The Things We Carry*

This is the Dog River in Northfield, Vermont.

Photo cred: Google

This a rock from the Dog River in Northfield, Vermont.

Photo cred: My cell phone

Now listen, I don't know all the details because I didn't know Erik in college, but here's what I've gleaned:

At some point during their 4 years in college, cadets select a rock and run with it through this river obstacle course and after they've run themselves ragged chucking this rock all through creation they keep it forever and ever and ever into perpetuity to piss off their wives and collect dust and occasionally disguise a key on the front porch.

This rock has lived in New York, Oklahoma, Hawaii, Pennsylvania and now Georgia. Inside, outside, wherever I've seen fit to let it live. Because it's a rock. That we've moved 5 times.

Because college.
Because the Corps of Cadets.
Because Love.

*Betcha thought from that title that this was going to be a lot more interesting. ;)

Oh So Loved

I constantly worry about how my kids will treat each other as adults. I don't have any idea how to promote a good relationship as I only speak to my own sister on our birthdays. Via text message.

But Grant has always had a really soft spot for Piper, and her days literally revolve around when we get to pick him up from school. God help us if we drive past his school before pick up time. I learned that lesson the hard way several months ago and have been known to drive a few miles out of my way to bypass that particular meltdown.

And so when Nash came along I wondered how everyone would handle him. I knew Grant loved babies, so I wasn't too worried about him, but Piper is a wild card. A VERY wild card. I am so happy to report that it's possible she loves him most of all! "I wanna see Nass" is the first thing out of her mouth in the morning and she's always kissing and loving and hugging on him. Especially when he's asleep. Because I'm pretty sure she hates me. HA! She even will just come up to him and close her eyes and rub her face on hers like she's just trying to take him in as well as she knows how. It sounds weird as I type it, but it's seriously the most precious thing on the planet. This boy is LOVED.

Just For You, Grandma Pat!

About 15 minutes from our house is a really great park with several play-scapes, a pond, and some alligators. You can even rent paddle boats and kayaks, but we have seen the alligators and the pond isn't that big so why the hell would you do that?!?!

ANYWAY, we have only been to that park one time that we weren't the only family there. It's amazing. The kids get free reign and I can sit in the shade and not worry about them. Several weeks ago we went on a picnic there with G's school bestie, Nolan, and I took a few shots of him playing. He was a little hyper but these pretty much sum him up.

HHI

A few weeks ago our dearest friends made the drive from MA down here for a visit. They stayed with us a few nights, then went up to Hilton Head, then we met them there for their last few days in the area. And fun.was.had. Here are a few pics of our people on our little getaway.

I mean, why not start out the day with a smile? And those jammies...

Frolicking in the baby pool!

On the first day, Erik was gone so she swam with Dave. We decided on a little tough love. This was the product the next day...

Here she was loosening up a bit.

Erik honestly has a tan line from her hands around his neck

These flew over and the boys started screaming "PTERODACTYLS!!!!"

 

Deluxe Baby Accomodations

In re the above pic:

Erik and Dave have been friends since around junior high, and then Dave's wife Vickie joined the crew in high school. Obviously, I was very late to that party.

 One night as the TEN of us piled in to an elevator to go down to dinner - with our combined HALF A DOZEN CHILDREN, I asked them if they ever thought this could ever possibly be their future. I wasn't that introspective in high school (and I didn't want children) so a family vacation for TEN was NOT on my radar then, and apparently it wasn't on theirs either because they just said all they really thought about was the next party and who was hosting. I just think it's so funny and neat that they've all seen each other through so many phases of life. I really envy that and am so grateful that they've accepted me with open arms into their little group.

_____

On the second night, Grant and Dave were feeling under the weather. We were going to roast marshmallows at the fire pit and take the kids swimming after dark, but Erik had class at 7 online and by the time that was over Grant and Dave were in their respective beds shivering off a fever. The compromise was to roast mallows at 10AM the day that we left. The pics aren't as good as they could have been, but fun was had regardless.

She never effing smiles for the camera!

My photographers assistant.

She got sick of waiting and went straight for the crackers.

Rendered cross-eyed by the deliciousness.

The resort also had one of these super cool chess/checkers boards. The kids were amazed!

Daddy was leaving for a few weeks after we got home, so we took the opportunity for some pics. I wish I would have turned the camera on myself! G was still feeling under the weather. He came home and slept the afternoon away. I have since determined he was in the early phases of Roseola.

Did I mention that she never smiles for the camera? Her entire life so far has her looking like a deer in headlights.

As an aside, Dave and Vickie came to visit us the most when we were in HI. I think they came an average of every 4 months, even if Erik was deployed. Hilton Head is really pretty. But we all agreed - it ain't Hawaii.

As another aside, if I can offer advice to anyone about anything it will now be to take vacations at resorts that you NEVER HAVE TO LEAVE. We have A HALF A DOZEN CHILDREN. No one wanted to go to the damn car. And thank God we didn't have to. The Omni on Hilton Head has EVERYTHING!

Someone Has a Lazy Mommy

It's this guy. The one with the huge cheeks.

He loves food so much he doesn't even make a mess!

The one who is seven months old and has barely had table food.

Because seriously, that is A LOT of work that I can't really deal with doing at this moment. (See post about extraordinarily clingy baby)

But I kind of got my act together about 10 days ago and started giving him rice cereal. Otherwise known as the most disgusting gelatinous crap on the planet. He wasn't sure what to make of it, but he kept putting it away. So on Saturday we started giving him "real" food since I knew I needed to get that show on the road prior to Erik leaving or he'd miss the spectacle.

It took a few days to get Nash really on board, but holy cow is he into it now! Last night he probably consumed an entire half cup of the stuff.

Is it weird that I'm sentimental about the fact my other two kids started out on carrots and he didn't?