Holt and the Germans

Holt is a smart kid, and I am fully aware of my bias, but he really is. Anyway, when he was two, actually before he was two I taught him the words to Snoopy Vs. the Red Baron. He loves that song and will get his airplane and fly it around the house singing about Baron Von Richthofen. The song starts out "After the turn of the century in the clear blue skies over Germany," which led Holt to ask about Germany, so we had to find it on the map and me trying to explain WWI to a two year old. Holt also has a book called "How I learned Geography" by Uri Shulevitz a polish Jew who escaped to Kazakhstan during WWII. The book is very good, but the last page has information about the Author and he talks about his escape from Poland. This led to Holt asking about Poland, again we had to find it on the map (which reminded me that we really need to lower the maps in Holt's room - that kid is heavy). Then I had to explain to him that the Germans (like Baron Von Richthofen) invaded other European countries and all about what the blitz was. Anyway, yesterday I was standing at Holt's door and he had his tractors lined up with his monster trucks and was playing a really in depth game. When I asked him what he was doing he said he was fighting the Germans. Later he came running into the living room and said, look out mama the Nazi's are coming. Then today, after lunch we walked to the Library (it is right around the corner - literally) and when we got to the children's room he walked up to the librarian and asked her if they had any books about the war. She looked at him and said, what war, I started to explain, when Holt said you know with the bad ol' Germans. They didn't have any age appropriate books, but the librarian was so nice and even offered to search Amazon and order some. We settled of Danny and the Dinosaur and Chikka Chikka Boom Boom, but we will be back. I look forward to some more European adventures soon, and will give a full report.

What a difference a month makes

Well, Harper Ann was one month on the 13th. We are closer to a month and a half and are slowly figuring out how to manage 2 and learning that girls are higher maintenance, well at least ours is. She likes to be held a lot more than Holt did and I am having a hard time telling her no, knowing that I will be starting work soon. While I don't have too many Harper Ann stories, she is still in the slug phase, the Holt anecdotes abound.

First, Holt asked Jonathan last night, "what is that in your hair daddy?" He was referring to the white hair sticking out in front. When Jonathan said, "just some white hair" Holt said "Daddy are you getting Old?" I almost fell out of my chair.

Another entertaining moment occurred when I arrived at my grandmother's to pick Holt up for Church on Sunday (he spent the night with my mom over there). He was in his underwear and told me he was in his party suit. When I asked what he was talking about my mama explained that he meant his birthday suit.

Then this morning, he was looking at his bare chest and said look at that mama, you see that hair. I have hair on my belly. He was talking about the peach fuzz on his chest. Then he looks me in the eye and says not like my daddy he is really hairy. Each day is full of moments like this and I love it. I look forward to sharing moments like this with Harper Ann and to new ones with Holt. Parenthood is an endless source of entertainment and joy.

Sunday afternoon napping.

She is getting some meat on her bones.

She has a little alfalfa sprout of hair, I hope it doesn't fall out.

She must be dreaming about her mama.

Who says goggles are just for the swimming...

It's amazing how kids imaginations work. Holt got a pair of goggles from Walmart and we didn't even make it out of the parking lot before they were out of the package and on his face. He even wore them into Church last Sunday (you choose your battles). Little did I know that they weren't just goggles, but a gas mask and superpower goggles so he could breath in the ocean and that they were translator goggles so he could talk to his fish, Nemo 1 and 3.

What a treat to look in the rearview mirror and see this sight

Holt was actually dancing here and if you have never seen Holt Dance it is quite similar to Elaine from Sienfeld. He looks a lot like he is having some sort of seizure.

Showing me how he can hold his breath.

I have no words

Holt is funny. He will tell me to put these on and then says isn't it nice of me to share my goggles with you.

Bathtime

We call this his Hugh Hefner Robe

Holt loves to ham it up for Harper Ann

Quick get a diaper on that baby or you'll be sorry.

We have lots of photos that she will not appreciate when she grows up.

She actually likes bathtime.

Learning to Swim...

The past few weeks have been such a treat for me. Holt has been taking swimming lessons, but what makes them extra enjoyable to me is that he is taking them at the same place where I took swimming lessons as a child. My grandparents made sure my cousins and I had swimming lessons and we would ride our bikes down the street to the CRA and swim in the mornings. Now Holt is taking lessons there and it is like stepping back in time. I am taken back to those lessons I shared with my cousins 20 years ago. The smell of chlorine in Holt's hair, the early morning sounds of children laughing and splashing and cheering each other on, and the warm summer mornings (before the real heat of the day sets in) all have a nostalgic effect on me. All of my senses are peaked and memories are born.

The chance to reminisce is only topped by the present entertainment Holt provides. Each morning Harper Ann, Holt and I load up and head to the pool. Holt is the youngest in his group and doesn't quite grasp the concept of warm-up exercises. This is the most entertaining part of the morning. He is actually a pretty good swimmer and a weeks worth of lessons has made a huge difference. So much so that we are going back this week. Holt is in the advanced class this time. I will get some video loaded soon.

Holt's version of a jumping jack is jumping in the air and flailing about.

I am not sure what kind of stretch Holt is doing here.

Again Holt is making up his own stretch. For the record the little boy beside him is five.

We got this one right

Holt never has been very flexible

Holt prefers to ease in rather than close his eyes and jump.

Harper Ann has been a real trooper, she makes a good bathing beauty.

Holt using the kickboard

Hey Mama, Hey Mama, Hey Mama are you watching?

Holt off in his own world, what is new.

Happy Birthday America

We had an amazing Fourth of July. It was a little bittersweet, as it was a final family gathering before my cousin Robert left for Afghanistan, but it was wonderful to get together with all of my Mama's family. My Aunt Dena and Uncle Bob threw an awesome Birthday Party for America at their lakehouse on Eagle Lake. The house looked great and the food, fellowship and family made it a perfect day. We got there just in time for the Boat Parade. Holt is still talking about those boats that threw candy and toys. Afterward, Ken and the guys began cooking some of the fresh fish they caught that morning. Meanwhile, Bob and some of the other guys marked off the croquet field, while Robert and John figured out the tournament logistics. The prize, getting your name on the Culpepper Croquet Trophy, pictured below. After hours of play Beth and her partner were the winners.

It is always so much fun for me to get to see Holt and Irene play together, but this time was even more fun because the house and yard were full of Children, Little Peppers two children, Lance and Savannah, were there and One of Robert's friends from Law School came and brought his son Brady, who was between Holt and Irene in age. Also, Ashley and Jeff were there with Lexie and the soon to make his arrival Colin. Olivia was great and made all of the parent's Job easy by entertaining all of the kiddos. And, of course sweet Mary was there.

We ended the night with an awesome fireworks display off of the dock courtesy of Ken. All in all I think it goes down as the best Fourth of July ever.

No Cathering that is not Apple Juice
The Trophy

Sweet Mary, scooting along.

This was at the end of the night and they are still smiling.

Mary is so stinking cute.

Mary with her cousin Savannah

Barbara making use of the Highchair.

On the Levee

Suppertime

I laugh out lout every time I see Lance in the background getting down on that Watermelon. He is all about it.

Cousins

"Let us out"

The Boat parade

More Fourth

Who knows what game they were playing here. At one point all the kids were playing Christmas and using the beads from the boat parade to decorate the furniture.

Snoozing in her little nook. This nap didn't last long.

Taking a little catnap on the way down there.

The Lady of the Hour. Irene finally knows what she looks like

Olivia was a Godsend. She is the best babysitter. Here she is blowing bubbles with cousin Irene.

Taking a potty break so we don't use the yard again

Getting the rules.

Game shot

Nothing says summer like a naked baby sitting on a counter eating fresh fruit.

Spectators

Planning out the Croquet tournament

Frying fish from the lake for lunch.

Marking off the croquet field

Lovely Grandmama with her handsome grandsons sans Bryan.