keeping up?

I've been slacking.

Most of this past week has been getting acquainted with the new toys for the birthday bash. And being under the weather. Allergies seem to be getting to me this year, yet the allergy medicine (otc) makes me so tired.

On Wednesday, official birthday day, Brandon had gymnastics. I had bought cookies for him to share with his class. It is hard to believe that he is so grown up now. We also had cupcakes when we got home and sang Happy Birthday. Oh, and daddy, who had been out of town, was home. I think that made him a pretty happy boy.

Saturday we took a trip to French Lick. We rode on a train. The kiddos really enjoyed it. Well, except of the "train robbers" part. They were in costume, on horseback, pop guns, stage coach. We chose not to forewarn them. I guess we should have... I guess it was a good thing that we were sitting on the opposite side of the train. Jess was content with staying where she was. Brandon on the other hand was completely upset. But it only took a few minutes to calm him down; making sure to let him know that it was all pretend, dress up, nobody was really hurt, then he was ok.
We had pizza for lunch and headed home.

Since it was still so nice out, we decided to get our pool out. It's one of those "all in one, easy set" type of things. The kids LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It was torture to them that they could not be in it while it was filling. But they did get in on Sunday. After an impromptu picnic at the park. And a trip to the store. But they were ok with this extra trip because it meant new swimsuits for them. All was going good. The kids had their fill of swimming. They had changed their clothes; games were brought out to play. Dinner was cooking on the grill. And then this huge gust of wind came thru. Oh man... Game pieces flying, crayons going everywhere. You should have heard Brandon. Then he was running around trying to collect everything. He was just crying and crying. We had gotten everything in. I sat down and pulled him in my lap. It was like having a bitty Brandon; shushing him and he was ok. If you asked him what was wrong he just wanted to cry all over again. Finally, he told me that it scared him. (thank you mister obvious) After a few minutes he asked if there was going to be a tornado. We had pretty much figured that this was the case. Although we have not ever had quite this reaction before. But then again, he has not been "caught" out in a "big wind" before.
Monday was pretty much rain, rain, rain. So we took this as our clean up opportunity. Figuring what to do with the birthday haul. And also the lego table found at a garage sale. It is technically a train table, but we wanted to have lots of space where he can build with his legos or tinkers. And not be left all over. We had been looking. Then grandma and grandpa found one Saturday (while we were headed south) and delivered it. So with a small bit of rearranging and toy removing, Brandon has a play area in his room.
Not to worry, Jess had her fair share in her room as well. Especially in the clean up department. A bit of rearranging and removing in her room as well, but she was pretty tickled when it was done. Now if we can get them both to "get" the put away when done... suggestions???
So here we are at Tuesday. It has taken an unbelievable amount of time to get this whole post in. I have been paged about 3 times in the last 15 minutes. MUST FINISH POST! Jess took a beach towel to school. They are having Beach Day at lunch. She was pretty excited. And pizza party tomorrow. And Thursday is a half day AND the LAST day of school. Man, a day and a half away from having a 3rd grader and a kindergartener.
Time flies.
I guess I better get going and push the boy on his swing. He might be ready for high school by the time I get out there....