We Could Get Use to Visitors

It always seems strange when Kaleigh decides to sleep late, today she didn't get up until 0900. But that gave Riley and I lots of time together. I was cleaning up the kitchen after breakfast and he got his book and blanket, got up in the chair and read for a bit. I always think he looks so cute when he does this.


Just another cute shot.


Today I decided we should walk to Publix, there were a couple of things I wanted to pick up and it gave us a different view. One of the things we saw was the price of gas is going down, didn't think I would ever say that.


Also found out that Ritz Bits with cheese is not a good snack for walks. When it is warm out the cheese gets all soft and Riley made a mess of them.

We got back to the apartment complex and were just walking by the office and who should call us but Tammy, she was with GG and Jagee and wanted to stop by and see us. I asked where they were and they were at the entrance and beat us to the apartment again. This is getting to be a Thursday thing. Riley was a crazy boy again and Kaleigh sat on the couch next to Tammy for the whole visit and just watched everything.

Right after they left Riley went in for his nap, although he didn't fall asleep right away and when he did he was still coughing a bit. Must be from lying down.

Kaleigh was still wide awake so I took some pictures of her. This is a cute little onsie and I kept telling her she needed to keep the skirt down, but every time I would pull it down her legs would start kicking and up the skirt went.


You can see here that she has become quite the bubble blower.


She went down for her nap and they were both still sleeping when Nikki got home. I'm sure that didn't last long for her. This was my last full time day watching them for the next month. Nikki is on break and the next semester doesn't start for a month.

Smiley Girl

Kaleigh has become quite the smiler, I can catch the little smiles but the big full face ones are hard to get because as soon as the camera comes up they go away. I had the same problem with Riley but all I need is someone else to hold her and make her smile and I will get a shot.


She wasn't a very smiley girl in this photo but the outfit was so cute I couldn't pass it up. Her first pair of jeans.


I just know she thinking, he's my big brother I guess I can put up with the hugs for now, but please Gramma rescue me in a few seconds.


Another smile.


Riley just wasn't sitting still for pictures to day so this is the best I could do.


Riley is becoming quite the talker, his favorite sentence is "What's that?" or "Who's that?" doesn't matter which one because he wants an explanation for whatever is going on.

Had a good day, out for our walk early again and saw all the ducks and an anhinga today. The anhinga was drying it wings and was right off the sidewalk so we watched it for a while.

Everyone went down for their nap at about 1030, they were both very tired and took good long naps and woke up happy so we had a very nice afternoon of playing on the floor and listening to the rain and thunder.

Can't Pass Up a Sunrise

Another beautiful sunrise today, it changes so fast I see different things from each place I take pictures. This one was from the driveway and I couldn't really see any color yet but I liked the was the moon was in the trees.


This is down the street just before the Fire House at the empty field and I could see more of the horizon.


This is from the parking lot at the apartment, only took me 15 minutes to get here but the brightness of the sky changes so much.


Everyone was up today when I arrived and Riley decided he was going to read to Kaleigh, and it looks like she was enjoying it.


The story must have made her sleepy because the next time I looked, her thumb had made it's way into her mouth and she was snoozing for a few minutes.


We were out for our walk early and it was beautiful out, a breeze and lots of shadows. The sun must be getting into a better position for our walks.

Riley and I entertained Kaleigh until she went down for her nap at about 1030. She was a very smiley girl today and it was so easy to get her to give great big smiles. Then we read lots of books and did some tower building. Then it was time for his nap.

Andy called and asked me to make some noodles for his lunch so they would be ready when he got home. Well there must have been something on the burner or in the drip pan because the next thing I know the smoke detector is going off. Opened the door and fanned the detector and it went off pretty quick and both kids just slept through all the noise. That was our excitement for the day

Got some pretty nasty rain storms with lots of thunder, that scared Riley the first time he heard it but then I told him it was just boom, boom, boom, which is in a book we read. So every time we heard the thunder I would go boom, boom, boom and he would go boom and we would just laugh.

Luckily Andy arrived home in a lull from the rain so I didn't have to get wet. Dan drove in the yard right after me today. That hasn't happened in a really long time.

Happy Birthday Kimi!

Do you remember where we were for this picture? We had such a good time at the Okefenokee Swamp.


Hasn't really change much has she?


Have a very Happy Birthday Kimi!

Happy Birthday!

How can my oldest baby be 25? I just don't understand how the time keeps going by.

Here he is probably about 14 months old, we were on Guam at the time.


Here he is recently, I have a terrible problem getting decent pictures of him now because he always hides when the camera comes out but he sure is a handsome guy.


Well Happy Birthday Chris, hope you had a good day and got to celebrate today also.

We had another beautiful Florida sunrise today, stopped at my favorite spot to take this picture, the Fire Station just down the street.


Had an interesting day today. First it was just Riley and I until about 0945 because Kaleigh was sleeping all that time. We got in some tv, book reading, garbage truck watching and tower building along with breakfast and getting dressed.

Once Kaleigh got up she was starving and drank down her bottle in no time. We were getting ready for our walk and Riley was all excited about going when I went to get the stroller and there was no stroller. I couldn't not take them for a walk because Riley was running around like a mad man all set to go. Well I knew there was a front pack or sling in one of the closets and I lucked out because the hall closet was the first place I looked and there was the sling. Got Riley into the single stroller and Kaleigh in the sling and off we went.

By this time it was almost 1030 and I was expecting to have to cut the walk short because of heat but we were able to do the whole walk because we caught a break with some breeze and the sun going behind clouds every now and then.

Nikki was home early to take Kaleigh for an appointment and I was left with a crabby Riley because he only took about a 30 - 45 minute nap. He is getting a cold and I think that was part of the problem and the late walk didn't help either.

He got over being crabby and we had a good afternoon and then Andy got home to take over.

Let's Celebrate

Chris was off today so we decided to celebrate his birthday, this is the first year in several that we have actually been home for his birthday (even though it really is tomorrow but I couldn't make the meal he wanted tomorrow.)

Started the day by putting the ribs in the crockpot and getting those going bright and early and then baked the beer bread that he wanted.

Off to Publix to get his birthday cake, it was one of the chocolate ganache supremes that you see in the Publix commercial. It was very good.

Once Chris, Andy, Nikki and kids arrived we went swimming and had a good time in the pool. The ribs were smelling pretty good by this time. Spent a while playing and then it was time to eat. Everyone enjoyed the ribs, even Riley ate quite a bit.

Here is the Birthday Boy enjoying his meal.

And the cake, I would highly recommend this cake especially if you like chocolate on chocolate.


Right after lunch Riley went down for a nap and by the way all this time Kaleigh has been sleeping, don't know what they did to tire her out but it worked.

Chris had to leave shortly after that and we spent the rest of the afternoon watching the race.

How Did We Get So Busy

First here is the layout from our Santa Barbara trip, don't forget to click on it to view it larger. Really like this template and how many pictures it uses.


Turned into a very busy day today. Started with some errands, had to go to Target to return a clock we bought last weekend, it didn't work and of course the Target in Hunter's Creek didn't have one so we just got a refund. Then it was off to Publix and home.

Once we got home I pretty much worked on things inside the house, editing pictures and cleaning up. Dan was outside sweeping the lawn, weed wacking, cleaning up the pool area and scrubbing the lawn furniture. I think I got the better end of that deal but I did help with the scrubbing of furniture. I was in charge of the hose, wetting down the chairs and then rinsing.

Then it was time to take a break, seeing as how it was almost 1600. We got in the pool and then sat outside until I decided it was time to make dinner. Fried rice tonight, one of my favorites and once all the veggies are chopped it is real quick to make.

Not much else going on around here. We are waiting to see if it is actually going to rain or just thunder off in a distance.

It's Friday Again

Started my day by heading over to Tammy's, had some of Mum and Dad's mail to drop off that I had picked up when they were traveling. I visited for a bit and then it was time to start on errands.

My first stop of the day was the gas station, I wasn't really paying attention while I was filling the tank, it clicked off and I rounded off the amount and got back in the car. Started the engine and checked the fuel gauge and I was about 1/4 of a tank short. Guess my hand just slipped on the fill handle. It is still plenty for the week but I couldn't believe I had done that.

Went to Wal-Mart, didn't need much there but the store seemed to be a mess. Every aisle I wanted to go down was blocked with huge pallets of stuff. Why can't they stock overnight, they are open 24 hours why not use them?

Off to Weight Watchers next. I was down 1.4 lbs and that brings me almost even so that is good. Still kind of strange staying for meetings. I know why I don't like too, they never seem to start on time so that means they run late. Starting in Sept the kids will be with me again so I won't be staying anymore.

BJ's was my last stop of the day, picked up kitty litter and pretzels. The two necessities of life.

When I got home I worked on a layout from our California trip. It is one with lots of pictures so it took me most of the day. First I had to pick out the pictures and then decide where to put them and the size. It turned out pretty good and when it is completely finished I will post it.

Dan got home at a decent hour so he decided to mow the yard and get that chore over with for the weekend.

Visitors YAH!

Another early day for both the kids, but that gave us a chance to get an early start. Kaleigh was eating when I arrived and when she finished up into the bouncy chair she went so Riley could be fed.


This is the look you get when you block the tv and Riley can't watch Blue's Clues.


We were out on our walk at about 0815. We walked out the door and I said to myself, "It feels pretty good out here, a little cool and a slight breeze". Well within five minutes we found out otherwise, it was very, very humid. We still had a good walk. The cat we see occasionally walked right up to Riley today and he thought that was just great.


We were almost done our walk when who should call but Tammy. She, Kim and the kids wanted to know if they could come visit and of course I said yes. Just as we were walking in front of the office they pulled in. Sami, Cole, and Breann got out and walked back with us to the apartment. I heard the condensed overview of the vacation from them. Riley was so excited to see them, he just got crazy like he does.

Heard all about the vacation, a good time was had by all but they are glad to be home. Riley was showing off while they were visiting but it was fun. Kim and Breann fed Kaleigh for me and of course she fell asleep halfway through.


We were going out to say goodbye to them and who should pull up but GG and Jagee so we had more visitors. Kaleigh pretty much slept for their whole visit and Riley was still showing off but he did give kisses. He gave kisses to the kids and Kim and Tammy too, I think he would have just kept going around and giving kisses today.

Heard about GG and Jagee's vacation also, can't wait to see all the pictures. Everyone had such a good time.

No Walk

Well this morning everyone (Riley and Kaleigh) was up at the same time wanting to eat. So I got Riley set up in his chair with a banana and some Lucky Charms then Kaleigh and I sat down so she could have her bottle. We pretty much finished at the same time so it worked out well.

Didn't get our walk in today because it poured at our normal time and by the time it stopped naps had started so we just stayed around the apartment.

We all got on the floor and played with this mobile thing and when Kaleigh had enough Riley had a good time taking it all apart and putting it back together.


Then I realized Riley was being very quiet, usually I hear the chair get pulled out or him climbing up in it but today the sound of the the keyboard was the first indication that he was somewhere he shouldn't be. But I couldn't get to upset because he looked so cute sitting just typing away.


This was the first afternoon in a while that both of them were awake for most of the time. Played the "Pull Kaleigh's Socks" game, that is a big hit with Riley not so sure that Kaleigh enjoys it. Also played "Grab Kaleigh's Pacifier and See How Far I Can Get", guess you know who was doing the grabbing. Kaleigh sure gets the short end of the stick most times.

Hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow, no walk makes for a long morning.

Sleep

Today was a late starting day, Kaleigh decided to sleep until after 0800 so it was 0900 before we got going on our walk. Everyone was dressed and ready to go when as I was buckling Riley into the stroller I noticed that his shoe had come off and he had put it back on. Usually when you say someone has his shoes on backwards it means they are on the wrong feet but for Riley it really means it was on backwards.


Decided to put a hat on Kaleigh today instead of a headband, don't think I will be using this one again anytime soon. I think it gives her a little old man look and that really wasn't what I was going for, guess it will be headbands with bows from here on out.


Getting some love, Riley was doing pretty good until he decided to just grab Kaleigh and roll over until he was starting to get on top of her. Then he thought it would be a good idea to pick her up. That is when the photos stopped because I just didn't have enough hands. But these two were pretty cute.



When I'm feeding Kaleigh, Riley likes to get up in the chair and slide over the back onto the floor and then he runs around and does it again. Today was the first time he did it when it was just the two of us and I could use the camera.


Kaleigh slept late and Riley decided he didn't have to go down for his nap until 1400 so sleep schedules are pretty messed up. Riley was still sleeping when I left. Can't believe some of the thunder didn't wake him up, it was really loud and a couple shook the apartment.

Andy got home at just the right time because the rain had let up and I didn't get very wet going out the car, wouldn't have been bad at all except I was parked quite a ways down the parking lot. Andy and Nikki's section has been filled up in the morning when I arrive.

Just another quiet evening at home, just the way I like it.

Just a Good Day

Everyone was awake when I arrived this morning, so we all sat in the chair and had our morning bottle and cup of milk and watched Blue's Clues. Pretty good way to start the day. Once that was done I put Kaleigh on the couch and Riley in his chair so he could have breakfast, banana and Lucky Charms. While he was eating I was putting some pork in the crockpot for pulled pork for supper. Kaleigh just laid on the couch and looked around until it was time to go for our walk.

Got everyone loaded up and we were out the door at about 0815. Already hot but we had a breeze for parts of the walk and shade on other parts.

Riley had his juice almost gone before we were 15 minutes into the walk.


And Kaleigh just laid back and enjoyed the scenery. Okay so her eyes were closed in the picture but she was awake for some of the walk.


When we got back Riley put his bucket of blocks in the chair and played there for a while. Kaleigh and I sat on the couch, she was on my knees just watching me and gave me the biggest smile and I know it was meant just for me.


When everyone went down for their naps, Skit was sitting on the back of the couch and all of a sudden sprang up and looked like she wanted to go through the window, I had to investigate and this is what I found. The gecko kept her occupied for a long time and must have moved to the other end of the window because Skit followed it.


The kids were still sleeping when Nikki got home but Kaleigh woke up just as I was leaving and I'm sure Riley was right behind her.

I took it pretty easy when I got home, watched some show I had recorded and did some work on the computer.

Dan was home at a decent time and we had breakfast for dinner, one of my favorites.

Almost forgot to put this in, found that Blue Hill, Maine - the birthplace of none other than Andy Gigstead has a Music and Art Festival, click here to learn all about it.

Happy Birthday Tommy!

Seems like just yesterday this little kid was running around.


Now look at him.


Have a very Happy Birthday Tommy!

Quiet

I can't believe how quiet it was today around our house. About the most exciting thing I did was give Dan a haircut and that takes all of about ten minutes.

I did make some pretty tasty pork chops for dinner. Nothing fancy, just marinated them most of the day, seared both sides for about three minutes each and then in the oven for about 30 minutes. I added a salad to mine and Dan had some potatoes.

Called Chris to make sure he was still alive and not in a ditch somewhere. He was fine and had just gotten back from Ocala. We might actually see him tomorrow, lucky us.

Hope everyone had a good weekend. I think all the travelers will be back sometime this week, looking forward to hearing all about their trips. Check out Dad's blog "The Old Folks" its on the sidebar. He has some great photos from their trip.

Mamma Mia!

If you like ABBA, a good musical and don't mind that Pierce Brosnan can't sing, you will enjoy this movie. Dan and I decided this was a good day to get out of the house and we found out the movies at Waterford Lakes were starting at 0915 our kind of start time. So after deciding which movie we would see we were on our way.

Went to Home Depot and Target first and then over to the theater. I won't regale you with the price of things because it just upsets me with how much movies and concessions cost. We did enjoy the movie and it makes me want to go to a Greek Isle and sing Dancing Queen on the dock.



After the movie we had lunch at Longhorn, great steak with onions and mushrooms and of course Dan had the chop steak, his favorite. Then it was home for us.

Last week we drove by the Fire Station by us and I notice a monument out front. I really don't know how long it has been there but tonight we walked down to see what it is and as you can see it is a dedication plaque for the station.

Quiet Friday

Not much exciting today. Morning shopping and Weight Watchers, back on track with WW just have to make it through the rest of the summer.

I was dropping a table off for Nikki, there is going a be a yard sale in their apartment complex tomorrow, and she had just come from the dentist and had to go to get a prescription filled so I watched the kids while she was gone. Kaleigh also had a doctor's appointment, she is doing great, hit the 12 pound mark. Riley was just hungry so he got some lunch and was much happier, until of course he fell off the chair and hit his head.

Got home and put everything away and started some laundry, like to have the lions share done before the weekend even though I know I will end up doing a couple of loads anyways. Also worked on some Photoshop stuff. I love my new computer everything is so fast and I don't have to get up and watch tv for a while to let stuff save.

Dan was suppose to have an early day but ended up not getting home until 1900. At least now he has the weekend off and the grass shouldn't need to be mowed this weekend.

What's Wrong With this Picture?

Take a close look and you will see that Riley was eating Lucky Charms. Oh you can't really tell and you are asking yourself, "Where are the marshmallows?" Well I guess Riley really likes the marshmallows and he feels that is all he has to eat unless someone makes him eat the rest.

For a while it didn't look like we were going to get our walk in today but the sprinkles we were getting quit and out we went. Lucky thing we did because it was bath time at the pond. Most of the ducks were bathing but Ugly was the one chosen to get his picture taken, probably because he was the closest.



Don't they just look like the happiest kids in the world. You would never know from this picture that they do enjoy their walks.


Riley has decided that he wants to start his nap about two hours later than what was our norm. Today he got cranky right in the middle of me feeding Kaleigh and Andy arriving home for lunch. So it made for a pretty interesting half-hour. But finally everyone was feed, down for a nap, and back to work. Then it was time for me to do some reading, haven't gotten much of that in this week.

Frog Wrangler

First let me say, I hate frogs!! I walk into the laundry room to put something in the trash and see a piece of lint on the floor, don't really think anything of it until it jumps. That is when I realize it is a little tiny frog, doesn't matter that it is tiny, I hate frogs. Thankfully both the kids are sleeping so I don't have to deal with Riley trying to help me. I get a little clear container and a piece of paper, my frog wrangling tools because I'm sure not going to touch it. Remember, I hate frogs. The wrangling went much better then I have seen in the past, it hopped right to a place where I could put the container over it and slide the paper under it and outside we went to release it. Now just because I hate frogs doesn't mean I wish them any ill will so they always get released to a much nicer place, away from me. And that was the excitement of the day.

Everything else was pretty normal. Went on our walk, today we went to Walgreens and got a couple of pictures made for Nikki, (check the Memory Boxes forgot to tell Andy). We had a good walk but were glad to be back to the cool of the apartment.

I put little pants and shoes on Kaleigh today and I think she liked being all covered up.


Riley was ready for baseball and that lasted until after his nap, it was his day to wake up soaking wet. Just one of those things. Although he was wasn't happy until I got all the wet clothes off of him, can't say that I blame him.


How can you resist little girl shoes, Kaleigh looked so cute in them.


That was about it for the day. After being traumatized by a frog the size of a nickel but remember I hate frogs, I didn't need any more excitement.

Playtime

Can you believe all the beautiful sunrises we get here in Florida?


We were ready and raring to go on our walk this morning and we headed out at about 0815 and everything was looking pretty good. Got this shot of Kaleigh sitting up in the stroller, to bad there is nothing to hold her up like this because I think she would really enjoy seeing everything.

The weather wasn't bad, overcast but not as humid as yesterday. We got about 1/2 through the walk and it started to sprinkle so we just cut between the buildings and headed home. Still got in about 30 minutes so it wasn't to bad.


This is the first two outfit day for Kaleigh, she was soaked when I got her up from her nap. Riley was sleeping so I was able to play with Kaleigh on the floor and she was really having a good time. Didn't matter if she was on her back or her tummy. Although the pictures from tummy time were much better. Getting really good at holding her head up.


Then Riley woke up and he ran right for her, if only he just didn't want to be right next to her all the time.


Then it was Kaleigh's turn for a nap and Riley and I got to play. It was tower building time and how many times can I get Gramma to open the front door and step out, today it was once in the afternoon.