Trying New Things

We went boating on Saturday out at Benson with the cousins and some friends. The LG decided after watching his 5-year old cousin surf (along with the help of his uncle), that he was up to the task. The BK, who is always a wee bit more protective than me in these situations wasn't so sure, but I convinced him that not much could go wrong - the boat was going really slowly - and that we should encourage him to try new things. The LG had one of his contagious smiles on from the moment he got into the water. He's 2. Yup, the kid's bravery kind of astounds and baffles me. I mean, it took him 3 weeks to warm up to jumping to me from the side of the swimming pool, but pop a life jacket on him, and show him that his cousin can do it, and he is ready to get behind a powerboat on a surfboard with his uncle. Go figure. This is what it looked like:


That is, until my brother (the LG's responsible uncle) decided to ride the wake and they wiped out. Apparently we had forgotten to tell the LG that in this event he should let go of the rope. We also underestimated the LG's superhero strength as he held on with one hand bobbing around like a fish on a reel until the boat finally came to a halt. The BK dove into the water before the boat had even completely stopped (ahhh, that's my man), along with his wallet, keys and cell phone, to rescue the LG. Expecting a screaming, crying and terrified child who would never try water sports again, we all started laughing hysterically and applauding when he finally surfaced and asked with wide eyes (but no tears), "What happened to me?"

Nothing but surfing buddy. Nothing but the surf.

Summer

This summer has sort of been like summers in highschool. No work, lots of play, and lots of messing around. The only difference is that now I am the one cleaning up the messes. The LG is having plenty of fun with his cousin. They like to get dirty, like playing in the firepit. The LG has also become quite comfortable in the kitchen. His favorite thing to do is play "sandbox" with whatever he can find. The list includes cereal (below), baby formula (pricey and sticky), flour, baking powder, ice from the icemaker. At least it beats him climbing on cars with pens. Pretty sweet. He is getting good at helping with the cleanup though, which provides some consolation. Wrestling with the TP is also one of the LG's favorite things to do. I doubt the same can be said for her. This is clearly before he lays back with her and starts rolling around. Finally, I am pleased to say that I have been teaching the LG all kinds of useful things like silly songs and the pledge of allegiance. I will only entertain you with the video footage of "Down Down Baby". Ahh, I love Big.

New Adventures

In addition to playing pretty hard this summer, I have been doing a couple of productive things. Not to shamelessly promote myself, but I'm going to.

Tiger
My brother and I have started a graphic design firm. He does the design, and I tell him how to do basic mathematics and round up clients. If anyone knows of anyone who needs some design services and is willing to pay for them, you can check out the website (www.tigerco.net). We can do just about anything, and not to brag, but my brother is pretty awesome.

BigEd Project
I have also decided to start another blog that details my interests in education. It has always been an interest of mine, and I would like to start writing so I am hoping that eventually I can turn it into something worthwhile. For now it will be a weekly post that either reviews a book or discusses a particular topic I am interested in. Check it out if you like (www.bigedproject.blogspot.com), and pass it along if you think others might be interested.

That's enough shameless promotion for now.

Summer Fun Part II

Getting Used to TP - The LG has become a fabulous older brother, and although he risks loving her to death on occasion, he is a big help.


When in Rome - You should never pass up the opportunity to watch rednecks run cars into each other.


Bike Riding w/Dad - Too bad he only likes to ride down the hill.


First Campout - Just an overnighter for a family reunion in Bear Lake but TP slept for 7.5 hours - a record - so no complaints about sleeping on a rocky incline all night.

Summer Fun

It has been a great summer and I can't believe how much we have done and how many people we have seen. Rather than yackety yack about it all, I will just show you and highlight some of the best parts in random order. Here we go.

Day Trip to Park City - Yup, we love to re-live our wedding memories by taking a sweet slide down the alpine slide.


Neighborhood Fun - The neighbors have been great at tolerating the new toddler and have allowed him to help fix sprinkler systems, pick cherries, pick weeds, and run around with no clothes on.


Hotdog Dinners w/Family - Nothing like roasting some dogs up Logan Canyon to make me feel like I am stuck in highschool, that is until my kids start yelping and I remember that I am bound tightly by the bonds of adulthood. : (


Potty Training - Okay, so it isn't going so well. In fact, I have given up and will try again later. Don't worry Grandma, I wiped the bench off afterward.


Beach Bumming - Decided at 7pm to leave at 9pm for LA on the spur of the moment for the 4th of July. Great times at the beach with cousins. First successful overnight trip!


That's enough for today. Stay tuned if you dare/care.