Speed Bump

Of course, a KU basketball game, right? Yes, but not just any KU basketball game...a women's game! Earlier this year we took the kids to their first KU basketball game at Allen Field House.  It was a men's game and it was really loud, a packed house, and very intense. Not exactly the best environment for small children that can't sit still and have a short attention span. But last week we took the kids to a KU women's basketball game and it was the most family fun we've had all winter. There are no crowds at the women's games and you can wander through all the old Jayhawk memorabilia and the KU Athletics Hall of Fame at a slow pace. There are some interactive displays where Charlie measured his vertical jump and checked his wing span against Wilt Chamberlain's. We compared the size of Izzy's red boots to the giant basketball shoes behind this glass display. We were the only ones in line to shoot some hoops! We went to the game beca...

It's fall - sweater weather, pumpkins, falling leaves, hot cider, and Halloween. I love it all. With kids, this time of year means we have to start thinking and planning Halloween costumes (and allow for Charlie's last minute change in plans), make a trip to a pumpkin patch, and do something special to mark the season. I've written here before about how I'm craft-deficient, but I am also stubborn and foolishly optimistic when it comes to making things, always hoping my inner Martha Stuart will finally and at long last appear. This always leads me to take on some craft/baking endeavor with the kids that always fall short of my expectations, looks terrible, makes a huge mess, and leaves everyone in tears - including me. But not this year. This year I have looooow expectations and nothing is getting me down. I now know to plan the activity in advance, have things assembled for the kids to quickly jump in, and that after 15 minutes (if I'm lucky) I will be fin...

We took Roxie to get a much needed bath last weekend. She was a very good sport and when she wasn't shaking water all over the room, she was sitting happily at the center of attention. Charlie decided that his friend Puppy (also known as Doggy) needed a bath, too. After their bath, both Roxie and Puppy needed to be dried off. Charlie might have a future in dog grooming. I'm not sure who had more fun - Roxie, Puppy, or Charlie! This sweet dog is having a birthday next week. She will be 10 years old on the 4th of July - a big birthday! While Ryan and Charlie took care of the dogs, Izzy and I hung out in the pet store. We had to test out every single toy that squeaked. Ha! Not sure what I said or did to get this look...but if that isn't her brother's serious face, then I don't know my left from my right. I can't believe next week is the 4th of July - mid summer! How is that possible? It's one of my favori...

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for the weekend. This week was all about catching up after our trip which is never much fun. We have a party with friends, a modern homes tour of KC and a birthday/Father's Day celebration on tap for the weekend. It will be busy.

Most kids go for the swings or the slide first. Not Charlie. When we go to the park, he goes for whatever court or field is there and wants to play. We target parks with a neglected basketball or tennis court, or baseball field, and he will entertain himself for hours. Izzy will wander around, following in his footsteps. I try to always have a ball of some sort in the car or the stroller for just this purpose. This particular day I forgot a ball, but Charlie made do with the small stuffed bear we had on hand. See the white stuffed bear up in the tree? He almost made it in the basket! He certainly gave it his best try. This little girl may never play with anything but trains, trucks and balls. The baseball diamond at the park was occupied with a little league practice yesterday, so we had to move our game to the tennis court. With all this practice, he is getting pretty good at hitting the ball. He tells me I am the coach and he is the player. If only...