We had a big weekend, which included a party at the shore.
It's always hustle and bustle getting ready for a party and this was no different. I had planned on heading to the shore Friday night, but life got in the way and Billy and I didn't make it down until naptime on Saturday. Daddy was even later than that, trying to get his homework done before the big party.
Of course, he no-napped. I tried, but there's just too much to see and do to bother with napping.
He got to play with a friend that he sees rarely and play in the yard with the boats and the animals. We went for a nature walk with the boys and the ladies. I can now proudly spot poison ivy, which is prolific along the driveway- and never used to be.
The party got into full swing at dinner time.
I, however, had been talked into a fishing demonstration. Who knew that I would be giving fishing lessons? Let's be honest, catching fish in the river isn't all that hard.
The boys "supervised". I didn't want the 3 little boys to either fight over the one small fishing pole, or to be injured by hooks, sinkers, or flopping fish.
I caught a variety, including croakers, spot and perch. I got to show the boys (and the adults) how croakers make noise and give them a quick fish anatomy lesson. I guess I'm just used to being around the river, so it's second nature to me- croakers croak. Fun to catch and toss back.
There was also the lesson about baiting the hook and showing everyone what grass shrimp look like. Lucky that we have abundant, easy to catch bait around.
Billy is quickly becoming used to the river too. He takes all of it in stride, already familiar with the rules around the water.
I have to admit, as hostess I didn't spend too much time with Billy. He was playing with the other kids, and hanging out with some of his favorite adults.
Especially, when I cleaned two fish. The younger crowd were kept well away from the docks, while I had a crowd of onlookers for the gutting of fish, and even talked a friend into cleaning the second fish.
It's definitely an eye-opener when you're used to fish from the supermarket or a restaurant where it no longer resembles the animal. It's entirely different to clean the fish yourself and then cook it and eat it. I think I may have scarred a few people with that experience.
~
Sunday was more of the same. It was an overnight party, so the crowd was still there in the morning. In the afternoon a few of us took Billy, the last kid at the party, down to the point for swimming. Although it had been a warm day, it unfortunately was turning cold. But we skipped rocks and made a castle in the sand.
And by the time we drove home Billy had passed out from all of the fun and slept through dinner, all the way to morning.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Friday, September 6, 2013
I'm behind again... Beaches, Burning Boats and Spanish Pirates
Yep,
I'm totally behind again. Let's see... what happened this week?
Well, last weekend (that would be Labor Day weekend) Billy and I went to visit PeePop. Nana was away and Uncle Alex is back in school, so it was just the three of us (and Daddy wanted to go to the Grand Prix).
On Saturday we went to the beach. Billy quickly remembered how much he loved the beach the last time. Unlike before, when we sat on 5th Street, we opted to sit on 11th where the beach is much nicer and the waves crash with a greater distance so there is a lot more shallow water (5th Street suffers from the big waves crashing up close to the beach from beach replenishment).
Billy liked the water so much better this time because there were the smaller waves that he could stand in and have them break over him, while the bigger waves were further out. I, of course, kept a firm hand on him. The rip currents were fairly strong. He wanted to play in the water all day long.
He also got to build his first sand castle. Well, I built it and he played with it. Then he tore it down, which is probably the best part of a sand castle for a little boy. We discovered that he hates having sandy hands, an inevitable thing at the beach.
We also were able to dig up some big sand crabs for him to see. The beach replenishment has destroyed the ecosystem at the beach. When I was little you could dig a small hole and find lots of sand crabs. And with each wave you could see lots of brightly colored, tiny clams wash up and then quickly bury themselves into the sand. We had to work to find just a couple of crabs and clams.
When it was getting time to head home we saw a deep sea fishing boat out on the ocean billowing smoke. It was right in front of us and drifting toward shore. It was soon apparent that the boat was on fire. Soon, the smoke enveloped the whole boat. Other boats came to help, but couldn't get too close. Not only was there fear of an explosion, but the wind had quicked up and the seas were rough and wild. The boat on fire was pitching and rolling dangerously in the waves. After a long wait the fire boat made it out of the bay to the ocean where we wear and began spraying jets of water on the burning boat. It took awhile, but they finally got the fire subdued and were taking the boat back to the bay.
We left then, if being way past nap time and the excitement was over. But what we missed was that the boat only made it to 5th Street (remember, we were on 11). The Coast Guard was trying to hook up a tow line when a rogue wave swamped the boat and sank it immediately. The news reported that the couple on board had made it safely over to another boat prior to the Coast Guard's arrival, so at least everyone was safe.
The next day we headed back to the beach, but this time we weren't playing in the sand. We wanted to check out this:
This is El Galeon Andalucia from Spain. She's a replica (obviously) of the old Spanish ships that would have discovered Florida. And if ever anything looked like a pirate ship to Billy, this would be it. He loved it and didn't want to leave.
I'm totally behind again. Let's see... what happened this week?
Well, last weekend (that would be Labor Day weekend) Billy and I went to visit PeePop. Nana was away and Uncle Alex is back in school, so it was just the three of us (and Daddy wanted to go to the Grand Prix).
On Saturday we went to the beach. Billy quickly remembered how much he loved the beach the last time. Unlike before, when we sat on 5th Street, we opted to sit on 11th where the beach is much nicer and the waves crash with a greater distance so there is a lot more shallow water (5th Street suffers from the big waves crashing up close to the beach from beach replenishment).
Billy liked the water so much better this time because there were the smaller waves that he could stand in and have them break over him, while the bigger waves were further out. I, of course, kept a firm hand on him. The rip currents were fairly strong. He wanted to play in the water all day long.
He also got to build his first sand castle. Well, I built it and he played with it. Then he tore it down, which is probably the best part of a sand castle for a little boy. We discovered that he hates having sandy hands, an inevitable thing at the beach.
We also were able to dig up some big sand crabs for him to see. The beach replenishment has destroyed the ecosystem at the beach. When I was little you could dig a small hole and find lots of sand crabs. And with each wave you could see lots of brightly colored, tiny clams wash up and then quickly bury themselves into the sand. We had to work to find just a couple of crabs and clams.
When it was getting time to head home we saw a deep sea fishing boat out on the ocean billowing smoke. It was right in front of us and drifting toward shore. It was soon apparent that the boat was on fire. Soon, the smoke enveloped the whole boat. Other boats came to help, but couldn't get too close. Not only was there fear of an explosion, but the wind had quicked up and the seas were rough and wild. The boat on fire was pitching and rolling dangerously in the waves. After a long wait the fire boat made it out of the bay to the ocean where we wear and began spraying jets of water on the burning boat. It took awhile, but they finally got the fire subdued and were taking the boat back to the bay.
We left then, if being way past nap time and the excitement was over. But what we missed was that the boat only made it to 5th Street (remember, we were on 11). The Coast Guard was trying to hook up a tow line when a rogue wave swamped the boat and sank it immediately. The news reported that the couple on board had made it safely over to another boat prior to the Coast Guard's arrival, so at least everyone was safe.
The next day we headed back to the beach, but this time we weren't playing in the sand. We wanted to check out this:
This is El Galeon Andalucia from Spain. She's a replica (obviously) of the old Spanish ships that would have discovered Florida. And if ever anything looked like a pirate ship to Billy, this would be it. He loved it and didn't want to leave.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
From Sea to Plate: A Life Lesson
There comes the day for every person when they realize that the food on their plate is not some magical meat that the grocery store poofed into existence, but really comes from an animal.
For Billy, that lesson came with fishing.
It was a drizzly morning, but Billy wanted to try his hand at fishing again. We were playing hookie from work and school (with permission, of course). I went out and collected some grass shrimp for bait for us to fish from the dock and brought out Billy's rod and a rod for myself.
It was quickly apparent that the rod I had borrowed was the wrong rig, so I put it away and just used Billy's little 2ft Mickey Mouse fishing pole. I baited the hook for him and tossed it into the water.
After only a few minutes a baby rockfish jumped on the hook. I put it in a bucket for Billy to look at and dropped the line back into the water with more bait. Just as it hit bottom another bite! I reeled in a spot this time. Two small fish for Billy's bucket.
He was getting bored before, but having realized we were on the fish, he wanted to keep fishing. And a minute later we had another bite! But that one jumped the line once we pulled it out of the water. Oh well.
Back into the water for the line and after a short wait the line gave a good tug. That poor little rod bent over from the weight. I reeled in a nice looking perch. And a big one (to Billy).
It was too big for the bucket (it was a small bucket) but he wanted to go show Grandma. And he was really excited to eat the fish. So, we took the bucket with the two small fish and the net with the big fish up to the house to show grandma.
We released the two small fish back into the river.
The big fish, though, we were going to eat. So I took it down to the dock to clean it and Billy waited in the house.
Here's the fish:
Inside, Billy was telling Grandma how he was going to take the fish to school today to show all of his friends. Had I known this at the time, I probably would have spared the fish and let Billy release him off of the dock, because the only way this fish was going to school was in a lunch bag.
In the farm house in the living room is a very large mounted sail fish. Once it was the world record. It's big, and it's mounted to the wall. I think Billy thought that he was going to get a mounted fish like "Sebastian" from this little perch. No such luck, kid.
When I came back into the house with the filet it was not what he was expecting. But, he was interested in seeing me cook it. So I tossed it in the frying pan with a little breading.
He wanted to watch it frizzle and was still very excited by the process. But then I put it on a plate. His expression says it all:
The "idea" of eating the fish was great until he sat down and was expected to actually EAT the fish. He picked up one bite, licked it, and declared that he no longer liked to eat fish. He formerly liked fish sticks, tunafish and other forms of fish. But never before had the fish just been swimming and flopping around before his eyes.
It's not an easy lesson to learn, from sea to hook to pan to plate. I think maybe next time we'll just toss 'em back, at least for awhile. Now he wants to try crabbing... Oh, Lord.
For Billy, that lesson came with fishing.
It was a drizzly morning, but Billy wanted to try his hand at fishing again. We were playing hookie from work and school (with permission, of course). I went out and collected some grass shrimp for bait for us to fish from the dock and brought out Billy's rod and a rod for myself.
It was quickly apparent that the rod I had borrowed was the wrong rig, so I put it away and just used Billy's little 2ft Mickey Mouse fishing pole. I baited the hook for him and tossed it into the water.
After only a few minutes a baby rockfish jumped on the hook. I put it in a bucket for Billy to look at and dropped the line back into the water with more bait. Just as it hit bottom another bite! I reeled in a spot this time. Two small fish for Billy's bucket.
He was getting bored before, but having realized we were on the fish, he wanted to keep fishing. And a minute later we had another bite! But that one jumped the line once we pulled it out of the water. Oh well.
Back into the water for the line and after a short wait the line gave a good tug. That poor little rod bent over from the weight. I reeled in a nice looking perch. And a big one (to Billy).
It was too big for the bucket (it was a small bucket) but he wanted to go show Grandma. And he was really excited to eat the fish. So, we took the bucket with the two small fish and the net with the big fish up to the house to show grandma.
We released the two small fish back into the river.
The big fish, though, we were going to eat. So I took it down to the dock to clean it and Billy waited in the house.
Here's the fish:
Inside, Billy was telling Grandma how he was going to take the fish to school today to show all of his friends. Had I known this at the time, I probably would have spared the fish and let Billy release him off of the dock, because the only way this fish was going to school was in a lunch bag.
In the farm house in the living room is a very large mounted sail fish. Once it was the world record. It's big, and it's mounted to the wall. I think Billy thought that he was going to get a mounted fish like "Sebastian" from this little perch. No such luck, kid.
When I came back into the house with the filet it was not what he was expecting. But, he was interested in seeing me cook it. So I tossed it in the frying pan with a little breading.
He wanted to watch it frizzle and was still very excited by the process. But then I put it on a plate. His expression says it all:
The "idea" of eating the fish was great until he sat down and was expected to actually EAT the fish. He picked up one bite, licked it, and declared that he no longer liked to eat fish. He formerly liked fish sticks, tunafish and other forms of fish. But never before had the fish just been swimming and flopping around before his eyes.
It's not an easy lesson to learn, from sea to hook to pan to plate. I think maybe next time we'll just toss 'em back, at least for awhile. Now he wants to try crabbing... Oh, Lord.
Monday, August 26, 2013
August 26, 2013 ~ Fish and Fair
Billy has been hoping to use his fishing rod to go fishing. We tried when camping, but it's hard to catch fish without bait. So, we were at Grandma's and I brought the fishing rod for Billy's first "real" fishing experience.
First, you need bait.
Mommy, to the rescue. I got a net and went hunting for grass shrimp. Billy, of course, wanted to join me, but I asked him to stay inside while I hunted for bait. I came away with a fair catch of grass shrimp for my efforts.
Then Billy, Daddy and myself went out onto the long dock to go fishing. I handed Daddy the net with the shrimp for him to bait the hook. When one jumped in a last ditch escape effort, Daddy freaked- only for a moment. He had never seen grass shrimp before.
That's okay. I'm used to baiting hooks with grass shrimp.
We got the two hooks on Billy's line baited. Then it was time to wait. Billy wanted to play with the rod- no go- can't feel the fish bite if you are playing with it. Then he wanted to hold the net- no go- there's bait in it. He did end up playing with the net and losing the rest of the bait.
BUT... not before we caught a, ahem, fish...
Okay, it's barely a fish. But we caught it together.
After fishing (and a much needed nap) we went to the State Fair.
We rode the ferris wheel in the background of this picture. Billy REALLY wanted to try the ferris wheel. He got scared for a bit when we first got on, since it's a big wheel, but liked it anyway. He really wanted to ride the Crazy Bus. He squealed with delight through the whole ride. Let's not forget the merry-go-round or flying elephants. Although, by far his favorite was the bus. He would have stayed all night to ride the rides, but we did have to go to bed at some point.
He also got to see lots of newborn farm animals- piglets, chicks, ducklings, calves. He opted not to pet them, although he could have if he wanted to. We tried out some fair food, played some fair games and won a light saber, and looked at the quilts and vegetables in the 4H pavilion.
We also got him honey sticks. He danced for joy after getting to have one. He wanted another, but he'd had enough sugar. And we did have to leave.
He cried on the way home. He didn't want to leave. He wanted to stay at the fair forever and ever. It was that much fun.
First, you need bait.
Mommy, to the rescue. I got a net and went hunting for grass shrimp. Billy, of course, wanted to join me, but I asked him to stay inside while I hunted for bait. I came away with a fair catch of grass shrimp for my efforts.
Then Billy, Daddy and myself went out onto the long dock to go fishing. I handed Daddy the net with the shrimp for him to bait the hook. When one jumped in a last ditch escape effort, Daddy freaked- only for a moment. He had never seen grass shrimp before.
That's okay. I'm used to baiting hooks with grass shrimp.
We got the two hooks on Billy's line baited. Then it was time to wait. Billy wanted to play with the rod- no go- can't feel the fish bite if you are playing with it. Then he wanted to hold the net- no go- there's bait in it. He did end up playing with the net and losing the rest of the bait.
BUT... not before we caught a, ahem, fish...
Okay, it's barely a fish. But we caught it together.
After fishing (and a much needed nap) we went to the State Fair.
We rode the ferris wheel in the background of this picture. Billy REALLY wanted to try the ferris wheel. He got scared for a bit when we first got on, since it's a big wheel, but liked it anyway. He really wanted to ride the Crazy Bus. He squealed with delight through the whole ride. Let's not forget the merry-go-round or flying elephants. Although, by far his favorite was the bus. He would have stayed all night to ride the rides, but we did have to go to bed at some point.
He also got to see lots of newborn farm animals- piglets, chicks, ducklings, calves. He opted not to pet them, although he could have if he wanted to. We tried out some fair food, played some fair games and won a light saber, and looked at the quilts and vegetables in the 4H pavilion.
We also got him honey sticks. He danced for joy after getting to have one. He wanted another, but he'd had enough sugar. And we did have to leave.
He cried on the way home. He didn't want to leave. He wanted to stay at the fair forever and ever. It was that much fun.
Friday, August 23, 2013
August 22, 2013 ~ Ravens (in person)!!!
Okay, normally Thursday is Drawn In Thursdays, but since we had something special going on I'm just going to post about that.
Billy got to attend his first ever football game. Okay, so the Ravens lost. I mean, got trampled. I mean, played like they've never played before. (Literally, like they've never thrown a football before). But, we had a good time anyway.
Things Billy liked (in no particular order):
The fireworks (they were too loud, though)
The band (horns are shiny)
The music (let's dance!)
The flippy seats (because they flip, of course)
PeePop's peach iced tea (ooh, yummy)
French fries with ketchup (do I really need to explain?)
The giant flags (You know, the ones that they run across the field after a touchdown?)
Purple soap (Because everything the Ravens do is purple, duh)
The helicopter (ooh, it flies)
The overhead camera and wires (engineering, it's cool, okay?)
The helmets (they're for safety, Mom)
And the thing Billy enjoyed most at the game?
The cheerleaders. (Well, he is a boy...)
Billy got to attend his first ever football game. Okay, so the Ravens lost. I mean, got trampled. I mean, played like they've never played before. (Literally, like they've never thrown a football before). But, we had a good time anyway.
Things Billy liked (in no particular order):
The fireworks (they were too loud, though)
The band (horns are shiny)
The music (let's dance!)
The flippy seats (because they flip, of course)
PeePop's peach iced tea (ooh, yummy)
French fries with ketchup (do I really need to explain?)
The giant flags (You know, the ones that they run across the field after a touchdown?)
Purple soap (Because everything the Ravens do is purple, duh)
The helicopter (ooh, it flies)
The overhead camera and wires (engineering, it's cool, okay?)
The helmets (they're for safety, Mom)
And the thing Billy enjoyed most at the game?
The cheerleaders. (Well, he is a boy...)
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
August 20, 2013 ~ Picnic Table
Billy got a new picnic table (new to us, anyway).
He was so thrilled to have it that he insisted on eating dinner at his new table. He can't wait to invite Cub over so they can sit together at the table.
Humorously, he kept telling me that he didn't need a tent over his table. He's referring back to our camping trip where we strung up a tarp over the picnic tables (because it rained the whole time). Nope, no tent over this table.
He was so thrilled to have it that he insisted on eating dinner at his new table. He can't wait to invite Cub over so they can sit together at the table.
Humorously, he kept telling me that he didn't need a tent over his table. He's referring back to our camping trip where we strung up a tarp over the picnic tables (because it rained the whole time). Nope, no tent over this table.
August 19, 2013 ~ Cold Summer
Well, we had a busy weekend, but I have to admit that it feels like a bit of a waste of a decent summer day not to be at the beach or the pool, but it's just been too cold. We haven't been in the pool since the start of August, and now the month is over.
We started the weekend hanging out with friends. Which is never a waste. Billy got to visit with Cub. Which goes as well as you would expect it to with two toddlers. They behaved, they misbehaved together, they misbehaved apart, then we all went home.
But we had fun, so that's what counts.
Sunday we were going to go hiking, but the rains came and washed away our plans. In the afternoon Billy and Daddy went to visit Grandpa (not to be confused with PeePop).
PeePop tells me his name is written P-Pop. Makes me think of J-Pop, which isn't bad, it's just not a name I associate with the wizened and wise. I will continue to write PeePop until Billy learns to write and decides for himself. He invented the name, after all.
And, unfortunately, it's been so cold we've been inside most of the time. Not that it's really that cold, but it's not summerlike weather. Billy dressed himself Saturday morning. This is what he came up with:
He looks unhappy, but that's only because it was early and he didn't want his picture taken. And yes, that's a wool winter hat on his head. And a fleece.
We started the weekend hanging out with friends. Which is never a waste. Billy got to visit with Cub. Which goes as well as you would expect it to with two toddlers. They behaved, they misbehaved together, they misbehaved apart, then we all went home.
But we had fun, so that's what counts.
Sunday we were going to go hiking, but the rains came and washed away our plans. In the afternoon Billy and Daddy went to visit Grandpa (not to be confused with PeePop).
PeePop tells me his name is written P-Pop. Makes me think of J-Pop, which isn't bad, it's just not a name I associate with the wizened and wise. I will continue to write PeePop until Billy learns to write and decides for himself. He invented the name, after all.
And, unfortunately, it's been so cold we've been inside most of the time. Not that it's really that cold, but it's not summerlike weather. Billy dressed himself Saturday morning. This is what he came up with:
Saturday, August 17, 2013
August 15, 2013 ~ Magic Magnets
For the longest time Billy has had fun with his fridge magnets. He knew they only worked on the fridge, but he never really tested why.
Suddenly, today he decided to see what would happen if he tried his magnets on his toys. He found they stuck to his tin whistle.
He was entertained for the rest of the night with his magical magnets that stick to metal:
Thursday, August 15, 2013
August 14, 2013 ~ Been Sick
Sorry to not have posted, but I've been sick with the flu. It's been a hell of a ride, but I'm back on my feet.
Suffice it to say, I've been avoiding Billy and my family to help prevent the spread of it. I'll be back tomorrow with more Billy tales, but until then, here's a photo from hiking last weekend:
Suffice it to say, I've been avoiding Billy and my family to help prevent the spread of it. I'll be back tomorrow with more Billy tales, but until then, here's a photo from hiking last weekend:
Thursday, August 8, 2013
August 7, 2013 ~ Lice
Billy doesn't have lice (we hope). But someone in his class does. They never say which kid, which in a way is good, but I feel like I need to be even more concerned and vigilant if it's a friend. Billy tells me it's his best friend from school. Crap.
Not that I can fully trust what he says, he is only two after all.
But I'm going to assume he's right and go from there.
I honestly don't remember having lice, if I ever did. I have always had long hair- longer when I was a kid. I haven't asked Grandma yet, but I'm guessing I never had lice. I know it's common and not a big deal except as a contagion and annoyance, but I have no experience with these little suckers.
Chiggers? Ticks? Mosquitoes? Malaria-carrying mosquitoes? Yes, I have experience with all of those (no, I haven't had malaria but I can tell you horror stories about the preventative medication).
Now lice.
So the first thing I did was send Daddy off to the store to buy chemicals. And then I washed all of the sheets. I checked Billy's hair, but just wasn't sure.
When Daddy came home with the kit I went through Billy's hair with the fine-toothed comb. Not really seeing anything. Phew! But, I just feel like they are lurking. And I itch just thinking about it.
So, I went to my Mommy resources for help. I olive oiled Billy's hair per recommendation and sent him off to bed that way. Fingers crossed that those little suckers really do hate olive oil.
Not that I can fully trust what he says, he is only two after all.
But I'm going to assume he's right and go from there.
I honestly don't remember having lice, if I ever did. I have always had long hair- longer when I was a kid. I haven't asked Grandma yet, but I'm guessing I never had lice. I know it's common and not a big deal except as a contagion and annoyance, but I have no experience with these little suckers.
Chiggers? Ticks? Mosquitoes? Malaria-carrying mosquitoes? Yes, I have experience with all of those (no, I haven't had malaria but I can tell you horror stories about the preventative medication).
Now lice.
So the first thing I did was send Daddy off to the store to buy chemicals. And then I washed all of the sheets. I checked Billy's hair, but just wasn't sure.
When Daddy came home with the kit I went through Billy's hair with the fine-toothed comb. Not really seeing anything. Phew! But, I just feel like they are lurking. And I itch just thinking about it.
So, I went to my Mommy resources for help. I olive oiled Billy's hair per recommendation and sent him off to bed that way. Fingers crossed that those little suckers really do hate olive oil.
Monday, August 5, 2013
August 8, 2013 ~ How 'Bout Dem Os?
Saturday was a rainy day, so we spent it extra quiet at home in prep for Sunday.
I've been teaching Billy about baseball. All week. Because I got ticket to the Orioles game.
We sang the song over and over. (You know the one- the 7th Inning Stretch song... "Take Me Out to the Ballgame.) He likes the singing part.
We talked about the colors that the Orioles wear. Orange, of course.
We reviewed how the game works. Three strikes and you're out!
Then he asked if he got to play baseball WITH the Orioles. Sorry, no. He was very disappointed. What was the point in going, if he didn't get to play too?
Sunday morning he wanted to wear his Ravens shirt. "But, Mommy. I like the Ravens. I want to wear purple. Not orange. Ravens, Mommy. RAVENS." Hmm. Apparently, winning the Superbowl seems to have stuck with him. Well, yay- but football season doesn't start for another two weeks, so...
I made him wear orange. I wore orange. Daddy... he doesn't do that 'dress for the game' thing and wore red and white. Ok, Nationals fan. We get it. At least he didn't wear his Nationals hat.
So, then we went to the game. At naptime. (Now, I know what you're thinking. Are you crazy? The game is during naptime? He's two!)
We started out with Daddy going to get treats. He was gone for a whole inning and came back with sugar, sugar, some more sugar, and Old Bay fries. Okay, well, at least for the fries. Billy ate all of the sugar and then bounced off of the walls.
Billy then decided that he knew how to play baseball and wanted to go play with the men out on the field. Um, maybe in a few years. When you're a baseball pro or something.
He'd had enough sugar that I had to restrain him from trying to run off and into the stadium of people to track down Daddy, who'd gone for more treats.
So I made him promise to behave in order to get ice cream. "Okay, Mommy."
We made it to the 7th Inning Stretch for the singing. He was so excited about that part and got up to dance.
Then, having (sort of) behaved and the game probably going to the other team, we opted to head out. We did lose (oh well) but we beat the traffic.
Billy got his ice cream and then skipped the whole way out of the park.
I've been teaching Billy about baseball. All week. Because I got ticket to the Orioles game.
We sang the song over and over. (You know the one- the 7th Inning Stretch song... "Take Me Out to the Ballgame.) He likes the singing part.
We talked about the colors that the Orioles wear. Orange, of course.
We reviewed how the game works. Three strikes and you're out!
Then he asked if he got to play baseball WITH the Orioles. Sorry, no. He was very disappointed. What was the point in going, if he didn't get to play too?
Sunday morning he wanted to wear his Ravens shirt. "But, Mommy. I like the Ravens. I want to wear purple. Not orange. Ravens, Mommy. RAVENS." Hmm. Apparently, winning the Superbowl seems to have stuck with him. Well, yay- but football season doesn't start for another two weeks, so...
I made him wear orange. I wore orange. Daddy... he doesn't do that 'dress for the game' thing and wore red and white. Ok, Nationals fan. We get it. At least he didn't wear his Nationals hat.
So, then we went to the game. At naptime. (Now, I know what you're thinking. Are you crazy? The game is during naptime? He's two!)
We started out with Daddy going to get treats. He was gone for a whole inning and came back with sugar, sugar, some more sugar, and Old Bay fries. Okay, well, at least for the fries. Billy ate all of the sugar and then bounced off of the walls.
Billy then decided that he knew how to play baseball and wanted to go play with the men out on the field. Um, maybe in a few years. When you're a baseball pro or something.
He'd had enough sugar that I had to restrain him from trying to run off and into the stadium of people to track down Daddy, who'd gone for more treats.
We made it to the 7th Inning Stretch for the singing. He was so excited about that part and got up to dance.
Then, having (sort of) behaved and the game probably going to the other team, we opted to head out. We did lose (oh well) but we beat the traffic.
Billy got his ice cream and then skipped the whole way out of the park.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
July 31, 2013 ~ Why is in time out
That's it! I've declared it. Why is going into time out. No more whys, no more wherefores. You cannot say why.
Why, you ask?
Uh, uh. You broke the rule. Why is in time out. 5 more minutes of no why. And you can't ask why.
Well, what did why ever do to you? you might ask.
Fine. What is not in time out, so I guess I'll answer that one.
Why has been bugging me for months. It keeps randomly popping out of my toddler's mouth all day long, hundreds of them every day. Why is getting pretty annoying. I've asked why to stop asking random why questions, but does why ever listen? No. So, time out for not listening.
So, carry on. I'll let you know when why is out of time out (if ever).
Why, you ask?
Uh, uh. You broke the rule. Why is in time out. 5 more minutes of no why. And you can't ask why.
Well, what did why ever do to you? you might ask.
Fine. What is not in time out, so I guess I'll answer that one.
Why has been bugging me for months. It keeps randomly popping out of my toddler's mouth all day long, hundreds of them every day. Why is getting pretty annoying. I've asked why to stop asking random why questions, but does why ever listen? No. So, time out for not listening.
So, carry on. I'll let you know when why is out of time out (if ever).
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
The Big Summer Camping Trip of 2013
This weekend we took Billy for another camping trip, back to a favorite campground in Shenandoah.
Billy has been excited for a week about this trip. He would have been excited longer, but we didn't tell him about it.
Camping comes with some dangers (like a giant open fire) but it's every little boy's dream vacation. Bugs, sticks, rocks, hiking. Who could ask for more.
The very first thing Billy wanted to do was go hiking. Of course, we had to setup camp, cook dinner and then go to bed. So the very first thing he wanted to do in the morning- even before breakfast- was go hiking.
So we went hiking. After breakfast. And coffee. (I'm no fool).
Unfortunately, it rained ALL Saturday. It rained on our hike. It rained on lunch. It rained during nap. It rained when Cub arrived. It rained while swimming in the lake. It rained on dinner. Then it stopped. Yep, it rained a lot.
Hey, yes I did say Billy had a friend join him. They ran all over the camp site. We went swimming in the lake and swam (ahem...walked for those of us over 4 feet tall) out to the island in the middle. It was COLD. But, we were determined to go swimming, even if it was raining. The water was actually warmer than the air.
Let's not forget the bears. And no, I'm not talking football. We've been camping a lot. And we're always careful about food and trash, even if there have been no bear sightings. But I've never actually spotted a bear.
That is, until Billy and I were walking back from the bathroom. Yes, a black bear. Yes, a wild black bear. The camp hosts were there with paint ball guns to scare it off. But it was right there in the campsite just down from ours. A little too close for comfort.
The boys also got to go "fishing". By fishing I mean their Daddy's tried to catch fish with the toddler rods to no avail. That kind of fishing.
So, it was a busy and good weekend despite the rain. Billy didn't want to leave. "Mommy, can we stay. I like camping. I want to stay camping."
Billy has been excited for a week about this trip. He would have been excited longer, but we didn't tell him about it.
Camping comes with some dangers (like a giant open fire) but it's every little boy's dream vacation. Bugs, sticks, rocks, hiking. Who could ask for more.
The very first thing Billy wanted to do was go hiking. Of course, we had to setup camp, cook dinner and then go to bed. So the very first thing he wanted to do in the morning- even before breakfast- was go hiking.
So we went hiking. After breakfast. And coffee. (I'm no fool).
Unfortunately, it rained ALL Saturday. It rained on our hike. It rained on lunch. It rained during nap. It rained when Cub arrived. It rained while swimming in the lake. It rained on dinner. Then it stopped. Yep, it rained a lot.
Hey, yes I did say Billy had a friend join him. They ran all over the camp site. We went swimming in the lake and swam (ahem...walked for those of us over 4 feet tall) out to the island in the middle. It was COLD. But, we were determined to go swimming, even if it was raining. The water was actually warmer than the air.
Let's not forget the bears. And no, I'm not talking football. We've been camping a lot. And we're always careful about food and trash, even if there have been no bear sightings. But I've never actually spotted a bear.
That is, until Billy and I were walking back from the bathroom. Yes, a black bear. Yes, a wild black bear. The camp hosts were there with paint ball guns to scare it off. But it was right there in the campsite just down from ours. A little too close for comfort.
The boys also got to go "fishing". By fishing I mean their Daddy's tried to catch fish with the toddler rods to no avail. That kind of fishing.
So, it was a busy and good weekend despite the rain. Billy didn't want to leave. "Mommy, can we stay. I like camping. I want to stay camping."
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
July 23, 2013 ~ A Night Out
Billy and Daddy went for a boys night out. This was because I was having a ladies Night In at the house, and well, the boys weren't invited.
I actually have no idea what they did or where they went. They got home after the end time of the party, although there were still plenty of guests around. Billy was a little shocked by all of the ladies.
He and Daddy went into Billy's room to try to go to sleep. Of course, I still have a baby monitor in his room, so I could here a few things.
"Daddy, those womans are loud!"
I guess we were keeping him awake with our yammering. (Yes, he says womans and not women.)
This morning he got up and was looking for all of the guests. We told him they had gone. "Mommy, there were a lot of womans here. A lot." He gave me a serious look.
I guess a room full of women can be pretty scary. Especially, when it's a Scary Mommy party. ;)
I actually have no idea what they did or where they went. They got home after the end time of the party, although there were still plenty of guests around. Billy was a little shocked by all of the ladies.
He and Daddy went into Billy's room to try to go to sleep. Of course, I still have a baby monitor in his room, so I could here a few things.
"Daddy, those womans are loud!"
I guess we were keeping him awake with our yammering. (Yes, he says womans and not women.)
This morning he got up and was looking for all of the guests. We told him they had gone. "Mommy, there were a lot of womans here. A lot." He gave me a serious look.
I guess a room full of women can be pretty scary. Especially, when it's a Scary Mommy party. ;)
Monday, July 22, 2013
July 21, 2013 ~ Big Beach Weekend
Billy got to spend the weekend at the beach.
Did he like it?
This is where he was all day long. That's right, in the water, insisting on holding someone's hand but having a blast.
Towards the end of the day Daddy picked him up and took him out a little farther into the waves. It was really rough. Not so bad if you can dive under the waves or over them, but definitely too rough while holding a toddler.
The ocean proved its point by knocking Daddy and Billy over. No worries, Daddy got up seconds later with Billy. Was Billy phased? Not one bit. He didn't want to do it again, but he was more than willing to play in the water's edge. The ocean also stole Daddy's sunglasses. That's what you get for wearing them into the ocean.
Our little family seems to have a problem with holding onto sunglasses...
Unfortunately, the beach isn't what it used to be. Sure, Billy had fun. But the beach replenishment means that the waves are strong and break close to shore. After extensive digging I was only able to come up with 2 small sand crabs. I used to get that many in a single handful. And all of the baby clams are gone. Once upon a time the breakers were much further out so that the water's edge was shallow and gentle, unlike how it is now. The whole beach ecosystem is different, and I doubt for the better. While I don't want to see the beach wash away into the sea, the animals live there too, and finding them was half of the fun of being at the beach!
Did he like it?
Towards the end of the day Daddy picked him up and took him out a little farther into the waves. It was really rough. Not so bad if you can dive under the waves or over them, but definitely too rough while holding a toddler.
The ocean proved its point by knocking Daddy and Billy over. No worries, Daddy got up seconds later with Billy. Was Billy phased? Not one bit. He didn't want to do it again, but he was more than willing to play in the water's edge. The ocean also stole Daddy's sunglasses. That's what you get for wearing them into the ocean.
Our little family seems to have a problem with holding onto sunglasses...
Unfortunately, the beach isn't what it used to be. Sure, Billy had fun. But the beach replenishment means that the waves are strong and break close to shore. After extensive digging I was only able to come up with 2 small sand crabs. I used to get that many in a single handful. And all of the baby clams are gone. Once upon a time the breakers were much further out so that the water's edge was shallow and gentle, unlike how it is now. The whole beach ecosystem is different, and I doubt for the better. While I don't want to see the beach wash away into the sea, the animals live there too, and finding them was half of the fun of being at the beach!
Friday, July 19, 2013
July 18, 2013 ~ Lil Backseat Driver
Mommy, it's yellow. Slow down. Slow down, Mommy! [sees a yellow exit sign on the highway]
Mommy, it's green. Go Mommy, Go! Too slow, Mommy. You gotta go! [said just as the light turns green with a bunch of cars in front of us still stopped]
Stop! Mommy, stop! It's red, you gotta stop! [sees a red store sign on the sign of the road]
Mommy, you're driving too fast. Too fast Mommy. [said while doing the speed limit, which is apparently too fast for that road]
Hold the wheel, Mommy. You're not holding the wheel. You gotta hold the wheel! [said while I had one hand on the wheel at a stoplight]
Sigh. My lil backseat driver. He now knows what the lights mean and insists on directing my driving from his carseat, even if he's wrong about the rules (like turning into oncoming traffic, because it's green, which means go.)
Mommy, it's green. Go Mommy, Go! Too slow, Mommy. You gotta go! [said just as the light turns green with a bunch of cars in front of us still stopped]
Stop! Mommy, stop! It's red, you gotta stop! [sees a red store sign on the sign of the road]
Mommy, you're driving too fast. Too fast Mommy. [said while doing the speed limit, which is apparently too fast for that road]
Hold the wheel, Mommy. You're not holding the wheel. You gotta hold the wheel! [said while I had one hand on the wheel at a stoplight]
Sigh. My lil backseat driver. He now knows what the lights mean and insists on directing my driving from his carseat, even if he's wrong about the rules (like turning into oncoming traffic, because it's green, which means go.)
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