'I'M NOT TIRED', he laid down and was out!
Janeece got out two baby pools for Karsten and Kimberly to play in. We didn't bring a suit for Karsten, so he wore an extra pair of shorts we had packed for him - didn't bother him a bit!
Since the pools were just filled up, the water was quite chilly. The first time they sat down in the water, they popped right back up gasping for air because the water was so cold it took their breath away!
But Kimberly decided to be tough and get her hair wet. When she was done, she asked Karsten if he could do it.
And so he did!
Then they played on the balance bean for a bit.
Then it was back to the pool to cool off again!
Filling up the pool with some more {cold} water!
Liam and Scott watching the pool fun from the shade.
Karsten was excited that Scott wanted to get in the pool with him.
Taking a break from the water for lunch.
Right after we finished lunch, Scott went inside to get something and we heard him exclaim 'Well hi - we didn't know you were coming!!', then his cousin and his family walked outside. They have three little girls and as soon as they saw the pools, they ran out to their car to get their suits.
The kids started playing together like they'd known each other for ages.
We were celebrating the 4th of July AND Kimberly's birthday. Janeece got a bunch of balloons which were a huge hit with the kids. This is my attempt at capturing their parade with the balloons.
Karsten swinging with Uncle Steve.
Aunt Bobbie brought bubbles for all the kids. She even brought a teething toy for Liam since he couldn't blow bubbles - how sweet was that?!
Alana and Scarlett blowing bubbles.
Gabby
Karsten spent a lot of time putting the wand in and out of the bubbles.
Liam was intently watching the big kids blow bubbles. Occasionally, he would try to grab a bubble he saw floating past.
One of the girls saw how Liam was trying to catch the bubbles, so they decided to blow bubbles so Liam could catch them.
I think Kimberly enjoyed her birthday celebration!
Karsten played all sorts of games with the girls. After they had a tea party, they moved along to another toy. After a few minutes of that toy, he came back to have another tea party.
Everyone helping Kimberly blow out her candles.
Janeece was so thoughtful and kind and got each of the kids a gift because she didn't want them to feel left out when Kimberly opened her gifts. Karsten got this cool set of dinosaurs. Uncle Kevin was standing by Karsten after he opened it and said 'wow, those are cool dinosaurs'. Karsten looked at him and said 'yep, want to play?', and off they went. I think Karsten surprised Kevin when he asked him to play. :)
Uncle John had a good time playing with Liam. He makes fun cartoon voices that entertain all the little ones.
Scott's cousin Andy is so good with the little kids - he ran all over chasing and playing with the them. Here he is playing with some sort of little dolls with the girls. I don't know what they're called - if it's not a truck or a ball or a dinosaur, you won't find them at my house!
Karsten came up and said, 'look mommy, I have a necklace like you!'
After a fun day of relaxing, chatting and playing, all of the kids were worn out. We put the boys to bed and after an initial battle from Karsten of 'I'M NOT TIRED', he laid down and was out!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)