Traverse City, a Birthday, and Dominic Starts School

I love Traverse City in the summer. It's so beautiful up there. We went "camping" in TC the last weekend in August. It was the first time we've done anything over night since Duncan was born. The campground we stayed at was the same campground I've been going to almost every summer since I was about 8 years old. The great thing is that we stayed in a little cabin, so we didn't have to pack so much - no tent, no dishes, etc. It had a microwave and refrigerator. We only had to take bedding and towels, clothes, and food. It was so easy, and the boys were so good. We had a fantastic time!

Surprisingly, we managed to pack in just about everything we wanted to do into the weekend. We arrived late Friday afternoon and got unpacked. Mel and the boys went to hang out at the Ranger Station (they've got video games, a pool table, board games, etc.) while I heated up hot dogs. Mel built a fire and we did s'mores. I'm very proud of Dominic, who slept both nights in the loft by himself. :0)

Saturday we woke to thunderstorms, but they cleared by 10 a.m. I took Dominic and Connor on a hike through the woods. Again, I was impressed with Dominic, who ate the spearmint that I picked (and asked for more) and ate a wild blueberry. When we got back to the cabin, Mel had lunch waiting for us. Then we went into town. We stopped at the two stores we wanted to visit (Higher Self and Toy Harbor), and then headed over to Pirate Cove. Dominic of course had to play the minigolf course (one of his favorite activities). And Connor had to try the huge waterslide (he went down with Mel...once - it was just a little too fast). Dominic went down the waterslide about 5 times and then got to drive one of the bumper boats. It was a great afternoon.

We got back to the campground in time for dinner and then got ready for trick-or-treating (which was just chaotic - it was so poorly planned). They boys had a great time, and then we had another fire and more s'mores.

Sunday we got up around 6:30 a.m., had breakfast, packed, and were out of the cabin by 10:30 a.m. We went to the State Beach and had a fantastic time swimming in Lake Michigan. Even Duncan got in the water (with me holding him). The boys really enjoyed building a sandcastle with Mel. We left the beach around 1:30 p.m., picked up some Burger King, and drove home. The boys slept really well in the car. We stopped after a couple hours to let everyone stretch their legs, and got home around 5:30 p.m.

Monday, August 29, was Connor's 3rd birthday and Dominic's first day of school. We enrolled him at the school district's Montessori school this year. He had a hard time getting up, but was very excited to go. And was totally fine with us leaving. I was very happy to see a traditional Montessori classroom when we arrived. Part of me feared that the school would turn out to be some sort of quasi-Montessori school...like the district's version of Montessori or something. But I was very pleasantly surprised. After dropping Dominic off, we came home and Connor and I baked his birthday cake, then it was back to the school to get Dominic (he only stayed for the morning on his first day, then started full days). After lunch everyone napped, and then Connor opened his presents. We got him one of the new BC Builder sets, which everyone enjoyed playing with. Even Duncan had a great time playing with the dinosaurs.

It was a very enjoyable, but very busy weekend. And of course, we've been busy ever since. It took us a week to get unpacked. What with getting Dominic into a routine for school, and work being totally crazy for me (due to the start of the school year). It's been rush, rush, rush nonstop. And then we all got sick last weekend (Labor Day weekend). Things are finally starting to settle down now.

Drums, Drums, and More Drums

I love my husband. He rocks! Ok, I just had to say that. Anyway, on with the blog...

This weekend was a pretty busy weekend. Mel and I went to my friend, Cindy's, wedding on Friday. We went to Binder Park Zoo (again) on Saturday, and then we did our chores on Sunday.

The wedding was awesome. It was so great to be out with Mel. I miss that more than anything since we've had kids.

The zoo was nice. The boys were pretty well-behaved, and we had a good time. We did the Wild Africa part of the zoo (and of course had to stop by the dinosaur play area). Connor was acting up a little as we were leaving, but for the most part things went smoothly.

Thursday Mel bought himself a drum. It's something we've been meaning to do for months. He found a really nice djembe at Marshall Music. Man, that drum has such a great sound, and Mel's a very talented percussionist. I love listening to him.

Friday, he went to Elderly and picked up drums for the boys (Dominic got a small djembe, Connor got bongos, and Duncan got a floor tom). The boys had fun playing along, but we weren't really impressed with the bongos, so those were returned on Saturday, and Mel picked up a doumbek for me. We gave the floor tom to Connor, and Duncan just jumps in on any drum that's handy.

I must say, I always wondered about the percussionists in high school. They were constantly drumming on stuff, and to be honest, I found it slightly annoying. But, oh my goddess, I SOOOO understand now. My fingers long to be on my drum at all times. I wish I could carry my drum with me and I can't wait to get home so I can see my drum. I'm lucky in that my drum is small enough to fit on our altar, so I can give it a passing tap any time I'm walking by. :0) Not like Mel, who has a large djembe, and can't touch it without having the boys descend upon him. But even having it sitting there isn't enough. I'm actually annoyed that I can't walk in the door and immediately pick up my drum. But I've got these boys that, for whatever reason, think I should pay attention to them. They just don't understand. LOL

Mel and I had a brief opportunity to drum last night, which was fantastic! He had bought a drum circle DVD, which is nice to play along with. Although, Mel is so talented, he really should start attending some of the drum circles in the area. It would be a good opportunity for him to get out of the house.

::sigh:: Five hours before I can see my drum...

An Eventful Week

This has been quite the week. Monday was filled with keeping the boys quiet as they were still getting over the nasty cold they came down with this past weekend (the one I had last week).

Tuesday we said goodbye to Moses. Moses was our malamute mix that we'd had since he was a puppy. He was over ten years old and starting to get grumpy in his old age. He snapped at Duncan a couple months ago, and had started growling at the boys, and since we couldn't find a new home for him, and we couldn't leave him alone with the children, we had him put down. It's something we've been putting off for weeks, and Mel just finally said, "Today's the day."

We told the boys that Moses was going to a new house, where there weren't any kids to bother him, and there weren't any toys for him to chew up (Dominic really had to watch his toys or Moses would claim them). Dominic was quite happy with this proposal and said he'd "trust us this one time to let one of our pets go to a new house."

Mel said Moses went peacefully. He was wagging his tail and enjoying being petted by Mel and the vet. I'm glad it went well, and I'm glad it's over. It's a relief to not have to worry about the boys being bitten.

Wednesday Dominic lost his first tooth. Well, actually it was his second tooth, but the first one doesn't count because it was extracted by the dentist due to an injury. He was quite excited about the Tooth Fairy coming. Dominic also had his annual checkup with his cardiologist. He had Kawasaki disease three years ago and has had to go for annual checkups since, but the cardiologist doesn't feel they're necessary anymore. :0) We were very happy to get that news!

After his checkup, Dominic and I went shopping for a helmet and pads. He got a skateboard for his birthday and we told him he couldn't ride it until he got a helmet. We finally found one and knee pads, but have yet to find wrist guards and elbow pads that fit him. I'm hoping to do some more shopping this weekend. I'd really feel better about him riding if he had wrist guards.

Tomorrow I'm hoping we can make a trip to Binder Park. Tasha has a 9:30 vet appointment to get her caught up on her shots (which she needs so we can put her in boarding while we're gone to Disney). But after that I'd like to visit Binder. We haven't been yet this year.

Oh, and the Tooth Fairy brought Dominic a geode, in case you're wondering. He woke up this morning and Mel took him out to the backyard so he could crack it open on the cement steps. Dominic was thrilled to be using a hammer. :0)

Silver Leaf ROCKS!

We went to the Silver Leaf Renaissance Faire on Saturday over by Kalamazoo. First let me say that last year we went to the Michigan Renaissance Festival, and it sucked ass. If you want to hang out with drunks and suck in enough cigarette smoke to leave you coughing for days, then by all means, visit the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Yes, it might be a nice place to visit if you don't have children, but it is by no means a family-friendly event.

Silver Leaf, on the other hand, most definitely is. Our Saturday started out with Mel, Connor, and Duncan sleeping in until 8:30 a.m. (Dominic and I had gotten up around 6:30 and we were both already bathed and dressed). We managed to get everyone ready and out the door by 10 a.m., no small feat for our troop.

The drive there (a little over an hour), was pleasant. Breakfast was had in the car (bagel sandwiches from Quality Dairy). Other than stopping to clean off Duncan (who I think might get car sick...he keeps throwing up when we go on long car rides), there were no delays and the trip went smoothly.

We were really surprised by how friendly everyone was. Everyone was smiling and waving to us, from the people sitting in the parking lot directing traffic to the vendors inside. The cost for us to get in (just shy of $30) wasn't bad, and everything was very reasonably priced. Connor and I went on a barrel ride (which is supposed to be filled with much spinning and swinging, but poor Connor's knuckles were turning white the minute we started moving fast, so ours was a very relaxing, no spinning, gentle swinging ride).

After that, Dominic and Connor fenced each other. They had masks, and jackets (which had to be duct taped on), foils that were as big as they are with a tack duct taped to the end of them. The masks had balloons taped to the top of them and the idea was to pop your opponent's balloons. It lasted about 5 minutes, but it was too funny to watch!

Then we just walked around, taking in the sites and trying to catch glimpses of the vendors' booths as the boys pulled us past. I'd love to go back without the boys so Mel and I could do some shopping.

The boys also went on a carousel ride (which again, almost made Connor sick, poor boy - but he's such a trooper about it, said he had fun and wanted to do it again). Dominic and Connor also played some of the little carnival activities, and Connor won a pirate sword and eye patch.

By that point it was around 1:30 p.m., people were hungry, tired, hot, and sweaty. We wanted to eat there, but the boys were really crashing hard so we left. They slept the whole way home and we stopped and got Burger King for them when we got back into Lansing. Mel made fajitas for the two of us (which were fantastic...he's such an amazing chef!). And we finished the day off with ice cream and whipped topping for dessert. It was a great day, and another good practice session for Disney. :0)

Well, so much for my goal...

OK, so it's been three weeks since I posted...as usual, my goal has gone out the window. LOL I could list all the excuses why I haven't posted, but instead, I'll get on to my post. Why dwell on the past?

I officially have a 6-year-old! We celebrated Dominic's birthday yesterday, and had a pretty good day. He says he had a fantastic day, which is all the matters to me and Mel. I am continually amazed at what a little man he is becoming. If we really monitor his diet, he's such a great kid. He's so helpful, and does a wonderful job keeping an eye on his brothers. He was really good yesterday, even let Connor play with his new toys.

We went to Caesarland yesterday. The boys had a great time, but that place is the most depressing restaurant I've ever been in (it was our first time). It was so dimly lit, and a lot of the games are old. We don't plan on returning any time soon.

Then we went to Target because Dominic received a card with $6 from his grandpa and had to spend it. He was so cute...knew exactly what he wanted and when he couldn't find it he had no problem choosing an alternative. He took it up the the counter himself, got out his Spiderman wallet and pulled out the money to give to the cashier, and put his change back in his wallet.

Afterwards we went home and had cake and brownies while we watched Mythbusters (one of Dominic's favorite shows). Although, he spent more time playing with the new toy he purchased than eating. It was a really good day.

I think this weekend we will go to the Silver Leaf Ren Festival in Kalamazoo. We're trying to get out and do as much as possible to "train" the boys before we make the trip to Disney. Dominic has a hard time going to new places (he doesn't like to be out of his comfort zone, even if it's someplace he winds up loving), so we're trying to throw in as many new places as possible. We're also eating at restaurants because that's something we never do. When we get to Disney, I want the boys to be used to all the experiences we'll have so that we won't spend the whole time dealing with fits.

Blessed Litha!

Wow...I can't believe Midsummer is already here! We had the most phenominal Litha. Monday night I skipped yoga and baked lemon herb cookies with the lemon balm from our garden. We lit the torches in the backyard and sat outside munching on cookies and leaving cookies out for the faeries, who decided to make an appearance. I really wasn't thinking we'd see any this year at Litha, but there they were...little flashes of light everywhere. We allowed the boys to run around naked in the backyard (it was dark enough). Boy, they just lit right up when we said it was ok for them to be naked. And to see them running through the tall plants, with the faeries. It was totally cool.

Tuesday we got the boys up at 5:30 a.m. and headed over to one of the city parking ramps to watch the sun rise. The city was so quiet. It was nice to hear the birds singing, sip hot chocolate, and watch the sun "wake up" as Connor said. Depending on the weather, we'll have to bundle up and do it for Yule too. Then we came back and Mel made us breakfast burritos. After breakfast Mel and Dominic walked to the river to do some "fishing" (aka casting).

After they got home it was time for Connor and Duncan to have their morning nap, and Mel and I got to sit and relax on the couch for a bit. Once the boys woke up we packed up sandwiches and went to Fenner. We saw butterflies, dragonflies, frogs, turtles, fish, hawks, and deer...it was great fun. We really need to start doing that on a weekly basis.

It was the best day we've had in awhile. We did so much stuff and the boys were so good. Tuesday night got a little stressful (we closed on our refinance - the notary was soooo slow and didn't really know what she was doing), but now that's done too.

I'm so happy things are starting to settle down. Our finances are all taken care of, the boys are starting to get used to the long work days, so Mel is in a better mood. All in all, life is good.

Mondays SUCK

Man, I hate Mondays. Yesterday was particularly bad, though. We started summer hours here at the office...Monday - Thursday, 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Yes, that's right, I do have Fridays off for the next 8 weeks, but the long days suck sewage. My poor husband, home alone with the boys for 10 1/2 hours...it's such a hard adjustment.

And on top of today being the first day of summer hours, AND it being a yoga night for me (which means more time home alone with the boys), Mel had to deal with the highly incompetent plumbers from J & J (the supply line to our hot water heater was spraying water everywhere - something they just repaired 6 months ago). That alone puts him in a bad mood. It's such a disruption to the daily schedule to have people in the house. The boys have a tendancy to go a little nuts when their schedule is thrown out the window. Oh, and on top of all that, I had to take diapers home because we ran out. Mel was certainly in a funk the whole day.

Mel is an incredibly talented, artistic, interesting, intelligent man...but man is he moody. Once he gets into a funk it takes days to get out. I tried to do what I could to help. I got Burger King for dinner on my way home from work (which I couldn't eat because of yoga). Took Duncan upstairs with me so Mel could eat and have a break for the 30 minutes I was home between work and yoga. I picked up a new CD for him while I was at yoga class, picked up beer on my way home from yoga...along with breakfast and lunch for tomorrow. It helped a little, he was starting to shake it off, but then got upset when I wasn't paying attention to him. He wanted to talk and catch up on the day. But unfortunately, this was at 10 p.m. I was completely wiped out. I needed to go to sleep. And so, I went to bed and Mel got into a worse funk.

A little about my day. It started at 4:45 a.m. - a little bit earlier than usual, and work was much more stressful and crazy than usual. With the long hours, our lunch hour gets cut to 30 minutes, but I had errands to run and had to get diapers, so lunch was a very busy, rushed time, followed by more chaos in the afternoon. I was granted the honor of being the main contact for summer school this year...my days are filled with calls from people asking questions, people coming in to register, and dealing with my boss, who is now (two days before teachers start work) working on putting together the packet for teachers and asking about getting supplies for them (ordering can't be done until July 1 now - our system shuts down for pretty much the whole month of June). It was one of those "I'm walking out the door and not coming back" days. As you can imagine, my day sucked almost as much as Mel's day. Come 10 p.m. I had nothing left to give. But with Mel already being in a funk, he wasn't in a place to really care what kind of day I'd had.

And he woke up in a funk this morning. I'm sure by the time I get home, with no interruptions to the day, and the food that I picked up last night, he will have pulled himself out of it. And with my boss being out of the office today (he's in the weekly Cabinet meeting), hopefully I will have an easier day too. I really hope the boys are good for him. They seemed to be pretty happy when I left this morning.

Connor starts gymnastics tonight...a class that he loves. My plan is to have Mel go to class with him. The class is Tuesday and Thursday for the next three weeks. I thought it would be nice for Mel to have a break and get out of the house a couple times during the week. I'm optimistic that Mel will want to go to class with Connor and the household will be in good spirits when I get home. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. :0)

New Beginnings

This will be a new experience for me. I try to write in my personal journal daily, but mostly that turns into just my daily tarot reading. But now with the school year coming to an end, hopefully work will be less busy and I'll have time to update this. My goal is to write at least once every two weeks...high expectations, huh. ;0)

This summer is going to be a time of changes for my family. I have one sister (Chandi) moving to Spain, and another sister (Alexis) moving about an hour away to attend CMU. I'm quite happy for them both. But unfortunately for us, Alexis is our most dependable babysitter. The boys LOVE her, and I know she will be sorely missed by us all (not to say that Chandi won't be missed too...but we just don't see her as often - she already lives a couple hours away).

I really admire Chandi for going out on her own. She so needs this and I'm hopeful she finds whatever it is that she's looking for. Someday Mel (my husband) and I want to travel. We have a long list of countries we'd like to visit (Japan, Italy, Greece, Ireland, Australia & New Zealand, Thailand, India) along with a long list of states within the US that we'd like to visit. However, that won't be happening for years...not until the boys are much older. It'll be interesting to see how well we manage with just our trip to Disney World this fall.

Someday we want to move out of this state. Michigan is a nice place to visit, there are some great beaches and gorgeous forests, but I don't like living here. The winter is too long and the summer is too short (although, fall is nice). We'd love to move to the west coast (Washington or Oregon) or to Hawaii. Actually, Hawaii would be our dream location. To have our own little organic farm, run totally on solar energy, and build our own tire house. ::sigh:: That would be fantastic.