Family Portrait Time

We began our weekend activities with a trip to J.C. Penney for portraits. The "Elmo on my head" trick only worked a few times with Jack, so there were not that many pictures to choose from but what we did get is priceless. In the first picture, Jack is listening to a sea shell. I love his big smile.

Notice the tight grip I have on Jack in the next picture. He was on the move. Mike barely had time to smile.

During our wait at J.C. Penney I visited with a friend from high school that I don't see very often. In fact, the last time I saw her was at the J.C. Penney portrait studio. Small world.

Emergency Walmart Trip

Will the real 7.5 please step forward?

An emergency trip to Walmart today ended with a dress on sale and 2 different sized pair of shoes. A size 7 and size 7.5 Isn't that return going to be fun to explain? Oh, also, since I bought a dress and my legs were verging on neanderthalism, I bought some razors and had to do a dry shave. Guess who looked like she had mini measles on her legs?

I made the emergency trip because my boss wanted me to guide people who were attending a Disabilities Commission meeting in the city hall and I was wearing a shirt and jeans. (Today was a day that I had planned to stay in the office and not let my body see the light of day, especially not my pale legs that could compete with the Team Edward family in Twilight.)

Don't sweat the small stuff, right?

Work and Jack

I enjoyed a busy day today. I say enjoy because I really dislike slow days. My co-worker and I had six interviews for two upcoming stories. We interviewed five past and current members of the local police department for a story about their forensic evidence team. That was neat. They gave us laser projectory and luminol blood detection demonstrations. This afternoon, we spoke with a young soul who will be 92 this August. We interviewed him about a road in town that has been designated a scenic road. The man had a sharp mind and was full of interesting information about the nearby university and area. I love history. The beautiful soul has the same philosophy that I try to hold to in my life: try not to sweat the small stuff. Not always easy but life is a lot less stressful when you look at it that way.

A couple of cute Jack stories.
Bad boy - I caught my boy being a bad boy tonight. I was wondering why he was hiding behind the recliner. Then I noticed the gum package on the ground. I ordered him to open up. He had a big ol' wad in his mouth. Then I asked him how many pieces. "2," he answered, so cute. I don't offer him gum because he just swallows it. I told him a couple of times to give it to me when he was done but he ended up swallowing it. What a goober. I hear from some trusty web sources that gum doesn't stay in your system for seven years so I think he's going to be okay. I need to be more careful with my purse.

One more please - Mike typically has some candy in the car for Jack so our little guy knows he might get a small dum dum sucker on the way home. Tonight, he asked Mike for candy after his usual one piece. Mike told him no. Jack said, while gesturing with his finger, "Daddy, daddy. One more." Basically, Jack's voice inflection was saying, "Come on man. Give me a break. Just one more." This went on a couple of times.

Singer songwriter - After I put Jack to bed tonight, he sang very sing-song, "Mommy, mommy, mommy. Daddy, daddy, daddy. Me, me, me." He's a natural.

I love my boy!

Odds and Ends

While Jack was tricycling tonight, he looked at me and said, "Nice day outside today." At age 2.5 my son already knows how to strike up a conversation with trivial conversation matter like the weather.

My co-worker and I were on our way back from a health fair this morning when we saw a truck with Ghost Hunter (something) in front of Kinkos. I can't remember if the third word was Society or Trackers. Anyway, the truck had a California license. I asked the driver what they were doing in our town. He said they were just passing through. When asked where they were headed next, he replied, "Colorado." But he couldn't give me additional information because they were under contract. Whoo (scary ghost sound)....ghost investigations are fun if not a little tedious. I went on one once. I loved it, although I was really tired the next day. Ghost investigations can turn into long nights.

Meaghan's First Track Meet

My niece Meaghan competed in her first track meet today. I hear this is her last full week of kindergarten. In two weeks, she'll officially be out of K, and headed to first grade. Wow, these kids grow so fast. Unfortunately, I was not able to see Meaghan compete, but mom and dad went and took pictures. Look at that form.

I hear they were all winners. During one race, Mom said that Meaghan was more concerned about the girl who was lagging behind her than winning. That's my girl! Thanks for the pictures, mom.

Jack

Jack never ceases to amaze me with the things he says and does. In church Saturday night, the little actor in him came out as he fake coughed several times. When I told him to stop fake coughing, he covered his mouth with his hands. At least he wasn't spreading his fake germs.

Weekend in Review

Went back home today. My father was in charge of the Knights of Columbus Family Day barbecue. That's my dad in the John Deere apron.

The man on the left is my uncle Joe. He's doing pretty good for having received a pace maker a couple of weeks ago. The man on the right with the tongue out is my uncle Butch. Doesn't he look great on camera?

Uncle Henry proudly displays his ball.

He and some other guys played what they call hill billy golf.

They did pretty good.

We saw a cute little frog.

A really nice guy brought this razor scooter to the ballpark. He remembered how much Jack liked it last year.

Meaghan and Jack.

Future ball player.

On the playground with Meaghan.

Rock climbing.

Running on the bleachers.

We sure had a great time today. It's amazing how fast the weekend flew by.