Trip to Aggieland

It had been a while since we visited College Station so a last minute trip was long overdue. Craig doesn't have any friends in CS since they have all graduated and moved but I worked there for 2 1/2yrs so most of my buddies are still there. We took a trip to the Bonfire Memorial, one of the pics says "KELLER, TX" that is where Chad Powell was from..Craig knew him from high school; so tragic. We had a moment of silence for the fallen aggies. We then decided to walk around campus and visit the engineering buildings and of course went to lunch at Freebirds. For those of you who don't know, Freebirds is only the best place to get burritos. It was super yummy!!! We met up with some of my old co-workers and then did some shopping. We mostly just bought some A&M t-shirts for Irina...as if she needs anymore. Over all it was a great little last minute trip! WHOOP!

FATHER'S DAY 2009

He is an incredible father.

She is his "sweet pea" and he is her one and only "Datty".

They put her in his arms and she slipped into his heart.

She loves him.

-Happy Father's Day "Datty"

pics by: vodom

The Girls

For those of you who don't know, I have to 2 nieces that were my babies before my baby. Abbie is 4 1/2 and Kimmie is 3 1/2...I have to add the 1/2 , they insist! My brother and his wife share custody of the girls and I make it a point for Irina to see them as much as possible. I have too many cousins to count (really, too many bout 45) and we grew up seeing each other on a daily or atleast weekly basis. I have so many fond memories of us at the park playing on the swings...I also recall my sister and my cousins pushing me off the swing and breaking my arm; but thats a another blog. This week the girls stayed in due to the weather and after much arguing, they finally decided on movie to watch. Toy Story II was in the DVD player, pillows were on the floor and they each had a cup of popcorn in hand, everything was ready to go. About 2 minutes into the movie Irina gets up and starts climbing all over the girls, stepping on toes, pulling on hair and eating snacks that she can't have yet (popcorn). Abbie watched the entire movie, Kimmie watched about 30 minutes and Irina caught a few seconds of a preview. Irina went to kiss all the stuffed animals her Tia has collected over the years. They sat still long enough for a photo and thats about it.

Sharing

Earlier this week at playgroup I was talking to some friends about my jogger stroller and how it jiggles too much for Irina's comfort while running in the mornings. My stroller is mainly meant to be used as a bike trailer so I really need to get one intended for runs. Our friend Chrissy generously offered to let us borrow her jogging stroller that was taking up space in her garage, she has a double jogger that she uses with her little girls and doesn't use the single anymore. Later that week I took a walk with Irina strapped to my back with my beco baby carrier (love it!) and we headed to Chrissy's house. Chrissy and I were chatting about cloth diapers while Elliott, Berkley and Irina gobbled up some orange push pops. On the way home we sported the stroller fully equipped with a toy steering wheel and cool sound effects; Irina loved it. In fact, we got home and she refused to get out! I took advantage of the whole situation; parked her in front of the tv with her sippy cup and she watched Baby Einstein for about 45 minutes! I was able to clean up the kitchen and have an uninterrupted bathroom break. It is a daily, if not hourly ritual that we talk to our kids about sharing their toys and other belongings, it was so great to see that quality in my friend. Thank Chrissy, E and B for sharing!

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sorry guys,

i know some of you have told me that you were not able to leave comments on my blog recently...sorry Chrissy & Jeanine!! Comment away!

-v

Swim school is out for the summer!

Irina has been enjoying swim class for the past month and we are both sad its over so soon. Here are a few pics during her last session. She has learned to hold her breath while under water, hold herself up on to the ledge (never did it w/ out me, only her instructor-explains why i looked surprised) and even floats on her back! We are going to practice kicking and blowing bubbles this summer. Craig took the day off to see her last swim class this semester, he took great pics and video too. We will be back in the fall with Jeanine & Liam. The kids will be olympic swimmers in no time!

Keller Fest

Last week Seth, Jeanine and Liam invited us to go hang out at Keller Fest with them. We walked around, listened to music, saw the mini petting zoo and enjoyed each others company. The kids get along really well, they even share clothes! At a recent playdate Liam had a bit of an accident and was forced to wear a pink outfit and diaper that Irina let him borrow. They both wear bumgenius cloth diapers and 12-18mth rompers, Liam looked so cute in pink! Anyway back to Keller Fest, along the way Craig and Seth picked up free plungers from a booth and were not ashamed to show them off. Jeanine and I both bought an Indian style wrap dress that is perfect for the summer heat, pics coming soon. The only thing missing is a photo of Me and Jeanine with the kids. We had a great time!