Barton Springs Picnic Lunch

This morning I was trying to figure out what to do with the boys.  They were being good playing inside, but I thought we should get out of the house.

I decided to talk them to Zilker Park.

We parked at the lake trail and walked (Noah in the stroller) about 1.5 miles to Barton Springs / Zilker Park.  The Barton Springs pool was closed so we went to the free part where the actual springs are.  Evan had fun.  Noah was a little timid because there were a lot of rocks and they were a bit slippery.  The water was shallow though, which was nice.

After playing in the water we had a picnic lunch.

We walked back to the car.

At home I made shaved ice for the boys and me.

At 5:20 we went to the gym for swim lessons.  The boys did well.

We had leftover Coke Ham for dinner.

Morry is reading to the boys now.

Evan's Big Mistake

Last night Evan got dessert out of the freezer in the laundry room and left the door to the freezer wide open.  We had a very unpleasant surprise this morning.  A night with an open freezer is not.  Not only was the food warm, stuff had leaked everywhere.  We had a big mess.  We had to throw everything away.  There was meat, chicken, fish, vegetables, fruit, already prepared meals I had frozen, desserts, and more.  We made Evan help us clean up everything. Lots of money and time was wasted.  So, that's how the morning started.

Morry dropped off Evan at camp.

Noah and I went for a run (me pushing him in the stroller).

Noah's new teacher, Miss Annie, came to house today.  He has one week left of school in his current class.

Noah and I went to pick up Evan from camp.  Morry met us there.  The kids had made Lego robots.  In the middle of the room they had built towers with plastic cups and plates.  At the end of class the kids got to have their robots knock down all of the towers.  The kids seem to enjoy that.

Jack came over to our house after camp and stayed until about 1:45.

The boys had swimming lessons at the gym at 5:20.

After that we went to pick up food for me at Panera and food for Morry at Popeyes.  I packed a dinner for the boys earlier and we had a picnic dinner at Mt. Bonnell.  It was very nice, at first.  Then Noah got really whiny and made it unpleasant.

We got home not that long ago.  The boys are in bed now.

New Bike and Swim Lessons

This morning I went for a run and then we all went to get Evan a new used bike.  I looked on Craigslist and found one that looked good.  It's a Trek brand that's a few years old.  We met the guy at his work and Evan tried out the bike.  It seemed good so we bought it.

We had lunch at home.

A bunch of our water bottles got ruined today.  I normally put them in the dishwasher, but this time they were melted and distorted (even the ones on the top rack).  I couldn't figure out what happened.  We noticed, somehow, the dishwasher was set to the high heat setting.  Most likely one of the boys pressed it.  We had a talk with them about pushing the buttons.  Now, we need to go out and buy new water bottles for all of us.

This afternoon Morry went to the doctor.  He's still not feeling well.  The doctor gave him some cough medicine and antibiotics.

Around 4:40 we left for the gym.  The boys had swim lessons at 5:20.  We got there early and they were able to play in the water a little bit before the lessons.  They were in separate lessons in the indoor pool.  There were 2 other kids in Noah's class.  Evan ended up having a private lesson.  The kids seemed to enjoy it and do well.

We picked up Morry's medicine at HEB on the way home.

We had leftovers for dinner tonight.

Morry is about to read to the boys and then hopefully they'll go to sleep.

Here are 3 of the melted water bottles.  The others aren't so bad, but the lids don't close well anymore on those.

Last Swim Lesson with Ms Kathy

This morning we had our last swim lesson. Evan and Noah did well. See the video below. They made huge improvements. It was definitely worth it.

After swimming I dropped them off at Clubhouse for Kids so I could get a few things done.

When I picked them up we went to Target so the boys could pick out a toy. I promised they could get a small toy when we finished swimming lessons. Noah picked out 3D sidewalk chalk and Evan picked a Steelers Roethlisberger figure.

Noah was very cranky this afternoon and eventually fell asleep in the hallway on the floor for a little bit.

When Morry got home we walked to Evan's new school to see the class/teacher list. They said they'd post it after 5 today. Evan has Mr. Valdes and there is one girl we know in the class with him. We will go tomorrow to meet the teacher and drop off school supplies.

For dinner we had hamburger sliders.

Morry and the boys are watching the Steelers game right now.

Fun in the Sun - Water Day

This morning we went to swim lessons from 10 - 10:30. Again, the boys did really well. They dove through a hula hoop, swam a lot, and went down the slide. The video is below.

Then, we came home and quickly got ready for Volente Beach. Volente Beach is a small water park on the lake. We decided to go today thinking it would be less crowded during the week. Morry got off work early so he could go with us.

We picked up Morry from work and then headed over to Volente Beach. It was not crowded at all. Evan and Noah had a great time. Evan only went on one of the slides, but both boys had fun swimming in the pool, and doing other various activities for the kids. We stayed there until about 6pm.

On the way home we ate at Chick Fil A for dinner.

We are all very exhausted. Noah started misbehaving tonight and made things very difficult.

Let's hope everyone gets a good sleep. We all need it.

Bonus day with Michael and Jen

Last night, right after I had put the sheets and towels in the washing machine, we got a text from Michael. They were still at the airport and their flight had been canceled. The next flight wasn't leaving until today.

Morry went and got them at the airport and they spent the night at our house last night.

The earliest flight they could get back to Seattle was 1pm today.

I took the boys to swimming and when we came home we took Michael and Jen to the airport.

We ate lunch at home and then took it easy the rest of the day.

For dinner we made various leftovers and salad.

Noah is still eating, but as soon as he finishes we'll give the boys baths and put them to bed.

Playing with Uncle Mike and Aunt Jen

I ran 3 miles with the boys in the stroller this morning.

We went to swim lessons at 10am. Evan and Noah did well and Noah didn't cry at all today. Below is video from the swim lesson today.

The rest of the day we hung out at home. Michael and Jen were still here and they boys loved playing with them. Lauren and Garrett came over for a while this afternoon as well. We all had a nice time.

Evan and Noah seemed a little sad when Michael and Jen left to go to the airport around 4pm.

For dinner we had pasta and salad.

In a few minutes we'll start getting the boys ready for bed.

Swim, Door, Tutor, ...

First I ran with the boys in the stroller.

Then, John came to start refinishing our door and outside shutters.

I took the boys to swimming. They did well. Noah still won't jump off the waterfall on his own. He didn't like that part, but seemed to do well with the other swimming. I promised the boys we could get Blizzy's (shaved ice) later in the afternoon since they had a good swimming week.

Morry came home at lunch time. We had the floor lady come by to measure the house and show us some samples.

Then, at 1pm I had a student come for tutoring.

Noah actually napped.

I woke him up around 4pm and we went to Blizzy's.

After Blizzy's we went to the bank and then Panera to pick up my dinner.

The boys and I were by ourselves tonight. Morry had a meeting. I made mac and cheese for the boys and ate my Panera's.

Evan and Noah are eating their Panera cookie and then I'll get them ready for bed.

Swim Lessons and Wonders and Worries

This morning I ran with the boys in the stroller.

Today we had swim lesson number 3. The boys were excited to go. They both did really well at first. Then, when it was time to go to the bottom of the pool Noah got upset. After he did it, he was fine and very proud of himself. Towards the end, Ms. Kathy had the kids jumping (or being thrown) off the waterfall ledge and swimming to her. You can see it a little bit in the video. I had to throw Noah because he didn't want to jump. At the end of class I asked if they each wanted another turn on the waterfall and they both said yes.

At home we got ready for the carpet cleaning people. We ate lunch and then they came around 2pm. We got all of our carpets cleaned, the tile in the kitchen cleaned, and also our couch.

We had our last Wonders and Worries tonight. The kids got to do water games (water balloons, ...) and they had a good time.

The boys got McDonalds on the way home. When they finish eating we'll put them to bed.

More Swimming and The Fire Station

We had another swim lesson today. As we were walking up the steps to get to the pool I could already hear kids screaming and crying. Evan did well from the start. Noah starting throwing a fit right away. I told him I would only hold him after his turns if he didn't cry. That actually helped. Then, about in the middle of the lesson after Noah's turn he ran up to me and said "She didn't hold me and I swam without floaties." He was so proud of himself and after that he did fine. Over and over today he kept asking, "Can you believe I swam without floaties today?" So, we are making progress. Let's hope he keeps this up tomorrow.

Morry worked from home today.

When we came home Noah couldn't wait to tell Morry about swimming.

At 4pm we met the moms club at the fire station near us. We got a tour, safety video, and the kids got to climb on the fire truck.

When we got home got dinner ready and then ate.

We had our clean up night tonight since we are getting the carpet cleaned tomorrow.

Now we are going upstairs to get the kids ready for bed.

Noah didn't want to be in the picture

10 Years!

I ran 3 miles pushing the boys in the stroller.

Then, at 10am we had our first swim lesson with Ms. Kathy. There were 9 kids of various ages in the class. Evan was one of the oldest and best. There was a girl who was maybe 8 or 9 and she swam a little better than Evan. Evan was the only one who didn't cry. There was a ton of crying. She said that's typical and gets better over time. To encourage Noah I told him he could decide where to get ice cream when we were done. He chose McDonalds.

After McDonalds we went to Target and ran into Morry there. I didn't know he was going to be there and the boys were super excited to see him.

At 4pm Gabby came over. I had a meeting with an MBSquared client to talk about marketing, social media, and other suggestions.

Then, Morry and I met for dinner at the Mansion at Judges Hill. Today is the 10 year anniversary of our first date. 10 Years! We had a nice dinner.

When we got home the boys were happy and already and already in their pajamas. They are still playing in their rooms.

Tomorrow is another swim lesson. I'll let you know how it goes.

Here's a video from today's swim lesson.

Last Swimming Lesson

We had the swimming lesson today since Monday was July 4th. The boys had to have their swim lesson outside since the indoor pool was closed. I'm not sure why. Evan and Noah did very well and the teacher was impressed when Evan told him he went down the slide and swam multiple times over the weekend.

After the gym we came home. The boys played in the sprinkler in the backyard while I got lunch ready.

Noah didn't nap.

We had Wonders and Worries tonight. On the way over there we stopped at the library. Noah insisted I get some Hawaiian music while we were there. I picked up a CD for him.

We just got home from Wonders and Worries and are about to put the boys to bed.

Swim Lessons #3

Evan and Noah had their 3rd swim lesson today. I can tell they are improving. Evan is starting to swim a little on his own. Noah is getting more comfortable in the water. We have one more swim lesson next week.

After swimming we ran a few errands and then I dropped the boys off at Clubhouse for Kids. I made a doctors appointment with a new doctor today. My throat has been bothering me almost 2 weeks now, but I don't have a fever.

I liked this new doctor. My strep test came back negative, so he started me on a z-pack.

I picked the boys up and then we came home. Noah didn't nap.

For dinner I had a veggie burger and Morry had a hamburger.

Morry is reading to the boys now and then we'll put them to bed.

Swim Lessons #2

I didn't sleep well last night.

Normally I would workout before swim lessons, but I was really tired. Evan and Noah did well at their swim lessons and then we swam in the outdoor pool for a little bit.

At home we had lunch and then I tried to put Noah down for a nap. During Noah's "nap", I moved all of my computer/office stuff into the actual office rather than the dining room. I also did some reading workbooks with Evan. Many years ago, when I was at Texas State I volunteered working with a bilingual kindergarten student. The school gave me a bunch of workbooks and I still have them. Evan loved doing the worksheets in the book. There were letter recognition exercises and rhyming word activities. Evan wanted to keep going when I stopped to do more work on the office. We did a few more pages.

For dinner we had pasta.

We gave the boys baths, got them ready for bed, and now Morry is reading to them.

Swim Lessons

This morning we went to the gym. I worked out a little and then took the boys to their swim lesson there in the indoor pool. I signed them up for semi-private lessons, just the two of them. I was not in the water with them, but I sat off to the side. They both seemed happy and followed directions.

After the gym we went to Sams Club. I got the boys food there and they ate while we walked around. They were both good. I got a lot of stuff and by the time I got home and put everything away I was exhausted. It was a lot of loading and unloading either to the cart or the car or at home.

I tried to take a nap, but Noah was very cranky and threw a fit in his room.

For dinner we had our leftover casserole and Morry made shrimp for the boys. They are both acting really wild tonight. We'll try to put them to bed soon.

Kirby

Hello everyone, this is Morry.

This morning, Evan came in around room around 6:15am. He said he wanted to watch Scooby-Doo. We told him it was too early and he should go back to sleep. He seemed to. He came back in about an hour and half later.

When all of us got up, Rachel and I decided to go for a run. She's been running a bit so I didn't run as long. She was pushing the stroller too.

We got home and got dressed for swim lessons. Noah was doing as well as he was last week. He really didn't want to go under the water but he was doing everything else. He seems to really enjoy being in the water. During Noah's swim lesson, the fire alarm went off. We had to leave the pool and go out into the parking lot for a bit. After a few minutes they let us back in. Evan did well during his swim lessons. She said he's kicking a lot better. She said he's progressing well.

After swim lessons, we over to the new bagel place, Whole Bagels and picked up lunch for Rachel and me. Then we got lunch for the boys at Chick-Fil-A and headed up north. Our vacuum cleaner broke. We seem to go through a lot of vacuum cleaners. We decided that we were going to go with the top-of-the-line - a Kirby vacuum cleaner. We found a lady that was selling on for about 1/5 of what she paid in north Austin. So we went up and picked it up.

We came home and Noah and Rachel napped. I cleaned up some while Evan watched Scooby-Doo.

For dinner we went to Cypress Grill. We had paid $10 for a $20 certificate from The Lunch Deal. The waiter was very good. I liked my food but Rachel's was too creamy.

We came home and Rachel used Kirby while I got the boys ready for bed. Rachel was impressed with it.

The boys are in bed now.

Until next time...

Water and Ice

Hello everyone, this is Morry.

Last night, for some reason, Evan got up around 12:30am. I'm really not sure why. He didn't seem scared, he wasn't upset. He just got up and told me he wasn't tired anymore. It took him a long time to go back to sleep. He came into our room several times.

Noah got up first this morning and was asking to be let out from his room. I think that woke Evan up and Evan got up. I think Evan let Noah out and Rachel turned on the tv in the gameroom for them.

Around 10am, the phone rang. It was the someone from the Office of the President from DirecTV. After our latest run-in with DirecTV on Thursday night, I found an email address for the some woman who was high up. I sent an email stating our unhappiness. The person today was very nice and the receiver we wanted has now been shipped.

After that, we went to the gym for swim lessons. I took Noah in and he did pretty well. He decided that he didn't want to go under the water so he didn't participate in everything, but overall he did really well. Evan also did well. His instructor said he really good at relaxing himself and floating. He needs to work on his kicking some but he's doing well.

When we left the gym, we had a couple errands to run. First we stopped by Newflower Market because they donated a bag of items to Rachel for her cousin's bridal shower. Then we stopped at McDonald's to pick up lunch for the boys. After that we met a lady because she was selling us another Leapster for Noah and nine games. She had been advertising on Craig's List. We really got a deal.

We came home and Noah and Rachel napped while Evan watched Scooby-Doo and played with the new Leapster and Leapster games.

Evan has been begging to go ice skating for a while now. So we decided we'd go ice skating tonight. First we went to dinner at Enchiladas y Mas which is by the ice skating rink. The boys were very well behaved. Then we went ice skating.

When we got to the rink, Evan kept complaining as we tried to get the skates on him. He said they hurt. We went through three different pairs. Both Rachel and I tried. Finally, Rachel got them on and Evan seemed fine. I put him on the ice and we started to go a little bit and then Evan just freaked out. He started screaming that he was scared and was crying. I tried to get him to go some more and then I picked him up and skated a bit while holding him and the wall. I got him somewhat calm and explained that he falls when he's not on ice all the time. Falling on ice is not a big deal. Some guy who works there came over to me and told me I wasn't allowed to carry Evan. I understood, but the moment I put Evan back down he started to freak out again. At this point we were about half way around. There was an opening where the bench is for the hockey team and so we got out there. But the guy came over and told me we couldn't walk all the way around that way. So I had to put Evan back on the ice. I finally just gave up and pushed him across the ice rather than staying on the wall. I can skate but I'm not a strong skater so that was tough. I'm just not sure why Evan was so scared. He rarely ever shows fear of athletic activity and he has already been skating before. Not only that but he wanted to go. Luckily they gave us our money back and we went home.

The boys are now in bed, each playing with their Leapsters.

Until next time...