Paw Paw Lovin'

Ian had a great time visiting his Nana and Paw Paw (my parents) last week. He really took to my dad, especially since Paw Paw took him on several walks to visit the neighbor's dog. Walking and dogs... the way to a kid's heart, I tell ya!

This is how we bowl...

Last week we went to a church playgroup at a bowling alley. I was assured that my toddler would be able to participate since they had bumpers and a ramp for the younger kids to use. And sure, Ian did fine... except for waiting his turn! Needless to say, after a few typical-twos-tantrums (at which all the moms nodded knowingly) Ian ended up on his own lane where he could bowl continuously. I think he got a score of like 84, too! Well, Daddy helped some... John came at my request and offered to help with Ian so that I could mingle with the other moms. What a guy!

So, this is how you bowl Ian-style: First, you get your ball. Six-pounders were the lightest they had, but that didn't slow this guy down.


Then you place it on the ramp, position it, and let it go. Notice a flick of the wrist as he incorporates a little technique into his game.


Watch intently to see how many pins you knock down.


Go retrieve ball and do it all again!

All Done!

As we were headed back home on Friday after a week's worth of travel, Ian announced "all done" when we were about an hour from home. And I couldn't agree with him more... the trip was a little taxing on this pregnant body, but all in all it was great to see so many friends and family. This was the last big trip before baby comes... and probably for a while AFTER baby comes, too. So, we are officially "all done" with any major traveling, and we plan to stick close to home and take it easy for the next several weeks. (Although anyone is welcome to come here and visit!)

As a side note, when Ian gets ready to sleep in the car, he requests his Buddy, blanket, and pillow. The pillow usually starts out in front of his face... to block the sun, I guess. But eventually he settles in, although his car sleeping position doesn't look all that comfortable. However, he did take decent naps on our road trip this time which made the longer stretches of driving a little easier.


By the way, I do NOT advise trying to take pictures while operating a moving vehicle. Just don't do it.

We love you, Daddy!

Ian and I are about to embark on a week-long trip to make final visits to friends and family "up north." (You know, before the baby comes... not sure when we'll feel up to making 3-5 hour road trips with two kids in tow.) Sadly, we have to leave Daddy at home cuz he's a workin' man. We'll miss you, Daddy!

Speaking of John, he turned 30 today. Wow, the big 3-0. Seems significant. Seems big. Seems older than 29. Wonder what John's 30th year will hold? We already know he'll have another kid. Will he buy a house? Wonder what our 30s will be like? Different from the 20s, that's for sure. More settled hopefully. More career building. Lots of child-rearing. Happy Birthday, John! Here's to many more!

As a side note before I conclude this post and head to bed, Ian loves for John to get out his "big guitar" and play with him. Ian knows all the parts to the guitar by name: strings, bridge, pick guard, neck, body, plus the "accessories" like the capo, shaker, and pick. Today he requested that John "sing songs." Ian enjoys strumming, and the kid has pretty good rhythm, actually. It was fun to watch the boys play together.


We love you, Daddy! Hold down the fort while we're gone... we'll see you on Friday!

Going Greenling

A while back, a coworker of John's recommended a site called Greenling where you buy organic and locally grown groceries and have them delivered to your house. John had recently felt that we should eat better and consume more fresh fruits and veggies. He also sympathized with my woes about taking Ian to the grocery store... plus I have a little anxiety about having to grocery shop with two kids in tow in a few months.

When he first mentioned it to me, I wasn't necessarily sold. But we recently decided to order a pre-made fruit and veggie box to test things out. (You can customize your order, of course. The site has lots of features to help you shop.) Well, today our first box came... or rather, it came in a plastic storage-type bin which landed on our doorstep sometime this afternoon. And so, our story begins...

We open the bin to find our fruit and veggie stash cushioned in some newspaper shreds.


We examine further... pretty colors!


They provide a list on how/where to store your produce, so here are the non-refrigerated items.


To add to our dinner tonight, I sauteed some squash, tomato, and sweet potato in olive oil and garlic to add to our couscous side dish.


Dinner is served! Lemon-herb chicken breast with couscous and veggies!


It was kinda fun to have a random box of stuff arrive and then figure out a way to use it. It was almost the opposite of menu planning and grocery-list making... makes cooking seem a little more, well, creative! Of course, if we started to use the site for most of our grocery shopping needs (it doesn't carry non-perishables and non-food items you buy at the grocery store) then we'd certainly plan things out. The stuff ain't cheap. That is perhaps the only downside to this whole operation. I'm not sure how prices compare to organic foods you would buy elsewhere, and I'm pretty sure you're paying for the convenience factor, too.

So, am I sold? Well... I'm definitely intrigued. I think we'll try ordering a few more things in the upcoming weeks and see how it goes.

Grandpa Lovin'

At our recent family birthday gathering, Ian had a lot of fun playing with Grandpa. Alan is always ready to take that boy on a walk, push him around on his tricycle, or play a little duet on the piano. Alan says that it wears him out, which I'm sure it does... because the kid wears me out, BUT we all know that this Grandpa is lovin' it!