.busy.boys.: August 2009

Sometimes you do absolutely nothing and yet still feel like you've been in a whirlwind. That is life here in Wyoming since we got back from our big Nebraska trip. We haven't really done anything and yet I feel super busy? Maybe I feel that way because we tried to squeeze every drop of vacation out of the time left between getting home and Marc going back to school. We took a couple day trips to a park south of us with a pretty creek and a nature path. We took a weekend trip to Montana to see the fair (all the animals were a big hit with Desmond) and to purge our checking account (read: shop at Costco for supplies). We had quite a few other errands both in Montana and in Wyoming so our days sort of filled up and the next thing we new "Life" had started again.

Marc went back to school and the boys woke up sick. We took it in stride though and have been wading through the recovery. I'm actually feeling pretty good about this school year. Maybe because I'm not pregnant? Maybe because I'm seeing a light at the end of the tunnel which is Jaxter's sleeplessness? I don't know but I am grateful for the patience and strength the Lord gives me everyday. Today as I sat feeding both boys at lunch I was listening to them both cry and scream (I don't remember why) but I was calm and I had a realization: We are going to be ok because we have to be.... well *I* have to be. Noone is going to come do the jobs I have to do everyday except me so I choose to be ok.

Marc leaves every morning before the boys are out of bed (this is easier on Desmond than having to say good-bye every day). And the boys and I start our routine. We have settled nicely into a routine that meets everyone's needs for the most part and also allows the mama to get some domestic items addressed on a daily basis. Desmond is a smart kid. Every day he "problem solves." Now, I may be biased or just under educated on the minds of little ones but I'm pretty impressed with the solutions he comes up with sometimes. Desmond's vocabulary is growing quickly and he repeats whatever we say. He puts small sentences together and is showing logic processes in applying his language to his activity. Jax is trying his hardest to be mobile but gets frustrated easily with the pace of creeping, he's getting there though! He is also expanding his vocalization which sometimes results loud echo sessions where Desmond echoes Jax and vice versa. There are more and more moments where the three of us sit and play and that is nice. What fun it will be to watch them grow together.

Here are a few pictures of our nothing over the last few weeks.

That's right.... 2,000 miles. Or maybe slightly more after all our running about. We went from home to Nebraska to Colorado and then back home. Phew. I don't even know where to start.... Maybe from the beginning? Ok.

For many reasons (almost all kid related) we decided to do the bulk of our lengthy drives during the night time hours. In retrospect this was a great choice and we would do it again that way given a second chance. Both boys, while it took awhile, fell asleep and stayed that way for 90% of the drive. We left home at 6:45pm and arrived at Nathan and Julie's house by 8:30am Nebraska time. We were so happy to see them and we spent a leisurely day resting,eating, letting Desmond and their twin girls Sylvie and Evie get to know each other.... It was so great to be with friends again and it was as if we had been together only the day before instead of more than a year ago.

Tuesday saw Nathan and Marc at school most the day. Marc preparing for the concert where he would be the featured soloist and Nathan teaching students. Julie, myself and 4 kiddos ran around town seeing the hot spots and then we stopped at the highschool for a bandroom picnic. While the weather was supposed to be searing at this time in the Midwest we were grateful for rain, clouds and cooler weather the entire week we were there. Later that day we played on the swing-set and Desmond learned how to hold on all by himself - no baby swing for that boy anymore! In the evening I had the pleasure of babysitting all 4 kiddos while everyone else headed out to rehearsal. We had a good time and it was quite calm - each toddler choosing a separate activity and Jax watching with contentment.

Wednesday was more of the same with a little pool time thrown in (kiddie pool not public pool).

Thursday we got to go to the Lincoln Zoo which was great and very geared toward children. Animals were available to pet and feed. There was a little train ride that circled the zoo twice (Des loved). There were lots of animals, plenty of shade and a little picnic/play area for us to have lunch before the trek home again. Desmond, of course, loved all the animals. It was a great zoo.

Friday we were introduced to Nebraska's finest in morning fare: donuts (doughnuts?). They were great, who doesn't like a good doughnut? Then we had another picnic lunch but this time there was no rain so we set up at a park. Desmond loves to climb all the play equipment but gets stuck because he doesn't want to come down but he also doesn't want to slide on the slides.... A conundrum. He had fun nonetheless. That night we splurged for a babysitter and had originally planned on a fancy dinner and the fixin's for a DATE. But three of the four adults had started experiencing stomach ailments (I was the only one who escaped such unpleasantness, which is odd because usually I'm the first or only) and so we canceled dinner but didn't want to waste a babysitter!! What to do, what to do?? Oh! I know: let's shoot a shotgun! =) I realize it is a little redneck but don't knock it till you try it! It was fun to just shoot at little clay things flying in the air. Notice I say shoot *at* because I was only 2/9. The kickback was a little more than my summer attire could handle and I ended up with a bruise but next time I'll know! =) DQ treats followed and then home for late night chatting and laughing. Did I mention we loved being with our friends again?

Saturday we decided to try a local Czech Fest and traveled a little ways north to a little rural Nebraska town that was saturated with Polka, frilly dresses and suspenders! It was fun to walk among all the booths and see some of the performances - one group was all little kids (30 or more) dancing Czech dances. After some home made rootbeer, funnel cake (drool) and a picnic snack for the kids we headed on home again and took a walk among an old homestead that was a beautiful trail, meadow and forest with a little museum. Very cool, I love that time era - I did not however get to see the main museum part which I was disappointed about but that gives me an excuse to go back! =)

Sunday was church - not surprisingly Desmond did not do well in the nursery or sunday school and ended up running around the foyer with Marc. It was a nice service and Jaxter actually fell asleep for the majority of the service which NEVER happens so that was nice. After church we attempted some group photos and then we got another first: The Nebraska tradition of Runza. I had never heard of this but Nathan and Julie insisted it was a must experience for our Nebraska adventure. A Runza is meat and cabbage baked inside a long roll. Served with hamburgers (still don't know why), onion rings and french fries. This was Desmond's first official "fast food" experience and he loved the french fries, dipping them in ketchup like a true Marc offspring. =)

Sunday night was the reason for us being there: The community band concert featuring Marc as the soloist for two pieces. He was a big hit, even scoring a standing ovation! Nathan , as the director was a little dismayed that the first standing ovation of the season was for a saxophone but fact is fact. =) I took the boys to the concert hoping that Desmond would be intrigued by his father on the stage but they didn't take well to being up past their bedtime and were fussy. By the time we got home and in bed both the boys (and myself) were beside themselves. I was glad to see the concert, though, the band and Marc sounded great. I usually have to miss out on those things for the sake of the boys.

Monday Desmond and I had a date. I took him to a Play Center - they had a ton of equipment to play on and with and he had a grand time. Then we had lunch at a Subway and headed home just in time for his nap. It was fun to get away with just him. I was torn because I wanted to spend the last day with our friends (as much time as possible) but it was a good day and we still had the afternoon to hang out. On the way in from the play center I managed to get a flat tire. I pulled up to the house and as I was getting Desmond out of his carseat I hear "hssssss." I wonder what that is? I ran inside to fetch Marc who confirmed my fears and took the tire in to get fixed. Good thing it happened then and not on our way out of town!

We left Nebraska Monday at 6:30pm Colorado time and arrived and Justin and Erin's at 2:30 am. Justin was very gracious to sleep on the couch in order to be ready to let us in. While we appreciate being able to avoid some major kid hassles by traveling over night we regret that we have to ask favors of people at 2:30 in the morning.

Tuesday morning saw Cousin Jacoby and Desmond playing like champs. When Desmond came down to the play room Cousin Jacoby started sharing everything with him. I do mean *every* thing. He would say something to the effect of "I would like to share this with you" and give a toy to Desmond and then he repeated that with all his toys and books (with the exception of three special friends and a water bottle). Jaxter and Desmond both had a stack of toys by them at all times during our stay because Jacoby was a sharer! =) It was very sweet to see. Jaxter and Morgan had a good time swapping baby secrets. Jax would giggle and squeal whenever you put him in front of Morgan or vice versa. How fun! Even though Morgan is three months younger he is already the same size! It was good for Jaxter, though, he never ate so well as when we were around Morgan!

Wednesday we got to go to the Denver Zoo - another great zoo. While not geared toward children like the Lincoln Zoo it was still a loved experienced for Desmond. All the big animals were a hit. Jacoby had his list that we had to check off before we left (he remembers which animals are there and has to see certain ones) which worked out great because they were all Desmond's favorites as well.

Thursday we took advantage of the big city and a sale and bought Desmond a new carseat so that Jax could move up from his bucket seat that he was starting to outgrow. This created a slight problem, though, as we couldn't fit the bucket seat in the car to bring home .... Erin solved that though by offering to sell it on CraigsList for us. I am curious to see what price it will bring as it will help pay for the new carseat.

We left Colorado at 6:45pm Wyoming time and entered home sweet home at 2:30 am. Desmond and Jaxter went right to sleep as did we. It was a wonderful trip and we are so grateful for the generosity and hospitality of our family and friends. We are now trying to get our bearings just in time for Marc to start school in a week or so. I am sure that I am forgetting some great details but this is long enough and you get the gist of the adventures we had. I have more photos and videos if you ever want to see more. Enjoy these picures in the meantime.