Ward has been at Camp Alpine (www.alpinecamp.com) since June 1. It would be an understatement to say that I have been missing him. Yes, the days have passed quickly because of our busy schedules around here, but the whole dynamic in the house is different without him. Different isn't good or bad, it is just different. Ann Park has really risen into her role as "the oldest" while he has been gone and it has been good to see her take the lead, where she usually looks to Ward for that. She has been a great helper with Maggie too.
But I just want my Ward back. I know that he is having such a great time at camp. I imagine the friendships that he is forming and know that he is growing in ways that he would never do at home. He has great role models all around him through his counselors and I know that he is taking it all in. Plus, all the activities - way more fun than he will have back at home!!
All that being said, it is time for him to come home. June 26th is the date and I am sure that I will be up at the crack of dawn to drive the 2 hours to Alpine's gates. I just hope I don't embarrass him by the amount of hugs I give him!!!
6.20.2013
6.13.2013
Thoughts on Father's Day
I have been thinking a lot about Father's Day this week. Sometimes it is because I am missing Ward so my thoughts turn to my family, and other times it is becuase of some little things (like a text or a comment) and I am amazed at the man I married. I rarely gloat about him, but I am about to for a few short minutes so bear with me.
Ted is truly the best dad in my book. I cannot even begin to list all the reasons why, but I will share a few that pop up in my mind. He gets up EVERY SINGLE MORNING with the kids and lets me sleep in (sleeping in around here is defined until 6:45 or so on the weekdays and whenever I get up [usually 7:30 or 8:00] on the weekends). This year, he was a soccer coach for not just Ward's U8 team, but also for Ann Park's U7 team. That is 2 practices per week and at least 2 games - sometimes 6 games in a weekend for a tournament weekend. He also takes the kids to do amazingly fun things - and he takes them ALL. He routinely takes them hiking and biking all over Birmingham and beyond (like Horse Pens 40 which is about 45 minutes north of Birmingham). He also has all those "special things" covered. For instance, when dad and I were in Russia getting Maggie, he took the other kids to Chatanooga for the day and night. They went to the TN Aquarium, they saw the Christmas lights at Rock City, they went to some cool iglloo-like place with ice slides, etc. And best of all, they stayed in the Chatanooga Choo-Choo hotel where the room is in the shape of a train car and because it was around Christmas, the "elves" came and read the kids a bedtime story! He did this all on his own without any prompty from me.
Needless to say, I could go on and on about all he does as a dad for our kids. Yes, he works hard and has to spend more time at work (and working at home) than I like. And yes, he travels with his job (but not too much lately and for that I am truly grateful). But what they will remember is all the memories he makes with them. All the laughter. All the fun. All the love. I am so blessed by this man on a daily basis. He is one amazing dad. And I love him with all that I am.
Ted is truly the best dad in my book. I cannot even begin to list all the reasons why, but I will share a few that pop up in my mind. He gets up EVERY SINGLE MORNING with the kids and lets me sleep in (sleeping in around here is defined until 6:45 or so on the weekdays and whenever I get up [usually 7:30 or 8:00] on the weekends). This year, he was a soccer coach for not just Ward's U8 team, but also for Ann Park's U7 team. That is 2 practices per week and at least 2 games - sometimes 6 games in a weekend for a tournament weekend. He also takes the kids to do amazingly fun things - and he takes them ALL. He routinely takes them hiking and biking all over Birmingham and beyond (like Horse Pens 40 which is about 45 minutes north of Birmingham). He also has all those "special things" covered. For instance, when dad and I were in Russia getting Maggie, he took the other kids to Chatanooga for the day and night. They went to the TN Aquarium, they saw the Christmas lights at Rock City, they went to some cool iglloo-like place with ice slides, etc. And best of all, they stayed in the Chatanooga Choo-Choo hotel where the room is in the shape of a train car and because it was around Christmas, the "elves" came and read the kids a bedtime story! He did this all on his own without any prompty from me.
Needless to say, I could go on and on about all he does as a dad for our kids. Yes, he works hard and has to spend more time at work (and working at home) than I like. And yes, he travels with his job (but not too much lately and for that I am truly grateful). But what they will remember is all the memories he makes with them. All the laughter. All the fun. All the love. I am so blessed by this man on a daily basis. He is one amazing dad. And I love him with all that I am.
6.11.2013
One Proud Mama
I am so proud of our little Ann Park! Tonight was her first swim meet since last summer and she blew it out of the water - literally. When I got the list this morning and saw that she was swimming in three out of four events, plus the relay, I knew that it was going to be a long night. Last summer those long nights were accompanied by whining and wanting to go home, but not this time around. Don't get me wrong -- it was still a long night (we got there at 4:00 and left at 8:15 for time reference), but it was full of fun for Ann Park.
She qualified for the Senior County meet in all her strokes, which is a BIG DEAL - especially for a 6 year old. Plus she beat her times from last summer in freestyle and butterfly and placed in every stroke. (She would have beat her time in backstroke but she ran into the rope twice slowing her down.) She came in first overall in butterfly and got to swim the butterfly in the relay. I think that it is going to be "her stroke." The best part of the whole night was the incredible smile on her face and hearing her excitement in her voice. She loved every minute of it and that makes me the most proud of all! Guess that means that mama is going to a lot of swim meets this summer . . . it could be worse!!
She qualified for the Senior County meet in all her strokes, which is a BIG DEAL - especially for a 6 year old. Plus she beat her times from last summer in freestyle and butterfly and placed in every stroke. (She would have beat her time in backstroke but she ran into the rope twice slowing her down.) She came in first overall in butterfly and got to swim the butterfly in the relay. I think that it is going to be "her stroke." The best part of the whole night was the incredible smile on her face and hearing her excitement in her voice. She loved every minute of it and that makes me the most proud of all! Guess that means that mama is going to a lot of swim meets this summer . . . it could be worse!!
6.09.2013
First Weekend at the Lake
This weekend we went to the lake . . . Maggie's first trip. If I was worried how she would react to the water or the change in scenery, I should not have been. She LOVES the water and is a natural in it. We decided to try a puddle jumper, even though she is technically too small for it. It was the BEST DECISION we made. She LOVED it, could swim by herself and even learned how to kick! She can't move too fast but loved being where she could not touch and I loved seeing her so happy.I think that we will have many more fun weekends down there.
I really missed Ward this weekend (one week down, three to go!). It just didn't seem the same without him. It is interesting to see how the family dynamic changes without him here. There were some great pictures of him on the Alpine website, though, so that made me happy. I was hoping for a letter when we got back, but no such luck. I actually think that it is a good sign that the letter writing has slowed down, though. I think that it means that he is getting into the rhythms of camp and not missing home.
We also had some fun at the pool with Ted's underwater camera! We can't get enough of it! I love watching Ann Park and her strokes! Her first swim meet is on Tuesday so she has been practicing!!
I really missed Ward this weekend (one week down, three to go!). It just didn't seem the same without him. It is interesting to see how the family dynamic changes without him here. There were some great pictures of him on the Alpine website, though, so that made me happy. I was hoping for a letter when we got back, but no such luck. I actually think that it is a good sign that the letter writing has slowed down, though. I think that it means that he is getting into the rhythms of camp and not missing home.
6.05.2013
More beach photos
The end of our beach trip was wonderful as well. We spent a lot of time at the splash pad and not as much time on the beach because the current was strong, waves too big and red flag was out. I heard that a child drowned at Rosemary Beach while we were there. Now I regret letting Ward get in the water with the red flag, but Ted was with him - of course I know better next time!
Here are some pictures from the rest of our trip.
Here are some pictures from the rest of our trip.
Ward in the waves before they were too rough
Ann Park tried to fly a kite but the wind was so strong, it broke it!
Sam loved the pool - and the underwater camera!
at the pool
Daddy and Sam
Sam striking a pose . . . wonder where he gets that from?
two peas in a pod - Maggie copies everything Sam does!
loving the splash pad!
copying Sam (again!)
so sweet!!!
see what I mean about the waves??
Erin was the BEST helper EVER!!!
sweet kiddos
best family shot . . . Sam was not happy and Ward is striking a "cool" pose!
6.02.2013
Six months Home
Six months home . . . that's a third of her life. Hard to believe when I think about it that way. I barely see the girl I see in the pictures from when we were with her at the orphanage and those first few weeks. Her eyes have so much more life than they did in those days and that smile and laugh . . . they are heart-warming and infectious.
In the depths of my heart I know that God always intended her to be in our family. She is rambunctious, stubborn, crazy, loving, sweet and tender all in one. She loves to do everything that the other kids are doing and has begun copying their every move. At the beach, she loved going to the splash pad with Sam and doing every single thing that he would do. He has had the hardest time adjusting to life with her around (and can be too rough) but watching her imitate him is so dear and again, shows me how God placed her right where He knew she was always meant to be. Sam is turning into a great big brother and I love watching their relationship grow each and every day. Here they are at the splash pad one afternoon:
She still is struggling with talking, but seems to get new words every day. I really don't think that she is too far behind her peers at this point, though. I am sure that she is going to have a breakthrough soon and start really talking more. She understands everything we say and even with words that she can't quite say yet, her eyes light up when we ask her to say them and she acts like she really wants to (like Cher Cher and Grandmom). It is truly amazing to think that 6 months ago she had barely even heard a word of English (only from the 2 visits from me and Ted) and now she understands and is communicating. God is truly so good!!
Here are the words that she uses on a daily basis - in no particular order. I am sure that I have forgotten some, but you get the drift:
1. Hiiiiiiiii! (which she screams to everyone from the stroller)
2. Dada
3. Mommy
4. Papa
5. Dog
6. Thank you
7. Up
8. No
9. Ward (Wa)
10. AP (for Ann Park)
11. All done
12. Eye
13. Nose
14. AHHHH (for mouth)
15. Nana (for Banana)
16. Ni - ni (for night night)
17. Nack (for snack)
18. Mao (for more)
19. Bye-bye
These four kiddos have my heart . . . and I know that they will never let it go!!!
In the depths of my heart I know that God always intended her to be in our family. She is rambunctious, stubborn, crazy, loving, sweet and tender all in one. She loves to do everything that the other kids are doing and has begun copying their every move. At the beach, she loved going to the splash pad with Sam and doing every single thing that he would do. He has had the hardest time adjusting to life with her around (and can be too rough) but watching her imitate him is so dear and again, shows me how God placed her right where He knew she was always meant to be. Sam is turning into a great big brother and I love watching their relationship grow each and every day. Here they are at the splash pad one afternoon:
She still is struggling with talking, but seems to get new words every day. I really don't think that she is too far behind her peers at this point, though. I am sure that she is going to have a breakthrough soon and start really talking more. She understands everything we say and even with words that she can't quite say yet, her eyes light up when we ask her to say them and she acts like she really wants to (like Cher Cher and Grandmom). It is truly amazing to think that 6 months ago she had barely even heard a word of English (only from the 2 visits from me and Ted) and now she understands and is communicating. God is truly so good!!
Here are the words that she uses on a daily basis - in no particular order. I am sure that I have forgotten some, but you get the drift:
1. Hiiiiiiiii! (which she screams to everyone from the stroller)
2. Dada
3. Mommy
4. Papa
5. Dog
6. Thank you
7. Up
8. No
9. Ward (Wa)
10. AP (for Ann Park)
11. All done
12. Eye
13. Nose
14. AHHHH (for mouth)
15. Nana (for Banana)
16. Ni - ni (for night night)
17. Nack (for snack)
18. Mao (for more)
19. Bye-bye
These four kiddos have my heart . . . and I know that they will never let it go!!!
6.01.2013
Oh Alpine, you are fun-filled summer days . . .
If you went to Alpine or DeSoto and read the heading, I know that you are singing along by now!
More beach pictures to come, but we dropped off Ward at Camp Alpine this morning. He will be there for the entire month of June!! We pick him up on June 26th. He was so excited that he could hardly contain himself this morning and we left for Lookout Mountain before 7 AM. Once we got there he was off and running and I know that he didn't even say goodbye. Makes me happy to see him in a place where he feels so good. Of course I am so gonna miss him (the house already seems quieter without him) but looking at these pictures and knowing all that he is doing up there makes it all okay.
If you want to write him while he is gone (or send pictures but NOT packages - not even singing cards), here is his address:
Ward Holt
Camp Alpine - Silver Cloud
P.O. Box 297
Mentone, AL 35984
I'll leave you with a few of the pictures we took while we were there . . .
More beach pictures to come, but we dropped off Ward at Camp Alpine this morning. He will be there for the entire month of June!! We pick him up on June 26th. He was so excited that he could hardly contain himself this morning and we left for Lookout Mountain before 7 AM. Once we got there he was off and running and I know that he didn't even say goodbye. Makes me happy to see him in a place where he feels so good. Of course I am so gonna miss him (the house already seems quieter without him) but looking at these pictures and knowing all that he is doing up there makes it all okay.
If you want to write him while he is gone (or send pictures but NOT packages - not even singing cards), here is his address:
Ward Holt
Camp Alpine - Silver Cloud
P.O. Box 297
Mentone, AL 35984
I'll leave you with a few of the pictures we took while we were there . . .
Ward was so excited to see Sam Muthuri, our nanny's son, who is working there during first term.
Saying goodbye to Mommy and Ann Park!
Sam got into Ward's bandanas
TACKLE HUG!!!!!
saying goodbye to Daddy
5.28.2013
Beach bums
Our first few days at the beach have been fantastic. Maggie is handful, of course, but what did I expect from a 17 month old at the beach? Although it is not fully a vacation (I might be more exhausted when we return than when we came), I just love all being together, away from it all. I love spending the day with my family, hearing the waves from our screened-in porch and the feeling of sun-kissed skin. Each day brings a new adventure and everyone is exhausted by the end of the day. Plus, I don't feel guilty for drinking at lunch. Does it get much better?
Here are a few pictures that capture a little bit of the fun . . . .
Here are a few pictures that capture a little bit of the fun . . . .
Maggie LOVES LOVES LOVES the splash pad!!
Sam liked drinking the water . . . praying we don't get diarrhea!!
Our fish, Ann Park
burying Sam in the sand
my men . . .
love this one!
5.23.2013
One crazy week
Yes, with the last week of school (and the last week of Ann Park at SFX but that is another post), things have been crazy this week, but I am actually talking about the week ahead. The six of us (plus Ted's incredible niece who just finished her junior year at Auburn) are headed to the beach on Saturday. It will be a crazy week with a lot of firsts . . . Maggie's first time to swim in a pool, her first time to touch warm sand, and her first time to see the ocean. I am convinced that she is going to LOVE IT ALL. She has such an adventuresome and fearless spirit that I know she is going to be in heaven. I hope that I will be able to capture her facial expressions and maybe, just maybe, get some video of these new experiences for her. It will also be fun for Sam because hte last time he was at the beach he had just turned two and really doesn't remember it. We stuck around home all last summer, hoping to get the call to go to Russia, and didn't plan a beach trip.
This one is going to be great. We have rented a house in the Rosemary Beach area and I am excited to just play with my kids. They are each at such a great stage and I want to enjoy it all because I know that so soon it will be gone. I am happy that Ted's niece is coming so that Ted and I will be able to have some time to ourselves as well - maybe just a dinner or two but that is all we need. Sometimes you just need to get away to reconnect, you know?
When we get back, we will be taking Ward to Alpine Camp. He is going for a month (26 days actually) and I am excited for him. Of course I will miss him, but being a camper myself I know how much fun he will have. And it will do him wonders to get out of Birmingham and onto Lookout Mountain! Of course all that means that I have to have his trunk (mostly) packed before we leave for the beach on Saturday. I have started, but still have a ways to go!
This one is going to be great. We have rented a house in the Rosemary Beach area and I am excited to just play with my kids. They are each at such a great stage and I want to enjoy it all because I know that so soon it will be gone. I am happy that Ted's niece is coming so that Ted and I will be able to have some time to ourselves as well - maybe just a dinner or two but that is all we need. Sometimes you just need to get away to reconnect, you know?
When we get back, we will be taking Ward to Alpine Camp. He is going for a month (26 days actually) and I am excited for him. Of course I will miss him, but being a camper myself I know how much fun he will have. And it will do him wonders to get out of Birmingham and onto Lookout Mountain! Of course all that means that I have to have his trunk (mostly) packed before we leave for the beach on Saturday. I have started, but still have a ways to go!
5.18.2013
Redneck birthday
Sam's 4th birthday party was yesterday. All the moms around here get all "etsyed"out around here for birthday parties, but that's just not how I roll . . . like I had time even if I wanted to! Instead, when Sam told me that he wanted an "all Batman" party with a jumpy house, I headed to Party City (at least 3 times) and got all rednecked up.
That afternoon the rain started, but there was not any thunder and lightening. AFter canceling two birthday parties earlier this year, there was NO WAY I was canceling his one. Instead, I told the boys (7 in total) to bring their bathingsuits and get wet! The rain didn't slow anyone down (and held off for most of the party). The boys had SO MUCH FUN and I loved watching them all interact.
Here are some of the silly pictures for all those we love who missed it!
That afternoon the rain started, but there was not any thunder and lightening. AFter canceling two birthday parties earlier this year, there was NO WAY I was canceling his one. Instead, I told the boys (7 in total) to bring their bathingsuits and get wet! The rain didn't slow anyone down (and held off for most of the party). The boys had SO MUCH FUN and I loved watching them all interact.
Here are some of the silly pictures for all those we love who missed it!
Batman . . . er, I mean Sam
the biggest bounce house I have seen!
Batman t-shirts with their names on the back as favors
yummy cake!
Their best Batman faces!
muscles!!!
Silly Sam!
Maggie loved the bouncy!
the cutest 6-year old I know!
CAKE TIME!!! Sam was so excited and loved being the center of attention (imagine that?)!
the crew (minus a few)
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