Whatever floats your boat

Grandma's birthday was this past weekend and as part of the day of celebration, we all took the boat up to the lake. This was a first for both Rye and LP!

Once it was decided earlier in the month that boating is what we'd do on Grandma's birthday, a pang of uncertainty began to float around inside me. You see, Ryan isn't the most adventurous little man I know. He's certainly smart and outgoing, but adventurous - not so much. Doesn't really dig swings, doesn't like carnival rides, isn't too interested in going in a pool...stuff like that. So the idea of putting him into a large boat and taking that boat out into the middle of a lake seemed like it, perhaps, could cause a minor meltdown.

Like we do with most new experiences, we tried to talk it up and get Ryan excited at just the thought of going on a boat. All was going well. Rye, in theory, was stoked to go on a boat. So that morning, we decided to do a trial run in the garage. Cue the screaming, crying, tear-soaked toddler. He wanted nothing to do with going on a boat. After a few minutes of coaxing by mommy and daddy, though, he was willing to give it a try. Success! Then, we tried to take him off so we could load up and hit the road. Cue the screaming, crying, tear-soaked toddler. Sigh...

Once we got up to the lake, Ryan and Lindsey got on the boat with little fuss and had a great time. Although, the first half hour of Lindsey's boat ride was less than pleasureable. The lifejacket, though appropriate for her, was a little....cumbersome. She was not amused.

Once we got to still waters though, the lifejacket was loosened and she took a seat on the floor of the boat, while Rye sat on the edge of the boat with Uncle Mike, dangling his feet in the water and looking for fishies. Overall, a great "first" for the kids and a lovely way to spend Grandma's birthday!

Expect the unexpected

We're big fans of Big Brother at the Bachman house. It's a guilty summer pleasure. The slogan of Big Brother is to "Expect the Unexpected." I think that's a pretty good slogan to live by year round. Especially when you have two young kids.

This weekend was a good one. Kids were happy, parents were happy, life was good. After Ryan woke up from his nap on Sunday, we were all hanging around in the living room, playing and laughing and enjoying some project-free time as a family. Out of nowhere, Ryan asks for some ice cream. It kind of caught me off guard, but quicker than an ice cream truck jingle can get stuck in your head, I said "OK!" I got up, ran into the kitchen, pulled out some vanilla ice cream left over from the party, added some chocolate syrup and rainbow sprinkles for good measure. Brought it out into the living room and gave it to Rye. I wasn't sure who was more surprised - Ryan or Daddy.

But Ryan was a good kid this weekend. I mean, he's a good kid all the time, but let's be honest, he's still a 2 year old. And 2 year olds can be annoying at times. So why not reward good behavior? Besides - our little man is quite the potty champ and that deserves an ice cream sundae every day.

And who can resist that smile?

Although - can we note the shirt he's wearing? Mmm hmm...

Happy 4th!

We celebrated the fourth of July with a surprise birthday party for Uncle Mike! Grandma and Grandpa came down early to sneak in a little extra QT with the kids.

Rye spent most of the party mooching food from unsuspecting company and playing in our mock sandbox (gotta love under-the-bed rubbermaid containers) with his second cousins.

Lindsey showed her patriotism with an adorable red, white and blue butterfly dress (accented with drool, of course).

We didn't get to see any fireworks that night, but since we got our fill at the Blue Rocks game, it was alright by us.

Posing for pictures and loving solid foods

Lindsey continues to grow like a little weed. She has mastered rolling over and posing for the cameras.

She's even getting better at solid foods.

She didn't take to the concept as easily or quickly as big brother Rye, but I suspect this is one of many differences we'll experience between them. And that's OK.

Speaking of Rye - he loves him some LP. Every day he seems to love his role as big brother more and more. He likes shoving puffs down her throat feeding her puffs and has started calling her Linds and likes to bring her toys when she cries. And boy does she love him! He's the only one (so far) who has mastered the art of making Lindsey laugh. Apparently our girl loves physical comedy. All he has do to is throw himself around on the couch, jump on daddy or fall to the floor and the loudest, heartiest, straight from your gut giggle comes out of her little body. It's infectious. It's impossible to listen to her and not start giggling yourself.