Scooter Stud

We got Rhys a scooter a few months back and I was super impressed with how quickly he figured it out.  I thought, though, that it would take a long time (as in maybe years) for him to figure out how to use the brake.  I was wrong.  Check it out. 

You can't really see the huge grin in on his face at the end but, trust me, it was there.  I think you can see the pride just in the way he is standing.

So cool.

4th of July

Because I am now old and crotchety, I kind of hate the 4th of July.  I despise the fireworks going off ALL NIGHT LONG when I'm trying desperately to get some sleep.  This year's 4th of July night was no different (i.e. I hated it) but the day was awesome as we hung out with the Westbys.  Rhys had a fabulous time.  Good friends, cool toys and fire.  What more could a boy want?

Rhys and Calder in the Jeep.  They said they were going to Portland...or Alaska.

Me and my babe.  She's going to have her work cut out for her someday, keeping up with all of the boys, but I have no doubt she'll be up for the task.  In the meantime, she's excelling at her jobs - eating, pooping and sleeping.

Shane helping Rhys light a firework.  At this moment, Shane skyrocketed to the top of Rhys' "favorite people" list.

Such focus.  Such concentration.  Why can't he be like this when we're asking him to do stuff at home?!

The thing got pretty smoky which made Rhys love it even more.

Father daughter bonding time.

We forgot to put Rhys in the flag shirt he received from Nana and Papa.  Ooops.  Rhys is saying "cheese" for the picture but he's stuck on the "ch" part instead of the "eese" part.

Rhys and Calder are attempting to give the thumbs up sign.

Picking raspberries.  Camp Westby has everything!

Playing a little football...

...and a little basketball.  Seriously, Camp Westby has everything.  We intend to invite ourselves back very soon, this time for an overnighter!

Seriously?

Yesterday I ventured to the grocery store with Lorelei in tow.  She's such a chill baby I had no concerns about making the trip with her.  I figured I'd just leave her in her car seat, put the seat in the cart and be on my way.  Great plan, right?  Apparently not as I could not get her car seat to sit right in the cart.  I swear I've seen other people do it, but it just did not work with our car seat. 

I was tempted to leave, but we really needed groceries so I decided just to carry the little lady.  I've carried her a lot out on walks (my weight loss plan) so I figured I could do it.  And I did.  It wasn't too bad, though I was pretty tired by time I went to check out. 

So as they ring me up I'm standing there just kind of gazing off into space trying to gather my energy when I hear the checker ask for my ID.  Seriously?  It's Sunday morning, I am 34 years old, carrying a 6-week old baby in my arms, looking tired and haggard and you're carding me?  Um, ok. 

I did not have my ID.  It's kind of hard to carry a purse and a baby so I'd just stuck my credit card in my pocket.  When I reported the lack of ID the checker replied "ok, I'll let it go but you really need to make sure you have it when you buy beer."  Ok, lady will do.  Next time I have to carry my newborn through the grocery store I'll try and remember my ID.  Thanks.

It's completely unrelated to this story, but I know you want a picture of Lorelei so here you go.  It's about a week old. She looks way more mature now.