Strong wind storm

I didn't realize how bad the storm was going to be until I had turned on the local news late last night.  We were under a severe storm warning and wow,... that wind was crazy strong!  I was already laying in bed with Graham by my side (Graham does not like thunder) when the rain started to come down. It sounded like it was raining sideways! And then, I hear "drip, drip, drip". Our window was leaking! I hope this won't be an expensive fix.

I'm glad we didn't lose power last night. After watching the news today, we were lucky to get away with just some broken tree limbs nearby:

Glad we didn't ruin our neighbor's fence!

And our swing is stuck up in the tree!

Daddy is going to have a fun time getting it untangled!

On a side note, I'm glad the storm didn't blow away all the new cedar mulch that we just put down!

I hope the new mulch and landscape fabric underneath helps with less weeding the rest of this summer!

Zoo Train ride

It was Charlie and my first time on the zoo train a couple of weeks ago.  I'm not really sure how Charlie felt about it:

Maybe because he was sitting backwards and had his legs hanging on the other side of the train seat:

Charlie did get a little stuck when he tried to pick him up.  Perhaps he was happier with big brother Graham and Daddy (or perhaps it didn't really matter):

Well, onward to the rest of the zoo.  I think Charlie liked the penguins:

Graham, on the other hand, just likes to climb.  He recently started doing the "thumbs up" sign and nodding his head at the same time.  Too cute!

In the meantime, here are some other random pics of the boys:

Another visit to the Philbrook Museum:

Mommy insistent on Charlie trying out some winter gear that he didn't get to wear earlier this year:

And here are the boys playing together:

Amazing what fun you can get from a cardboard box:

All done!

More soccer for Graham

We signed Graham up for more soccer this summer, but this time indoors thankfully.  Here is Graham's new uniform - very cute!

This indoor facility even has a water fountain just for the kids.  Works out for our #1 player!

We were a little bit early, so Graham and coach were waiting patiently:

And while we waited, it was time for Charlie's snacks.  First, the mum-mum's:

Then, a pouch:

Then, a few minutes later, the lil' crunchies.  I would put them in those little bowls just to slow Charlie down a little!

In the meantime, Graham is goofing around on the field.  During his last session, I was so happy because he was participating and listening so well.  I guess I had my hopes up a little too high this time:

Well, as long as Graham is happy at the end of the day.  Although Charlie is more than ready to get out of that stroller!

By the time we get home, Charlie is fast asleep in his carseat.  Poor fella!

Never a dull moment in the backyard

There's almost something going on in the backyard, especially with the birds - happy birds in their birdhouse, in the bird bath, and all of a sudden, there's a nest by the back door???  Did you spot it yet? I know, it's little messy back there :-s

It's right next to the bucket.  The nest was originally on top of the mower's grass catcher, next to the bundles of rolled up fences.  We have no idea how it got there! But Bobby moved it so the eggs (yes, eggs!) don't bake in the summer heat!

It will be interesting once they hatch.  I hope there aren't any snakes around.  Hmm... did someone say snake???!

Yes, snake!  I was getting water from the rain barrel and turned around to water the blueberries, and there it was. I'm not going to lie... It scared the CRAP out of me!!

The snake managed to tangle itself in the netting. Well, we weren't in any favor of untangling it since we really didn't know if it was poisonous or not.  Even so, I don't think either Bobby and I were going to touch it. So, we decided to just end the snake's misery since it did look like it was suffocating. I think the hawks appreciated the little "snack" anyhow.

Huh... is that a cricket in the house?

And every year, we would almost always spot Mr. Turtle in the yard.  But today, it was a snapping turtle!

This thing looked prehistoric! Check out that tail! I think it appreciated the quick shower from Bobby's sprinkler in this heat.
Who knows what else we're going to spot in the yard this summer!

Charlie is 11 months old

Charlie is quite the little character now.  Although mostly cranky, he can be cute when he wants to be:

I'm wondering if his crankiness has anything to do with his teething.  Could the side of his crib be a clue?

Well, if anything, Charlie has found a new way to entertain himself lately.  Look at those chunky thighs!

I believe this yoga pose is called the "look at my bum, mommy!" pose:

When he gets bored "practicing" in his room, he wanders on into his brother's room:

Charlie also loves to flip (and chew on) books:

And dance a little:

He also like pushing and crawling along with his cars: 

And of course, bath time!

Splash, splash, splash!

Can't believe Charlie is going to be 1 year old at the end of this month.  Where has the time gone!?