Long Weekend

Oh boy did we enjoy the long weekend in sunny Florida. It was a much needed reprieve after too much travel, long work filled days and to simply get away from the daily grind. We had grand plans to see a Rays game, go to Honeymoon Island (the beach) and spend some quality time together as a family. We are trying to cross some bucket list items off before our sunshine state departure and failing miserably while we keep adding to the list. What we are finding is we put so much time and effort into our home that being here is finally like going on vacation. Instead of bringing out the kiddie pool and making our yard a mud pit for souped up monster trucks we have the perfect shade of green yard, the envy of the neighborhood. I keep getting compliments, and although humble am very much enjoying every second of it on the inside. For the first time in nearly 4 years, we've lived here for 3 years 11 months and 10 days, I laid on the lawn much to the enjoyment of Quentin and possibly more so for the Luckster. When was the last time one laid on the grass and viewed the passing clouds? It was sheer enjoyment stress free with son, dog, wife, good food, beautiful day and a cold refreshing drink. Although, interested to see what fields of opportunity await in Iowa it's hard to imagine it could possibly be more relaxed than the passing long tranquil weekend we were so fortunate to enjoy.

We busted out the pool for Q to splash around in, which oddly he's not interested in getting in. He only wants to splash. He also has a water station. Both are filled with water and he'll take a cup of water out of the water station pour it into a bucket on the ground and then take the bucket and dump it into the pool. He will then repeat various combinations of that occasionally spilling the buckets purposefully on the ground. He can keep this up for hours. When he's not focused on the water he's all about the bubbles. He will only take a bubble bath now, which he loves. When I say love I mean he both loves the bath and the bubbles. You say bath, he says bubbles. The enthusiasm is contagious. The way his face lights up when he says bubbles with so much anticipation it's impossible for the true event to live up to the hype. When we are outside we must have bubbles on hand for a fear of a freak out if he doesn't have them. We stumbled upon this great bubble apparatus that is spill proof so we do buy our bubbles wholesale by the gallon but keep refilling this container that can be dumped upside down and nothing comes out. Genius! Pure Genius! You can tell kids have been around for a long time. We have a lot of why didn't I think of that moments. Being outside is so enjoyable for all of us. Inside, well, that spells trouble.

Quentin is in love with three things; mischief, bubbles and water - likely in that order. Over the weekend he learned to open the fridge, which makes one ponder if it's possible that some person invented a childproof contraption to keep our little guy out of the fridge. I am not sure, but I am certain it will cost me money like only a child can. He also discovered floss and by that I mean we found him flossing with about 25 feet of floss. We forgot to teach him portion control I suppose. We recently upgraded our childproof outlet covers that, to date, actually appear to be childproof. He, of course, spends every waking moment trying to beat the system. We do have an abundance of child "resistant" outlet covers if you are in the market. Shall we say $.10 a piece and waiver of no liability? He also learned how to turn on and off and on and off and on and off and on and off lamps. That's very enjoyable if you always wanted a strobe light but could never find the time to track one down. Have my son over. He creates the same effect without the purchase price. So to date he can open doors, mostly when you are in the bathroom, the last solace of personal time away from the family. Alas, those days too, have come to an end. The fridge, which is full of glass items, although nothing has been broken yet and he hasn't quite figured out why he wants in there yet. And the strobe light effect. He's big on climbing too. He's focused on chairs right now. He climbs on them and then stands, which isn't too bad, except it keeps you on your toes and if you look around your house it's full of chairs. We are constantly chasing him from room to room, which is why it's so nice to go outside and let him enjoy the yard.

We had a great weekend and I've attached a few pics to prove it. The mosquitoes are bad so I bought 12 tiki torches. Would you believe it's not enough? The wife wants the bug zapper. I recently read about this awesome fogger that envelopes your yard in something they don't like but is harmless to people. Unfortunately it's a rich person toy and therefore only a pipe dream for us working stiffs. The beautiful outdoor weekend did result in an abundance of mosquito bites.

Before I go I would like to offer our congratulations to my brother-in-law whom muscled up the courage to propose to his lovely girlfriend this past week. And I am happy to report she said yes. I'm not sure how the math works out so am I gaining a sister-in-law? I think so, but I do know Q is gaining an aunt. Congratulations to the both of you and we will have a practiced ring bearer presumably by the date of your wedding. Now, if you are looking for a less cute option you are on your own. We only carry the best in cuteness over here. Enjoy your engagement and if having kids sleep in, because you never will again.