We got the kids a new swimming pool, and with the hot weather we've been having, they've spent quite a lot of time enjoying it. This one has a slide and is between 12 and 18 inches deep. Kaitlyn has only gotten inside of it a couple of times. She hates cold water, so she usually stands outside the pool and plays with the toys in the water. Talon loves it and will go in it even if it's not very warm out and the water's freezing. He loves the slide... though he doesn't go down it as often when it's really cold.
The kids were running around the yard, and Talon kept saying, "Mommy, take a picture of me!". So, I did.
Why the goofy face? Daddy had brought home some 'Sour Patch Kids' candy that they were snacking on. I had to keep an eye on Kaitlyn... she kept dropping hers, then would pick them up and try to put them in her mouth all covered in dirt. Yuck!
We took a trip to the beach this past week. It was the kids' first time, and they had a blast. It was nice to get away and just relax for a couple of days! Of course, we took lots of pictures!
When we left our house, it was 99*. The air conditioner in our van couldn't keep up with the heat, so we had a rather uncomfortable trip down there. As we got closer to the beach, however, the weather started to change. About 20 to 30 miles from Newport, the temperature started dropping rapidly. As we got close to our motel, we could hardly see because the fog was so thick. The temperature had dropped to 54*, it was windy and a little chilly. Crazy! It was a nice reprieve from the heat wave we had been experiencing at home. Thankfully, I had packed for warm and cold weather, coats and all, because you never know in Oregon!
Once settled in, we ran to the dollar store to grab some beach/sand toys. I had bought 4 beach balls, but only blew up one of them to take down the first night, because they get cumbersome to carry. Talon wanted to carry it, so we told him to hold on tight... it already had tried to blow away in the parking lot. As soon as we got down to the beach, Talon tried to bounce his ball. The wind came through, picked it up, and that ball took off! He took off after it, but it was G-O-N-E! I tried to run after both him and the ball, with a hot coffee in one hand and my camera in the other. When Talon saw me chasing after the ball too, he thought it was great and kept running for all he was worth. Anthony stood back and just laughed and laughed... you could hear him cackle clear down the beach. I'm sure we were quite the sight! I quickly realized there was no way we were gonna catch the ball... it was waaaaaaay down the beach. I told Talon we had to let it go, and we would get another one when we got back to the car. He fell apart! He just couldn't believe we weren't gonna go get his ball. After many tears were shed, he finally got excited about the water and the sand, and didn't fixate on it any more. The next day, he didn't argue when we told him he should leave the ball in the car while we played on the beach. I really didn't want to have to deal with another emotional breakdown when that one disappeared as well!
The kids weren't so sure about the sand. Kaitlyn immediately wanted me to carry her once the sand got on her feet. They got used to it pretty fast, though.
Very intrigued with all the water!
I thought Talon would be the cautious one. Nope! He ran right for the water. It was freezing, but he didn't care. He loved it!
I kept asking him if he was cold. He insisted he wasn't... although his face and body language said different. He just didn't want to leave!
No matter what the weather, the water is always amazing!
Kaitlyn wanted no part in going near the water, so we had to carry her. I put her down in it once and she hated it... it was so cold!
Talon tripped and fell forward in the water. It was only ankle deep, but he got soaked! After that, he finally admitted he was cold and wanted to change his clothes.
Daddy and Sissy heading back to the car. It was quite a walk!
The next day was beautiful. It was still overcast, but the temperature was in the 70's and less foggy. All Talon could focus on was going back on the beach and going in the water. Daddy took him in most of the time while I stayed back with Kaitlyn.
They absolutely loved playing in the sand... especially Kaitlyn! We tried to build a sand castle, but they kept walking all over it, trying to smash down all the big piles. Another thing Kaitlyn discovered was seaweed. She kept picking it up and putting it in her cup, or just carrying it around. Yuck!
They crashed once we got into the car. We drove down the beach to get some lunch, and took turns going into shops while the kids stayed in the car and slept. We had experienced Kaitlyn not getting a nap the day before, and weren't about to make that mistake again. Crazy how life changes once you have kids!
I got the kids big suckers, but was a little apprehensive to let them have them in the car because I had a feeling they would make a huge mess. I gave in about an hour before we got home, and my suspicions proved to be correct. They were a disaster! Kaitlyn was a red, sticky mess! It was so hot, though, that when we got home, I filled up the swimming pool and let them play in the water for a couple of hours. They cleaned up quite nicely!
We had a great time and can't wait until we get to go again!
We went to my parents' house to celebrate on the 4th. We barbecued and had a big potluck. We ate, and ate, and ate...
Anthony's parents came, as well as Loren and Kandi Brown and their kids. We had a great time visiting with everyone!
The kids had a blast playing outside and jumping on the trampoline. It was cloudy and a little chilly outside, but thankfully it didn't rain!
'Supervising' while Auntie Kayla and Laura sort through some fireworks.
Talon's 1st sparkler.
He thought it was great... though he kept trying to hold it close to his face and blow it out.
**The tailgate party**
All bundled up in the back of Uncle Jeremy's truck, snacking, and waiting for the fireworks to begin. The kids thought the fireworks were pretty neat. When the first one went off, it was really loud. I thought they might get a little scared. Nope! Kaitlyn's face lit up and she yelled, "Happy!".
We hope everyone had a safe and happy Independence Day 2010!
The kids love water. Rain or shine, Talon begs daily to go outside and play in the pool. It's only about 8" deep, but hey... it's water! Since we've finally had some warm weather, I slathered the kids in sunblock and we went out and had a water day. They loved it!
The results of him begging, "Mommy, splash me!"
Chillin' in the shade with the dogs.
The rose Anthony picked for me from our rose bush. I couldn't believe how fragrant it was... you could smell it throughout the whole kitchen!
Kaitlyn has now graduated to riding Talon's trike... well, she tries anyway! She gets frustrated because she just can't quite get it to go by herself and has a hard time with the pedals, but doesn't want anyone to help her. She's so independent!
We celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary in May. We live in Minot, North Dakota. Anthony is on the ministerial staff at our church, Apostolic Faith Church, and enjoys playing the guitar. Candice is an RN, and the Unit Manager of Pediatrics and the NICU at the hospital. We have 5 kids- Talon Shade, Kaitlyn Michelle, Nolan James, Natalie Danielle, and Olivia Ruth. We have 2 miniature Schnauzers- Kiki and Kallie. We love spending time together as a family!
