This holiday season we were lucky enough to have my parents up to visit... on a trip up to see Craig's parents. The boys were spoiled with all of their grandparents attention and, for the most part, everyone had a good time. Now that Gavin gets the whole idea of Christmas, presents, and all thing treat-like, he suffered more than a few freak out moments. Overload, perhaps? He won't remember that bit, I'm sure, but we might. You wonder, who is this child that has just thrown himself on the floor because he doesn't like the shirt I brought for him to wear? Not mine, surely.
Tonight at dinner we recognized our sweet boy again. It took a few days, but the hub-bub is over and life is getting back to normal. 'Gavin sans sugar,' we'll call him.
After dinner, I started transferring dates in my ultra-high tech paper calendar. My hope this year is to actually remember people's birthday and big events before it is too late to send a gift or card. As I reached September, I realized that our little world will change greatly this year. Gavin starts school! It's far off, of course, but it makes me want to take time off during the week while I can...
Regardless of how our lives will change this year, we wish all of you a wonderful new year full of exciting new adventures and cozy snuggles from people you love.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Santa Here We Come!
Last Friday, the boys and I went on the Santa Train with a good friend who has two boys as well... and (luckily for me) organized the whole trip, drove us all, and brought snacks.
(Thank you Colleen!!)
The boys loved it, though Graeme was a little apprehensive on the train ride over. The ride itself was only about 20 minutes - from North Bend to Snoqualmie - but the ride was a little rocky a times. Graeme held my hand and snuggled a little closer. I enjoyed the snuggles as I heard the conductor explain that they couldn't roll too fast over the bridge we crossed.
Not entirely confidence inspiring!
Before meeting Santa they give you cookies and hot chocolate!
It was easy to keep track of the boys while they ate their little snack.
Waiting in line to visit Santa and running around to explore the other trains proved more challenging.
What's a tie for?
Why, stickers, of course!
Here Gavin explains what he wants for Christmas... and then what his toy cars want too.
Pretty standard: car transporter, tow truck, and a car.
And once Gavin stops talking (a rare occasion - I don't even think he's stopped in this photo),
Graeme gets to tell Santa that he'd like a broken toy bike.
So he can fix it naturally!
Overall a crazy, but happy day!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Simple Soup
There's something totally satisfying about eating soup in winter. I've been craving lentil soup, which is strange I realize, but I tried a new recipe this evening that really worked. It turned out great! We topped it with a little balsamic vinegar and goat cheese. The boys even ate it! (Of course, Graeme had to be bribed with dessert, but he still ate his whole bowl.) For the record, they skipped the vinegar and cheese as well. The taste reminded me of the soups I used to get when in Sweden at a place called Hemma Hos Greken (or At Home with the Greek). The best place ever for cheap good food. If you're ever in Lund, you should try it! I've never really tried to recreate the taste and this was remarkably easy!
And, just for fun, I found a blog post about the restaurant. If you can read Swedish or translate it... certainly brought back memories for me!
http://tantekologisk.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/hemma-hos-greken-en-restaurang-med-ett-stort-hjarta/
Greek Lentil Soup
http://healthy.food.com/recipe/greek-lentil-soup-76083
And, just for fun, I found a blog post about the restaurant. If you can read Swedish or translate it... certainly brought back memories for me!
http://tantekologisk.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/hemma-hos-greken-en-restaurang-med-ett-stort-hjarta/
Greek Lentil Soup
http://healthy.food.com/recipe/greek-lentil-soup-76083
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup finely chopped carrot
- 1 1/2 cups chopped onions
- 8 cups water
- 24 ounces beef stock or 24 ounces broth
- 2 cups dry lentils , rinsed
- 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano (or 1/2 tsp. dried)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped mint (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach , thawed
Directions:
- 1In a large stock pot, heat the oil and saute garlic, celery, onions, and carrot until veggies are tender.
- 2Add the water, stock, and the rinsed lentils.
- 3Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 45 minutes or until lentils are tender, stirring occasionally.
- 4Add the tomatoes, along with the juice in the can, as well as the chopped herbs, and salt and pepper.
- 5Stir in the spinach and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes more.
- 6Re-check seasoning before serving.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
I Should Write About That...
So far this month, I've compiled a long list of things I should write about... yet I've not written a word. This is how I imagine December goes for most busy people. And I'm not really even that busy. In order to continue with the trend of short synopses, here are our activities of late, funnies from the boys, etc.
1) We bought a new camera. A major purchase which will (hopefully) create better pictures of our lives for keepsake purposes, but also make my blog look a little better too. Now, to figure out how to use said camera and all it's features...
2) I've noticed that Gavin answers anything I say to him with: "No!" or "But"... and then proceeds to negotiate what he wants to do in any given situation. Hmmm... not so good for me as it ends up in a debate. However, I see my own culpability as I answer him in similar fashion.
3) The boys and I bought/gathered supplies to make bird feeders about 6 months ago, and FINALLY made them! Instead of Christmas lights in our tree, we have peanut butter - pine cone bird feeders. I halted the project because shortly after gathering the ingredients, I walked out the door to meet a cute family of three raccoons in our driveway. Could they like peanut butter and bird seed? I wasn't sure, so we didn't make them. Now, however, I figured it was cold enough that they'd stay away. And, this morning, to our delight, we saw a bunch of cute little birds and even a woodpecker in our front tree. (Note: no birds in this picture as they flew away when I came outside.)
4) Graeme hides things. I've heard stories of kids that stuff food or other objects into weird places. I think Graeme is one of those kids. So far (as far as I know), he's only stuffed socks into the pillows of the couch or trucks under his mattress. Let's hope it stops there. His logic? Why go all the way to the hamper when I can stuff my socks right here and no one will see them?
5) My two new favorite cooking techniques? I thought you'd never ask. a) Roasting. If only because it's super easy and makes everything taste better. Even over done Brussels sprout chips (for the record, not intended to be chips). b) Quiche. I'd always thought of quiche as something fancy. But, seriously, easiest thing ever to throw together in a pinch with whatever meat/veggies you have on hand. And the boys eat it.
6) My favorite thing that Graeme says right now: "Ya Member!" As in, "Hey Mummy! I love peanut butter, ya member!"
7) Instead of having imaginary friends as such, my children have befriended all of their letters and cars/trucks. I've noted in previous posts that they like mixed nuts, but Gavin informed me today in the grocery store of all the other snacks they would enjoy. They also wrote letters to Santa. Apparently they are asking for a roundabout on which to drive and race. I told Gavin that, with all the kids in the world, their trucks and letters might be lower priority, but maybe Santa will be able to take care of their requests as well. And, oh yeah, he's hung some stockings for them too.
8) Gavin and Graeme took a holiday cooking class in which they learned how to make every recipe of questionable to absurdly sweet nature. For example, fruity pebble wreaths with fruit roll topping. Seriously? I can totally understand as the teacher's audience was eight 3-5 year old children - consisting of 6 boys and 2 girls. It's not like you're going to attempt the perfect pie crust. Needless to say, they enjoyed it. Graeme got put in time out the first day for screaming (happily), and then every class after he'd say: "I was very quiet today." I enjoyed it as I wasn't there. And that was the whole idea.
9) Tonight we played Monopoly with the boys. A little ambitious, I admit. They did quite well though, and Craig and I realized how much you can actually learn from playing that game! It is the set that Celeste and I played with when we were kids, so that's kind of fun. Graeme had a stroke of bad luck as every turn he landed on someone else's property and had to pay - even being the player with the least idea of what was actually going on. In order to not scar him for life, or have them up till midnight, we ended the game early and put them to bed.
1) We bought a new camera. A major purchase which will (hopefully) create better pictures of our lives for keepsake purposes, but also make my blog look a little better too. Now, to figure out how to use said camera and all it's features...
2) I've noticed that Gavin answers anything I say to him with: "No!" or "But"... and then proceeds to negotiate what he wants to do in any given situation. Hmmm... not so good for me as it ends up in a debate. However, I see my own culpability as I answer him in similar fashion.
3) The boys and I bought/gathered supplies to make bird feeders about 6 months ago, and FINALLY made them! Instead of Christmas lights in our tree, we have peanut butter - pine cone bird feeders. I halted the project because shortly after gathering the ingredients, I walked out the door to meet a cute family of three raccoons in our driveway. Could they like peanut butter and bird seed? I wasn't sure, so we didn't make them. Now, however, I figured it was cold enough that they'd stay away. And, this morning, to our delight, we saw a bunch of cute little birds and even a woodpecker in our front tree. (Note: no birds in this picture as they flew away when I came outside.)
4) Graeme hides things. I've heard stories of kids that stuff food or other objects into weird places. I think Graeme is one of those kids. So far (as far as I know), he's only stuffed socks into the pillows of the couch or trucks under his mattress. Let's hope it stops there. His logic? Why go all the way to the hamper when I can stuff my socks right here and no one will see them?
5) My two new favorite cooking techniques? I thought you'd never ask. a) Roasting. If only because it's super easy and makes everything taste better. Even over done Brussels sprout chips (for the record, not intended to be chips). b) Quiche. I'd always thought of quiche as something fancy. But, seriously, easiest thing ever to throw together in a pinch with whatever meat/veggies you have on hand. And the boys eat it.
6) My favorite thing that Graeme says right now: "Ya Member!" As in, "Hey Mummy! I love peanut butter, ya member!"
7) Instead of having imaginary friends as such, my children have befriended all of their letters and cars/trucks. I've noted in previous posts that they like mixed nuts, but Gavin informed me today in the grocery store of all the other snacks they would enjoy. They also wrote letters to Santa. Apparently they are asking for a roundabout on which to drive and race. I told Gavin that, with all the kids in the world, their trucks and letters might be lower priority, but maybe Santa will be able to take care of their requests as well. And, oh yeah, he's hung some stockings for them too.
8) Gavin and Graeme took a holiday cooking class in which they learned how to make every recipe of questionable to absurdly sweet nature. For example, fruity pebble wreaths with fruit roll topping. Seriously? I can totally understand as the teacher's audience was eight 3-5 year old children - consisting of 6 boys and 2 girls. It's not like you're going to attempt the perfect pie crust. Needless to say, they enjoyed it. Graeme got put in time out the first day for screaming (happily), and then every class after he'd say: "I was very quiet today." I enjoyed it as I wasn't there. And that was the whole idea.
9) Tonight we played Monopoly with the boys. A little ambitious, I admit. They did quite well though, and Craig and I realized how much you can actually learn from playing that game! It is the set that Celeste and I played with when we were kids, so that's kind of fun. Graeme had a stroke of bad luck as every turn he landed on someone else's property and had to pay - even being the player with the least idea of what was actually going on. In order to not scar him for life, or have them up till midnight, we ended the game early and put them to bed.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Halloween
Just a few pictures from the night.
Gavin was Mack from Cars. We spend nearly a whole day doing his costume, and it made me feel a little bad that we bought Graeme's. In my defense, did say he wanted to be a bumblebee (then a kitty cat after, which he still wants to do even though Halloween is over). He was really cute - and even wore his jammies underneath.
This is Gavin's candy "trunk". The whole costume had a design flaw in that he couldn't really walk up or down stairs. So, in many cases, Gavin would just back up to the door, with his back up noise, saying: "Beep, beep beep! Trick or treat, just put it in my trunk please thank you."
The cutest thing about Graeme's costume was the bum that bobbed when he walked. SO CUTE!!
(My apologies for the video quality, BTW.
It is from our regular camera, and I didn't realize it would be sideways.)
Settling into Fall, Finally
Some how it is nearly Thanksgiving and I haven't posted anything yet in November! Yikes! So, here's the quick version highlights...
1) Best Parent Trick Ever
When Gavin and Graeme go to bed, if they are not quite ready to go to sleep, they have "the sneaky light". The LED book light snuggles with them as Gavin reads stories to Graeme. Last night they read four stories. Then, when they get tired, they set the books under the bed, place the light outside their door, and go to sleep. Craig and I are wondering how this became a sneaky treat, and hoping it doesn't prove to be a problem later. But right now it is fantastic!
2) Gavin's Got a Job
We frequent the Everett Imagine Children's Museum and Gavin LOVES their construction zone. In fact, he says most every morning: "Mummy, I've got to go to work today! there are lots of cars to be built and fixed. We'd better get going or I'm going to be late.... but I don't need to go Saturday or Sunday."
3) Excitement Happens Here
I'm watching a show about a guy raising turkeys. And Graeme is watching it now too (sneaky light didn't work so well tonight... I jinxed myself). It was cute when the turkeys were hatching from their eggs, but now a snake ate one and Graeme got a little sad. He's our naturalist for sure.
4) Pleasure in Simple Skills
Graeme can now, most of the time, put on socks. He creates the cutest little giggle when he's successful. The pure joy is priceless.
5) Getting Used to Our Routine
Now that I'm teaching yoga every weekday morning going to bed early is more important. It took a while to get used to the change, but we're finally settling in. I think with the time change, darkness, and cold weather any little change makes a bigger impact. Not sure why. We'll call it the cycle of seasons rather than getting older. It is helpful, though, that the boys are becoming more independent. They will (hoping I don't jinx myself again) follow directions, help out around the house, and clean up their toys. They're aren't doing their own laundry yet or anything - and it takes constant reminders and incentive, but it happens. For that I am thankful.
I'm thankful for a great deal, actually.
1) Best Parent Trick Ever
When Gavin and Graeme go to bed, if they are not quite ready to go to sleep, they have "the sneaky light". The LED book light snuggles with them as Gavin reads stories to Graeme. Last night they read four stories. Then, when they get tired, they set the books under the bed, place the light outside their door, and go to sleep. Craig and I are wondering how this became a sneaky treat, and hoping it doesn't prove to be a problem later. But right now it is fantastic!
2) Gavin's Got a Job
We frequent the Everett Imagine Children's Museum and Gavin LOVES their construction zone. In fact, he says most every morning: "Mummy, I've got to go to work today! there are lots of cars to be built and fixed. We'd better get going or I'm going to be late.... but I don't need to go Saturday or Sunday."
3) Excitement Happens Here
I'm watching a show about a guy raising turkeys. And Graeme is watching it now too (sneaky light didn't work so well tonight... I jinxed myself). It was cute when the turkeys were hatching from their eggs, but now a snake ate one and Graeme got a little sad. He's our naturalist for sure.
4) Pleasure in Simple Skills
Graeme can now, most of the time, put on socks. He creates the cutest little giggle when he's successful. The pure joy is priceless.
5) Getting Used to Our Routine
Now that I'm teaching yoga every weekday morning going to bed early is more important. It took a while to get used to the change, but we're finally settling in. I think with the time change, darkness, and cold weather any little change makes a bigger impact. Not sure why. We'll call it the cycle of seasons rather than getting older. It is helpful, though, that the boys are becoming more independent. They will (hoping I don't jinx myself again) follow directions, help out around the house, and clean up their toys. They're aren't doing their own laundry yet or anything - and it takes constant reminders and incentive, but it happens. For that I am thankful.
I'm thankful for a great deal, actually.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
This just in...
I'm beginning to think that Craig and I are depriving our kids of the joys to be had by having a pet. Just now, Graeme found a pincher bug in the bathroom (I have no idea how though, because my house is spotless). He was very excited and brought Craig to take a look. Gavin was checking it out too...
Graeme: See? He is a pincher bug!
Gavin: He's our pet.
Craig: I think he's dead.
Graeme: He's our dead pet.
Then I burst into laughter. Maybe it is all boys, or all kids, but our little guys love bugs. We have had a host of "pets" from this pincher to snails, slugs, rollie-pollie bugs, even a centipede that bit Graeme's finger. Oh, and the aforementioned ladybug. So, maybe they are just fine and don't need a proper, socially sanctioned "pet" that normal families have. Our boys seem happy nonetheless. And, you know what, we visited our neighbor today who - bless her heart - has three Springer Spaniels (two still puppies). It made me pretty grateful for the bugs. Most are slow moving, easily disposable, and they don't eat poo. (Or, well, maybe technically they might, but they don't then jump up and lick your face.)
Graeme: See? He is a pincher bug!
Gavin: He's our pet.
Craig: I think he's dead.
Graeme: He's our dead pet.
Then I burst into laughter. Maybe it is all boys, or all kids, but our little guys love bugs. We have had a host of "pets" from this pincher to snails, slugs, rollie-pollie bugs, even a centipede that bit Graeme's finger. Oh, and the aforementioned ladybug. So, maybe they are just fine and don't need a proper, socially sanctioned "pet" that normal families have. Our boys seem happy nonetheless. And, you know what, we visited our neighbor today who - bless her heart - has three Springer Spaniels (two still puppies). It made me pretty grateful for the bugs. Most are slow moving, easily disposable, and they don't eat poo. (Or, well, maybe technically they might, but they don't then jump up and lick your face.)
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Quiet Time
I never really thought this day would come. After a morning out and about, the boys and I are back home. And it is quiet in the house. Like, 'sit down, read, and have a cup of tea' kind of quiet. Miracle? You bet!
The boys are bundled up and digging in the backyard. Yes, the one down side to having a boy-friendly backyard is that it is dirt and they get really messy. But, the up side is that they play. For a long time. They are completely happy, and even seem to be more content the less I interrupt them.
Not to bring McDonald's into it, but I'm LOVING it! (Note: we never eat at McD's, but they have catchy advertising.) I haven't even brought out the bikes yet! They are engineering "jumps" on the bike track, which may or may not actually result in any changes to the track at their current work rate. Maybe this will translate to trail building as they enter their teenage years and beyond. Whatever the long term result, I'm going to go have another cup of tea right now.
The boys are bundled up and digging in the backyard. Yes, the one down side to having a boy-friendly backyard is that it is dirt and they get really messy. But, the up side is that they play. For a long time. They are completely happy, and even seem to be more content the less I interrupt them.
Not to bring McDonald's into it, but I'm LOVING it! (Note: we never eat at McD's, but they have catchy advertising.) I haven't even brought out the bikes yet! They are engineering "jumps" on the bike track, which may or may not actually result in any changes to the track at their current work rate. Maybe this will translate to trail building as they enter their teenage years and beyond. Whatever the long term result, I'm going to go have another cup of tea right now.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Collection of Smiles
These pictures make me smile.
Hopefully they make you smile too.
Graeme's first attempt at getting dressed by himself.
Almost successful, and very sweet.
He turns three this week, by the way, which is extremely crazy!
Pictures to go with the golf stories... we haven't been for a while.
Maybe we'll go to the range on some rainy days.
Graeme. Great form.
Hey, we're in the zoo!
We were SO good that Mummy rewarded us with ice cream cones.
Little did she know they would be gigantic! We did our best to finish - they were yummy! But, we were secretly happy when Mummy dumped a big chunk of ice cream at the end so we could eat the cone without having to go to the hospital.
(Maybe we weren't so happy about that, but we got over it pretty quick.)
Morning antics... feeding the letters a snack.
For all you parents as unaware as I was, apparently magnet letters enjoy mixed nuts for breakfast.
A closer look at the munching letters.
This last picture might take the cake for cutest thing in the world. It's a passport and a travel car for a ladybug that Gavin found in Grandma Karen's backyard (in Canada). Since Gavin wanted to take him across the border to bring him home, he naturally needed a passport. Graciously drafted by Grandma's friend Fran, the passport (and the ladybug) remained in Gavin's clutches all the way home. He dutifully handed over the passport right when we went through the border (and then wondered why we didn't give it to the border guard). I was tempted to show it just to see how the guard would have reacted.
The ladybug is now in the plastic container (with air holes) in our kitchen. Who knows how long he'll last... though I'm sure the boys will be glad to find him some grass and bugs to eat in th morning.
Monday, October 3, 2011
What's New!
This week is a big week for me. Not only is it Fall and I get to torture my family with squash-inspired meals, I am beginning a new yoga teaching endeavor. Balanced Yoga Studio opened this Saturday in Woodinville and I'll be teaching there 4 days a week! Since I still have the boys during the days, my class runs Tuesday to Friday from 6am to 7am. I can be home before a) the boys wake up, and b) Craig leaves for work. Even though I'm not naturally an early bird, I'm looking forward to the new schedule. So, if you're in the area, check it out - my class or otherwise! http://balanceyoga.co/
I've written the first blog post, and hope to write more as well. So, if you're looking to get a little inspiration (or just waste some time), take a peek at their blog too. It's just started, so there's not much there now. More to come, for sure. (The link to the blog is in the upper right hand corner of the site.) You can "like" on Facebook and get updates.
On another note, many of you know that I am a consultant for Norwex products too. If you don't, Norwex is a Canadian company that sells environmentally friendly cleaning and personal products. I have found that they make cleaning a thousand times easier, faster, and more effective. All without chemical cleaners. If that interests you - and if you're the main cleaning machine in the home it should - I now have a website! You can go online and check out the products, look at the FAQs, and generally see how the products might make your life a little easier: https://caramaclean.norwex.biz/
Never did I imagine that I would be a consultant for any type of cleaning product, but seriously, Norwex stuff is fantastic! (Particularly for people who tend toward the OCD end of cleanliness... or so I hear.) You can always email me questions too, of course, I'm be happy to help!
Just a little plug for what's going on in my world... you know, aside from hubby and kids and all that. Things move a little slowly around here, but soon (ish) I hope to have a personal website that will marry my different interests. When the planets align perhaps... For the time being, pass along the links to anyone you know who might find them interesting!
I've written the first blog post, and hope to write more as well. So, if you're looking to get a little inspiration (or just waste some time), take a peek at their blog too. It's just started, so there's not much there now. More to come, for sure. (The link to the blog is in the upper right hand corner of the site.) You can "like" on Facebook and get updates.
On another note, many of you know that I am a consultant for Norwex products too. If you don't, Norwex is a Canadian company that sells environmentally friendly cleaning and personal products. I have found that they make cleaning a thousand times easier, faster, and more effective. All without chemical cleaners. If that interests you - and if you're the main cleaning machine in the home it should - I now have a website! You can go online and check out the products, look at the FAQs, and generally see how the products might make your life a little easier: https://caramaclean.norwex.biz/
Never did I imagine that I would be a consultant for any type of cleaning product, but seriously, Norwex stuff is fantastic! (Particularly for people who tend toward the OCD end of cleanliness... or so I hear.) You can always email me questions too, of course, I'm be happy to help!
Just a little plug for what's going on in my world... you know, aside from hubby and kids and all that. Things move a little slowly around here, but soon (ish) I hope to have a personal website that will marry my different interests. When the planets align perhaps... For the time being, pass along the links to anyone you know who might find them interesting!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Gavin the Subtle
On Sunday, Craig and I were casually discussing what to do with the day while Gavin was at the table eating his morning cereal. We tossed around a few ideas and then Gavin chimed in:
Gavin: Colonnade might be pretty quiet today! (Colonnade is the gnarlier bike park with stunts in Seattle.)
Craig and I: No, Gavin we're not going today... (reasons, reasons, reasons...)
But a few minutes later...
Gavin: Is there a gas station at Colonnade? Because we should go to that gas station.
Us: Why?
Gavin: Because I want to go to Colonnade!
And, again, a few minutes more...
Gavin: Colonnade is good for rainy days!
He's persistent that one.
Gavin: Colonnade might be pretty quiet today! (Colonnade is the gnarlier bike park with stunts in Seattle.)
Craig and I: No, Gavin we're not going today... (reasons, reasons, reasons...)
But a few minutes later...
Gavin: Is there a gas station at Colonnade? Because we should go to that gas station.
Us: Why?
Gavin: Because I want to go to Colonnade!
And, again, a few minutes more...
Gavin: Colonnade is good for rainy days!
He's persistent that one.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Garden Wrap Up
I haven't really posted anything about the garden this year, so my apologies for those who enjoy those updates. Even though we had a pretty wet summer, the veggies and flowers turned out alright. And it's still going! The boys and I planted lettuce and peas a few weeks ago, so we have those coming up for the cooler weather. I'm also trying to save seeds this year for the following: nasturtiums, zinnias, cosmos, sunflowers, tomatoes, dill, cilantro (but saved as coriander to use), and maybe peppers if they turn out.
Pictures are absent from this post too, because we had a computer glitch. (Read: old computer died and we had to buy a new one.) So I don't have access to the most recent photos yet. I will take a few, however, because my trumpet vine is actually flowering this year (about which I'm very excited). Maybe next post.
In the meantime, I thought I'd run down a few things I've learned this year.
1) Tomato seeds in compost do, indeed, result in tomato plants throughout your garden. I suppose this depends on the efficiency of your compost system. Mine? Maybe not so good. I had a lot of volunteer plants, and most of them gave a lot of fruit. I'm good with that.
2) Don't discount a tomato plant because it doesn't look quite right. If it doesn't have blight, it might be ok. The Roma plant I bought didn't look that good, but it was the best producer this year. I froze probably five small Ziplocs of tomatoes. (I had so many cherry tomatoes I froze all the Roma.)
3) Carrots actually get bigger if you leave them in long enough! Revelation. In previous years, the boys pulled up the carrots quite early. We were away so much this summer that we had plenty of good size carrots all summer. Totally cool. And yummy.
4) Swiss chard and kale. Yummy, good for you, and easy to grow. You can sneak it into just about anything.
5) Burlap sacks as pots for tomatoes? Completely successful. I would do that again next year, as it is easy and inexpensive. The bags go in compost or yard waste after the tomatoes (or any plant for that matter) finish for the season.
6) Pole beans are still more fun than bush beans. They produce more, they are prettier, but they are itchy to pick. I relearned that lesson this year.
7) One zucchini plant is enough.
8) Much to the boys' dismay, it isn't hot enough here to grow a proper watermelon. We got one that was about 2 inches wide before it died. Not so exciting on a hot summer day.
9) I'm doing my best to come up with ten things... Not officially true, but I think peppers like strawberries. I planted a lot of peppers this year only because I had left over seeds from last year. I knew most wouldn't grow because, again, it isn't really hot enough here. However, I have two pepper plants that shared a pot with a strawberry plant (that I just plopped in there for space). These two plants are rockin' tons of little peppers! None of the others are really doing much, but this plant went wild. Not sure why, so that's my best guess. They like strawberries. We may even get to eat some of these peppers, as they are mini and seem to be changing colors.
10) Size doesn't matter. (Snicker.) Of tomato plants, that is. The plants I started from seed ended up producing just about as much as the plants that I bought. They grow so fast if the conditions are right - buy the smaller plants.
That's it. I know when I sign off, I'll think of something else. Overall, it was a fun, low maintenance year. Maybe next year we'll have more consistent sunshine. Watermelon potential, perhaps??
Pictures are absent from this post too, because we had a computer glitch. (Read: old computer died and we had to buy a new one.) So I don't have access to the most recent photos yet. I will take a few, however, because my trumpet vine is actually flowering this year (about which I'm very excited). Maybe next post.
In the meantime, I thought I'd run down a few things I've learned this year.
1) Tomato seeds in compost do, indeed, result in tomato plants throughout your garden. I suppose this depends on the efficiency of your compost system. Mine? Maybe not so good. I had a lot of volunteer plants, and most of them gave a lot of fruit. I'm good with that.
2) Don't discount a tomato plant because it doesn't look quite right. If it doesn't have blight, it might be ok. The Roma plant I bought didn't look that good, but it was the best producer this year. I froze probably five small Ziplocs of tomatoes. (I had so many cherry tomatoes I froze all the Roma.)
3) Carrots actually get bigger if you leave them in long enough! Revelation. In previous years, the boys pulled up the carrots quite early. We were away so much this summer that we had plenty of good size carrots all summer. Totally cool. And yummy.
4) Swiss chard and kale. Yummy, good for you, and easy to grow. You can sneak it into just about anything.
5) Burlap sacks as pots for tomatoes? Completely successful. I would do that again next year, as it is easy and inexpensive. The bags go in compost or yard waste after the tomatoes (or any plant for that matter) finish for the season.
6) Pole beans are still more fun than bush beans. They produce more, they are prettier, but they are itchy to pick. I relearned that lesson this year.
7) One zucchini plant is enough.
8) Much to the boys' dismay, it isn't hot enough here to grow a proper watermelon. We got one that was about 2 inches wide before it died. Not so exciting on a hot summer day.
9) I'm doing my best to come up with ten things... Not officially true, but I think peppers like strawberries. I planted a lot of peppers this year only because I had left over seeds from last year. I knew most wouldn't grow because, again, it isn't really hot enough here. However, I have two pepper plants that shared a pot with a strawberry plant (that I just plopped in there for space). These two plants are rockin' tons of little peppers! None of the others are really doing much, but this plant went wild. Not sure why, so that's my best guess. They like strawberries. We may even get to eat some of these peppers, as they are mini and seem to be changing colors.
10) Size doesn't matter. (Snicker.) Of tomato plants, that is. The plants I started from seed ended up producing just about as much as the plants that I bought. They grow so fast if the conditions are right - buy the smaller plants.
That's it. I know when I sign off, I'll think of something else. Overall, it was a fun, low maintenance year. Maybe next year we'll have more consistent sunshine. Watermelon potential, perhaps??
New Family Endeavor
Since they see Craig practicing his swing everyday, Gavin and Graeme developed an interest in golf. And I did to. They boys are ready to try anything new, as long as its fun. My interest stems from two things 1) everyone in our family pretty much knows how to play, and 2) if you don't know how to play, you get to babysit the kids while everyone else plays. (For the record, I've done that enough.) So, off we went to the driving range.
The boys are really cute (imagine that) at the course, and they do a pretty good job being quiet. Well, ok, maybe not that good of a job. But it is usually not so busy when we go, and it is a more casual place. Craig has taken Gavin a few times on his own, so he can actually hit the ball. He needs to slow down a little, though, as he just wants to whack it as hard as he can. Just to show you how serious Gavin is about golf, check out his comment to Craig: "Daddy, can you hold my seed pod while I hit the ball?" (We had picked up a maple tree seed pod on our way to the golf course.) But, you know, that shows he's really got to focus.
Graeme, on the other hand, hits a few balls here and there. He is more interested in exploring the scene. What's under this mat? What are these things? How many buckets can I stack up? How many balls can I collect from the grass before - why are you yelling at me? (As he's wandered out into the range.) Hey, look, there's a bug? (That gets Gavin's attention still too.) At one point, Graeme took the balls he'd been allotted and began to plunk them into a small garbage can.
Craig: Graeme, don't do that! That's a garbage can.
Graeme (sing song voice): Why is it a garbage can?
It might be a while before Graeme feels the need to focus on his swing.
In any case, we have a new family endeavor. It's pretty fun and I can see where, if you were any good, it would be addicting. I'm not addicted yet, however. I hit a few good shots that went straight, but it all feels quite awkward to me at this point. More practice.
The boys are really cute (imagine that) at the course, and they do a pretty good job being quiet. Well, ok, maybe not that good of a job. But it is usually not so busy when we go, and it is a more casual place. Craig has taken Gavin a few times on his own, so he can actually hit the ball. He needs to slow down a little, though, as he just wants to whack it as hard as he can. Just to show you how serious Gavin is about golf, check out his comment to Craig: "Daddy, can you hold my seed pod while I hit the ball?" (We had picked up a maple tree seed pod on our way to the golf course.) But, you know, that shows he's really got to focus.
Graeme, on the other hand, hits a few balls here and there. He is more interested in exploring the scene. What's under this mat? What are these things? How many buckets can I stack up? How many balls can I collect from the grass before - why are you yelling at me? (As he's wandered out into the range.) Hey, look, there's a bug? (That gets Gavin's attention still too.) At one point, Graeme took the balls he'd been allotted and began to plunk them into a small garbage can.
Craig: Graeme, don't do that! That's a garbage can.
Graeme (sing song voice): Why is it a garbage can?
It might be a while before Graeme feels the need to focus on his swing.
In any case, we have a new family endeavor. It's pretty fun and I can see where, if you were any good, it would be addicting. I'm not addicted yet, however. I hit a few good shots that went straight, but it all feels quite awkward to me at this point. More practice.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Gavin's First Trophy
This weekend was the first weekend we've had at home as a family for a very long time. It was refreshing to do a little yard work, finish house projects, and take a nap on the couch. Even if it was only 10 minutes. (Gavin woke me up with a very sweet kiss on the cheek. And then a dog lick.)
We decided it would be fun to try something new: BMX biking. Graeme is still too young, which was hard for him to take, but Gavin is right about the age where kids can start racing. Even though we were unprepared in terms of gear, Gavin had fun and did fairly well. Craig helped him at the gate, and then the rest of the crew along the track cheered him on. (Gavin is in the yellow-orange shirt second from left.)
"Keeping pedaling!" everyone kept cheering to their respective kids, but Gavin couldn't pedal any faster! The bike we have for him maxed out and his little legs were spinning as fast as they could. All the kids had race bikes and BMX outfits, so Gavin was clearly the newbie. And, for his first race, he got a trophy.
We decided it would be fun to try something new: BMX biking. Graeme is still too young, which was hard for him to take, but Gavin is right about the age where kids can start racing. Even though we were unprepared in terms of gear, Gavin had fun and did fairly well. Craig helped him at the gate, and then the rest of the crew along the track cheered him on. (Gavin is in the yellow-orange shirt second from left.)
"Keeping pedaling!" everyone kept cheering to their respective kids, but Gavin couldn't pedal any faster! The bike we have for him maxed out and his little legs were spinning as fast as they could. All the kids had race bikes and BMX outfits, so Gavin was clearly the newbie. And, for his first race, he got a trophy.
(He's wearing my full face helmet, by the way.)
Gavin loves his new trophy. Even though it says he got 3rd place in a race in Port Angeles. (Not where we were.) And Graeme wants one. More incentive for him to start riding a pedal bike. (Now if those legs would just grow faster!)
(OCD note: My first thought about the trophy? If we get into this where am I going to house all the trophies? They were pretty big... and if you race every weekend... there's not that many young kids. Chances are you'd come away with a trophy. Eek. Organizational nightmare!)
Backyard Warning
Hopefully this will be the last pee or poo related post. Too funny not to mention. After an afternoon of bike riding in the backyard, the boys came in to get ready for dinner. (Go to the bathroom and wash hands.) Graeme created a shortcut: "I peed off the deck!" He was so proud of himself, peeing off the deck onto the garden side of the yard. Luckily, 1) I was in the kitchen instead of the garden, and 2) he was aiming for the sunflower along the stairs and hit mostly gravel.
I asked him what would happen if someone was down below: "They would get wet." Right, but totally gross... to which he responded his sign-song, "Why?" (He did say that he wouldn't want someone to pee on his head.)
There you have it, however, a new warning for our backyard guests. He knows he's not suppose to do it again, but I can see where the temptation comes from. What or who could you aim for? Endless possibilities.
I asked him what would happen if someone was down below: "They would get wet." Right, but totally gross... to which he responded his sign-song, "Why?" (He did say that he wouldn't want someone to pee on his head.)
There you have it, however, a new warning for our backyard guests. He knows he's not suppose to do it again, but I can see where the temptation comes from. What or who could you aim for? Endless possibilities.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
What We're Saying Lately
Sometimes it is just funny to listen to what comes out of Gavin and Graeme. Words, that is. Lately, they have a few gems that keep coming up, so I thought I'd share them. You'll notice there's a theme.
Gavin and Graeme's Top Phrases:
1. Graeme: "I peed in your driveway!" (flowers, tree, grass, etc.)
2. Gavin: "Did someone say poop?" OR "What's that your poop?"
3. Graeme: "Emergency! Emergency!" (when he has to go, of course, usually while driving on the freeway)
4. Both: "Wait for it... wait for it... wait for it..." (followed often by a fart noise, learned from cousins Connor and Cole)
5. Both: "Marmaduke, WHAT did you EAT?" (also learned from Connor and Cole)
6. Graeme: the ever-present, sing-songy "WHY?"
7. Gavin: ending any comment with "ya poop!"
This was a lot more interesting before I began writing it down. As soon as I sit down to write the cute things escape and leave the poop talk. But, really, it is clear that I do have two boys and they are growing up to be just that. Sweet, but very potty-talk-oriented.
Graeme also has some gem facial expressions when he gets upset with someone (usually me). I've tried to capture them here, but these are (alas) fakes as I never have my camera when he's really doing them.
Gavin and Graeme's Top Phrases:
1. Graeme: "I peed in your driveway!" (flowers, tree, grass, etc.)
2. Gavin: "Did someone say poop?" OR "What's that your poop?"
3. Graeme: "Emergency! Emergency!" (when he has to go, of course, usually while driving on the freeway)
4. Both: "Wait for it... wait for it... wait for it..." (followed often by a fart noise, learned from cousins Connor and Cole)
5. Both: "Marmaduke, WHAT did you EAT?" (also learned from Connor and Cole)
6. Graeme: the ever-present, sing-songy "WHY?"
7. Gavin: ending any comment with "ya poop!"
This was a lot more interesting before I began writing it down. As soon as I sit down to write the cute things escape and leave the poop talk. But, really, it is clear that I do have two boys and they are growing up to be just that. Sweet, but very potty-talk-oriented.
Graeme also has some gem facial expressions when he gets upset with someone (usually me). I've tried to capture them here, but these are (alas) fakes as I never have my camera when he's really doing them.
Best Approximation
Except that when he really does it, you can't see his eyes.
Just the furrowed brow.
Here's Gavin's version, as he does it too.
It wasn't till after the picture I realized he's chewing on his sock.
Eww.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
What's Going On?
Lately, I've been working slowly toward putting together a website for more work oriented issues: health, wellness, happiness, fun, yoga, sanity, organization, etc. So, I wanted to ask:
What are the things you're most interested in reading about in terms of personal health and well-being?
What issues are the biggest struggles in getting through the day or moving forward toward your dream?
What are the topics that you're just a little bit afraid to deal with or areas where change would be difficult?
What is going well, and how can you get more of it?
I'll still, of course, be writing here and posting about our life and the boys. Just hoping that my new site, when it is finished, will be relevant and fun to read as well!
Please help me out and leave comments about what's going on with you, your friends, or family that you'd be interested in exploring.
What are the things you're most interested in reading about in terms of personal health and well-being?
What issues are the biggest struggles in getting through the day or moving forward toward your dream?
What are the topics that you're just a little bit afraid to deal with or areas where change would be difficult?
What is going well, and how can you get more of it?
I'll still, of course, be writing here and posting about our life and the boys. Just hoping that my new site, when it is finished, will be relevant and fun to read as well!
Please help me out and leave comments about what's going on with you, your friends, or family that you'd be interested in exploring.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Just for the record...
I did jinx myself. Turns out when you have distractions at home, potty training goes out the window. Good practice, I suppose, as long as the friends you have over are very understanding!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Remarkably Yummy!
I've been meaning to post this recipe for a month! When my parents came to visit, we made it for them and, though a little suspect at first, it turned out to be remarkably yummy. The sauce would be great on anything savory. The recipe is from the Top Foods Summer magazine, which I can't find online (alas), as a link would be much faster! The recipe itself is quite simple, so you can still chat, drink wine, and cook without stressing.
"Dry-Spiced" Flank Steak with Pomegranate-Thyme Reduction Sauce
Ingredients
1 Tbs. ground cumin
1 Tbs. ground coriander
1.5 tsp. smoked paprika
1.5 tsp salt
3 lbs. flank steak (though this would be equally good, I think, on chicken, pork, or whatever vegetarians eat ;)
2 cups pomegranate juice
1/2 cup red wine (drink rest while cooking and chatting)
1 Tbs. soy sauce
2.5 Tbs. sugar
2 large cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbs. unsalted butter, chilled
3 Tbs. fresh thyme leaves
salt and pepper to taste
How To:
1. Mix cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and salt in bowl. Rub onto both sides of steak and refrigerate uncovered 6-12 hours. (Read: do it the night before or first thing in the morning.)
2. Combine pomegranate juice, red wine, soy sauce, and sugar in medium sauce pan. Add garlic and bring to boil. Lower heat to medium and cook about 25 minutes until reduced to 3/4 cup. Whisk in butter and thyme leaves. Salt and pepper to taste. (This could be made ahead too and warmed to serve.)
3. Grill steak. Timing on this depends on the thickness of the steak and how you like it done. So grill like you normally would - sear each side for a few minutes, etc. Or cook inside with olive oil.
4. Serve with sauce. Garnish with thyme if you want presentation.
Yum!
"Dry-Spiced" Flank Steak with Pomegranate-Thyme Reduction Sauce
Ingredients
1 Tbs. ground cumin
1 Tbs. ground coriander
1.5 tsp. smoked paprika
1.5 tsp salt
3 lbs. flank steak (though this would be equally good, I think, on chicken, pork, or whatever vegetarians eat ;)
2 cups pomegranate juice
1/2 cup red wine (drink rest while cooking and chatting)
1 Tbs. soy sauce
2.5 Tbs. sugar
2 large cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbs. unsalted butter, chilled
3 Tbs. fresh thyme leaves
salt and pepper to taste
How To:
1. Mix cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and salt in bowl. Rub onto both sides of steak and refrigerate uncovered 6-12 hours. (Read: do it the night before or first thing in the morning.)
2. Combine pomegranate juice, red wine, soy sauce, and sugar in medium sauce pan. Add garlic and bring to boil. Lower heat to medium and cook about 25 minutes until reduced to 3/4 cup. Whisk in butter and thyme leaves. Salt and pepper to taste. (This could be made ahead too and warmed to serve.)
3. Grill steak. Timing on this depends on the thickness of the steak and how you like it done. So grill like you normally would - sear each side for a few minutes, etc. Or cook inside with olive oil.
4. Serve with sauce. Garnish with thyme if you want presentation.
Yum!
Next Chapter: Big Kid
I fully realize writing this post might jinx the progress we've made on the subject of potty training, but I'm prepared for any relapses. So I thought I'd share. Without too much detail.
As of this weekend, Graeme is officially a Big Kid and out of diapers! Sweet! After speaking with another mom about a 3-day intensive potty training method, I decided to try it on our little guy. A few dry mornings and the fact that he hide somewhere every time No. 2 came along gave me the clue that he might be ready to try the next step in socially acceptable behavior.
Enter Diego mini-potty and three days with no pants. For Graeme.
I gave Gavin the option to participate in "Naked Day", but he opted out with a furrowed brow of disapproval at the thought. (Not that Gavin doesn't like running around naked like all other kids; he's just developed a habit of getting dressed first thing in the morning. Choosing only from 4 favorite shirts and 3 pairs of pants. All other clothing is unacceptable.)
Back to no pants. To put your mind at ease - particularly if you come over to our house often - I rolled up the carpets and didn't let Graeme sit on the couches while pantless. Remarkably, we had only a few accidents! (None of them were very messy either which was great... not to say that couldn't still happen. But...) I stayed with him the whole three days and the accidents, of course, happened when I wasn't right with him. He got a jelly bean every time he went without fussing. Within the week, he is noticing when he has to go, and doing it all himself. We've ventured out more and more and things are getting to be normal. He's been dry at night as well, as long as he doesn't go to bed really early. He is very proud of himself too, which is the cutest part.
Now the project is weaning him off jelly beans!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
What a Picture is Worth...
To make up for all the blog posts I meant to write thus far this summer... snapshots of our world. (Ok, well of the bees in our garden.) After years with this camera, I've figured out how to do super zoom (and, yes, I know that's extremely technical language). Now I've got lots of pictures of bees. And my boys.
Though the flower is on the way out, the bee is still having fun!
Afternoon sun highlighting a zinnia, accompanied by bolted cilantro (coriander).
Cute kid No.1 swimming in grandma's pool.
Cute kid No. 2, who jumped off the diving board multiple times.
(Floaties on, for the record.)
We got to hike Tiger Mountain while the kids were at grandma's.
They totally changed the trail in the 5 years since we'd been there!
Yikes!
Carrots in the garden. Biggest ever!
It helps to be away a lot so the carrots actually have a chance to grow without being pulled too early by little munchkins.
Happy bee in our only sunflower open thus far.
Rollin' in pollen. Looks fun!
Yum! Raspberries!
Alas, the season is over for our hard working plants, but we got a lot of raspberries out of them.
The boys enjoyed them thoroughly!
Last, another friend from the garden. A cool, striped dragonfly. There has been a hummingbird buzzing around too (they are remarkably loud), but he was too fast for my shutter finger.
("Pay no attention to the weed in the garden bed beside me," says dear dragonfly.)
I try to get most weeds, but gave up on the clover.
An unfortunate decision, as it is now everywhere!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
From Warrior to Goddess
On Saturday Craig and I conquered the Warrior Dash in North Bend.
(http://www.warriordash.com/register2011_washington.php
We had a group of friends who all ran together - though we decided right as the race was starting that we wouldn't actually try to stay together the whole time. I never really thought I was competitive, but it is kind of fun to see how fast you can finish (60th in my age group = not too shabby). The obstacles in the course were the scary part going into the race - as you don't really know what to expect the first time - but the running part was what slowed me down. Maybe I should have run a little more before the race? Hmmm... maybe I'll try that next year. Craig and I have discussed that if we actually trained for races, we could do pretty good. Craig's idea of "pretty good" is to win the race. (He came in 36th out of 9600 people on Saturday, but came in second out of our heat.)
In anticipation of being sore from this run, I scheduled a spa evening at Amai Day Spa that I got through Groupon. (http://www.amaidayspa.com/) It was fabulous: facial, body scrub, massage, and scalp massage. I went from Warrior to Goddess! (And was thinking I could do both more often.) I've never gone to a spa to have multiple services at one time, and I felt truly pampered. I dare say that I'd do it again in a heartbeat!
Both totally recommended!
(http://www.warriordash.com/register2011_washington.php
We had a group of friends who all ran together - though we decided right as the race was starting that we wouldn't actually try to stay together the whole time. I never really thought I was competitive, but it is kind of fun to see how fast you can finish (60th in my age group = not too shabby). The obstacles in the course were the scary part going into the race - as you don't really know what to expect the first time - but the running part was what slowed me down. Maybe I should have run a little more before the race? Hmmm... maybe I'll try that next year. Craig and I have discussed that if we actually trained for races, we could do pretty good. Craig's idea of "pretty good" is to win the race. (He came in 36th out of 9600 people on Saturday, but came in second out of our heat.)
In anticipation of being sore from this run, I scheduled a spa evening at Amai Day Spa that I got through Groupon. (http://www.amaidayspa.com/) It was fabulous: facial, body scrub, massage, and scalp massage. I went from Warrior to Goddess! (And was thinking I could do both more often.) I've never gone to a spa to have multiple services at one time, and I felt truly pampered. I dare say that I'd do it again in a heartbeat!
Both totally recommended!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Sweet Words
Today I let the boys play on the computer for a while. It was sort of cloudy and drippy outside, and they haven't played in a long time. (Graeme never really gets to play, he only watches at this point.) Both boys were perched on the computer bench as I puttered around doing laundry and whatnot. (Read: fighting the urge to take a nap.)
As a load of bedding finished up in the dryer, I took a warm blanket out and wrapped up both boys at their perch. They snuggled in and giggled a little. Cute enough, right? Then as I walked away, I heard Graeme say, "I love you, Gavin!" to which Gavin responded, "I love you too!"
And melt heart.
As a load of bedding finished up in the dryer, I took a warm blanket out and wrapped up both boys at their perch. They snuggled in and giggled a little. Cute enough, right? Then as I walked away, I heard Graeme say, "I love you, Gavin!" to which Gavin responded, "I love you too!"
And melt heart.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Bike Camp Adventures!
After a few months on the waiting list, a lucky break landed Gavin in his first bike camp last week. The camp was for kids ages 4 - 6. Once we got there, it seemed like there were older kids too. (Someone confirmed that the age went up to 8 years old.) Gavin pretty small in comparison. Probably the smallest kid there...
...but one of the fastest!
After the first day, all the teachers seemed quite surprised at how fast Gavin was for such a little guy. The second day, as I left, it looked like Gavin got put in the big kid group.
With the 8 year old kids.
That didn't last too long I don't think.
He is, after all, 4 and not versed in how to sit and listen or follow directions consistently.
Unfortunately, I don't have a ton of pictures as Graeme and I usually left for the duration. But, there was a photographer shooting some pics (his kid was in the class too). So, here's the link. There are some pretty cute ones of Gavin if you take the time to look through them! (If you click on All Photos, then go to Day One of Wheelie Fun Camp there are more of Gavin on day one.)
Graeme and I went to lunch and play with my friend Robin and Owen, who is the same age as Graeme.
(His big brother Erik was in Bike Camp too.)
I just thought these were cute. There was a Mater and a Lightening... and Graeme kept trying to chase both down and hitch Lightening up to the Mater truck. The other kids weren't very excited about that, but it was funny to watch. Actually, having some one-on-one time with Graeme was very cool.
He's a sweet little dude.
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