More Pool Pics

It has been a crazy week. Our computer freaked out when we tried to install our DSL service. It was getting to the point where one thing or more per day would quit working (printer, scanner, external drive, USB ports, etc.). We figured it was just a matter of time before it got to the point where we couldn't use anything. We found a great deal on a new computer and have been trying to get it up and running and everything we need transferred.

The kids have been going to swim lessons when it isn't raining. We've gone to the neighborhood pool some, but not as much as I'd like, mainly due to the rain/storms we've had. And, a good portion of Conall's friends have had some sort of virus. The boy is driving me up the wall!

That is pretty much an update for us. Below are some pics from the last week or so.

Holiday Weekend Update

It was a long weekend -- does that cover it? Here's a quick summary with as little negativity as I can muster. I just figured I hadn't posted anything in awhile and maybe should.

My family canceled the big 4th of July get together that I've gone to my entire life. Dad isn't really sure why and I'm hoping it is just out of being tired of the work rather than someone feeling bad. Conall has been excitedly talking about going for at least the last month. We figured we'd better find something comparably fun for him to do, especially since we kept assuring him that "Yes, we're going on the fourth. We always go." and "Yes, you can fish there. Yes, there will be fireworks." and other stupid things that really set him up for disappointment.

We were able to go to the fishing cabin which we thought would be really fun for the kids. Unfortunately, it was a frustrating trip. Conall got car sick on the way there and puked in the car. We got there and the electrical plant (or whoever does it) was generating and did so the entire time we were there, so the river was up the entire time. That means no fishing from the bank. Since Caitlin was with us, we didn't feel safe with her in a boat or with only one of us with Conall in a boat. So, no fishing.

The field that we usually use to head into the woods for long walks was very overgrown. It was maybe shoulder-high on the kids, so no long walks that way. Stu pulled a muscle or something in his neck before we left and it only got worse while there. The "Fun Zone" place changed their rules and Conall is now too short to ride as a passenger in the go carts. Caitlin would not go to sleep -- she was up until almost midnight Friday night.

It rained most of Saturday. Frustrated, disappointed, bored kids in a one room cabin are not sweet, well-behaved kids. We headed home Saturday evening. It stormed part of the way home, which woke Caitlin up. Caitlin is terrified of storms, so she puked. She puked again last night. We're hoping this isn't a "vomiting cycle."

Think that pretty much covers it -- we're home now.

Quick Visit

We just got back from a quick visit in Fort Smith. We'd hoped to leave Friday afternoon, but all of the storms there and here delayed us until Saturday morning. Thus, the trip was shorter than we would have liked.

Of course, it has been too long between trips. I wanted to check on Pop Pop since he's been having so much trouble with his knees and legs and check on Aunt Jackie since her Parkinson's didn't sound like it was improving. I found them both doing much better than I had expected and in good spirits, despite the fact that the storms Friday knocked down a tree and the power lines to Aunt Jackie's house. Luckily, Jackie's power was restored Sunday morning. Since Jackie and Bill are in their 80s, we were worried about them being without power in the heat.

On the way to Fort Smith, Caitlin started sneezing in the car. She now has a full snotty nose and congestion. At first, we thought it was allergies until we noticed she was putting everything in her mouth. She's also drooling a lot, so I think it must be one of her molars. She hasn't eaten well for the last week or so, which we attributed to reflux. Now, I'm starting to think it is the teething.

Caitlin was the poor baby who got a snotty nose every time she cut a tooth. I'd almost forgotten. I don't know how I could have! I guess we block out some of the intense unpleasant things about babies being babies.

We didn't take a ton of pictures while we were in Fort Smith since it was a short trip. I have a few I'll post later.

Conall started his summer program today. We'll see how he does. Stu said Conall was a little freaked out and was crying when he left. He seemed upset that none of his classmates from school were there. Poor guy -- he doesn't do well with change. We're hoping that being around other kids and having fun will override his obsessive change-hating personality. I'll know more after I pick him up today.

Decorating the Tree With Aunt Amy

Aunt Amy came over and helped us decorate the Christmas tree one day last week. It took all three adults to keep anything from being broken. Both kids were really excited about putting the tree up.

In the middle of decorating, Stu and I realized that a box of our ornaments were still in the storage shed. Unfortunately, by this time it was pouring and storming outside. We had to wait until another night to finish decorating. I'll post pictures from that day in another post.