Movin' On Up

Ty moved up at school today. He is officially in the Three's class now. Thanks Miss Christina, we love you (Miss Christina's Ladybugs pictured above)! Ty's new teacher is Miss Anna. Miss Anna taught him when he was in the One's class so we already know we love her too :) Yippee!

Hi

8 Months Old

She just keeps getting older and older! 8 months old...I can't believe it. She has changed a lot lately. She's sleeping much better. It seems most nights she's sleeping straight until 5:30 or 6:00am. When she wakes up, I go in and give her some toys and she plays quietly until it's time to get up. So, that's making me really happy. She's able to sit up from a lay-down position, but she doesn't do it very often. She does like to get on her hands and knees and rock or crawl backwards. She's getting really close to taking off. She's making sounds like Dada a lot. She's the messiest eater. She likes to put her hands in her mouth between bites. It's really funny. She can fit into a variety of clothes. I think she's tall and narrow or something. She can fit into 3 month dresses occasionally. 6 month dresses most of the time. Up to 12 month dresses. 12 month onesies and jammers, anything that matters in torso length. It's very strange. Her shoes are still a problem. Most of them fall off. It's a good thing it's summer. Hopefully by winter she'll fit into shoes that come in narrow so she can wear more. She's still having digestion issues and we have an appointment at Riley at the end of the month. Hopefully they'll help or she'll grow out of it soon. She's just really grown up a lot this month and I think it's crazy she's about to become mobile! Look out big brother...your world is about to change.

Holiday World

Okay, I know not everyone reading this blog will want this much detail but this is also our family photo album...so bear with me. We went for our first family overnight trip to visit friends this weekend. What a blast. We went to Santa Claus, IN. It's 2 hours from here on the Indiana/Kentucky border. We visited the Wilson family. We met Josh and Amy Wilson in Indianapolis about 8 years ago and they have twins, Abbey and Eli who are 5 years old. They moved back to Santa Claus after having the kids and we miss them bunches :) For all of you from northern Indiana, Holiday World is an awesome amusement park. Obviously, it's focused on holidays, mainly Christmas, and also has a water park called Splashin' Safari.

Here, we are walking into the park. I just thought this picture was so cute.


Our first stop was the Christmas section of the park. Ty's first park ride ever- Blitzen's Airplanes! Eli was a great pilot.


Abbey went straight to Reindeer Games. I think she's quite brave. She even went on it again without Josh right after this. She had her "shoe lifts" in so she could get on this ride :) What a hoot!


Ty loved Thunder Bumpers. It took him almost the whole ride to figure out that he was actually able to drive the boat. At first, he was just spinning around and around. By the end, he was crashing into Abbey and Eli.

Wouldn't you know that Santa was there! The kids got off of the bumper boats and couldn't believe their eyes. What luck! Santa on a 95 degree day in July! Only in Santa Claus, IN. Ty was such a big boy following their lead. Last year at Christmas he was afraid of Santa. Not this time...he ran right up to him and gave him a big hug.

Well, since I'm a wimp I suggested we head to the water park next. Some of the water rides were so big I would never ride them. I was impressed. We stuck with Crocodile Island (not pictured) and Bahari- the huge wave pool. Again, Ty was such a big boy. He was a swimming fool. Up until this point, he was scared to swim. Even in our yard he wouldn't sit in the pool. But with Abbey and Eli with him, he was actually going down slides and jumping waves with me. How old does he look in this picture? We didn't get any pictures of his favorites- Crocodile Island and the Zebra slide because Keith was swimming with Ty, Josh was with the twins, I was busy with CJ and Amy wasn't there yet. Cameron was having a rough time. She got a rash, it was really hot, and we headed to first aid to have it checked out. She was fine and we cooled off. But, we missed some fun picture opportunities. Believe it or not, we did run in to Keli Lanyi on our way though! I couldn't believe it. So, I guess it was meant to be.

When we got back, Amy was there and Cameron took a nap. So, Ty and I got to jump waves while Keith took pictures and a lunch break.

Then, we ate lunch. Eli was so good at sharing his cookie with Ty. Ty earned his middle name (Foster) by eating his dessert first like his great-grandma always did.

Yummy cheese, right out of the container!

Then, we went to the Thanksgiving section of the park. This was an indoor, air-conditioned ride. It was slow, dark, and lit up. You "shot" turkeys. They didn't call it that, but that's what you did. Ty and I sat in the front of the car. You can see our scores. I got 240 and Ty got 30. Keith sat behind us. Even as he took pictures, he got almost 1200. 1200 was the "Master" level. He's so cool. I think he even beat Josh.

I could not ride this one so Amy stepped up-The Turkey Whirl . Keith and Josh went to go get on a big roller coaster at this time. I was afraid it would give me an immediate migraine. I was really nervous Ty would get scared, but he loved it. Shocked! CJ, Abbey, and I watched. Eli was so funny because he had a face the whole time like he might puke. Ty was holding on for dear life and couldn't keep his head up straight.

Keith and I thought this picture was funny because Ty is hidden behind the turkey head.

This was the real crowd pleaser-Raging Rapids . Another family the Wilson's knew joined us. Brian, Amy, and Cameron sat out but the rest of us got to go on together. Ty had watched the rides on the website all week and this was the one he wanted to ride the most. Super Amy somehow got our picture and changed Cameron's diaper. Keep in mind she was wearing a swim diaper and a suit. She's amazing and we were so thankful she gave us the opportunity to ride some rides together. Ty got a face full of water on this one and just laughed it off. It was my favorite for sure. We got off and went right back on again.

After Raging Rapids, the moms and kids decided we should get home for dinner and bed while the dads stayed to ride the roller coasters. On our way out we got a little distracted with games and food. Oops! Here, Abbey played the duck game and the boys played Milk Jug Baseball. They all got prizes.

Dinner at Kringle's Kafe. Cheeseburger, pop, fries, cookie...yum, yum. I love that there is a fly on Ty's forehead in this picture too. After dinner, they had Dippin' Dots as we walked to the car.

Yes, Cameron was there too. :)

After we got home, Ty tried out the Wilson's Wii. Both kids stayed up later than they ever have in their lives. I think Cameron stayed up until 8:00 or so and Ty until 9:30pm! He had to stay up until the twins went to bed so they could have a slumber party and they're almost 6 years old and on central time so it was quite a chore. He did it though and they he had his first slumber party.

Josh had Cameron cracking up in the morning...

until she had a dirty diaper and then it was all over. :)

We can't wait to go again next summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bo-ism

Natalie- this is for you...

Ty had a Bo-ism the other day and I thought it was so funny.

Ty: What's this book?
Me: Cat in the Hat, Buddy.
T: Why does Sister have it?
M: It's Sister's book, Buddy.
T: No, it's my book.
M: No, it's Sister's, book. Santa got you Green Eggs and Ham and got Sister the hat book.
T: (Getting up with the book and heading towards his room with the book) No, it's my book, not Sister's book.
M: Why can't it be Sister's book?
T: Sister can't read.

I about died. I mean, I know he's a little right, technically, he can "read" pictures, etc. But it's so cute because in his mind he is TOTALLY reading.

4th of July Weekend

Okay, I have tried about 4 times to post 2 videos from the 4th and I'm going nuts! I have one of Ty casting a fishing pole at the Bass Pro Shop. Here he is with his cousin Aaron there. They are such trouble, aren't they? What's so funny about them is they're silent trouble. They don't make noise when they run around and play but they are mischievous. I think it's a scary combo!

The other video was of Ty watching a firework in the yard. Thanks to ntime, the fireworks here aren't until about 10:00pm which Ty could not stay up for. Some day...maybe next year (I HOPE)!!!!!

Dora, Dora, Dora The Explorer!!!!

We passed this place and thout we should snap a picture for Ty's grandpas.


This was outside the theater. Ty looks really old here!


This was in the lobby.


Ty got a glowing, spinning light stick and a Diego backpack! He had a super fun time. Thanks so much Grandma and Grandpa Wathen!

Ty was excited to show Sister his the toys he got when we got home. She really liked his spinner thing.

The Library

Ty had a great morning at the library with me today. This was really the first time he's been there that he fully grasped the concept (bad mom, I know). Anyway, on the way in he asked if he could get one for Sister. Then, on the way home he thanked me and told me he loved me :) How sweet.

Books he borrowed (inside the mind of Ty Greathouse):
Finding Nemo
Airplanes: Soaring! Turning! and Diving!
The Littlest Llama
Sharks
The Little School Bus
Disney's Picture Dictionary

He also got a Backyardigans DVD. Incidentally, he forgot to get a book for Cameron. We'll remember next time!

Baldy & Baldy

Hee hee. Cameron's hair is actually longer than Ty's is now. And, his hair is so blonde that you can barely see what he does have. Keith attempted to trim up Ty's hair and his tools were too dull. So, it started looking really bad. He ran to the store and came back. By that time, Ty had endured all that he could. A quick buzz was the only option at that point. Oh the drama :)

Side note: I need to make time to actually figure out how to use the new camera because my pictures really stink! Sorry it's so dark.

A fun Summer Weekend

Good morning!


Ty's dream restaurant...I know, it's gross but it's true.


Project time! Keith and Ty took the recycling in and then cleaned out all of the bins and the car protector thingy. There were many more projects done around here on Sat. Sunday was more fun. We had a cookout and the Kaisers came by to join in the fun.


Kris and Keith made a disgusting amount of meat. Kris has 3 types on his plate...and there were more. Of course if it were sweets, I wouldn't think it was over the top at all :)

CJ's first swim.

Squirt gun fight!

We were pooped!

Close-Ups

Wow! That's all I can say about the first picture.

7 Months Old

I think it's entertaining to see all of the "missed shots" of Cameron with her 7 month sign.

She has really perfecting sitting up this week. She can't go from laying down to sitting yet, but she can now sit up really well all by herself. Even earlier this week she was tumbling over a lot.

Here she is laughing at her silly dad.

CJ is 7 months old today. She's super cute and super sweet. She's still getting up 1-2 times a night! Come on honey, give Mommy a break :) She loves to sleep on her belly and immediately rolls onto it when I put her on her back and walk away. She started eating baby food. She is hilarious when she doesn't want to eat it. She'll sit there with her mouth open and refuse to swallow until you remove it from her mouth. I have found if I mix a little fruit in with her vegetables it works like a charm. She has also started pushing her bottle away and sitting up as soon as she's had enough. I remember when Ty did that too. Her hair is starting to grow in and it looks like she might have a cow-lick in the front like both Keith and I do. I think she'll be crawling soon because she's starting to do the backwards scoot.

This will be a big weekend. She is going to move from her baby car seat into her big one. I think she and Ty will think that's fun since she'll be backwards and he is forwards. We are also going to get her bath seat out so she can move into the tub. She's started splashing so much in the baby tub that I get all wet so it's time to move on up!

Muddy Mud Puddles

Down here in the south we jump in mud puddles for fun!

Daddy's Home

Keith's dream...a plane dock on Lake Vermillion in Minnesota.


We love the loons up there.


This picture scares me. This is Joe (Keith's cousin). Jenn, this picture is for you.


This is the biggest Walleye Keith has ever caught.


The biggest Northern Pike he has ever caught.

See how tired he was when he got home? See how excited Ty was? Daddy had a little shadow all day. Ty wouldn't even stay with me for 2 minutes when Keith wanted to hook the boat up and pull it out to clean it. Ty HAD to be with him every second. It was very sweet.

Meanwhile, CJ and I went to Emily's 15th birthday party! Here is CJ with Grandpa Greathouse (she had fun playing with his beard) and Great Grandma Greathouse. Doesn't she look cute in her new headband? Thanks Grandma Wathen!!!

Ty's Latest Performance

Ty's class and the 1 year olds sang at the annual graduation ceremony at school. Remember last year when he picked his nose on stage and pulled his shirt up? Well, this year he was very reserved. He spent most of the time looking for us in the audience. As you can see Keith's family, minus Jay, were there. Grandma Wathen also attended while Grandpa Wathen stayed home with Cameron.

Big Girl

Cameron got her second tooth. It's her bottom, left (her left) tooth in the front. She has also starting sitting up. She is doing that thing where she pretty much refuses to lay back and keeps sitting up even when she's in the swing, bouncy seat, etc. It's so funny.

She eats a ton of food! I send "extra" food to daycare every single day and she almost always finishes it. I get such a kick out of it. I think she eats more than Ty did.

Onie Comes to Visit

Ty's friend, Onie came to visit this weekend! He had his first ice cream cone! Brad went to the Indy 500 so Jenn and Onie came to see us! Kona bit Jenn and we were scared since she's preggo, but everything is okay.

It was great to see them and we will be so excited to meet Onie's little sister later this summer!

Sweet

Every Friday we bring home all of Ty's "mail" from school. There are always a few of these little awards from his teacher. He is very proud to bring them home and show us how well he did that week. On the back she writes what they are for. Typically they will say things like "Good listening" or "Cleaning up", etc. One of his awards this week had the message above on the back. Isn't that so sweet?

6 Month Stats

Cameron went to the doctor today for her 6 month visit. She is:

26.5 in. long (96th%)
14 lbs. 10 oz. (average)

She also has a cold and an ear infection (her first). She started on baby food today and this should help with the severe gas pain she's been having. Interesting note: The doctor said babies are not born with any bacteria in their stomachs. Then, when they start to develop bacteria, they need food or it hurts like that. So, she should feel better with some food in her belly.

She is also going to have to switch to the bigger car seat very soon because she is starting to get too tall for her little one. I think Ty will really enjoy having her up high with him in the car. Maybe she'll think it's fun too!

By the way, Ty is doing an INCREDIBLE job potty training. He started wearing big boy undies on Sat. instead of Pull-Ups. He is already waking us up at night to go too! He has only had a hand-full of accidents and we are just so proud of him!


Yummy...pears. Apparently Cameron is a very messy eater. She ends up with food on her feet, etc. It's really funny.


Big Brother had to try the pears too.

I guess I'll be making baby food this weekend!!!! I think Ty will have fun helping me.

School Pictures Again

I'm sure Ty will profusely thank me for this post one day.

Big Weekend- Before the Party

These pics were taken for my dad's scrapbook (you'll hear more about that in the next post) a couple of weeks ago.

Cameron got her first tooth this weekend! I also witnessed her rolling from her belly to her back for the first time.


Ty is potty training and doing an incredible job! We took the plunge on Saturday morning...no more pull-ups (he's still wearing a diaper at night). Anyway, the first day he had about 20 accidents. The second day (day of the party) he only had 2 accidents. Yesterday he had no accidents!!!!!! Go Ty!!!! Oh- sorry, I couldn't help myself. this is a picture of Ty's puddle on the driveway. Ha!

Ty had fun making a volcano cake for Grandma Wathen's surprise party. He HAD to decorate the numbers all by himself.

The final product...

Happy 60th Birthday Grandma!!!!! Surprise!

We had leis for everyone.


Hawaiian Mr. T.

We had a place called Tropical Smoothie Cafe bring food and smoothies in. It was fun to have smoothies and the food was really good.

So, my mom knew we were having a small party. She didn't know that it was a Hawaiian theme because my dad surprised her with a trip to Hawaii!!!!! He made her an awesome scrapbook with pictures from our trip to Hawaii (and my brother/Beth's) and put their faces on them. So, it was like their pretend scrapbook from their trip and that's how she found out they were going. It was cute. She also didn't know we had family pictures taken for her or that Craig was coming home for the weekend. It was awesome!!! I still can't believe no one slipped up and spilled the beans.

Big Weekend- After Party (more time with Craig)

Craig's wife sent him with these San Francisco t-shirts for the kids. Not the best picture, but that's okay.

These last 3 pics were from my cell phone so they are kind of fuzzy. We went to lunch (after dropping the kids off at daycare) at a brewery so Craig could taste some local beer. We missed Keith, poor thing was working. Check out this donut burger we shared. It was actually good. I also found a "good" beer that I actually liked. It's called Gumballhead from Three Floyds brewery. Yippee- I am officially a part of the Wathen beer empire now. I have been an outcast until now because this was the first time I got to join in the fun since I wasn't pregnant. Every single time my family has done beer tasting since my brother opened his store I have been pregnant. Urgh...it's about time. Now I have to catch up on learning all about it.

Family Pictures

We got family pictures taken with my sister's family on Mother's Day but I couldn't post them until after my mom's surprise party. It killed me, but it was worth it to see how surprised my mom was!

Keith, Earl, Ty, Cameron, me, Kerry, Kerington, and Derrick