The Weatherman

Last weekend had some nice days so we took the boys to Seward Park (one of our favorites).  Aside from a bit of crankiness when we got there, things went well.

View of Mt Rainier from Seward Park.

Nate and Zach being good.

Nate posing on the trail.  There were lots of puddles for him to jump in.

One giant Zach smile.

The gratuitous heavy machinery at sunrise photo!

Ok…and the sunrise.

These last two photos were not take at Seward Park obviously – rather they were a day or two earlier at Seacrest Park (I stopped on my way to work to get these shots).

Lots of rain this week – well above normal for the month.  Big White Ski Area is getting a decent amount of snow (that is our destination for the end of February).  Forecast is for more rain this week than changing to a more showery/cooler regime as the warmer storms head into California.

Steph is getting her oil change today so I’ll be watching the boys for a few hours.  Then I’ll probably head out for a run.  Tonight I’m making a beef tenerloin roast – and yes, it will be cooked on the Big Green Egg (haven’t used it in a while).  Other than that, I’m busy with work.

Boys were good last night but really wound up…I’m guessing the chocolate milk did that.  They slept in late and have been good this morning (little arguing and whining, but still some).

First off, we need the gambling pro (aka Grandma) to remind us how to read the betting lines for the purpose of the playoffs.  Paul, Jan, Mike, and I all made fools of ourselves last night trying to figure it out.

Paul got the kids from daycare and took Zach to speech.  We are probably going to add a second session on Thursday afternoons.  It won’t start til after Dublin next week.  Paul said that Zach was very motivated at speech and good at doing the exercises. We got more homework that we need to be better about doing with him. Maybe we need to assign Auntie Jan 20 minutes a night of speech therapy with Zach or something?

Once I got home from work, Paul had started making the kids dinner and then left to go running.  Jan had finished making the dinner and was very impressed with her culinary skills.  (Pasta, carrots and celery, and pineapple).  Nate wanted plate after plate after plate of pasta.  Jan finally told him he had to eat a carrot before she would give him more.  Nate popped a carrot in his mouth.  Jan gave him more pasta.  Nate then spit out the half-chewed carrot and ate the pasta. (Lesson learned, make him swallow first).

Both boys were in good moods.  I guess adjusting back to the regular schedule is working out.  I called the spa Jan got me a gift cert for my B-day.  Jan and I planned to each do 90 minute massages on Saturday.  There is an hour between us, so we can get home and switch off watching the kids with Paul away.  As I am leaving the voice mail for the spa, Zach is on me saying “mommy, mommy, mommy!”  It was funny because I am sure the spa people laughed at the message I left and desperate need for massage.  Jan and I also plan to get Pat to babysit Saturday night so we can go to the movies.  I am checking with him when I pick up the kids.

Zach and Nate were begging for the new movie, Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs.  I have no idea how they knew it came out on DVD today (someone at school?) but they were BEGGING for it.  Paul eventually was able to order it on-line and download it to the TV upstairs.  I am sure this made them happy.

Paul made yummy steak for dinner.  (No veggies for Jan, though).  Jan and I were able to get in two episodes of Six Feet Under last night.  PEPS is at Matthew’s tonight.  Jan may come.

Nate bit me HARD on the upper thigh.  Skin was broken but no blood flowed.  It hurt like hell.

I am sure I am forgetting lots of stuff so Jan and Paul can supplement.

Kids were actually pretty good at daycare (after the rough drop-off by Paul yesterday).  Given they were adjusting back, Colette thought they did well.  It was pouring, so they didn’t get outside time. They did lots of puzzles and pre-school activities.  They were fine at pick up.  Until. . .

We were driving home and Nate wanted me to go straight instead of turning right.  This started a major Nate melt-down that lastest the whole way home and for about 20 additional minutes once home. That kid sure can throw a tantrum.  Not sure who he gets that skill from.  Eventually got him calmed down and fed them dinner.  They had quesadilla, pineapple, peas and carrots.  They both ate well.  Zach had some veggies, so he got yogurt and ice cream.  Nate did not.

Paul got home so I gave the boys a bath while he made dinner.  Jan helped me with that.  As I was getting them undressed, Zach was naked first.  Out of the blue, Zach turns to Nate and says, “Nate, say ‘dirty pants.’”  Nate obliged and said it in his partially demon voice.  Jan and I were cracking up and had no idea where that came from.

Paul made Jan happy by buying her light Cranberry juice.  This brought on the discussion that cranberry juice is good for your urine.  Thus, I came up with the Ad Campaign – “Ocean Spray Cranberry juice.  It is a catheter for your mouth.”  Ha.  I crack myself up.

Paul put the boys to bed.  Jan went to bed early. I watched Mike’s favorite show (Make it or Break it).

This morning, the boys were slow in waking up.  Nate kept saying that he wanted to sleep more.  Eventually, both got up and got dressed and got out the door without a huge screaming fit.  Paul is taking Zach to speech this afternoon.  Paul – we need to order the kids “Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs” now that it is out on DVD.

Happy New Year.

Last night was spent with our PEPS friends enjoying beer, wine, champagne, espresso, chili, meatballs, lasagne, fruit, and the kids (of course).  Fortunately for us, our NY gatherings happen around the corner from our house – nice, easy walk home.  Except for Nate who cried the whole way.

Yesterday I took the boys to breakfast at the Alki Cafe – Nate had eggs and bacon and Zach had bacon and french toast.  We followed that up with a trip to QFC for some fruit and champagne.  But the big event was another trip to the Museum of Flight (one of my favorite places to visit in Seattle).  The boys were good.  We got there right when it opened and Zach and Nate were the first kids to run through the gallery floor.  They also got to play in the kids zone by themselves.

PEPS boys hanging out on NY Eve.

Nate playing Buzz Lightyear on NY Eve.  To infinity and beyond!

Sunset at Lincoln Park.

Zach contemplating his next move at the park.

Nate flying a helicopter.  BTW, this is not a model – it’s actually an experimental helicopter that really did fly in the past.

The main gallery at the Museum of Flight.

Last week I purchased the photos from the marathon I did in June.  I was very happy to find out I could still purchase them as I didn’t have any good photos.  Here is one where I’m about to cross the finish line.