Don't Be Jealous





Emaline attempts to escape the car seat



Well, we did it. We finally did what we said we would never do, then said we really needed to do, then said we absolutely had to do: we got a minivan. The last day of AP scoring in Louisville, Brad Webb and I hopped a jet to Tucson, AZ, spent a couple of days visiting family and friends (my family, our friends) and test drove the van all the way back to Lexington. The 2003 Kia Sedona came to us courtesy of my very generous parents (see Rogue Artists). The road trip home was exhausting, but seeing my amazing wife and two adorable Schmookies reinvigorated me (and gave me some virus--nice homecoming gift).

We wanted a minivan because it would provide more room for packing for trips, and would also make getting the kids into the car easier. Oh, they get in alright--they love it. However, getting them into their seats is another story. They just want to explore the van. They climb on seats, press buttons, sit on the console, sing, scream, and have a ball. Once I strap them into their seats, they remain excited because now they can see everything from their captain's chairs. Riding in the car is a whole new experience for them. All they want to do is ride in the "big car, big car, Daddy!"
So that I could remain cool driving a minivan, Aimee picked up a t-shirt and bumper sticker (above) for me and the van to wear.


So, you can't see it, but it reads, "Don't Be Jealous"






Thank you, Grandmommy and Granddaddy!



We love the big car



They also got fun hats from the Desert Museum

The Park

We had our first play date of the summer when we met Hank and Erika at Shilito Park. The park's big playground is a giant wooden fortress with tunnels, stairs, slides, lookouts, and swings. When Emaline, Keillor and I arrived, we were the only people there, and it wasn't yet 95 degrees, so we had our run of the place. Emaline went right for the swings, while Keillor just wanted to climb--different directions always.
Hank and Erika got there, and we played in the sand, slid down the slide, and had snacks. At one point while I was chasing Keillor, Emaline worked up the nerve to go down the twisty slide all by herself.
In true Schmookie style, one distracted while the other did something dangerous. They found all sources of stagnant water, mud, and other such substances.
About 9:30, every daycare and church group in Lexington descended, playing "Ride of the Valkyrie." We played on, but had to dodge unsupervised kids and half-stoned camp counselors and daycare workers.
Sweaty and tired, we hopped in the car to go home for lunch. They were out quickly, but rallied for lunch before taking a marathon nap.
Next time, we are getting there at 8 a.m.

Their brief time together on the fire truck

Snack in the pavilion

Sliding with Hank

Emaline digs in the sand

...and then covers herself in sand.

Bouncing

Three friends in the sand

Emaline's favorite place

Cool tunnel

Emaline decides to wait to slide until I am not looking

Trip to the Aquarium

For their second birthday, we took the Schmookies up to Newport to see some big fish and the Kings: Dave, Rachel and Lila. A late start put us in the worst traffic ever. Just a few miles from the aquarium, we were in a parking lot on the interstate. We were moving a mile every twenty minutes. Not off to a good start.
We did eventually make it. A trip to the bathroom of a nearby Barnes & Noble was in order. Mommy took one and I took the other. Once in the stall, my very bright little boy began to yell, "Daddy go poo poo. Poo poo, Daddy. Daddy's going poo poo." This from a boy who screams in terror if I try to even touch his bottom to a toilet seat. He'll get his one day.
We saw big fish, little fish, fish with teeth, fish that looked like snakes, fish that looked like spiders (big spiders), see-through fish, otters, and penguins.

Emaline and Keillor go whale watching.

Keillor watches penguins

Emaline helps Lila climb a giant frog

The girls play with amphibians

Emaline pet's a crab

Holding Hands

Playing in the shark theatre

What a cute boy

The highlight of the trip was watching Emaline and Lila playing together and later eating pizza. Because we got there so late, we missed nap time by three hours. They were asleep before we left the parking garage to go home.

Keillor before we are out of the parking lot.

Emaline about two minutes later