Staycation, Part Two

Ever had one of those pictures that perfectly captures a moment?  This is one of those.



One of the highlights of our staycation was attending the wedding of Billy's cousin Erica.  While Billy and I indulged in some delicious food and multiple trips to the photo booth, Cal hung out with Grandma and Grandpa K.  They took a cruise around the lake and picked up some friends: Cash, Briggs, Zain and Easton!  While waiting for the bride and groom to make their grand entrance, I was playing on my phone and this picture popped up on my Instragram feed (follow me @ablollis).  I was instantly in love.  I have all sorts of fond memories of hanging out with the Carr girls growing up, and I always imagined our boys hanging out at the lake together (remember when I mentioned it in my letter to Easton?). This picture perfectly captures my hopes for them.  It is a framer for sure.

Bonus: Billy and I being goofy in the photobooth!

Staycation, Part One

We had grand plans for the end of June.  Billy took two weeks off work and we were going to tackle some major home projects...yeah...about that...

Instead, we enjoyed a lovely staycation, enhanced by some visits by some of our favorite out-of-state people.  Callahan's great-grandma Tina flew in from Florida (along with Billy's cousin David) for her first visit with Callahan.  The best part about entertaining guests (especially 10 year old ones like David) is that you are forced to pull out all the stops and focus on all that is awesome about the local area.

We started our fun with a trip to the drive-in.  Our last trip was about a year ago when we took Callahan to his first movie.  We like the Compuware Drive-In in Plymouth (although I hear there is a good one in Flint).  We drove two cars again, simply because the back of the pick-up is the best way to corral a toddler. 

Fueling up after a game of catch.

There is a restaurant on the grounds of the theater, so we picked up 2 pizzas and an awesome salad.  They will even deliver right to your car!

Billy and his grandma.

Cal and David, his BFF for the week.

Despite falling asleep during the opening credits last year, Cal made it through the entire movie (Madagascar 3).  We opted to skip out on the second feature (MIB3, much to my dismay) and once in the car seat, Cal passed out in seconds.

It was a fun night.  The drive-in is the perfect way to see a movie with a toddler.  Bonus: you are welcomed to bring snacks and there are two movies for the price of one (if you can stay for it)!

Water Table

I scored a sweet deal on a water table right before Easter.  I wandered into Toys R Us to buy Cal the FP Bubble Mower (on sale for $10!) and found out they were also having a Buy 1, Get 1 Free sale on all Little Tikes toys under $30.  I took a quick look around, and imagine my surprise when I found the Spiralin' Seas Waterpark marked down to $29.99!  I couldn't pass that up - plus I got a T-ball set for free!  It sat in the back room for a while until I broke it out one hot June afternoon.  It was a big hit with one water obssesed little boy!

The table has several balls that can go down the spiral chute, ride on the carousel or float in a current generated by a water wheel.  There is also a scoop, which is perfect for pouring water in the funnel...or on yourself!

Notice how his hat is gone?  It went swimming.

Despite being completely soaked, Cal happily played for almost an hour.  I ended up pulling up a chair and hanging out with my book and a big glass of lemonade.  We finally quit playing when Cal tried to climb into the table...yup...he was almost successful!

Growing Up So Fast!

Every time I turn around, Cal has perfected a new word or skill.  Here are some highlights:



He finally loves books!  Mommy was worried for a while, but now Cal is a total bookworm.





He has mastered utensils...



... even if he still makes a big mess!



New words include:

• Water
• Augie and Casey (our dogs)
• Bailey (Aunt Britt's dog)
• Oh my God! (thanks for that one Aunt Britt!)
• Please (he has been signing it more a while, but now he says the word too sometimes)
• Puppy (his lovey - a stuffed dog)

I swear there is something new every day with this kid!  He is so much fun to be around!

18 Months!

Height: 35.3 inches (>97%)
Weight: 28 lb 14 oz (84%)
Head: 47.6 cm (46%)

For the first time ever, I do not have pictures of a well baby appointment.  It was *that* traumatic!  Grandma and Grandpa watched Cal that day, so they met me at the doctor's office.  Due to some traffic, I was a few minutes late.  I walked in the door, heard crying and went "That's my kid!"  Cal was pissed off that he had to stop streaking down the hallway and sit still on the scale. The wailing did not stop when we returned to the room.  The usual distractions of crinkly exam room paper and toy cars did nothing to soothe him.  Nor did rocking and singing by both mommy and grandma.  Cal cried the entire appointment, right up until Dr. Boyle turned to leave the room.  Only then did Cal stop, as he turned to the doctor, waved, and said "Bye bye."  That stinker.

Blueberry Yogurt Pretzels!