Birthday Party Saved from Dispair

After some last minute scrabbling, we managed to pull off a fun (and slightly warm) 2nd Birthday Party for Evan.  We found ourselves throwing together a party at home because the local Gymboree Play Center notified us three days before the party that our reserved date and time was no longer available.  Fortunately, thanks to great family and a rainless sky, we were able to throw a fun party that Evan enjoyed.

We relied on a bouncy house from my father and a few pool/water toys that we own.  Mix in a few balloons and streamers and you have the perfect party for a two year old.  The weather was a bit warm and muggy, but we used a couple of tents for shade and a few fans to create our own breeze.  With a cold beer in hand, it was actually pretty tolerable.

Amy's mother, June, came down from Northern Ohio to lend a hand in the preparation, celebration and clean up activities.  As always, she is a blessing to help out with all of the details.  There is one thing for sure, my mother-in-law is a hard worker.

We were also fortunate to have help in the kitchen from my cousin Alicia.  After hosting her nieces for a few nights, she headed out the the country and started dicing tomatoes for our taco bar.  She does a great job putting up with our insanity and silliness.

Evan really enjoyed the party.  He spent a lot of time in the small pool with Carter while other kids jumped in and out of the water.  Honestly, the kid could spend an hour playing with his watering can.  The highlight of the party (at least for me) was watching Evan crack up while his basked in the serenade of "Happy Birthday" song from family and friends.  While he did not try one taste of his birthday cake or cookies (he has a strange uninherited aversion to sweets), he thoroughly enjoyed open presents and playing with his toys.

As always, we are truly blessed to have such an amazing family.  Obviously, not all of our extended group could be here for the party, but we recently spent some great time with the Parris and Ault families.  The Rozek clan was here earlier this summer and will soon be in town to move Ben into college (at The 'Ville).

Thanks to all of our family and friends for the help, well wishes, presents and memories.

First Fire Truck Ride

This past Saturday morning, I was honored to have Evan join me for his first ride on a fire truck.  We supported the North Oldham Fire Department on a parade detail in the annual Oldham County Day's Festival.  Amy was kind enough to shuttle the boys over to La Grange to meet our crew before the start of the parade.  Evan was able to sit in the rear crew compartment and wave to all of the parade watchers along the route.  He even tried out the headset and talked to Daddy through the truck radio.

After the parade, Amy returned the boys back home for naps while I remained on duty in the heat for a few more hours.  Overall, Evan's first fire truck ride was a success...no tears and no tantrums.

Great Weekend Fun

We enjoyed an amazingly fun weekend full of activities, including the zoo, Huber's Orchard, a farmer's market, two trips to the pool, a great dinner at home and an entertaining Friday-night movie.  Even though the local weather included heat advisories, we made the most of it and filled the weekend with fun.

On Friday night, we ventured out with the boys for an early-crowd dinner at P.F. Chang's.  That place must be a goldmine.  By 5:30, there was already a 30 minute wait for inside seating, so we opted for a patio table and wasted no time.  Evan was treated to "chicken nuggets" with "dippy sauce" (Kid's Honey Chicken).  Amy and I passed on contemplating the menu and quickly ordered a pair of Kung Pao Chicken (our weak spot).  The boys did great, but it was time to stop playing with chopsticks before someone lost an eye.

After the kids went bed, Apple TV treated us to a captivating movie called "The Adjustment Bureau".  It was an interesting twist from Matt Damon.  It was nice to finally rent a movie that was worth the $4.99 charge.

After some early morning computer and reading time on Saturday (post diaper change), I headed out to the St. Matthew's Farmers Market before it got too busy.  Thirty minutes after the 8:00 am opening, it was comfortably busy and full of lush, fresh produce.  I probably went a little overboard with purchases, but Amy wasn't there to stop me.

The highlight of the day was a trip with the boys to the Louisville Zoo.  Since we buy the family pass every year, it is a frequent destination for our family.  I was amazed out how engaged Evan has become with viewing all of the animals.  He constantly gave the subtle order of "see more animals".  I had the fortune of being Evan's Sherpa.  With our great backpack, Evan was able to tour the zoo at 5'9" and minimal effort.

On Sunday, we ventured over to Indiana to visit Huber's Orchard.  A recent commercial on TV promoting their seasonal peaches was enough to lure us in for the spending.  Once again, Evan enjoyed being toted around in the backpack.  The highlight of the trip was treating Evan to his first pony ride.  Much to my surprise, he sat up tall in the saddle with a big grin and asked for "more" when the three laps around the corral were finished.  He really enjoyed his first pony ride and, within minutes, I had proudly posted the pictures for the Facebook world to see.

Henry participated in all of our adventures, but his involvement was slightly limited to the 2'x2' confines of the stroller.  However, he was a trooper with the heat and sun.  We are blessed with such an easy baby.

It was a great weekend with the boys.  It was nice to get out of the house and put the chores on hold for a couple of days.

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July to everyone!  We had a great time last night with family and friends.  It was a hot evening, but the grill was full and a cold beer was never far from reach.  Evan really enjoyed watching the fireworks show (what we could see over the trees).  He likes the colors and loud booms.  Henry could care less at this point, but I was glad that the loud noise did not upset him.  He stayed content the whole time.  We had to cut our viewing short because of a rapidly approaching thunderstorm (and the accompanying light show).

Today especially, thanks to all of the past and present service men and women for their valiant efforts to keep our great country free.  All politics and economic woes aside, I am frequently reminded how great our country is and how blessed I am to be living in such an opportunistic place.  As I watch the news of political strife and unrest in countries all over the world, it amazes me how many freedoms that we take for granted everyday.  I pray frequently that these freedoms will continue long into the future for my children and their children.

Happy Fourth of July!!

Late Father's Day Posting

As usual, I'm running a little behind on my blog updates.  While it was a few weeks ago now, we celebrated a GREAT Father's Day with my two amazing sons.  It is truly a blessing to have such wonderful children...well, mostly wonderful.  Evan is jumping right into the Terrible Two stage with mischief and malice.  A stern "no" from Mommy or Daddy is almost like an accelerant to his naughty behavior.  My own father laughs and says it's payback for my youth.

Regardless, we have an amazing family.  The boys are going to keep Amy and I VERY busy for the next decade or two.

Thanks to our families for spending this memorable day with us.  We were lucky to have Grandpa Bill and Uncle Ben with us in Louisville for a few days.