Whee!

It took only nine months to hang up the swing, but it was worth the wait to see and hear Max's sheer delight.

Max getting strapped in for the big launch. (Yes, our neighbors have pink flamingos in their flower beds)

Max was a bit nervous with the first push, but quickly demanded more! And Wyatt was quite entertained to watch his big brother.

No swinging is complete without spinning yourself dizzy.

You can definitely tell Max was having a great time by the fact that he hammed it up for the camera.

Based on his reaction, I think it's safe to let him get on the kiddie carnival rides now. Getting him off the swing is a whole other issue - he kicks and screams and cries. The boy loves his swing!

Cheesy McCheese.

Kapow!

Wyatt watched the fun from the comfort of the Radio Flyer.
(And no, he's not a redhead - that's just the light coming through the red canopy.)

Saturdays

All Around Town

Another reason we like our new town: We caught the last "storytime and sprinklers" session of the summer on the town green a few weeks ago - where the kids are treated to readings from old, worn books, covers optional (this is not your Barnes and Noble storytime!) and a little bit of guitar-music and children's songs. After that, the maintenance people crank on the sprinklers and away the kids go. Well, at least other people's kids. Max just stood next to one of the sprinklers, not entirely sure what to make of things. He perked up considerably when they opened up the "obstacle course" activity - a test of endurance, navigation, and speed that earned him (and every other kid) a blue ribbon.

       

Wyatt was not loving the sprinkler situation - look at that face!

 

Max and Dad's own amazing race.



Here is where Max's keen wit put him ahead of the pack. Instead of going under the sticks, he moved them so he could simply walk between the chairs. Obstacles? I think not!





Project Number Four

Home Depot is awesome. Once a month, our local store holds a Kid's Workshop. The kids get their own kid-sized trademark orange Home Depot apron, a certificate of completion, and a pin with a picture of their project to attach to their apron (one 8-year girl must have had 20 pins on her chest). And a kit with everything you need to bulid the project. Although Max still hasn't gotten his apron yet (they are continually out of stock each time we go), he bested all of them this time with his Max-sized "real" leather work gloves. Aprons are for girls, he says! Once he got wrangled those gloves on, he and Dad got to work on Project #4: a wooden pencil box with a sliding top.

(Here is a list of prior projects: Project #1: A charging valet. Project #2: A toolbox. Project #3: A coaster set - which we actually use daily!)



It wasn't long before Max wanted the gloves off so that he could really get going.



This was the first time they had paints available.

OF COURSE, it would be the day that Dad picked out a white shirt for Max.

And this is why it's so hard to get pictures of Max these days without distracting him with an activity. He either runs from the camera, or if he can't, he'll cover his face (as he did during this attempt to get a shot of his bed-head). 

A Wyatt's Life

 Wyatt's days are pretty action packed. He sleeps (although he could do a lot more of that).

 He helps Mom with chores.

 He eats.

This is Wyatt's first solid (notwithstanding all that other mushy cereal and pureed stuff!) - the Puff! He wasn't too thrilled the first time we popped it in his mouth, but it didn't take long for him to try grabbing it himself. 

 He takes baths.

Now that Wyatt is officially a "sitter," he has graduated to the big tub.

Slumber Party

This is what our Saturday afternoons usually look like

(after returning home from the Home Depot/Target outings).

A Trade

Does anyone have some Mater pull-ups that they would like to trade for Lightning McQueen? As quick as Lightning himself, Max will "hide" the McQueen ones behind his bookcase after bath time. Only Mater can do the job, apparently. 

On a different note, Wyatt's chomper #2 has arrived! 

The Ties That Bind

 

Dad, Max, and Wyatt - July 2011

A year ago: Dad and Max - July 2010



Bombs Away

What better way to beat the summer heat (and boy, has it been hot) than with a first-ever water balloon fight?

Mom got this shot just as Max accidentally popped his first water-balloon. He was in heaven.

Ready, fire, aim!

Wyatt was a bit perturbed at the sight of water balloons being lobbed all around him (and sometimes at him!).

Stocking up the arsenal again.

Max was the happiest kid on the block.

Going after Mom (while she was holding the camera, yikes!).

Going after Dad....

...Then Dad going after Max! Max was squealing with delight.

Max got so excited that he started throwing non-balloons. The fun quickly wrapped up after that with much protesting on Max's part.