Scuba

On Saturday Lance and I completed our PADI scuba certification with a couple of open water dives in the Gulf of Mexico.It was AMAZING! We set off from the coast and went about 20 miles out. On just the boat ride out there we saw dolphins, a sea turtle, and a manta ray. I am just so grateful that our little section of the Gulf is, thus far, untouched by any oil.We went about 50 feet underwater by a natural reef. We saw hundreds of fish, coral, sea spiders, huge crabs, an eel, and a giant loggerhead sea turtle swam right by us-- so close I could have wrapped my arms around its huge, graceful body (but I refrained).All underwater photos are stock-- courtesy of Google Images.

Now that we are certified, we are already planning future local dives. So get certified-- here is a picture of our brilliant (and patient) scuba instructor. Thanks Rob!

Heidi and Harry

We have been playing host to Heidi and her dog Harry this week. They are moving back from Prague and their home won't be ready until this weekend.

Lance and I picked Harry up from the Orlando Airport a few weeks ago. We were happy to do it-- until it became clear that poor little Harry had developed an upset stomach somewhere between Frankfurt, Germany and Orlando, Florida. Without too much detail-- the fluffy white dog came to us in the form of a wet, brown dog. It was a very long ride home. Harry endured several bathing sessions (notice Lance wearing a mask and gloves for the initial bath)-- but Harry quickly regained his happy disposition (and pleasant smell).Picking Heidi up from the airport was an easier experience-- even if it was at 1:30 am. Heidi is bunking with the kids (literally-- she is on the bottom bunk). They love it. They are convinced that she is one of them. They don't understand why she gets to stay up later than them and why she doesn't have to take a nap each day. She has been a great source of entertainment for them (and a great help for me)-- at the beach, at church, in the car, etc.She will probably be very relieved to move out later this week. Here's a picture of a little get together we had to welcome Heidi back to the good ol' U.S. of A.

Grumpy Bear

This past Sunday we were in a Skype (webcam) session with my family in Prague. As Chase was glaring at the computer screen, my Mom asked- "Is he a happy baby?" Lance and I in unison- "No."

Its not that Chase is an unhappy kid, its just not the first word one would use to describe him. Looking back at baby pictures of Tobin, all the kid did was flash a cheesy grin. Chase has less of a cheesy grin and more of a threatening glower. I am always embarrassed when strangers at the store try to talk to Chase. He just stares at them like he wants to fight them until they back away awkwardly.He does smile and laugh often. But in between giggles he will yell at us. If he is annoyed or hungry or just bored-- he will yell. Not cry or whimper. Yell. Loud. This kid will make himself heard all throughout his life. My friend gave a talk last Sunday and was sitting on the stand and said that she could hear Chase "singing" from our seat on the back row of the Chapel. Awesome.

These are not complaints-- Chase just has a very amusing, one-of-a-kind personality. I do love this age (9 months). He crawls and plays in the toy room and watches cartoons with the others. He is our last kid and will inevitably be spoiled throughout his life... and already seems to be taking advantage of that fact.

Premonition

Spring 2000:Lance and I had been casually dating for just a few months when he asked me to Sunday dinner with his family (whom I had never met). At this dinner, there was a family visiting from St. George. Lance was playing with all the little kids, and I distinctly remember him holding a little three year-old girl and popping candy in her mouth (despite her mother's orders). I looked at him and got this really strong impression that Lance would be an amazing father. This was a very weird thought for me to have. I was only twenty and was definitely NOT in a marriage/ family state of mind.

Ten years later:
Turns out-- I was right. Lance is an amazing father.
(This is the only picture I managed to capture on Father's Day. Zoie is making Lance close his eyes while she leads him to the dinner table-- where we indulge in Sour Cream Enchiladas and spoil Lance with gifts.)

Failed Experiment

As Tobin's hair grew and grew over the past 5 months, we began to realize that by the time it was long enough to perm (creating the desired "afro" look), he would be like 7 years old-- and thus, much less adorable.

So, in conclusion....

June 16, 2010 6:08 pm

June 16, 2010 6:34 pm

And my adorable little boy is back.

Summer of the Skirt

I am not a fashionista-- I do not even have a desire to follow the latest fads and trends. I believe all clothes should be casual, comfortable and flattering. Capris, t-shirts, and flip-flops are my bread and butter.

But I have discovered the joy that comes from wearing a skirt on a hot day. It is amazing what a difference it makes. We have been in the 90's every day for the past month. Therefore, I have declared June- September 2010: The Summer of the Skirt.

I have already procured the following from Old Navy:

To sidestep the formality that comes from wearing a skirt, I have decided to pair them exclusively with graphic tees (which I wear shamelessly-- like a 13 year-old). Add a pair of large earrings, flip-flops, and a chunky bracelet and you have my new uniform.

You have been warned. Don't be surprised to see me out and about in a long skirt and a Sesame Street t-shirt (that says "Its All Good in the Hood").

Missing...

This morning, I miss George.

Our beloved pug was adopted a few months ago by a kind elderly gentleman. No doubt George is now his loyal, devoted companion. I am sure that in his new home, George gets to do all the fun things that were prohibited here-- sitting on the furniture, licking people's faces, etc. I am sure that he is very happy.

But we miss him. The kids asked me this morning if we would see George in Heaven. I like to think so.

Mornings With the Boys

This is Zoie's last week of preschool (see my last post, The Graduate). It will be a relief to be able to have lazy mornings-- no more rushing through breakfast and flying out the door to be at school on time. No more loading and unloading a bazillion kids into the car and preschool--only to do it again in three hours. Looking forward to it.

However, I will miss my easy mornings (from 9:15 am to 11:45 am) with the boys. Tobin, Ryder, and Chase just couldn't be more mellow and relaxed. Whether we run errands together-- all three boys packed onto one stroller-- or sit around the house reading books and watching movies, the boys are always low-key and easy.

Some random pictures from my "mornings with the boys"....While Zoie is technically the most well-behaved of the kids, low-key and easy will never be words used to describe the diva of this house. We will have a blast with her around all summer-- a high-energy, emotion-packed blast.

Happy Summer!

The Graduate

Last night we attended commencement exercises... for Zoie...from preschool.

Like all graduation ceremonies, it was a long, tedious, painful experience. I promised myself that I would not create a digital diatribe regarding the sheer ridiculousness of celebrating a child's graduation from preschool-- or being coerced into purchasing a cap and gown for the occasion (one that can not be recycled because they change the colors each year!)

Rather, I will tell you all that Zoie has enjoyed every minute of her preschool year. She quickly became teacher's pet and her increased knowledge base has exceeded all of my expectations. (And not just letters and numbers-- she has become a subject matter expert on such topics as the solar system, the continents, and tools used on a construction site!)

And she really does look adorable in the graduation get-up...

Kindergarten-- here we come!

Just Another Florida Day...

Without a swimming pool... (heavy sigh)

Sprinkler- thingy
Water Guns

Sidewalk Chalk
And for lunch-- what else? Hot dogs and Kool-Aid!We kept Chase (aka "Powder") in the shade. Even so, every time an errant water stream would come his way, we saw this face:As impressive as this get-up may be, we are still counting the days until we have access to the Slovacek pool ( and the Slovacek Grandparents, of course!)