RISK

Last week we pulled out the board game, Risk. Until then, I'd never played it.

I think we were just getting started when I snapped this picture.

I ended up really liking the game. It might have something to do with the fact that I dominated!

This week, we tackled Peanut's room and closet. I had intentions of having a garage sale or selling items on Craigslist. When push came to shove, I loaded all the stuff into the car and donated it to Goodwill. Some lucky folks are getting hardly worn Gap shorts for next to nothing! I am getting the tax write off. I donated the comforter and bed skirt that was on our bed for many years. I bought it right after Pumpkin was born. About five years ago, it migrated to the guest bed. When we moved beds earlier this summer, it did not have a place. I finally parted with it. We packed up all the Lego's from his room and put them in a big container. I did not have the heart to part with them - yet. Something tells me, Peanut may just come back to them. I sense some sort of artistic/architecture/creation in his future and Legos may be needed. Who knows?

We re-did the dining room earlier this year and bought a new dining room table. I am still looking for chairs, but that is another post. I did not want to part with the old dining room table. We had it in the family room for a few months, but it was just too crowded. It dawned on me that it'd be okay in the play room. So, we re-arranged and moved it up there. I think it will serve a purpose in there. It may become a great homework spot. I am thinking a monthly game night. I think I'll start that tonight with a family game of Risk. Hope I can convince the others!!!

I wasn't able to pull of a game of Risk, but we played Taboo. I forgot how much fun that is. Now, on my TODO list is to invite a few couples over for a Taboo challenge.

Banana Eating

Today, when I packed the Big Guy's lunch, I gave him a banana and a very small container filled with Greek yogurt.

I was ridiculed because the yogurt container was not large enough to hold cut up pieces of banana.

The Big Guy ended up putting a spoon full yogurt on the tip of the banana and takng a bite.

He claims he ate the banana on three bites! How enormous were his bites? We just don't believe it. Who eats huge chunks of banana like that?

It led to the disussion - how many bites does it take to eat a banana?

I prefer to eat sliced pieces. Just saying...

A few First for Summer 2011

I took this week off from my little yogurt job to spend time with my boys. Gosh! It's been rather nice. Who knew 6-9 hours a week could be so intrusive. Ha!

We went to the Wolf River Cafe for lunch yesterday. It was a great little 'ol place. We'll be back. I just might even drum up the courage to ride my bike out there.

Anyway, while the boys were waiting for their food, I snapped this picture. See the new addition to Peanut's arm?

He broke his thumb at soccer conditioning. He is in a temporary cast. We see a hand specialist on Tuesday to get the real skinny. He's out of conditioning. He went to practice yesterday and shagged balls.

For another first - - -

Peanut got glasses right before we left for Knoxville. I like the look even though he did not pick the green ones! He has just a slight correction, but is wearing them more and more for TV/distance. I am sure once school starts, they will be more of a fixture on his face.

Knoxville - Long Course Championships

We all headed to Knoxville last Thursday for the SE Long Course Swim Championships.

That city reminds me of Cincinnati. I think it is the hills and the trees.

They have a great network of running/biking paths called the Greenway. On Saturday, while Pumpkin was at the pool warming up, these two headed out for a run. I was behind 'em going on a walk that just happened to end up at the Farmer's Market on Market Square. The temperature was a few degrees cooler on the Eastern side of the state. We tried to take advantage of it.

Trust me. Pumpkin is down there behind the block getting ready to swim his 200IM. He rocked his events this weekend swimming best times in ALL of them. We enjoyed seeing ny niece, Laura, on Thursday night too! She caught Pumpkin's 800 Free and we all enjoyed Chipotle. Yum!

The Big Guy saw a sign advertising a soccer game. Apparently, this is the inaugral year for the Knoxville Force. Once again, we dropped Pumpkin at the pool and we squeezed in a soccer game. The game was played on the UT women's field very close to the pool. As luck would have it, we did not make it back to the pool to see Pumpkin swim the breaststroke of the 400 Medley Relay. He went a best time w/o us. Don't worry. He still states that we really don't love him!!

It was a nice evening. The Force pulled off a win beating Chattanooga. We left wishing we had a team closer to us. ---Notice something new on Peanut? He just got 'em before we left for Knoxville. I'll write up a separate post on that.

On Sunday morning, I headed out for a walk. I ended up meandering around the campus. I walked right by Neyland. I was the only one around. I tried hard to imagine how crazy it must be on game day as the place is enormous. I just can't fathom all that orange!

We survived another swim meet :) I was a bit leary as swim meets involve lots of "hurry up and waiting." We did fine in the hotel. The worst part of the trip was about 100 miles out. We were all restless and ready to be home.

It is hard to believe another long course season is over. The summer is winding down for us. I am not working this week and hope to enjoy the days with my boys.

There might be a small kink in those plans. The Big Guy is with Peanut at the orthoped's after hours. We are hoping Peanut's thumb is only jammed. He fell on it at soccer conditioning this afternoon. It hurts and is pretty swollen. More to come on that tomorrow...

Buckeye Boy

Much to my chagrin - - Peanut got his head shaved. It is a longer shave, but still a shave. I think Pumpkin wears it better than Peanut. But, it is only hair!!

Peanut redeemed himself and made some Buckeyes. He did a great job. Notice the monster one on the back right. This is definitely his treat. He is the peanut better lover.

Believe it or not. They taste better than then ones he bought at Graeter's.

July 4th Recap

*Ironed (Ugh!) the Big Guy's clothes. He's good to go for a few weeks.

*Pizza for lunch from Mellow Mushroom. Yum! We had enough left over for lunch again the next day.

*Braved the heat and attended the Collierville fireworks. We took Buddy with us!

*Peanut found his friends and hung out with them.

*Awesome fireworks!! Buddy did not enjoy them. It made him kind of nervous. We hope he is not tarnished for life!

*Exercised in the heat and headed to midday mass. Peanut turned green. We thought he might pass out. Once he got up, he was fine. We think he was just really hungry!

*Knitted some gifts.

*Watched the Tour. I know the sport may be corrupt, but still enjoy the riding.

*Cleaned the house. Peanut got off easy as he was at a friend's. Pumpkin wiped down all the cabinets and baseboards. He did an outstanding job.

*Went to the Germantown fireworks too! Brotherly love!!!



*Enjoyed the long weekend. Now, if only the summer would slow down!

Ohio Open Water Long Course Championships

Last week, Pumpkin participated in his first open water swim. We could not have asked for better weather. The swim was held at East Fork Lake, just east of Cincinnati. The plan was for him to do this swim and then we'd head back to TN.

The park was beautiful. My sister and brother-in-law joined us to watch.

You can see the beach and the swim area in the background.

Here they are giving the prerace info to the 15&Over swimmers.

Waiting for the swim...

Calling roll...

They entered the water at the start and turned to the left. They swam out to a "start" line, treaded water and waited for the horn. It is a very different start compared to starting off a block.

He had to swim a 1k loop four times. I found him on the first lap. That is him to the right of the kayak. After that, we had no idea. There were so many white caps. It was hard to figure out who was who.

We spent most of the swim in the shade. Buddy was a trooper.

We did not see him finish, but he walked up all smiles. He came in 37th finishing the swim in just under an hour. We did not stick around for awards as he was just an exhibition swimmer. He proclaimed that he likes swimming in a pool better than a lake. He was a bit freaked out when something hit his hand or foot.

He filled up on Chipotle and was out for some of the ride home!

I was so proud of him! It was a great end to our visit in Ohio. And, it was an enjoyable time hanging out with my sister!

Pictionary

It is summer!!

I struggle with all the XBOX, texting and electronics. What will our brains become??

We've whipped out Pictionary a couple times. It is great that Peanut is old enough to know the words and he is a pretty good drawer. Today, I pulled it out again. It is just too hot to do much outside. It was Peanut and the Big Guy versus Pumpkin and me. Peanut and the Big Guy smoked us on an All Play.



Any guesses?

Rodeo! I have no idea where Peanut got that.

In the end, Pumpkin and I pulled it off to a victory. It is amazing how the game brings smiles and laughter to all of us. Here! Here, for board games!!

Manners, Please!

My sister made me a set of these napkins for my birthday. I love them and will enjoy using them.

The one, is your arm broken, was made just for Peanut. He tends to lower his head and not lift his arm when he eats. Anyway, when I put it at his place, he stated that he was going to get the napkin as dirty as possible!!

Thank you, Rita! We'll think of you often when we use the napkins.

Cincinnati

We spent a few days at home in Cincinnati. It was a great trip spending a nice time with my family members.

We scoped out the scene at Findlay Market. It wasn't too busy, but they say it really picks up on the weekends.

We found some time for Graeter's and Peanut tried the ice cream and the buckeyes. He's ready to make his own buckeyes! Peanut butter is his favorite.

This is it for the pictures! Can you believe it? I lived in the moments.

Back to reality and the heat!!