2008 Water Carnival Preparation begins...

Well...it is that time of year. That time of year where Coretta begins thinking about what she will be for the big Water Carnival Parade in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota in July. Last year, Coretta spent many a night writing down her ideas in her sketch book, before coming up with the idea to create a rock band. She decided that she and I would tye dye some t-shirts, accessorize these shirts, and bead their hair.

This year, after much deliberation, she has decided to be another unique creation, that being what she calls a Wacky Water Carnival Kid. She has come up with the idea of creating shirts for herself, her brother, Emilia, and Jack. Then, they would dress up totally wacky looking! So far her costume consists of a green and purple boa, a tiara, sunglasses, high socks, etc. etc. Today we went to Michaels and picked up the supplies we would need. Here was the result of our hard work!

Hot, Sticky Weather

Today was another beautiful, sunny day in the 80's, so Coretta, Geno, and I decided to have some back yard fun by swimming and jumping through the sprinklers.

Now my dog Charlie would have none of this, and sat cowering in the corner hoping that he would not get wet and waiting for me to let him in the house. As pathetic as that is, it is to be expected with Charlie. But when Geno seemed apprehensive about it as well, I knew I had to help him overcome the fear. I first put him in the pool and he screamed bloody murder until we went in together. Even then, he needed to be very close, hugging me to feel comfortable.

I, then thought that the sprinkler might be a better option and since we haven't had much rain, the grass could use it too. I first ran through the sprinkler, then Coretta, and Geno watched us with curiosity. About the third or fourth round of Coretta and I running through it, Geno started laughing uncontrollably. At this time I decided to run through the sprinkler with him in my arms to see if he would like it. He at first kept holding his breath, but after that LOVED it. You can tell by the expression in his face in the picture above.

The kids and their check-ups

Coretta had her check-up at the doctor. Since we are moving to Switzerland, I thought it might be helpful. And healthy she is. She is 4 feet 8 inches tall! Coretta is in the 95th percentile for height. Dr. Hamilton stated that if she keeps growing at the rate she is, she will be 5 feet 9 inches tall. She did have to have her finger pricked to draw some blood to check her hemoglobin, but overall she did well.

Geno also had his 18 month check-up and he weighed 31 pounds and was 2 feet 10 inches tall. He is slowing down, but he is still in the 90th percentile. He had two shots and did not like it one bit. He, too, is healthy, but tired and cranky due to his shots.

Fort Snelling National Park

Today we loaded up the backpack and took the family out to Fort Snelling National Park for a little hiking, sun, and swimming.

Geno was hesitant about going into the water, but warmed up to the idea fairly quickly. Coretta being the little fish she is, had no problem at all.

Charlie even enjoyed walking along the trail and watching all of he people at the beach.

Geno started getting tired towards the end of the day and fell asleep in the car on the way home. No wonder since he was running and walking all over the place.

Overall, it was a fantastic summer day!

Yummy!

Geno tried watermelon for the first time today and LOVED it. The other thing that he loves is trying to be noticed by Coretta and her friends wherever they go. Today while Coretta and her friend were swimming in the pool, he just stared at them in complete fascination. The countdown has begun... 43 days until we leave for Switzerland!

Lazy Days of Summer

Since this week's temperature was going to be in the 80's, I had this great idea to get a pool for the back yard.

Coretta, Geno, and I went to several stores trying to find the best one. We finally decided on this pool that was 15 feet long and was way too heavy for one person to haul, but Coretta loved it the best because it had a ladder. I end up getting a salesperson to help me, not realizing that this item was so heavy, they called in for a "team lift." Next thing I know I have two guys helping me put this ginormous pool into the trunk of my car to find out that it wasn't going to fit. Three hours into this excursion, and now I was unsure if I could get it home. I then carried it out of the trunk myself, removing Nick's recent purchase of brewing supplies, and tried to fit it in the front seat. Realizing then, that it wouldn't fit, I carried it back into the trunk and bungee corded the trunk down. It worked! I made it home, hauled it out of the trunk, brought it to the back yard to find out that it was BIGGER than my yard. Now at this point it is almost seven o'clock at night and Coretta is crying, Nick is laughing and cursing at me, and I am exhausted. We ended up boxing it all back and bought the 8 foot pool. Here are some photos of the kids enjoying the beautiful weather.

Happy Fathers Day!!

Today is Father's Day and so Nick decided that we would go to Taylors Falls and spend time at the Interstate State Park.

We walked the river trail and ate at Schoony's Pizzeria and Malt Shop. Nick had a Mountain Dew strawberry float and Coretta, Geno, and I shared a chocolate malt.

It is amazing to me how just being out in nature, taking it in, breathing it in, can put things into perspective. Both Coretta and Geno enjoyed walking the trails, looking at the trees, and the lake.

Nick opened his presents and received Northern Brewer beer supplies, the new David Sedaris book, and a movie that Coretta and I created for him. Coretta also gave him a sheet stating the top ten things she loves about her Dad.

This is what she said:

1) He helps me with Math!
2) He is funny when he talks in his sleep!
3) He loves me!
4) He is awesome when he plays XBox 360!
5) He takes me to the CD store.
6) He buys me goodies!
7) He plays with me when I am lonely.
8) He rocks because he is so smart!
9) He is SUPER silly!
10) He is weird!

Here are a few pictures from our adventure!