Energy

We have contrasting energy levels at our house! Haiden is full of energy and Saige (our dog) does not have much left. In all fairness, Haiden is 2 and Saige is going to be 13. It is very hard for Sean and me to watch our "first baby" grow old. Sean and I got Saige when we were 17 years old. It is a blessing that Saige has lived this long, and I look forward to whatever time she has left. Other than arthritis, bad vision, and acid reflux, Saige is doing well for her age. We all love her so much. She is absolutely the most wonderful dog in the world! I caught this picture out my kitchen window when I was cooking dinner. It is actually rare to see her in the grass soaking up sun. She used to do this all the time when she was younger. This image warmed my heart!

Haiden is the exact opposite. In fact, he is probably the reason Saige was outside instead of inside with us. She is less tolerant in her old age! Here is a video of Haiden singing his ABC's on the trampoline. You will need to pause my music at the bottom of the page to hear him.

Back To The Basics

Sometimes I feel like I am being taken over by electronics! Not that I don't rely on them everyday. I am the one blogging on my pink mini-notebook computer (thanks again Sean), listening to my iPod, and checking my Blackberry calendar. My frustration is from dealing with the fact that Hailey's Leapster is not working right. Of course this is probably because she has dropped it a few too many times. Hailey and Haiden both have one, and it keeps them occupied in the car (saving me a headache or two). It can't be fixed, despite my best effort and communication with LeapFrog. It turns on and she can play, but if she has to touch something in the middle of the screen it does not recognize it. It works best when Haiden uses hers and she takes Haiden's (He doesn't really play, just likes the idea). This is sometimes a problem though because her Leapster is PINK!!! She is just going to have to wait until Christmas to get the more advanced version.

This brings me back to my original point...sorry. The kids have recently started playing with the Mr. Potato Head that Grandma bought at California Adventure. I love it since it does not need batteries because it does not talk, light up, beep, scream, or sing! It is just a quiet toy that they play with TOGETHER, and usually don't fight over. I made sure to keep it that way by buying Haiden a Spudtrooper today for $11.99. This is a far cry from the $50 I would have to fork out for a new Leapster. When a toy does everything for a kid it leaves very little room for their imagination. Mr. Potato Head is nothing but imagination!!!!!!

Haiden was sleeping when I took this picture, and I was not about to wake him up! I can't wait to see what they come up with later. We now have clothes for Disney characters, a pirate, a princess, and a Spudtrooper. This should be interesting, especially since Haiden will not have Hailey telling him what to do.

When Grandma Gives You Lemons...Make Lemonade!

Hailey and Sean worked very hard making lemonade from the abnormally large lemons from Grandma Lynne's tree. I thought it was very sweet to make homemade lemonade on 4th of July. It seemed very "American." Making real lemonade makes me appreciate Splenda and Crystal Light. I know that artificial sweetener is not good for you, but it has to be better than the pounds of sugar that went into our pitcher of fresh lemonade! Hailey had a great time getting every last drop out of all the lemons.

We went swimming at a family 4th of July party at night. Haiden enjoyed jumping off the wall into the pool. I am glad he is in swimming lessons now. He is not afraid of the pool at all!!! That makes me a little nervous (not that it takes much to do that).

4th of July Parade

We woke up early in the morning (after our very late night) to watch the 4th of July Parade. The kids loved watching all the different entries in the parade while Sean made pancakes. When the parade was over, Sean was back to the grill to make lots of hot dogs. It was a wonderful morning (and afternoon) with family and friends!

Baseball & Fireworks

Last night we went to the Quakes Baseball Game with my parents. The Quakes even won the game by making a huge comeback in the 8th inning. Although we enjoyed the game, we stayed for the fireworks. It was a very long night. The kids did not get to bed until 11:45 pm!! Fortunately, they were on a massive sugar high from the cotton candy and kettle corn that Grandma bought for them. THANK YOU GRANDMA!

Girl Scout Fun

Hailey had her last Daisy Girl Scout event of the year tonight. The troop went to Friends 2B Made. The were able to pick out a doll, dress it in a little Girl Scout uniform, and even earn a patch. Of course, I let her pick out a few more outfits and accessories. Since Friends 2B Made will probably only be around until August, almost everything was on sale.

A Cleansing

Haiden decided to clean out his insides today while sitting in the back of a Target cart. Apparently "Mom of the Year" was not paying attention and Haiden picked up the bottle of dish soap and drank it like it was water. I noticed when I heard him gagging (I am sure it tasted horrible). I don't think he got much in his mouth. There was quite a bit on his leg and in the cart. Everyone I consulted with (after giving him water and cleaning him up) agreed that he would survive the incident just fine. Although stressful at the moment, it was nothing like when Hailey drank rubbing alcohol. That involved paramedics, a fire truck, and a call to poison control!