Skate City!

There's a skating rink by us that has a "Pixie Class" every Thursday morning, where only kids 2-6 years old can skate. We went with my mom's group today and even though Colby is only 21 months he did great!! The guy was really impressed with his balance for his first time...something he obviously got from me since skating is not daddy's forte!

Back from Cancun!

Well, we finally made it to Mexico (see previous post...) and back! We had a great trip and Colby loved every minute of it (as did Steve and I)! Here's just a few 'highlights'.

Colby playing during Tropical Storm Arthur that passed through our first couple days there.

At first he was afraid to walk on the sand, but after he realized how much fun it is he was running all around.

From our table at La Distilleria, after our yummy lobster and steak dinner (Colby much prefered the tuna fish dip they served with chips over the lobster...who's kid is he??!)
Colby couldn't get enough of the pool! He learned to kick his feet, but needs a little more work on blowing bubbles.
Finally found a hat he likes! Maybe he'll keep it on at the playground...
We did a 'Sub See' trip in a submarine over the reefs. Kind of like snorkling without getting wet. Colby loved seeing all the fish and turtles!
Our condo only had a shower, but Colby didn't seem to mind at all. Not sure if he'll ever want to take a bath again!

He was a little timid in the ocean at first (notice the one foot up!), but soon learned to love that too.

So, despite getting there a day late...and despite the Tropical Storm tagging along, we still had a great vacation! Hmmm, guess we need to start thinking about where to go next year...

Still Here...

Apparently it's important to check on your flight, not only before you leave for the airport, but also a couple days ahead of time. We learned this the hard way this morning when our flight (with no notification by Travelocity) left an hour and a half earlier than originally scheduled. Oh well, it's probably raining all day in Cancun anyway! Thankfully we were able to get seats on a flight tomorrow...

So, today we went to Belleview Park - a local park that has train rides and a petting zoo for $1! We got there a little late, so the animals were already put in their houses for the night, but Colby had a blast anyway.

Carpe Diem

I do try to see the best in life and enjoy each day...but sometimes events happen that make us remember how important it is to do so...

Last week I was talking on the phone to a friend while Colby was eating his dinner. It sounded like rain was coming, so I glanced out the back sliding door. I immediately froze and got off the phone, stunned. A man was lying motionless on the trail behind our house...another man was kneeling over him, while a third was running up to help as well.

I called 911, as did at least a couple other neighbors. It took forever for help to arrive, and the men were attempting CPR in the mean time. When the swarm of fire trucks, ambulances and police finally surrounded our house, it became apparent from their actions that the outcome was not good.

As most of you know, my brother died of a sudden heart attack almost 10 years ago now. Seeing all of this and knowing he went through almost the exact same thing really hit me hard. It was almost like reliving it again...and again I was completely helpless. I don't know anything about this man, but I imagine he has family and friends that are missing him a ton. If you're reading this, please take a minute right now to pray for comfort and peace for them.

On a happier note, my niece Jamie (Scott's daughter-who is almost 13 now!) is flying out to stay with us for 3 weeks in July. She generally comes out once/year, but this is the first time she'll be staying for that long...and flying by herself! We can't wait!

Hug your family, tell your friends how much they mean to you...and seize the day!

The Great Outdoors

Yesterday we did our first hike of the year and thankfully Colby still loves it (although he is a tiny bit heavier than last year). We went to a trail close to our house that has some great views.

Hopefully Colby will enjoy camping as much as hiking...we're planning to try that soon!

Afterwards, we met our friends Kammi and Ross at a park to take some family portraits (pics to come soon!). Here's Colby at the playground when we were finished...

New Toy = More Posts!

Since our relic of a camera (bought 6 years ago) is too slow to catch anything but the back of Colby's head these days, we decided to support the economy and use some our stimulus money to purchase a new one. So, expect a lot more posts coming up! (Is that cheering or groaning I hear??) ;)

Here's the results of my playing around with it yesterday...

Colby and Ava...

Colby's friend Ava (and my friend Molly) came to stay with us for a few days this week. Besides some sharing issues on both sides, the kids had a great time playing together. Hopefully we can make this an annual event during Jason's (Ava's daddy) busy season.

And yes, it is impossible to get a 1.5 year old and a 2 year old to look at the camera at the same time!