The Air Show!

This past Sunday, we took Will (Sam tagged along too!) to the Rochester Air Show! Deans sister, Lydia, and our nephew Mo came as well. We were talking about it to Will all week, and he was very excited to go. With the Blue Angels practicing overhead a couple days beforehand we had some good practice ourselves covering our ears. They were so loud from inside our house, I could only imagine how loud they would be flying right over our heads! We brought along some ear protectors for the boys, which came in very handy.

It was such a hot day! The sun was blazing down all day, without much shade in site. We walked around for a bit, and the boys got to admire the planes, both big and small. Although, Will was equally impressed to see motorcycles and school buses there as well.

Here are the boys holding up the big C-47 Skytrain...or maybe it was the C-130 Hercules...(and yes, I googled that.) Or as I prefer to call them, the big jumbo Army cargo planes.

We attempted to sit out in the field right near the runway to get the best view we could of the air shows going on, but trying to keep 3 little boys happy in the hot sun was not an easy task. Sam was so tired,  but could not fall asleep in the heat. After over an hour of trying to take care of a fussy baby while holding an umbrella with one hand to keep from frying, we eventually gave up and sought out some shade. The had one of those big jumbo Army cargo planes opened up in the front and back, which created a heavenly constant breeze throughout. I brought Sam inside to nurse, and he immediately fell asleep. Yay!

For the BIG show (the Blue Angels) we sat underneath the shade of an airplane hanger. We didn't quite get the full view, but it was still pretty cool and incredibly loud! I kept Sam's ears covered, and although he jumped every time they flew overhead, he slept through the whole thing!

I wish I was able to take more pictures, but I was pretty much holding Sam the whole time.

It was definitely an experience, that's for sure. Maybe when Will is a little bit older, and can really appreciate it all, I will have daddy take him and I will stay home.

Weekend Getaway

Dean and I were able to get away (with some friends) to a friends lake house this past weekend (almost) childless; Sam came along. We had such a nice time! We got there around 7 on Friday night ate pizza, had a little sunset boat ride and then hung out by the fire drinking a little wine.

Sam had me up early on Saturday. It was quite nice though. I actually took a shower before 8am. I can't remember the last time I was able to do that! I usually have to get right to work when I wake up: Change diapers, make breakfast and clean up, get dressed, workout/run errands...you get the idea! After showering Sam and I sat out on the pier by the water just enjoying the sun shining and the cool breeze. It was such a beautiful morning!

Everyone else slowly got up, and we all ended up on the dock to do some fishing. I have never caught a fish before. Granted, the few times I have tried have not been in very prime locations (merky ponds, etc.) The fish were plentiful here though, and so regardless of the fact that I could have hung a worm in the water with my fingers and caught one, using a child sized Buzz Lightyear fishing pole I caught my first fish! It was the prettiest sunfish ever. Then the guys made me grab it with my hand and unhook it myself. The thought of having to do that is much grosser then actually doing it!

After we had our fill of fishing, us womenfolk went inside to make a simple breakfast of eggs, pancakes, banana bread and fresh fruit. We leisurely got the boat packed up, and then headed out for an afternoon on the water! We stopped at a couple wineries that were right on the lake, and enjoyed snacking on cheese, crackers and brownies.

On our way back we had a little problem with the boat; It stalled and wouldn't start! We weren't super far from the house, but we ended up sitting still in the blazing sun for at least 20 minutes. The men were persistent, and right when we were about to raise our white flag for help it started up! Everyone was on edge a little bit. I am so glad that Sam was such a great baby. He slept almost the whole time we were sitting there, and even when he did wake up he was content on mommy's lap. I think having a crying baby would have put everyone over the edge!

Once we were back Sam went down for a nap, the girls lounged around and the guys headed back out on the water for some water skiing, knee boarding and tubing. We grilled for dinner, had a yummy ice cream cake for dessert, and played our own version of The Game of Things. We couldn't hang around too long Sunday morning, since we had to get back for the Air Show! (I will post about that next!)

I am so glad we were able to get away, even if it was just a short amount of time. With 2 little kids and Dean so busy with work, it will be awhile before we can take a real vacation, just us two. Having little 2 day trips here and there is better than nothing!

Seven

Sam was not having it today...

He'd be all happy and content...

 

Until you took his toy away...

Oh, oh, here it comes....

Ahh, that's better...

Sam is rolling everywhere now! Especially when he's getting his diaper changed. He loves to play with balls, and gets real frustrated when he can't eat them. He's still working on sitting alone, but he is getting very close. It's funny, Will was a late sitter too, and within 2 weeks of finally sitting he started to crawl! His current favorite thing is "eating" a pear in his mesh baby feeder. He loves it!

Fourth of July Family Fun

We had such a nice, low key July 4th. Dean worked a half day, and got home at 2:30. While the boys were napping we had some lunch, watched random things on Netflix, and played a little Nintendo DS (yes, we're cool like that).

 

 Hanging out with Daddy on the front porch

Once the boys were awake we packed up the car and headed out for some Fourth of July festivities. Our tradition of 6 years now (although we missed last year, boo) is going to Henrietta Town Park for fireworks. They have lots of activities for kids: Pony rides, bouncy house and slides, magic show, face painting, and a huge playground. Poor Will has impatient parents though, and didn't get to do any of that stuff (except for the playground). The lines were so long! We did not feel like standing in line for 30 minutes, so he could ride a pony for 30 seconds.

We walked around a bit, and ate some hamburgers, pizza and ice cream. We got some kettle corn as well, and then plopped ourselves down on our blankets.

Stuffing his face with Kettle Corn

It was fun watching people steadily stream in and pack the park. Everyone just sits there, content to wait a couple hours for the big show to start. You've gotta get there early if you want a good spot!

 Will feed's daddy kettle corn while Sam takes a little snooze

We tried to get a family picture...

But didn't quite succeed.

At 9:40 the lights were turned off. The National Anthem played, and the fireworks began! We were pretty close to where they were shooting them off, so they were pretty darn loud. Will wasn't to sure about them. He snuggled up close to daddy, who covered his ears for him, and held his blanket tight. I had Sam in the wrap and he was completely mesmerized. I had to sit sideways so he could see them without completely straining his neck, and it was a struggle keeping his ears covered. He loved it! I remember Will's first time seeing fireworks, and he was more into the glow of peoples phones then he was the fireworks; It didn't faze him at all!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!

5 years

I'm a bit late in writing this. It is so hard to find time these days to sit down and write!

Dean and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary last week on the 17th of June. I am so blessed to have him as mine. I don't think I let him know that as much as I should. We have definitely had our rough patches, but we truly are happy and continue to choose to love each other more than ever before.

He is a great father. He loves to go on little outings with Will. It is the sweetest thing ever watching him walk away with Will up on his daddy's shoulders to go get a slice of pizza. Spur of the moment, 20 minute outings together will make such an impact on our children. I am grateful for that. He loves his boys so much, and he would be a happy, happy man if I gave him 5 more sons. Although I am pretty certain he'd fall madly in love with a little girl too.

He is such a hard worker, you don't even know. Working (at least) 12 hour days, 6 days a week, trying to grow his business. It's not the fancy cars, jet ski's or a human catapult that he's striving for. It's wanting to provide a great life for his family that drives him.

I love that he thinks I'm hot wearing a flannel shirt and baggy sweatpants, with no make up on and my hair all a mess. Which is good, because that was a common look over the winter after having Sam!

I love that he is still super attracted to me, even after birthing two kids, and he tells me that daily.

I love having him home, and I look forward to the day that it happens more often. It makes doing the dishes or sweeping the floor so much more enjoyable just knowing he's in the other room.

We had talked earlier in the year about trying to get away for a couple days, but Sam still won't take a bottle so he couldn't be left for long. A girl from a blog I follow was celebrating her and her husbands 5 year anniversary on the same day, and they were spending it...in Paris! I told this to Dean, and he felt pretty bummy that we weren't doing anything fancy. But you know what? I didn't care! The day was about us. We had nothing to prove. Although fancy restaurants are fun on rare occasions, that isn't us. It never will be.

He took a half day, getting home around 1pm. We went out to lunch at Highland Diner with the boys, and played some Nintendo DS while the boys napped. Aunt Lydia came over to baby sit, and we went out to Sticky Lips BBQ for dinner. We stopped back home so I could nurse Sam and get the boys in bed. Then we went back out to Magnolia's on Park Ave for some dessert (some freakin' delicious desserts I might add). We were back home by 10pm, and enjoyed the rest of the night in bed. You know, snuggling. Our day was perfect.

On our honeymoon, 5 years ago. Bahamas.

Six

Sam is 6 months old today. I can't believe it's been half a year already! He's a tiny little thing (compared to his brother, at least!) weighing 14lbs. 3oz. He is just about 50% for both height and weight though, so no worries.

He loves to play with his feet, blow raspberries, play patty cake, and he has become such a mama's boy too! I love how he reaches for me when I come near, and grabs my face when I hold him. Although I could do without the crying every time I leave the room!

He is starting to pivot around when laying on his tummy, and comes real close to rolling from his back to tummy. I remember being so anxious wanting Will to accomplish his next milestone. I am so much more relaxed this time around, and it's so much fun to take in every little progression Sam is making.

He started eating solid foods 2 weeks ago now. He kept grabbing my spoon and shoving in in his mouth while I was eating, and was enjoying it. I figured it was time! We've only been doing one meal a day for now. With Will I totally fed him way too often to start out with (again, anxious), and he had a tough time when it came time to pushing it out. Poor guy didn't know what was going on; He actually seemed like he was scared! One of the many things that warrants an "I'm sorry, but this is my first time doing this" apology. So far Sam has had banana's, avacado, egg yolk and sweet potatoes. Sometimes I will add in some flax or coconut oil for some added (good) fatty nutrition. He loves it!

No signs of any teeth yet, but he is chewing on everything, and drooling up a storm! 

Sleeping is going much better! No more sleeping in the swing. Instead he's in his bassinet in our room for naps (where it's quieter for when Will's awake and playing hockey or jumping off the couch), and then in his crib in the same room as Will for nighttime.

I still get up with Sam 2-3 times a night, and usually around 5:30am I'll bring him in bed with me. Most mornings he'll continue to sleep when I get up with Will, and I'm telling you it's the most adorable thing ever when he wakes up all happy and snuggly in my bed. It gets me every time!