Lake House Magic

We went to my family's lake house this past weekend with my brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and nephew for a few days of rest and connection. What a magical place the lake house is. There is something about that house and that location that immediately puts me at ease and helps me to forget about any stress or angst that I may be having. To those that have been there you'll completely understand what I'm talking about.

We spent 3 days floating in the water, eating as much food as we could put in our bodies, wondering at the marvel of our children, and discussing what the future may bring our way. I wish that we had many more days there. It brought back memories of what it was like at the lake house when I was growing up. I hope that my kids get to experience that same kind of family vacation environment: freedom to play all day, no scheduled restrictions, meals together on the porch, games played together, and a family room full of kids in sleeping bags.

Uncle Zach, Tia Lauren, and Noah

First push-up pop!

Trying to stay in the shade in the Pink Throne

Cousin hugs

Dean spent a good bit of everyday playing by himself on the porch. He hardly ever wanted to even come inside.

A Schlitz, a baby, and a pink raft...what more could you need?

Passed out on a long, hot walk. Notice the box of raisins still held tightly in his hand.

Breakfast. Aren't we beautiful?

The pier

My nephew Noah and his favorite face

Disney Dean

Last week Josh had a conference in Orlando and Dean and I were invited to tag along. We were all put up in Disney's Caribbean Resort for 4 days, and while Josh went to seminars and worked at a sales booth, Dean and I swam in the pools (there were 8), played on the "beach", took long walks on the paths, and lived it up Disney style. We are completely convinced why Disney World has the reputation it does for being such a great family vacation destination. EVERYTHING is catered towards families, mainly families with small kids. Not once did we have to think twice about where we could/should go, where to eat, or even how to get there. It is well worth the money spent. Dean isn't even 2 yet and had the time of his life...and we didn't even go to the Magic Kingdom but ONCE! Here are some random pictures from our fun-filled week.

Enjoying a snack by the pool.

Riding the carousel with Daddy at Downtown Disney one night. He was so serious while on the ride and as soon as it would stop he would wail and grip that pole as if his life depended on it. The kid did not understand why he couldn't just ride it all day.

Making out with a statue of Cinderella. He asked to be picked up and then lunged at her.

Building a tower and playing with the lego dogs at Lego Land one night after dinner.

The main pool where the Pirate Ship and water slides were. This was Dean's favorite place to be. He would just float in the middle of the pool with his swimmies on, watching everything around him. He still asks to go see the "ite ship".

Dean ran up to Pooh and gave him a hug when we were at Disney. Pretty adorable.

More fun at one of the pools.

Playing in Toontown at Disney.

They said Dean was too short to ride the kiddie roller coaster, but they had no problems letting him DRIVE the race cars. Josh worked the pedals, Dean did the steering. Josh said he had a major headache by the time they were done from slamming into the rails over and over.

We ended upstaying at the park until after 10pm so we could watch the light parade and fireworks. Josh's cousins met us in the park for dinner and we had a great night together. We took a few days to get home, enjoying a slow morning swimming in yet another pool and then a night in Hilton Head with our good friends the Kemeny's (the family that introduced us!). Although it's always good to be back home, I am sad that our trip is over. It was such a great bonding time for the 3 of us. It really is a magical place that brings the kid out in you. I don't know if I've ever seen Josh quite so excited and silly :)

Hideout

Josh has turned the little storage space under the stairs in the guys' hideout. He put an old piece of carpet in there and screwed handles to the inside of the door so he and Dean can go in, shut the door, and play. Lately they've been building really tall towers using all of Dean's blocks. Josh has had to pull out our safe for Dean to stand on just so he can reach the top.

Strawberry Picking

Dean and I went to a nearby farm and picked strawberries this morning. They are so big and ripe! I had a hard time stopping at 3 pounds. I'm sure I'll be back for more next week. Dean was unsure of what we were doing out there in the hot sun at first, but once he saw me pick a big ripe strawberry from the plant he caught right on. Within 5 minutes he was coated in red goo and smiling so big. I need to remember to take his shirt off before we go next time :)

Hard at Work

It's a hard life being 18 months old. The adults just fill your day with tasks! You have to...

Pick every spec of dirt out of the pool each day.

Sweep the floor.


Ward off telemarketers.


Fix the motorcycle.


Push your aunt around.


Its rough, I tell you. Rough.

Renewing Life

I actually wrote this a month ago, but didn't post.



A lot has happened in the last few months. Dean is now running, talking, climbing, "swimming", helping with yard work, cleaning up his toys, and bringing us endless joy every day. As his personality and independence make themselves known, we are discovering what is is really like to be parents. While still an incredibly easy child, he is opening our eyes to what may lay ahead. His newest word is "No", although he always says it about 5 times in a row to get his point across, "no, no, no, no, no". The word is both a blessing and a curse I'd say. It has been tremendously helpful is knowing what he wants to communicate which was predicated with grunts and whines. At the same time, I am anticipating hearing more and more of this lovely little phrase and growing to cringe when I expect it to come.

Josh and I find ourselves renewing discussions of who we want to be as parents and how thankful we are for the amazing examples that we have in our lives. The taste of parenthood that we've had has shown us how integrated each and every relationship we have is. No longer are things separated into neat little categories as we see fit. As our flexibilities seem to become stunted and we are beginning to hold tightly to the moments that we have with our friends and families. I am struggling with the realization that I can not just take off to go visit a friend or hike for the weekend. While this has been a reality for some time, I think it is really just now sinking in. I am craving more intimate relationships and more meaningful conversations.


In January, Josh and I received the wonderful news that we are expecting our second child on September 22, the birthday of my brother and granddaddy. The week we found out happened to be right around the time when the reality of my granddaddy's cancer was becoming apparent. It was as if God was giving us a reminder that with life comes death, but with death brings live renewed. Granddaddy passed away last month. I hope that the spirit of that man flows through this baby growing inside of me. We love you "Daddaddy"!

Dean Fixing Things

This weekend was full of small fix-it jobs (mainly unfinished trim work from our recent kitchen and floor remodeling projects). Dean followed Josh around "helping." This morning Dean woke up and got back to work. We watched him "work" for about 20 minutes before deciding to get the camera out and take this video.

As background, yesterday Josh fixed the vent under the cabinet and tightened down the screws on Dean's chairs...you will see by the video that he was paying attention.