Vacation All I Ever Wanted....

Got the Go-Gos on the brain now? Hear them singing in the background? Oh no, don't blame me for putting an 80s tune in your head - I'm just gonna turn around and blame it on someone else, specifically NBC's The Singing Bee. But hey, it's better than the new Scooby Doo theme hubby and I have been whistling ever since we let #1 son watch his new Scooby video about 89 times during vacation.
Which brings me to....South Haven! Lovely South Haven!
We were only there 3 days and 2 nights, but it was great nonetheless. The weather cooperated and we had sunny days the whole time. I was a little nervous before we left, as they were calling for some rain everyday, but it happened to rain only overnight, so nothing but sunshine and sunny Lake Michigan shores for us.


On our first day at the beach, we took the obligatory walk down the pier to check out the lighthouse on "south beach". Obviously not a Miami kind of South Beach, but a nice, family-friendly South Beach. After walking the kids down the pier and checking out the lighthouse, I noticed a sign that said something like "Pier Not Designed for Pedestrian Traffic. Walk at Your Own Risk." Seriously. I should've photographed it, but the shock was too great! What kind of mom am I? I let my kids walk (or roll, in Keira's case) on this thing? It's unsafe? Oh, the horror.
And then hubby comments, "What? You didn't see that earlier?".....Huh? He saw it? Before we walked it? Oh nice, sweetie. Nice.

Despite the 58 degree water temp, we had a blast at the beach. The weather was just right for some kite flying, and so the boys put our nice little parafoil kite in the air. We thought about upgrading when we saw some really, really awesome kites at the Harbor Toy Company. But, I'm not spending 3 figures on something attached to a thin little string. So, little ol' kite it is. Quinn loved it just the same. Probably.

Besides a satisfying breeze and chilly water, the sand at the beach was quite nice. Apparently, Keira was enjoying it so much that she decided to search for buried treasure. And then snack! (Yes, that's my hand reaching for her mouth.) Not only did she sample the sand once, but three times. That I know of! I thought the first taste would've done it. But she kept going back for more.

That was my first clue that these kids might be hungry.

And like any good vacation spot, you won't go hungry in South Haven.
We dined at Clementine's the first night there. The Red Barn Spinach salad was yummy. The Diet Coke spilled onto my lap by the waitress was cold. But, she profusely apologized; we got my salad for free; and she offered to buy us dessert as well. (We declined this offer since we were already so full, but it was kind of her to offer.) My only concern was the loss of a perfectly good DC.
We also dined at Jake's Beach House while we were in South Haven (see Q's grin below....he just found out that they offer chocolate ice cream for dessert with each kid's meal!). Their lake perch is yummy! Yes, real Lake Michigan perch. Not as good as my bro-in-law makes, but a close second.

If you ever find yourself in South Haven, the above places are good and family-friendly. We also ate at a place called Captain Nemo's. You can take your family there, but calling it friendly would be a stretch.

After a belly full of fish from Jake's, we took a walk along the harbor. The kids liked looking at all the boats. But it was feeding the 100s of ducks that they really got a kick out of.

And what fun is vacation if you don't snack a lot? Here in South Haven, a kids cone is a double scoop and a "single" is really 3 scoops! You get your dollar's worth here. A big calorie bang for your buck.

Good thing we did a lot of walking. So much so that Keira slept through the ice-cream-a-palooza. And K falling asleep in her stroller is really a rare sight, so we had to capture that on film. It's almost as rare as Quinn not being able to finish an ice cream cone!

Lastly, to cap off each day of sun, sand, and snacks, the kiddos got to watch a video before bedtime (guess what Q picked?....see above reference to annoying theme song we couldn't get out of our heads!).

Thanks, South Haven, for a lot of fun. We'll see you again soon!

So Much to Blog, So Little Time

We're baaaaack!
What? You didn't miss us?
Well, we just returned (as in, about 3 hours ago) from a quickie 3 day/2 night trip to lovely South Haven, Michigan. We had a great time, all in all. And I'd love to share it all with you, dear readers. But, you know how it goes...You need a vacation to recover from vacation. (That, and Burn Notice is on in 1 hour...a new summer addiction. Love it!)
Anyway, there was much cuteness on the trip, and I had to share a few quick photos before turning into a couch potato for the rest of the evening. Like it or not, you'll get the full run-down later. Until then, enjoy the cliff-notes version!

Oh Vince, I Hardly Knew Ye!

Earlier today, hubby and I loaded the kids up and headed for our annual trek to the Indiana State Fair. We

love to eat, and so what better place to go? Plus, I like to give my kids a chance to see some farm animals up close and personal. Growing up "in the country" and having a few years of 4-H in my past, I've seen my fair share (pun intended) of livestock. But when the first thing your 4-year old says at the Fair is "Look! A farmer!", in that oh-my-gosh-I-can't-believe-it sort of voice, you know you're raising a city-kid.


So, off we go to the horse barn. And, as luck would have it, there were some Belgian Draft Horses out and about. This was like a blast from the past for me, since a few of these creatures shared my address, oh so many years ago. We even got to pet one....all of us except Keira. Yup, even Miss Mighty was a bit scared of the big giant horse. She actually wanted back into her stroller. That's a first.

We continued our tour of the place, sampling such delicacies as corn dogs, corn-on-the-cob, elephant ears, BBQ pork sandwich, and chocolate milkshakes. (A special thanks goes out to the Indiana Corn Farmers, Indiana Pork Producers, and the Indiana Dairy Farmers. Yummmm, yummmm!)

We took in such typical Fair-sights as tractors, boys in John Deere hats (link provided for any confused city-folk readers), and women in tank tops and cowboy hats. But the thing that topped it all was this:

Yup, there - for all to see - was the Vince Lombardi Trophy from Super Bowl XLI. The VLT has been travelling the state of Indiana, giving common folk like us a chance to see that same trophy once held high by Tony D, Peyton, and the rest of the boys in Blue.

There it was. Shiny. Gleaming. Available for touching.

And there I was. WITHOUT MY CAMERA! (Why, oh why, did I listen to hubby this AM, when he said, Nah, just leave it....?!?!?!?) And without my camera phone (charging in the car). Ugh.
So, take my word for it. I touched it.
Quinn touched it.
Keira smiled at the security guys.
Chris rolled his eyes at me and wondered what the big deal was. (Of course, you know me, I told him what the big deal was. And, not one to leave well enough alone, also mentioned the, um, previous camera discussion.)

Anyway, a good time was had by all. And although I don't have photographic evidence of it, I do have photos to prove what a great time we had last weekend in Santa Claus, Indiana. A couple of days at Lake Rudolph (complete with campfire and S'MORES! - see below for Q and K's take on the situation) and a whole day spent at Holiday World and Splashin' Safari can really bring a family together. (Thanks Mom and Dad [Grandma and Grandpa], for making it happen!)

What a Difference a Year Makes!

Last year, at about this time, I was getting a bit cranky. Wondering, wondering, wondering when our referral would arrive! If you like, observe evidence labeled Defense Exhibit A: blog post

Also, last year at about this time, a little girl in Guigang was having her photo taken. She was not very happy about it either.

We enter into evidence these photos, taken August 10, 2006, Defense Exhibit B.



Since last August, the above photos made their way into a file, which was created in Guigang and delivered to the CCAA in Beijing. The aforementioned cranky mom's file was already there, having arrived in August of the previous year.

The 2 files met, were matched, and alas - a lot less crankiness here this August.

Observe Defense Exhibits C and D.

I rest my case.

Calgon, Take Me Away!

Well, not actually Calgon in this case. Hoover. As in the vacuum cleaner.

Yup, vacuuming. As calming, restorative therapy. Really.

I can't believe it took me so long to figure out how good - really, really, really good - vacuuming is. I mean, seriously, we've had pets for 14 years and kids for the last 4.5, and I'm just now fully appreciating all vacuuming has to offer?!

Like, for example, time away from the kids. Time away from them and any whining, fighting, crying, or crabbing that might be going on. It's just momma and a household cleaning appliance. And a loud appliance at them. When things get a little dicey between them and I don't feel like facing it head-on, I look for my old buddy, Herbert H. (What I can't hear going on won't hurt them, right?)

And the results are fabulous. Personally speaking, anyway. You see, a few minutes later, you've got clean floors and a clear mind. It is so uplifting.

And if you are lucky, a scene like this is a welcome by-product:

Then again, as they say, results may vary.
You may get this instead:

(Not to worry - no big brothers were actually harmed in the making of this photo....Q was doing his "Franklin" impersonation. And Keira? Just being Keira, I suppose....)

It'll Be Hard, But Just Do Your Best

This afternoon around dinner-time, I was getting some veggies ready for the grill and Chris was in the kitchen with me, fixin' up hamburger patties. The kids were playing in the family room.

Now, all morning long, it had been a struggle with them. As per my post of a few days ago, Keira was up to her usual tricks - hitting Quinn, taking his toys, etc. etc. I felt as though I should be wearing a black-and-white striped shirt, since all I seemed to be doing was refereeing fights. I tried to explain things to Quinn (how young ones who don't have a lot of words yet often express themselves physically, yada, yada, yada) and I tried to encourage him to have patience with her, but it was hard, since I was losing patience with her myself!

Anyway, something must have clicked with him, somehow, somewhere, because by dinner-time he had transformed into super-mega-awesome-very patient brother. He was gently telling her to please not hit him. He was quietly moving away from her agressions without putting up a fight. He was singing and dancing with her because "Look, Mom! It makes her happy!"

But then, hubby and I witnessed this moment: Quinn sitting down on the floor, across from Keira, her hands in his. He solemnly explained life this way:

Keira, someday, you're gonna have to learn how to talk. It'll be hard, but just do your best. I know you can do it. It's for your health.

After watching that, I couldn't help but have a little tear or two streak down my face.

Sweet kids (and extra onions in the veggie grilling packets) will do that to you everytime.

Take a Left, Then a Left, Then a Left, and Then Another Left

I used to think that racing was no more than that: driving around in circles. Fast.

But after my experience yesterday at The Brickyard, I know better. Not much better, but a little bit.

Now, for those of you who really know me, please pick yourselves up off the floor. I'm not making this up. I actually attended a NASCAR event yesterday. The AllState 400 at The Brickyard. And I actually watched all 400 miles of the race, all 160 laps, all 3 hours 24 minutes 28 seconds of it. This is probably more racing than I've watched in my entire life combined, but it was fun. Really! And here's why.

First, I was privileged enough to attend with my best friend and her hubby. And my dad went along, too! (I've harrassed him for a long time about liking racing, but secretly always hoped I could someday "treat" him to a race here in Indy.) Also, the day was beautiful and our seats were shaded the entire time. But besides the good company, the real fun was the speed. And the sound. Holy cow is it loud! (Thank God for earplugs!) But when 43 cars race by at almost 180 mph, how can you not get a little rush? Especially when you have a closet competitive streak like I do (my mom would say it isn't so closeted!). I like to watch sports of most any kind, and as it turns out, this was no different. I can't say that I'll be sitting in front of my TV for the next NASCAR race, but being there was awesome!

And because I love sports and competition, I had to pick somebody, some car to cheer for. However, other than what I soak in from the local TV news and the newspaper, I don't know that much about the competitors. Sure, I can pick out the "drivers with Indiana connections", as they often focus on, but really - who should I be watching? So, along the lines of clueless girls who pick which team to cheer for based on how lovely the uniforms are, I began to pick cars based on which snack items were featured. There was a Snickers car, a Reese's car, one with M&Ms, Little Debbie, and even Totinos Pizza Rolls! So many of my favorites represented, but which to choose? (As you can see above, the #88 Snickers car had a rough day yesterday....and yes! that's tape on the car! I didn't know that men's obsession with duct tape and it's relatives reached out as far as racing, but it does!) Anyway, my friend/seat neighbor (a well-versed NASCAR-wife) politely told me that might not be the way to choose.

So, I did what I always do in situations of doubt: cheer for whoever my dad is cheering for. And as it turns out, dad was pulling for #8 (the Budweiser car driven by Dale Earnhardt, Jr....or Little E or Junior, as I learned) and #20 (the Home Depot car driven by Indiana's own Tony Stewart). Same as my friend's hubby. [See below for pic of 20 in the lead, followed by 8.] And as you may or may not know, the 20 car eventually won the race. So, a good time was had by all.

And for those of you still not convinced that being there could be so much fun, there's always people watching. And I don't mean the toothless smokers or halter top-wearing mamas. I mean the likes of Mr. James Denton (aka Mike Delfino from Desparate Housewives). Hmmm, mmm. He was the Grand Marshall of the day. And the main reason I regretted having forgotten my binoculars.

But oh well. I can't get too upset about missing out on Mr D. Afterall, I've got a fabulous hubby who was waiting for me at home. And, when it comes to NASCAR, we are on the same level. When I called him on my way home, he said, "Hey, those last 20 laps were great...when I saw the Home Depot car trying to pass the Reese's car, I knew I had to pull for the Home Depot car!" I guess hubby and I are more alike than I thought: we might not know much about racing, but we can sure pick a winner!

Girl Power

Recently, Keira started going to the Parent's Day Out program at our church. She attends every Thursday morning (while Quinn is in a summer preschool program and I get a few hours to do glamourous mom-things [like solo grocery shopping and the like]). Anyway, I'm always told what an angel she is. How she's so sweet. Totally fabulous. Etc. Etc. I also get this same story while she's in childcare for the hour that we attend Sunday church services. However, whenever I'm around as a volunteer for toddler church service duty and such, Miss K is not a lady at all. Last week, she tried to pick up a boy half her age but more than her size. She repeatedly tried to poke him in the face and take his toys. She was doing other such mischievous things at any given moment during that same time period. Maybe it was because I was around and she didn't like me giving attention to the other kids? Or maybe not. Maybe she's just a fiesty little one. Are those people who tell me that she's all sugar and spice and everything nice just telling me what I want to hear? (I actually asked this past Thursday - and they swear she's an angel.) What is going on here? Toddler version of Dr. Jekyll/Miss Hyde?

Additionally, she's started throwing classic temper trantrums - you know, falling onto the floor and kicking her feet and pounding her fists when she doesn't get her way. Sometimes, when her anger doesn't merit a complete collapse onto the floor, she settles for stomping away (as much as a 20-pounder can stomp) and throwing to the floor any toy in her path. She's Hurricane Keira. Yet when I relay stories of these antics to family or friends, they say Really? Sweet Little Keira?

And I say REALLY!

Well, at last, while I didn't catch a throw-down tantrum on film, I did get this: Little Miss K's Girl Power Exhibit #1.

Below, she's reminding Quinn just who, exactly, is in charge around here.


Quinn retaliates with a quick take-down...


But K gets the last laugh (and Q gets a bop in the nose). Note that little Huh-I-didn't-do-anything look on her face!


Believe me now??

Well, in all fairness, I probably shouldn't be so hard on her. I imagine carrying around all that cuteness 24/7 must get to you every now and then.

Better Late Than Never

Happy Birthday, Grandpa! Sorry we're a day late, but we put on extra big smiles in this picture to make up for it!
And thanks for letting us sleep-over this weekend.
And for sharing your chocolate cake.
And for saying you love us the most!
(just kidding, N&C&E&M!) :-)

We love you, Grandpa!

Honey-Do

OK ladies - admit it (or at least lie about it to make me feel better): you've all put that little item on your honey-do list that you claim will only take a few minutes, and then hours later you are hoping he isn't outside some where, still working on said-project, cursing your name. Right? Right?

Well, it happened here (again) today. Just blow up that pool when you have a chance, dear, I say. It is supposed to be hot tomorrow and I think Q would like to use the new pool.

Now, the "new" pool I speak of was not hubby's idea in the first place. And I don't think he really was all for it either (although I thought it a brilliant plan). But he kept his mouth shut and went along with the excitement Q and I shared. See, Little Round Pool was a bit small for 2 kids to have maximum fun. Plus, 4-year olds like higher water levels than 18-month olds really need. So, the 2 pool idea was hatched: leave Little Round Pool for K (filled to appropriate level for her) and get bigger pool (aka New Pool) for Q. Sounds fine, eh? It did to me. Especially since said New Pool was on sale last week at my fav local shopping destination (think round, red circles).

But today...well...let's just say that hubby and NP are not best of friends. NP's directions (at least I read them, not sure about the old man) lead you to believe that any old hand pump will do. The reality is, well, it won't do. Although it expressly forbids anything "high powered" lest you blow out the sides of New (cheap) Pool. So, hours later, and some good ol-fashioned lung power later, NP is ready for action. And here she is, sitting next to LRP. Now, add water, a couple of kiddos laden in SPF 50, a hot Indiana afternoon, and we'll be good to go.

Hubby, on the other hand, is left wondering why I don't just take the kids down the street to the neighborhood pool. But that, is a discussion for another time.

******************
And see below - it worked out so well. K is loving the LRP, with only a few inches of water. No more sitting up to her neck in H2O. She now splashes on her belly, blows bubbles in the water, and kicks like crazy. Quinn enjoyed his time in NP, but turned away the paparazzi. What he really wanted captured on film was him swinging. Yup, boy genius finally mastered the art of swinging himself. I still give couple of pushes to start, but then he is off on his own! He is so pleased with himself and so am I. What will I do with all this extra time now that I only have 1 kid to push?? Perhaps I'll make hubby another list....!

My PBS Kids at the Park

A few weeks ago, our local PBS station sponsored an event for the kiddos at a park downtown. We had been talking about it with Quinn earlier in the week (he remembered meeting some "friends" last year) and he was so excited about going. Then we woke up on "the day" and it was raining. Scattered showers throughout the day, they said. So we decided to go for it...hoping for scattered to mean very widely scattered!

As you can see from this photo, Keira doesn't look sold on the idea, but Q is all smiles. If it involves his PBS friends and use of his Spiderman umbrella, it's all OK with him!

Quinn first got to meet Maya and Miguel. He kept asking why their mouths wouldn't open and why they just smiled. I came up with several clever (I thought) answers, but he kept pressing. So, I said that hey - that's just the way the costumes are. Costumes? No mom - they are the real ones! Those aren't costumes! (said with implied eye-roll...I clearly was supposed to know better) Oh, OK. Was the best I could come up after that. I can't wait to see what conversations we will have at Disney next year!!

After meeting M&M, we got to see Arthur. After taking in the scene with M&M, Keira was up for her first character encounter. She didn't seem to mind the big aardvark, although she wasn't totally smitten either. Quinn, on the other hand, and in this case, literally on the other hand of Arthur, continues to wonder why these friends won't talk back!

Below you can see what happens when a kid is so patient during scattered showers and long lines. The Elmo balloon purchase was made after he signed a sworn statement indicating that his intent was not to harm his sister with the stick. Balloon was purchased. Boy was happy. Sister was grabby.

Next, a pit stop for daddy. He was nicely enduring kidfest and happily (more or less) photographing the whole thing. So we took a break for an activity of his choice: eating funnel cake!! Keira has her first taste ever and it was a total hit. Daddy was a good sport and shared his treat with the kids while I took over with the camera for a bit. There was powdered sugar everywhere, but those sugary grins were worth it!

Below, Keira seems to be saying, "Uh, sorry - I forgot to save you some!"

Next stop: Clifford. It turned out to be our last stop as well. While just a few turns away from our time to meet the Big Red Dog, it poured. And poured. We finally were able to duck under the tent to meet Clifford (you can see the rain pouring straight off the tent). Quinn wondered what was up with Cliffy's big belly, while K took one look at him and screamed.

So, presented with rain (and no end in sight), and a crying and tired and hungry 1 year old, we decided to cut our losses, call it a day, and head back to the car. Q was down with the plan, since even then the Spidey umbrella wasn't helping keep the rain out. But once we got to the car and he realized that being dry in the car meant no meeting Curious George, he was not happy then either. At least the kids had matching moods.

But, alas, never underestimate the powers of a nice drive home. Twenty five minutes later, we were putting napping kids in their beds and enjoying a nice, quiet afternoon to ourselves.

A good time was had by all!

Happy Birthday, America!

We are winding down from 2 days worth of Independence Day festivities. Below are a few pix from yesterday's excursion. We attended Symphony on the Prairie - an outdoor patriotic concert by the ISO at Conner Prairie's ampitheatre. We were there with 12,000 of our friends and neighbors, and it was a nice time -- despite the 40 minute wait to get out of the parking lot while the driver [me] endured advice from a 4 year old on getting out of traffic ["honk your horn!...drive over 'em!...scoot this way...would the police get us if we drove under cars?"].

All in all, the kids had a great time - enjoying a picnic supper.....

....waving their flags....

....dancing to some of the music (no photos - kids too fast for camera!)...

....and watching fireworks!

Keira alternated watching and looking away/clinging to me. Quinn was laying on my lap most of the time, incessantly worrying about whether or not the fireworks would "get" us. But at least there was no crying.

I actually got a little, tiny-weeny bit emotional at times, listening to the Gettysburg address being read or singing some of the patriotic tunes, like God Bless America, etc. I kept thinking about how last year at this time, we were hoping and wishing the Keira would join us soon....and all that while, she's tucked away somewhere in China. And now, 1 year later, she gets to celebrate her first 4th of July, as a citizen of a free country.

Her life sure has changed a lot in the last 6 months. I think for the better. And I hope someday she agrees.

You know, China invented fireworks.

And I think our firecracker is the best of the bunch!