Benched

Over Memorial Day weekend, my boys built me a bench!! Ok, so the big one did all the work, but the little men tried really hard to help!

Enjoying the fruits of their labor....

Thank you, Opa!!!

Down Under in The Middle

This device is really handy:

....except when it goes off every 5 minutes with its shrill screetching "alerts." This thing could wake the dead. We had a stormy night here in the middle last night, so this mama got a nice little workout carrying 2 boys and a greyhound down the steps to the basement. Only the 15-pound dog came down on his own!
Our tornado shelter is under the steps in the basement, which could actually become quite cozy...who knew!? The boys woke up briefly, but they were more than happy to continue their schnoozles during the whole ordeal.

The dogs were a little confused about our midnight campout

The storms blew over quickly and were not as bad as had been predicted. I guess it was good practice for the future...I am sure we'll be back! When you live in the middle, a basement is a must-have!

Edelweiss

This past Saturday, we took a mini road trip to Greenfield with our dear amigas, T and A to visit one of the most special places on Earth: Edelweiss Equine Assisted Therapy Center. This place provides equine therapy for children and adults with disabilities. I donated my horse, Eli, to this place in 2004 thinking he'd be a good fit. Turns out, he has been. He is currently on sabatical at a neighboring farm trying out his hooves at being a show horse--WHO WOULD HAVE EVER THOUGHT THAT WOULD HAPPEN!!! If you know this horse, you would know that this is a freakin' miracle! Here is my boy:

All of us had a wonderful time watching the demonstrations, playing games, and riding the horses....oh yes...and getting dirty....VERY dirty. Despite the ominous clouds, the weather really did hold out beautifully...

This picture does not adequately capture how truly dirty Noah got.... At one point he was knee-deep in muddy water to the point his little cowboy boots got stuck and I had to pull him out sans boots!!! It was awesome!!! A had a great time too--this girl is not afraid to get down and dirty with the boys!!!

Noah took about 5 pony rides....he could not get enough. Even Mommy got to "ride" a Percheron with A! Dream come true!

This place is amazing, and it will ALWAYS and forever have a special place in my heart.

Wordless Wednesday

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

This past week, I took Alex and Noah to the Butler U. Baseball game. Alex was enthralled! He loved being so close to the "real baseball players," and hanging out near the Dawgs' dugout. He even scored a baseball from one of the Butler guys. He soon took on the role of ball boy as he chased down and returned foul balls that landed on the adjacent running track and behind the bleachers.

Periodically, Alex and Noah decided to stretch their legs a little so they ran the track. I was SHOCKED when Noah ran an entire lap around the track-1/4 mile! You go boy!!!

After a little running, the boys had a catch with Alex's new baseball.

Hangin' with the Dawgs!

It was a GREAT time. Alex learned lots of new moves from being so close to the game. At Tball the following day, he even tried to steal 2nd base! And of course, he now has to slide into the bases. His fielding has become much more dramatic--i.e. diving on the ball and throwing the ball to first base while still on his knees. And finally....yup, you guessed it...he has learned to "adjust his hardware.".....just like a "real baseball player." Carry on Little Man!

Flashback: The Hockey Game

While Oma and Opa visited us this year over Easter, Alex got to go on his first "Boys Night Out" with Opa...to a hockey game. The kid was vibrating with excitement. Sadly, the Indianapolis Ice lost this playoff game, but I don't think that really matttered to Alex.

By the way: While Opa and Alex were at the hockey game, Noah and Mommy went to Mass for Easter. Hmm....

Spring Cleaning

This weekend the weather FINALLY started feeling more spring-like, so the boys were more than happy to get to work cleaning all the outdoor furniture!

I have to admit, these two did a FANTASTIC job cleaning, and I was equally impressed that they did not get themselves soaked. Nice work, boys!

Wordless Wednesday: Boys on The Rocks

All American Fun....with Opa

We are bound and determined to teach Opa the Great Amercian Pasttime known as Baseball. We even got him his very own copy of "Baseball for Dummies." Not sure he really appreciated that title TOO much....oh well. This weekend saw many hours spent playing catch....Alex was learning to catch, and Opa was learning to...well....chase balls that Alex threw back. I have to say that by Sunday night, both boys were doing much better....Alex could actually catch a few balls and Opa became Master of the Baseball Glove. Here are some pics of our guys.

Ready with the pitch.....

There may actually BE a pitcher in this little body!!!

First "catch" with Opa

I hope Opa had fun....I really need a relief catcher every now and then!!! :)

Wordless Wednesday: A First....The Ice Cream Truck!!