Summer Water Fun

We have had fun in the water this month and here are a few pictures of the events. Russ' orthodontic department had a BBQ at the lake where his director has a cottage. There was a clown (that Cole was mesmerized with) that did tricks, face painting, and balloon animals. After the clown left Cole and Russ changed into their swimming suits and headed for the lake. Cole jumped off the dock a bunch of times and once he was in the water he kept exclaiming, "I am swimming!" We couldn't get him out of the water - he was in the lake for an hour and a half. When we finally dragged him out his lips were blue and his whole body was a prune. He had so much fun. Garrett and I had fun watching and I was grateful I didn't have to get in the cold water!!

Cole jumping into the lake for the millionth time

Cole and Russ - cute boys!


This was the fist time we turned on the sprinkler in our own yard and it was one of the hottest days of the year. Cole got a kick out of it! Even Garrett and I ran through a few times to keep cool.


Here we are at the local pool. It was Garrett's first "official" time in the pool in his swimming gear and floatie. He loved the water - his legs were kicking like crazy! Cole is a fish and couldn't get enough of the water and loved having his dad there to swim with him. It was a fun day at the pool!

Allergy Free!!

Today we took Cole to an asthma and allergy specialist and found out great news -- Cole doesn't have allergies! They did a test of different allergens and they all were negative. They had to inject the allergens under his skin, so he was pricked eleven times, similar to a little shot. He was crying while they did it, but I was crying too! It was only a few minutes of pain for great news. Yay! The doctor also gave us an asthma inhaler that we can use anywhere, so we don't have to be tied to the nebulizer. The clinic was fantastic -- they were blowing bubbles and entertaining Cole in the exam room and even brought in a tub of Thomas Trains and tracks for him to play with while we waited for the doctor. The doctor sat with me and explained the ins and outs of asthma and sent me home with information to read. It is the first time that I feel I have been informed and educated about Cole's asthma. It was a fantastic experience!!

Cole showing off his "battle wounds" from the injections

I love this picture of Garrett we took last night and thought it was too cute not to post, even thought it has nothing to to with allergies!

State Fair

We went to the state fair this past weekend with our friends, the Gurgels, and had a fantastic time! It was unlike anything I have ever seen - there were over 100,000 people there the day we went. We saw the usual pigs, sheep, cows, chickens, and horses, which Cole was ecstatic to see, but we also saw some crazy things -- a 1229 pound boar (male pig), a 3000 pound bull, a full size cow sculpted out of butter along with a butter sculpture of Shawn Johnson (a US gymnast that is at the Olympics right now), fried snickers and twinkies (doesn't that just sound like a heart attack!?!), foot long corndogs on a stick and whole turkey legs, a dog being spayed (yes, the actual operation was being performed), and a whole range of interesting people (I love to "people watch"). We also watched baby chicks hatching, were able to pet piglets, saw a calf that was only a few hours old and baby ostriches. It was a fun filled day!

Cole wasn't afraid of petting any of the animals -- I think this sheep was about to eat his hand, but he didn't seem to mind. We had to really watch where he was sticking his hands. We found him digging through pig feed in one pen and trying to pet any animal within reach.

Garrett -- what a cutie! He was such a trooper -- he was hot and sweaty and really couldn't care less about the fair, but he was so happy and smiley the whole time. He is such a great baby!!

Here is Cole putting the moves on our neighbor, Anna. Cole has a little crush on her, even though she is almost twice his age. He sometimes sings "Anna's World" to the Elmo's World tune, which I think is darling. She doesn't have the same feelings since Cole is so young, but they at least enjoy playing together.

Learning to milk a cow - or plastic cow - but a fun experience!

Here are all of the kids all tuckered out -- Kennedy, Anna, Garrett, Cole after a long, hot day at the fair.

Cole-ism

Cole does and says some pretty amazing things and I just had to share one of them. A few weeks ago I took Garrett for his check-up at the university hospital and Cole came along. Because it is the university, we had to see the nurse, a resident, the doctor and resident, and the nurse again for vaccinations. We were there for over 2 1/2 hours. Cole was as good as a two year old can be in a small room, but explored and pushed every button he could find, spilled raisins, opened and closed the door, played with medical equipment within his reach, etc. But amid those moments that I wanted to tie him to the chair so he would sit still, he did two amazing things.

First, when the doctor came in (after we had already seen the resident), Cole exclaimed, "Adam was a prophet... and Noah too!" The doctor just chuckled and talked to Cole about Noah and the Ark. He said, "You must be learning things at home." Cole's favorite Primary song right now is 'Follow The Prophet' and that is why he was repeating the prophets to the doctor. He asks to sing it several times a day. Too funny!

Second, while we were waiting for the doctor, Cole stood on the chair and put his hands on my head and said, "I am going to give you a blessing." The previous night Cole woke with night terrors and was just beside himself. I have never seen him like that, so Russ gave him a blessing (that immediately stopped his screaming and he was able to sleep -- the priesthood is amazing!!). He must have recognized the power of the priesthood enough to try to mimic it the next day.

Cole is one sharp little guy and doesn't miss anything! I am amazed at how quickly he learns. Tonight for family home evening we learned about Abraham and Isaac and he remembers all of the characters, including Sarah. Before he went to bed he even told me about how they built rocks (an alter) and didn't have to hurt Isaac. He can tell you the names of the First Presidency and will search through the Ensign until he finds them. There is definitely something special about Cole and I am so lucky to be his mom. I always tell him that, "I love you a million, trillion, bazillion, gillion." I know it doesn't really make sense and may be a little cheezy, but hopefully Cole will know how much I love him and am constantly amazed by him. I love you, Coley!!

Nauvoo Pageant and More...

This past weekend we were able to go to the Nauvoo Pageant and we had a great time! We arrived a few hours before the pageant started and there were games, puppet shows, crafts, activities, music and dancing. We couldn't get Cole to leave the dance floor. They taught a few dances from the era so we joined in on the fun. The pageant was spectacular and a great tribute to Joseph Smith and the Saints that lived at that time. The story line, music, special effects and choreograph were incredible. I'm so glad that we were fortunate enough to attend.

On the way to the pageant we stopped at Wendy's for a quick bite to eat and were surrounded by cute older couples. I'm not sure if it was Senior Citizen night or what, but I've never seen of many "seniors" in a Wendy's restaurant at one time! I think there were only two other families our age. They were darling with our boys and we were stopped several times so they could ooh and aah at them. Cole became particularly fond of one group and was talking, laughing, reciting nursery rhymes and waving at them. They were sweet with our boys -- it was fun to be the youngest in the crowd! Our cute family at sunset before the pageant started. Cole shaking his bootie on the dance floor - he couldn't get enough of the bagpipe band!

Last Sunday after we got Garrett dressed for church I couldn't help but snap a few pictures of him. He is so dang cute! We combed his hair and used a little gel to keep it in place and his smile was so darling. At church Russ took him during Priesthood/RS because I had to conduct. The lesson had just started when I got a tap and someone telling me, "You have a blow out". I looked out the door and there was Russ beckoning to me that he needed a little help. I was a little confused because Garrett only "goes" about once a week and it wasn't his "time" to go. But, go he went and it was everywhere... down his leg, out the back, on Russ' shirt, tie and pants. It was quite a sight! After we got Garrett hosed off in the bathroom, Russ took him home for a new pair of clothes. Garrett left the church sporting only a diaper and wrapped in a blanket. Russ thought it would be funny to take an "after" picture because the "before" picture was so cute.
"BEFORE" "AFTER"

Cole, Garrett and I made sugar cookies for our family home evening treat and Cole got his first beater to munch on. I haven't let him have one before because of the raw eggs in the batter, but he was eating so much cookie dough with his fingers (I seriously couldn't keep his fingers out of it) that I figured the beater would slow him down. He loved it, just like I used to love it when I was a kid. So, I guess a little raw egg never hurt anyone... or has it?! Cole also kept telling me, "This beaver is yummy!" We had to have a little discussion because I didn't want him confusing the animal (beaver) with the yummy treat (beater). Oh, how the simple things in life make a two year old so happy!

Snapshots from Early July

For the 4th of July we went to a parade and Cole was thrilled that candy was thrown to him. It was an exciting moment for a two year old! He loved watching the cars, tractors (yes, there were a lot of tractors since we are in a rural area), horses and floats. He didn't want to leave when it was over. We were able to teach Cole about showing respect for the flag by stading, removing our hats, and placing our hands on our hearts. It is something that my Grandpa Kennedy taught me at a really young age, so while I was teaching Cole I was able to reflect on my Grandpa's example. He was a true patriot. Garrett stayed awake for most of the parade, but was with Russ in the shade. Cole and I braved the heat and direct sun so we could be on the front row for the parade. That evening we went to the Bishop's house for a BBQ. We had a great time and Cole was even able to ride the horse, Cinnamon. It was a great 4th.

Our boys ready for the big parade - they getting so big and not to mention how cute they are!

Russ and Cole waiting patiently (or not so patiently) for the parade to begin

Garrett smiling from inside the car seat, also waiting for the parade to begin

Cole loves to read books before he falls asleep and here he is with "The Moose's Loose Tooth" (thank, Aunt Teresa), totally zonked out. There is still something so sweet about a child, even a two year old, when he is sleeping.

We set up the exer-sauser (I have no idea how to spell that!) for Garrett and he has enjoyed being able to play while standing independently. I think he gets tired of either being held, laying on the floor or in some sort of contraption (swing, bouncy, etc)-- he is enjoying his newly found freedom.

Two Bits About Me Tag

**I was tagged over a month ago (thanks, Janelle!) and I am just getting around to doing it. I'm not going to tag anyone because I don't think any of us need another thing to do or have to worry about. But, if you feel so inclined, consider yourself tag and add it to your blog!**

Two Names You Go By: Katrina, Mom
Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now: denim shorts, teal shirt
Two Of Your Favorite Things To Do: running, scrapbook
Two Things You Want Very Badly At This Moment: a new wardrobe (which isn't going to happen any time soon) and Cole to fall asleep (which also might not happen any time soon!)
Two Favorite Pets: Pia, the golden retriever we had growing up -- that's the only pet I've ever had
Two Things You Did Last Night: Sunday night - I put Garrett to bed and read my scriptures
Two Things You Ate Today: Cafe Rio pork salad that I made (yummy!) and sugar cookies for family home evening
Two Last People You Talked To: My mom, Cole
Two Longest Car Rides: Logan to Richmond, Virginia; Richmond, Virginia to Iowa City, Iowa
Two Favorite Holidays: Christmas and Halloween (I love the candy!!)
Two Favorite Vacations: Alaska with my dad, two uncles (Larry and Kib) and Layne was there working as well; Hawaii with Russell while we were dating
Two Favorite Drinks: Milk (but I haven't been able to drink it for a while because it bothers Garrett's stomach) and Sprite