Once you have kids, it becomes all too clear that some inventions/ideas were not particularly well thought out. In fact, if we could place a ban on a few things, then life would just be that much simpler.
#1 Daylight savings time. This may be the one thing Arizona has right. Today I spent an extra hour, of an already very long day, trying to keep my kids up late, in the hopes that they will sleep in tomorrow. Tonight we "fall back". The problem is it will very likely backfire on me, and the kids will be up at 5:00 anyway (which will really be 4:00 because of the stupid time change). Sigh.
#2 Pockets on kids' clothing from the ages of 1 to 16. Every time I wash the kids' clothes, I spend at least 10 minutes emptying out their pockets. Then, inevitably, I've missed something, and an eraser or a Kleenex ends up in the dryer. OK, perhaps 16 may be a bit old, but still.
#3 Unwashable paint/craft supplies. Along the same lines as #2, I spend at least 10 minutes spraying/scrubbing clothes that have paint on them that will never come out in a million years. Sure, I suppose there are some adult artists that might be a bit upset having limited supplies, but I don't really care. Everything should come out with water. I'm sure they'll thank me later when it spills on their favorite shirt.
#4 Electrical outlets required every 6 feet. When you have a "spirited" child who gets into everything, having that many electrical outlets to get into (plastic protector covers or not) is just asking for trouble.
That's the short list. I'm sure there are tons more, but we simply can't wait to get started campaigning for change. 'Tis the season, right?
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Grizzly Jack's
The Ecklund Reunion was at Grizzly Jack's in IL this past July. It was the same place we went last time (2 years ago) which was nice because we knew what to expect. Elias was also older and could participate in more things. It was also the first time everyone got to meet Ezra.
Grizzly Jack's is an all inclusive resort with an awesome pool (three giant slides, wave pool, kids area, water guns provided by Roger and Judy...loads of fun) and an indoor amusement park. They also have a good old fashioned outdoor playground, and we saw fireworks one night!
Grizzly Jack's is an all inclusive resort with an awesome pool (three giant slides, wave pool, kids area, water guns provided by Roger and Judy...loads of fun) and an indoor amusement park. They also have a good old fashioned outdoor playground, and we saw fireworks one night!
Elias enjoying a ride.
I didn't get sick!
There is wonderful hiking very close by at Starved Rock. I was most impressed with Elias. He hiked the whole way (both days) without complaining. I heard most of the parents mentioning that they thought the hike was a little too long for their kids (all older than Elias), but he loved it. Hopefully we are that much closer to hiking some Colorado fourteeners!
Stepping stones
A cave
Good thing Ethan didn't have to carry Ezra far!
We did some wonderful crafts planned by each group...bubbles, stickers (Elias got a second sheet), tie dye shirts, and mini wooden turkeys. We had delicious food, a dance party, collected acorns, played hot turkey leg and had wonderful catching-up conversations.
Cheese
Cool shirts!
My favorite part was hanging out in lawn chairs right outside our units, playing games (softball, soccer, keep away, frisbee, water balloons that wouldn't break, a parachute...) and chatting.
Bubbles
Kiernan
The parachute
Audrey at the balloon toss
Eleanor
Isabella
Batter up
Swing
The Little(r) Ones (Left to right: Tate, Audrey, Violet, Eleanor, Kiernan, Isabella, Hazel, Elias, Ezra, Ethan and Kyra)
The Whole Gang (except for Greg, who was there, but had to leave before we did a group photo. Should have planned that one better. Sorry Greg!)
Teacher's Pet on Steroids
I think Elias goes out of his way at school to help out the teachers. He brings in candy and rings for them, and I believe he really wants them on his side. When asked at school what he was thankful for this year, he said he was thankful for Ms. Julie working with him (mainly reading and math work).
Back in July, I took both boys to the dentist. It started off with Elias wanting to bring in stickers to give to the dentists and went downhill from there. The kids also wore the dentist office shirts they gave us last time. Elias did a great job during his cleaning and exam and had the assistant and dentist wrapped around his finger. It was his first visit for x-rays. The dental assistant said she had never had a young patient listen and follow directions so well. During Ezra's exam (he didn't do nearly as good a job), the dentist said, "Where is Elias?" I had no idea, but knew he wouldn't have gone far. Turns out he was looking at his x-rays on the computer with his new best friend. Just recently Elias wanted to know when we could go back. Unfortunately, it's not until January. Maybe they can start a drop off babysitting business on the side.
In early October, Elias wouldn't stop bugging me about getting a flu shot. He was itching to get it done (He's crazy!), so I finally scheduled an appointment for Ezra and him. Elias and I talked about how he would probably be fine, but that Ezra might cry. Turns out Ezra wants to be just like his big brother, so we left with no tears from either of them. How come at home neither of them want to impress me? I'll take some candy gifts, them following directions and no tears any day.
Back in July, I took both boys to the dentist. It started off with Elias wanting to bring in stickers to give to the dentists and went downhill from there. The kids also wore the dentist office shirts they gave us last time. Elias did a great job during his cleaning and exam and had the assistant and dentist wrapped around his finger. It was his first visit for x-rays. The dental assistant said she had never had a young patient listen and follow directions so well. During Ezra's exam (he didn't do nearly as good a job), the dentist said, "Where is Elias?" I had no idea, but knew he wouldn't have gone far. Turns out he was looking at his x-rays on the computer with his new best friend. Just recently Elias wanted to know when we could go back. Unfortunately, it's not until January. Maybe they can start a drop off babysitting business on the side.
In early October, Elias wouldn't stop bugging me about getting a flu shot. He was itching to get it done (He's crazy!), so I finally scheduled an appointment for Ezra and him. Elias and I talked about how he would probably be fine, but that Ezra might cry. Turns out Ezra wants to be just like his big brother, so we left with no tears from either of them. How come at home neither of them want to impress me? I'll take some candy gifts, them following directions and no tears any day.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Visitors Galore!
Alright, this time Jamie, Brian, Allison and Jacob came right after Grandpa Don left, and it was awesome! We ate at a great brew pub downtown, walked over to the baseball stadium, went to the mountains, swam in the pool (and rode the slide, after the swimming lessons were over. FINALLY.), played games (both electronic and not...yay for Cooties and Carcassonne), ate great food and enjoyed each others company. All in all the kids got along well. Since Allison and Jacob are a bit older, they also enjoyed horseback riding, visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, and hiking. I must say, visiting Colorado does have a lot to offer. Who's next?
Mr. Fix It
No, we didn't have visitor after visitor. There were plenty of baby showers, baptisms, school field trips, Matt traveling out-of-town for work and dinner with friends in-between. At the end of June, Grandpa Don arrived (and just in the nick of time). He was here to watch the kids while we went to our dear friends, Kathy and Will's wedding.
Matt and Grandpa fixed the side fence that the neighbor's obnoxious weeds had pushed over. While Matt and I worked (and the kids were at school), Dad touched up paint on the garage, painted the window sills, fixed Ezra's door, worked on the side porch and hopefully got a little time to relax.
On the way back into town, we had a birthday party to attend (they really do never end), Audra's. It was at a gymnastics place way out-of-town. But with a little backtracking, and stopping only once for directions, we found it.
Their dance.
I also got to attend a wedding shower of my good friend Arwen. We had high tea at the Brown Palace. Delightful and delicious!
Left to right: Arwen's Aunt, Arwen, Me, Kat, Baby Susan, Arwen's Mom
Matt and Grandpa fixed the side fence that the neighbor's obnoxious weeds had pushed over. While Matt and I worked (and the kids were at school), Dad touched up paint on the garage, painted the window sills, fixed Ezra's door, worked on the side porch and hopefully got a little time to relax.
Grandpa Don and Elias make hummus.
Over the weekend, we headed up to Fraser. We went on a great hike and enjoyed being outside. I was glad that Elias did the 1 mile hike in and back with minimal whining. Since then, we have walked to the library and back with the same results. Some day I want to take him on some fourteeners, so this is just the beginning (I hope).
Elias learns to climb over the fence. Great.
Ezzy likes hiking.
A stream about 1 mile in.
Snacking.
Gotta throw rocks.
On the bridge.
All that hiking wore me out.
The birthday girl
Too cute
Chillin'
What a fun-filled week! No wonder the kids always want to know who's coming next.
Trinidad or Bust!
We finally made it down to visit Grandma Marjie and Grandpa Paul's new digs in Trinidad, Colorado at the end of May. We played with the toys Matt played with as a child, went to some playgrounds, watered the plants (and the driveway), survived the crazy winds, Matt helped dig up an old clothesline, ate the best pizza I have ever had, the kids picked a toy from the treasure chest, and had a wonderful time.
Yummy thumbs.
Tired.
Cheese.
Cheese 2.
I'm not sure what it is about Grandma and Grandpa's, but Elias seems to want to get into trouble whenever we visit them. See THE nap to be reminded of what happened last time. This time during quiet time, Elias managed to find Marjie's makeup and apply it quite liberally. Sigh.
Luckily we are family, so they have to put up with us!
Bithdays, Birthdays
My cousin Kate, who lives in the Denver area, has two girls, and one has a birthday near Elias'. We celebrated with a small family party at our house. We had balloons, German Chocolate cake and lots of giggles. Elias even got a belated car/train birthday gift that was so cool. Thanks Kate!
In May, we celebrated Storm's birthday, a girl from Elias' class. The kids ran around at the Little Gym. After Elias warmed up to it, he loved it. He is a little monkey after all.
Then there was Jack's party, a boy from Elias' class. We went to a place called Great Play where the kids play different sports and activities while interacting with projected images on the walls. They ran around looking for Buddy, played football, soccer, basketball, balloons, threw balls and screamed at the top of their lungs. Each of them got a medal when it was over.
It turns out I really enjoy watching the adults who run these birthday parties. Some are better than others. I love the ones who really get into it and get silly with the kids. I usually end up laughing way more than the kids do. If I am ever in need of a job, I think I know where I'll look first. May be my true calling.
Carina
Angelina and Elias
In May, we celebrated Storm's birthday, a girl from Elias' class. The kids ran around at the Little Gym. After Elias warmed up to it, he loved it. He is a little monkey after all.
Storm and her Mom ready to knock down the big wedge mat.
The whole gang.
Then there was Jack's party, a boy from Elias' class. We went to a place called Great Play where the kids play different sports and activities while interacting with projected images on the walls. They ran around looking for Buddy, played football, soccer, basketball, balloons, threw balls and screamed at the top of their lungs. Each of them got a medal when it was over.
Jack ready to blow out the candles.
Ezra likes to run around just like the rest of them.
It turns out I really enjoy watching the adults who run these birthday parties. Some are better than others. I love the ones who really get into it and get silly with the kids. I usually end up laughing way more than the kids do. If I am ever in need of a job, I think I know where I'll look first. May be my true calling.
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