The Lagoon

The Lagoon -your words, not mine.  You've been excited for the week, or whenever I told you we were going.  I was nervous, as I am with a lot of things I'm doing this year on my own, but it went great.  

We got there right when it opened, at 10.  I didn't forget our tickets (like last year) but you did manage to spill on your shirt while walking to the van (like last year).  Grandma Hardcastle helped wash it and it dried while sticking out of the passenger side window (like last year).  

It was just the three of us for the first hour, and we made it through almost the whole row of kiddie rides before 11.  

Around 11 we met up with Mimi and Papa and Skyler (Ethan was at scout camp) and went on a few more kiddie rides and the get wet rides.  We got wet.  It was okay, in my old(er) age I care less about my hair and make-up and I tried to wear clothes that would dry quickly.  You LOVED getting splashed (Kate not so much).  

We ate our lunch and then took Skyler with us to Lagoon a Beach.  No pictures here.  We saw Laila and Nolan for a few minutes too.  

After the water park we met up with everyone, including Kris and Konner.  We went on another few rides, the last one being the super boring and super high Ferris Wheel.  You were tired and hot, and you and Kate were asleep before we hit the freeway.  

In addition to The Lagoon, we stopped by the Petersen 24th of July (yes, it's not actually the 24th of July) BBQ at Annie and Ross' house (Elliot and Wyatt).  You could have played another 5 hours here, I'm sure.

And tomorrow we have another full day of church and dinner at the Hardcastle's.  Busy and fun weekend!

Fun Friday

Everyday (usually at least half a dozen times a day) you ask me where we're going.  Where we're going next, and where we're going tomorrow.  You've been looking forward to going to your friends' Anthony and Ellie's birthday all week.  I didn't really mention what we'd be doing there, but as you told me on our way, if it's a birthday party there has to be toys and cake.

You LOVED this blow-up water slide they set up.  Kate, not so much, but she was a great little cheerleader for you on the side.  "Yay, buddy, you did it again!"



Whee from Melanie Lafeen on Vimeo.

After the fun in the sun, you got to do something even better!  Gordon and Jessica called (texted) and asked if you could go to the Raptor's game with them that evening.  I stole a couple of pictures from their Instagram feed, so I'll add more if I can get them.  I think you were impressed.

Hyrum-isms

More of the bits of wisdom you impart on a regular basis... (and some pictures). 

"This town needs a superhero, so when I grow up I'm going to be one."

(Sitting in time out) "Kate, I won't be friends with you anymore unless you bring me a toy or something."

"Did you know that sometimes the moon shrinks until it looks like a giant took a bite out of it and then it gets bigger and bigger again."

"The floor is all clean, why is it all clean?" (So we can have a clean house) "Why, so we can start messing it all up again?"

(I think you heard a knock knock joke at school, but you haven't quite got the hang of it yet)

"Knock Knock" (Who's there)

"Banana"(Banana who)

"Banana drink"

"Knock Knock" (Who's there)

"Drink" (Drink who)

"Drink trophy"

"Know knock" (Who's there)

"Captain Hook" (Captain Hook who)

"Captain Hook water"

"Why do mom's and dads last forever?  I think it's because kids need them to last forever."

Spiderman!

I love rock climbing.  I've never been very good at it, but it wasn't for lack of trying.  I had friends who climbed in high school and college and would occasionally take the girls along.  I have a few theories on why guys like to take girls climbing, but that probably doesn't belong here.  My brothers started climbing as well, and I worked for my dad as a COPE director for a summer and spent 15 hours a day in a climbing harness.  I even managed to organize a few of our preparation days on my mission at climbing gyms.

This was the first time you've ever climbed.  You were a little scared and not too adventurous your first time up.  You sort of liked hanging in mid air and repelling down more than the climb -which is understandable.

First climb from Melanie Lafeen on Vimeo.
But, you came back to it after some time on the slip and slide (Family BBQ at Grandpa Hardcastle's office) and you spent the rest of the afternoon on that wall.  We finally found a side that kept you a bit closer to the wall, which made it a bit easier.  You were so funny when you got up past 10 feet or so.  You were so close to the top (32 foot wall) and I guess we were giving you too much encouragement because you yelled back down that it would be easier if we'd stop talking to you.  We did, and you 'rang the bell' at the top.

I was SO proud!  Just think how good you'll be when you know your right from your left foot and we can be a little more helpful (but not too helpful).

Spider-Man from Melanie Lafeen on Vimeo.

Summer Fling

On the last day of your first summer session I went on your field trip to the Wetlands and park.  Turns out you have a little girlfriend in school!  One of your teachers told me there are three of you (Lily and another little boy named Dylan) that play really well together and are nearly always together.  She tried holding your arm and hand quite a few times and wanted to sit by us to have lunch.  She followed you around on the playground too.

You were pretty oblivious to any added affection, but you were certainly nice to her and liked playing with her.  Even Kate liked to be right next to her by the end of the day.   Pretty cute.