Silly Girls

We had the Cupp family over for dinner one night (and another friend's son Morgan) and Maddi and Abby went up to Maddi's bedroom to jam out to some CD's. Before long, they came downstairs and told us that after supper they wanted to show us the dance they had been working on. Being the good parents, (and good brothers and friends) that we are, we of course obliged them. I mean, who could pass up the opportunity to watch a 3 and a 4 year old dance to Hannah Montana?? So the brothers and Morgan (who has two younger sisters of his own and is probably quite used to this) sat on the couch and the parents watched as well as the girls carefully placed their "dance floor" (aka-a sheet) so they could boogie down.

They were not shy. They bounced and jumped around for the whole song, showing us their moves. The boys were cracking up, which of course made the girls get into it that much more. They put on quite a show and the best part was that they were truly having a great time just being silly!

Adventure Racing 101

Okay, so in the midst of all the rain and bad thunderstorms we were having in early June, we had another adventure race planned on June 8. We have done 1 other of this type of race with our friends Josh & Deana Kerschen and Todd & Tina Davenport. This time we even convinced our friend Jason Cupp to do one with his brother-in-law. Let me just preface this all by saying that when we signed up for this race, we all had visions of bright sunny skies, maybe even a little hot and humid (but hey, anything is better than the 50 degree weather we had at our last race in March, right!?), and overall, a fun, shorter race than our last one which was around 14 hours. (This race was supposed to be around 6-8 hours).

So anyway, we decided to drive over to the race the morning of since it was just over in Boone. While packing the night before we realize our cooler has a leak in it and so I decided I would run to WalMart in the morning before we left. There I was, 4:30am (yes, am) looking for a cooler in WalMart. I grabbed one and got home with time to spare, thinking boy, I am efficient! And, I even got the cooler with the little cup holders on the top. Won't Jamie be proud...Wrong!! Not only were my cupholders overlooked, but I actually got in trouble because I didn't get the cooler that has the wheels and can be pulled! Not just Jamie, but all the guys on our team agreed with him that I definitely bought the wrong cooler. I didn't know it at the time, but this was definitely a sign of the way the rest of the day would go...

As we are driving over to Boone, it is about 6:30am, and we are caught in the middle of such torrential downpours that we can't even see the other van we are travelling with which is right in front of us. Wondering if the race will still even be held, we call the number we were given and Tina politely tells the race coordinator who she is and tells her about the conditions we are driving through, and asks about the status of the race. The response given to her was, "Yes, it's still on. It IS an adventure race after all!" Okay, so not only did they already think we were a bunch of wimps, they even knew Tina's name. We couldn't wait to check in and have them already know us by "the team who called in to ask about the race".

So, we are finally at the race waiting for it to start. The first thing we have to do is run up a huge hill (it is a ski slope in the winter) with one leg tied to our partner's leg. Ok, so far so good. We hop on our mountain bikes from there for some single track mountain biking, and it all goes downhill from there. Because the trails were so wet and muddy, what should have been a 45 minute bike ride, ended up being a 3 hour/push/pull your bike through the mud fiasco. At times we were in mud so high that it would be up to your thigh. No exaggeration--needless to say, I was very frustrated at this point. When we finally made it through, our next checkpoint got us to some canoes that we had to forage to the water, then get in and paddle. The minute we get in the water, the safety patrol people tell us we need to get out of the water because we are now under a tornado watch. AWESOME! Back out of the water, forage the canoes about 1/4 mile (those suckers were heavy) and then decide what to do from there.

We are now at the point where a little discrepancy comes in to play. The women, being the rational, sensible (mothers!) of the group, decide that a tornado is just not the thing for us and we want to quit. The guys, being the more adventurous, "won't let a little rain bother us" types, were not quite on the same page as us...A few little spats here and there and the girls finally got their way, and we decided to call it a day.

To be fair to the guys, the storm ended up blowing over and missing us, (we owe the guys big time) and in all reality if the early part of the race hadn't been so crappy, I probably wouldn't have needed to be such a big baby. I was in such a horrible mood and let's be honest, Hickory Park restaurant in Ames was calling my name by this point. We are planning another race for this fall if it works out...it can't be any worse than this last one, right??

Flood

After Lars' graduation, we decided to go take a drive out to the Coralville Dam and see what all the recent rain had done and how close the water was to going over the spillway. I must say, the power of that rushing water was truly an awesome sight. Not awesome as in cool, but awesome in that just by watching it, you could see the pure power and raw force it possessed. Little did we know at the time what the following days and weeks would amount to...

Fast forward about a week and a half and we are in the midst of the worst flood seen in this area's history. Not only were the 500 year flood plain parameters surpassed, but new territory was chartered and no one was even able to comprehend what it would all mean. News stories were filled with pictures of sandbaggers everywhere, any time of day, wherever help was needed. It was truly an inspiring time of community togetherness. Some people were lucky enough to have sandbagged and not need it, but too many others sandbagged to no avail. Driving up and down the Coralville strip after the waters receded truly looked like a war zone. It was so dusty and dirty, and you could see the water lines on the outsides of these buildings, leaving behind their story of just how high the waters had gotten. Restaurants, I believe something like 18 in all, destroyed in mere hours. Several other types of buildings like banks, office supply stores, Walgreens, hair salons, hotels, carpet stores, all in complete ruins.

So now the cleanup process begins, slowly, to rebuild the damage that was done.

Graduation Day

Ok, so I haven't posted forever, but tonight is the night I am going to get all caught up. There has been plenty going on around here to warrant some blogging, so lack of posting ideas is not my excuse. Anyway, here goes...

On June 5th, Lars graduated from preschool! He can now officially be called a kindergartener (at least at sunday school anyway), and he is very proud of this status. The ceremony was fun; his teacher, Miss Dorothy, made a slide show set to music of all the fun activities they did over the last year. All of the students were then called up one by one to receive their "diplomas". They were also given a DVD of the slide show, and given a carnation to give to their moms. They got to keep their tassels and t-shirts as keepsakes and then we all had cookies and punch afterwards.

I can't believe Lars is going to be in kindergarten! The same little boy that decided to "show up" 7 weeks early and had feeding tubes and CPAP machines is now heading off to the big guy school--way to go Lars!!!

More Recital Pics

This set of pictures was actually taken the day of the recital. The last post has pictures from her dance studio. The picture of her asleep was how I found her when we got home from the recital--all pooped out!

Enjoy!!

Maddi's Dance Recital

Finally, the big day arrived. The day we have all been waiting for since I first signed her up for dance class...yes, the recital. Unbeknownst to me, dance recitals are serious stuff. I should have been tipped off when they announced in January that they were starting to work on their dance at every class from then until the recital in June. Or, maybe when it got a little closer and we got the costumes and were told which specific tights they had to wear, or how their hair had to be parted on the left and in a bun in the back. (Excuse me! Has anyone seen my daughter's head of hair??!!) Or how they had to wear pink blush and red lipstick so they would show up while on stage. (Excuse me again. Has anyone tried putting red lipstick on their 3 year old and then had them not get it all over everything--like their costume!!)

I should actually back up a minute, because before we even got to the recital day, we had dress rehearsal at the studio. Then the next week, we got all dressed up again to do formal pictures with a photographer. Still yet, we had the actual rehearsal at Hancher auditorium 2 days before the performance. My friend Christi and I decided to be the "backstage moms" for our group. (Mostly because no one else volunteered) On the day of the rehearsal it wasn't too bad because all if the other moms were their, too. However, the day of the big show, we were on our own. Trying to keep fourteen 3 & 4 year olds entertained for an hour and a half (in full makeup and costume no less) proved to be exhausting. We tried coloring, simon says, and singing songs but it was only a matter of time before they were running around at full speed trying to burn off their cooped up energy. Never mind the potty breaks that required disrobing of all costume gear!

After a never ending eternity, they called our group to line up. Yipee!! I was impressed how the girls got down to business. We got them all lined up in correct order, and they very diligently put their hands on the shoulders of the person in front of them as we had practiced before. They walked quietly down the hall, through the big doors to their place backstage, and were ready to dance. They did a fabulous job and were so proud of themselves (and rightly so!) for a job well done. They really got a kick out of the clapping afterwards. Being that it was too dark to see the audience, Maddi's first comment was, "Mom! Uncle Matt wasn't there!" I reassured her he was and that she would get to see him after the show was over.

So there it was, 2 hours of preparation for 2 minutes of stage time.

When we finally made our way outside, everyone was waiting for Maddi and brother Lars and Aunt Diana were holding some flowers for her. Lars was so excited to give them to her and even told her she did a good job. She was beaming. Looking back, Maddi had a great time, (and so did mom)!

Dakota is One!

Happy Birthday Dakota! She finally turned one on May 31st. My kids were thinking, "Great! An excuse to have a party!" I was thinking, "Great! One less year of puppyhood left!"

As I have mentioned in previous posts, Dakota has a "thing" for toilet paper, and eats rolls of any size. I am convinced this is just to peeve me. She has also added eating tooth paste tops, but unfortunately she ends up destroying enough of the tube that I have to throw the whole thing away. I have now bought FOUR, yes four! tubes of toothpaste for my kids in 3 weeks time. This is all a bit ridiculous if you ask me.

Anyway, since we still think she's great (most of the time) we did buy her some peanut butter flavored "Frosty Paws" (ice cream like treats for dogs) and sang Happy Birthday to her. Here are some pictures of her eating her treat and hanging out with the kids.

Biking in the Rain

Drew finally got his first bike that has gears and all that jazz, and he was very excited about riding it for the first time. The day we got it, he wasn't feeling very well but we tried about a 6 mile loop anyway (we were practicing riding to the pool so in case it ever gets hot enough to be open, we'll be ready). We had about 1 1/2 miles left to go and Drew finally got off his bike and just laid down in the middle of the sidewalk. Now, this is not typical Drew behavior, so I knew he must have been feeling pretty bad. I was pulling Maddi behind me in the buggy so we quickly rode home and got the van and came back to pick up Drew. Lars on the other hand, was in heaven and there was no way he was getting in that van. He and dad decided to finish the ride home and I was so proud of him for doing such a great job on such a long ride. Knowing that he probably won't beat Drew home on a bike ride for awhile, he also had to rub it in that he beat his big brother and rode further. I knew Drew was sick when he didn't even care.

The next morning, Drew was the first one out of bed and all he wanted to do was ride his new bike, even though it was raining.

Daddy and Maddi

One of our kids' favorite things to do is to crank up the music and dance around with mom and dad. While the brothers were out playing with their friends Maddi decided she wanted to dance with Daddy. So, music blaring (good thing the windows are still shut) they began their twirling and spinning to some good ol' Kid Rock. Yes, you read that right. (For the record, it was the WalMart version). I wonder how dad will take it when she gets a new dance partner in a few (ok, "several" actually sounds much better) years and is getting ready to head out the door for Prom?

Dakota's Resting Spot

Just so no one thinks that our dog may be neglected in any way, here is where she likes to sleep when she is on our porch. She almost had the nerve to look at me like I was crazy when I was taking her picture because I'm sure she thinks that EVERY dog must sleep on the rocking chairs on their porch while the cool breeze is flowing. Could it be that we have ruined yet a third dog, with them thinking that they are people with people needs and everything? This is not a proud day in our household, and once again, our lives are being taken over by the needs of a four legged furry creature. Good thing she's cute. Good Grief!

Dakota Gets a Bath

Our dog has issues. While on a nice walk on a beautiful afternoon, Dakota running off leash, gleefully throughout the land...she finds a dead "something". It was in no way, shape, or form recognizable, and Dakota started jumping up and down, each time rolling a different side of her body onto this apparently irresistable morsel. Oh, did I mention the fact that there were maggots crawling around on it? Sorry, how could I forget. After Jamie was able to get her away from this disgusting remnant of a critter, we finished our walk and took her home for a bath.

Now, last summer we did attempt to give her a bath once or twice, and she HATED it. Thinking that she is now almost 1 so a bit older and wiser (come on, she's really 7 in dog years!) and knowing that she loves to jump in the ponds etc, we figured she'd at least be cooperative. Ok, tolerant...maybe.

Jamie proceeds to get out the hose and spray her a bit to get her a little wet for the soap to lather. She is already getting a little agitated and as the water spray proceeds, she becomes even more ticked off. Eventually she goes into full yelp mode. All three kids have their ears covered because she is so loud. By this point I am sure the neighbors must think we are practicing some evil torture ritual and it is getting downright embarrassing. She decides to shake (as all dogs would) but I am convinced she had unpure thoughts in her head as she was doing this, sending out the message that she is NOT amused, and just wait and see how many more rolls of toilet paper I destroy and leave all over the house. (That is her new favorite pastime. See, I told you she has issues.)

Anyway, she is now quietly laying on the porch, calmed down from all the excitement, and most likely secretly plotting how she is going to get even. But hey, at least she smells good.

Mowing the Grass

Lars' preschool class got to grow their very own grass in a tray and Lars was adamant that he get to "mow" his grass once it got long enough. The tray of grass seed looked pretty pathetic when he brought it home, but 3 days later and we had a full on jungle! Anyway, I just love the little projects that bring a 5 year old such joy!

Happy Birthday Kent

My brother turned the big 4-0 so of course being the baby sister I have to give him at least a little grief. It's only fair after all, since he was 4 years older and won virtually every fight we ever had because he could either out "wit" me or just plain hit me harder than I could him. Actually, he's a great guy and I couldn't be happier for him or think more highly of a person than I do him. He was a great big brother and a good role model for me to want to be like (I even went to ISU instead of Iowa!) and I wish him the best. Here is a classic picture of Kent that shows his fun spirit and personality--Happy Birthday Big Brother!

I've Been Tagged

Ok, so my friend Vicki "tagged" me over 2 weeks ago and I am just now getting around to doing this, but apparently I am supposed to tell you 10 things about myself, so here goes.

1. I will celebrate my 15th wedding anniversary this year

2. It has been the best 15 years of Jamie's life (hehe!)-ok, mine too!

3. I ran my first half-marathon, did my first 12 hour adventure race, and am competing in my first triathalon this year.

4. For as athletic as number 3 sounds like, I should look much more like an athlete than I do.

5. I would love to own a loft in NYC so I could stay there and go to all the Broadway musicals when I visit.

6. My dream home is an old New England farm house from the 1800's.

7. I am fortunate enough to have loved my mother-in-law dearly.

8. I miss my dog Ben.

9. My favorite dates with Jamie are when we get to go running together.

10. It wouldn't be summer without a trip to Okoboji!

Spanish Whistling

The other day our family was in the van and Lars announced that he had finally learned how to whistle and proceeded to give us a demonstration. Upon hearing this, Maddi decided that she was not going to let her whistling skills be overlooked so without missing a beat, she proclaims, "Well I can whistle in spanish!", and then whistled us a little tune.

Maybe we need to hold off on the Dora videos a bit....