Our little Water Babies.

Nathanial and Tyler started their swim lessons at Water Babies in May. Nathanial is doing great. He's our little fish. He is getting his strokes down, almost swimming the width of the pool and is diving down for rings. Tyler is starting to get used to the idea of swimming. He loves the water but going under is a different story. Some days he is fine but some days his stubborn side comes out and he throws a fit. At least on picture day he decided to show off!

Our Day Out With Thomas

Today we spent the "Day Out with Thomas" at Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton with Josh, Jen and Jacob. This is year we planned ahead and purchased tickets to ride in Car #1. Number One Baby! The anticipation was high as I raced towards Felton - dreaming of seeing Thomas up close and personal. Highway 17 turned into the Indy 500. I was Mario Hensleti and nobody was going to stand in my way. We hit the parking lot at 10:20 A.M. with a departure time for Thomas at 10:45. We are cutting it too close. I looked at Alycyn with that "Look" reminding her that "I" wanted to leave earlier. She quickly lathered the dozing children with sunscreen as I wrestled the jogging stroller from the car. Tyler buckled, Nathanial on my shoulders and I was off for Car #1. Number One Baby. Nathanial wanted to stop to see the ducks in the pond. "No time", I stammered. "We can see them on the way out." I could feel myself picking up the pace - wanting to jog, really wanting to run. We brought the jogging stroller for goodness sake. Let's use it. I kept my cool as best I could. Nathanial was beginning to become distracted by all of Thomas' friends. If I could just get him in sight of that lovely blue engine. Then he would be on my side. If you are not first you're last. Finally! I see Thomas and more importantly I see a line marked Car #1. Number One Baby. I shed Nathanial. Quickly hand him over to mom. I manuever through the masses and end up 2nd in line. I did it. I will put Nathanial so close to Thomas he will be able to smell the Island of Sodor. The rest of the group soon joined me. I quickly went over the plan - whichever side the enemy - I mean family - in front of us picked we would sit opposite them right up against Thomas. It was perfect. "All Aboard" I grew impatient with the ticket taker, he couldn't move fast enough. "How much are they paying you to slow me down." I hoisted Nathanial up onto the train. I raced toward the closest seat to Thomas and plopped Nathanial right into the CatBird seat. I said with great pride, "Well son, what do you think?" Nathanial looked at Thomas' big back side and looked directly into my wide eyes and said,"Daddy, I can't see his wheels." So as the train pulled out of the station, I threw Nathanial overboard and screamed, "Now can you see them son?" Just kidding about that last bit. We did have a great time after I got over the fact that Nathanial couldn't care less how close he was to Thomas if he could not see those wheels.

Nathanial waiting patiently - unknowing looking at only Thomas' wheels.

Nathanial makes sure we are all looking at the camera.

Up close and "loving it".

The boys being silly.

Mommy and Tyler enjoying the ride.

The Young Family posing with Thomas.

Nathanial getting his tats!

Tyler is wondering what the fuss is all about.

Nathanial showing off his new ink.

Caged and Dangerous.

Everyone had a really good time. It was a fun day out with Thomas, indeed!

Trains??? Did someone say Trains???

Uncle Josh and Auntie Jen invited us to a train show that was going on at the Hiller Aviation Museum. Nathanial and Cousin Jacob love trains. It was so neat to see all the model trains running. They came in all sizes and some even blew smoke.

Not only did we get to see trains there were airplanes. The boys got to sit in a Blue Angels cockpit and a helicopter. After the show we went to their house for dinner and the boys got to play. It was a fun day.

Tyler's First Trick

Tyler is quickly approaching his 1st birthday which brings many changes every single day...laughing, sitting up, reaching, crying and getting his way and so much more. Today he learned his first trick. How big is Tyler?????

Happy 91st Birthday!

Tonight was our Grandfather/ Great-Grandfather's 91st birthday. The whole family was there to celebrate his special day. It was a delicious 9-course Chinese dinner followed by a yummy white cake and fresh strawberries birthday cake.

Josh, Jen and Jacob say "cheese" for the camera.

Mommy and Tyler

Pau Pau, Tyler, Goong Goong Harry and Jenna

The Birthday Boy and Uncle Michael

The Jee Family

Jordan and Jacob

"Happy Birthday to You!!!!"

Gilroy Gardens

We finally made a trip down to Gilroy Gardens. It was our first trip down there this summer. Nathanial's favorite ride, of course, is the train. He could ride that allll day. Tyler even got to ride a few rides now that he is getting older.

The boys on the Merry-Go-Round

All Aboard!

The face says it all.

A view of the waterfall.

Big Boy Chair

We recently attempted to go out to breakfast as a family. Tyler is not one to sit in one place for a long period of time so we thought we would sit him in his booster chair. He loved it. He got to bang on the table and play with all the jelly packets. He finished a jar of peaches (had to bring his favorite) and even got to taste a little of Nathanial's pancakes. It is a successful trip when mom and dad get to actually eat together and finish their meal!