It's almost been a week since I last posted. Elan and I have been in Del Rio, trying to make a little extra cash. We are dog and house sitting for a coworker of my sister-in-law, Edna. It's been interesting. Elan is not used to big dogs and it's been hard getting him to understand that this is their house and he can't boss them around. I mean, why are they going to listen to him? They are bigger than he is- they are boxers, after all.
Overall, it's been good, but it has been a little challenging trying to keep Elan entertained in a house that isn't ours. And I don't like him to leave his toys out, in fear that the dogs might chew them up (one of them likes to chew). This is hard for him to understand. He has spent a few days at my parents' or at Julio's parents' just to give him a break (the break might be for me, too). Plus, his grandparents (on both sides) know how to make kids happy- play, swim, run in the sprinklers, pick figs, go look at the goats, eat popsicles, ice cream, candy, cookies, etc.- you get the idea. The way to Elan's heart is dessert. He takes after his dad.
The dogs, Ariel and Packie, are well-behaved. They mostly like to hang out inside. They sleep and snore. But every now and then, they'll let you know they have to relieve some built-up energy. At that point, I'll take them for a walk or just play with them inside. It's soooo hot, so unfortunately, I don't let them outside too often or for too long.
Nighttime is most challenging. The house has a huge walk-in shower and the dogs get a shower every night. Well, so does Elan. So, I kill 2 birds with 1 stone. First I shower Elan in the walk-in shower (the shower head is removable), then wrap him up in a towel, and sit him on the tub edge. He sits there while I shower the dogs. They are amazingly calm while being showered. But for some reason, a few nights after their shower, they have gotten a huge burst of energy and they are ALL OVER THE HOUSE- running up and down the halls, around the living room at crazy speeds. This is going on while I try to put Elan in his pajamas and get his teeth brushed... and calmed down for bed. Miranda, my niece, had been helping me for the first 8 days (before she left for her trip out East). She worked on calming the dogs while I put Elan down for bed. But last night was my first night on my own. Sigh. It wasn't bad, but for a moment there, I got nervous. They were running around like they've done other nights, and I thought, how am I going to do this? So, I just pushed Elan's bedtime for later and we sat with them till they calmed down and fell asleep. Then we moved to our room, and I worked on calming Elan. This was easier. :) Makes me wonder if this is what it's like for people with twins and triplets. And just how does Octomom do it?
It has been a learning experience and I doubt we'll be getting a dog anytime soon. They are a big responsibility and can be a lot of work, just like kids. To be honest, taking care of the dogs alone is not that bad. And taking care of Elan alone is not bad, either. But, it's the two combined that I have found challenging. Making sure everyone has eaten, used the restroom, napped, been taken for a walk, has had enough to drink, etc..
Well, the owners return tomorrow night. I'm supposed to be cleaning, not blogging. But I just felt like updating, so here I am.
I'll be heading back to Austin on Tuesday night and I am looking forward to a pedicure, some quiet time, and maybe a girls' night. I think the boys will allow me that. :)
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Summer 2011, Part 3- Austin Time
When we're not visiting family in other cities or working, we like to spend time doing Austin things. Austin is such a great place to live and there are so many things to do- for kids and adults, alike. We like to do a lot of things outside and most of the fun (and free) things Austin has to offer require us to be outside. However, the recent intense heat has created a challenge for us. It's been difficult to manage tolerable weather and nap times, but I think we're managing okay. Here's a little bit of what we've been up to lately...
The Zilker Zephyr- This little, fun, low speed train ride through one of Austin's beloved parks is something that never grows old for us. You could ask Elan at any time of the day and he will say he wants to go ride the train. For a small fee, you can enjoy a 20 minute ride through Zilker Park, and when passing Lou Neff Point, you even get to hear live music from the reliable guitarist who hangs out there. While waiting for the train or after your ride, the little ones can play at the large playground, or you can always people watch those jumping off the diving board at Barton Springs Pool.
Walnut Creek Park- Known to many as a nearby place for mountain biking, hiking, and other activities, we first starting going here for its mountain biking. Now, we've started bringing Elan to enjoy his bike with a little off-roading action.
Butler Park- this is another of our favorite places to go. It's a great place to relax, have a picnic, look for turtles, or just splash around in the fountains. It was the only way to cool off the other morning after a visit to the Zilker Park Playground.
The Splash Pad at Pease Park- This is another place to cool off that I've come to really like. The playground here offers quite a bit of shade (but not for the little bitty ones) and the Splash Pad is big enough and interesting enough to entertain the little ones. There are very few shade spots, so you have to arrive early or wait for one to open up. But don't worry- if you don't get a shaded spot to watch your little one, you can always run through the splash pad too. It's quite refreshing!
"Gardening"- Julio recently did a lot of cleaning up in the yard. I would say "we", but I only did about 1/10 of what Julio did, so I will give credit where credit is due. Elan and I lend a small helping hand from time to time, but more than anything, Julio's gardening time gives Elan a chance to play with some of his toys in the yard. We (and yes, I do mean "we" this time) also started a little project in the garden. I will post more on this later- like in 3 months (that's a hint).
CapMetro Rail- Ever since Austin got a rail line, I've been wanting to take Elan for a train ride. At first they didn't have midday or weekend service, so it was a little challenging to plan a trip. But they recently added midday service, and since we have the summer off, it's much more doable. So, we recently boarded the train that stops near our house and took it downtown. Upon arriving downtown, we walked over to Jo's for some burgers. I had heard a lot of great things and had to give them a try. They were good- I'd go back. Then we walked over to the Children's Museum, which is practically next door. After that, we went and had some frozen yogurt. Then it was time to head home for a nap!
Blues on the Green- Every other Wednesday night at Zilker Park, they have a free "concert". This is another thing we've been wanting to do for a while now. So, we packed up a backpack and rode our bikes on down to Zilker. We met up with some old friends and had a good time. The ride back was a eerie, but cool, since it was night time. Not to worry, we had plenty of lights in front and in back of us. I think we will definitely be doing this again.
Canoeing- Lastly, we recently rented a canoe and cruised up and down Barton Creek / Lady Bird Lake. It was great being out on the water and Elan had a blast. He keeps telling everyone he sees about his canoe ride and all that he saw. I know this is something that made a lasting impression and something we will do again and again. It was so relaxing.
What about you? What have you done this summer (if you've had some free time)?
The Zilker Zephyr- This little, fun, low speed train ride through one of Austin's beloved parks is something that never grows old for us. You could ask Elan at any time of the day and he will say he wants to go ride the train. For a small fee, you can enjoy a 20 minute ride through Zilker Park, and when passing Lou Neff Point, you even get to hear live music from the reliable guitarist who hangs out there. While waiting for the train or after your ride, the little ones can play at the large playground, or you can always people watch those jumping off the diving board at Barton Springs Pool.
Walnut Creek Park- Known to many as a nearby place for mountain biking, hiking, and other activities, we first starting going here for its mountain biking. Now, we've started bringing Elan to enjoy his bike with a little off-roading action.
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| Hiking and Biking at Walnut Creek Park |
Butler Park- this is another of our favorite places to go. It's a great place to relax, have a picnic, look for turtles, or just splash around in the fountains. It was the only way to cool off the other morning after a visit to the Zilker Park Playground.
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| Splashing around in the fountains at Butler Park |
The Splash Pad at Pease Park- This is another place to cool off that I've come to really like. The playground here offers quite a bit of shade (but not for the little bitty ones) and the Splash Pad is big enough and interesting enough to entertain the little ones. There are very few shade spots, so you have to arrive early or wait for one to open up. But don't worry- if you don't get a shaded spot to watch your little one, you can always run through the splash pad too. It's quite refreshing!
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| Playing at the Splash Pad at Pease Park |
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| More splashing around at Pease Park |
"Gardening"- Julio recently did a lot of cleaning up in the yard. I would say "we", but I only did about 1/10 of what Julio did, so I will give credit where credit is due. Elan and I lend a small helping hand from time to time, but more than anything, Julio's gardening time gives Elan a chance to play with some of his toys in the yard. We (and yes, I do mean "we" this time) also started a little project in the garden. I will post more on this later- like in 3 months (that's a hint).
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| Gardening / Playing with tractors in the yard |
CapMetro Rail- Ever since Austin got a rail line, I've been wanting to take Elan for a train ride. At first they didn't have midday or weekend service, so it was a little challenging to plan a trip. But they recently added midday service, and since we have the summer off, it's much more doable. So, we recently boarded the train that stops near our house and took it downtown. Upon arriving downtown, we walked over to Jo's for some burgers. I had heard a lot of great things and had to give them a try. They were good- I'd go back. Then we walked over to the Children's Museum, which is practically next door. After that, we went and had some frozen yogurt. Then it was time to head home for a nap!
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| Waiting for the Train |
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| At the Children's Museum, pretending to make some steaks on the grill. |
Blues on the Green- Every other Wednesday night at Zilker Park, they have a free "concert". This is another thing we've been wanting to do for a while now. So, we packed up a backpack and rode our bikes on down to Zilker. We met up with some old friends and had a good time. The ride back was a eerie, but cool, since it was night time. Not to worry, we had plenty of lights in front and in back of us. I think we will definitely be doing this again.
Canoeing- Lastly, we recently rented a canoe and cruised up and down Barton Creek / Lady Bird Lake. It was great being out on the water and Elan had a blast. He keeps telling everyone he sees about his canoe ride and all that he saw. I know this is something that made a lasting impression and something we will do again and again. It was so relaxing.
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| Some swans hanging out on the shore. |
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| Turtles relaxing. |
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| If you look closely, you can see a nutria swimming across the water. |
What about you? What have you done this summer (if you've had some free time)?
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Summer 2011, Part 2- We Gave In
A few days after returning from our camping trip, we decided to take a trip down to Del Rio to visit family before Julio started his summer work. It's always nice to go when we have a little bit more time and aren't rushed. But even then, we aren't able to see everyone (extended family).
One evening, Julio's sister, Selina, took us to this place out in Cienegas (you have to be from Del Rio to know what I'm talking about) called La Lomita where they have all of these crazy food and drink combinations. The owners have converted a small side house into their little store. I ordered a drink called Piña Loca, which is basically pureed pineapple. It was deliciously, refreshing! Julio and Selina ordered something called a Mangolada, with is basically a frozen mango puree with added chile. This isn't the kind of place you want to frequent for their food, as it will all probably lead you to a heart attack, but it's a good place to visit from time to time or you can just stick to their drinks, which can be a healthier option. All together, a pretty interesting place.
While in Del Rio, we were able to get some swimming in at my parents' house. Allow me to sidetrack briefly. Julio and I are kinda "tough love" parents. We don't baby Elan a whole lot. For example, with potty training, it didn't take us long when we decided to get serious about it. We went through 1.5 packs of pull-ups, and they were used mainly at night. We just took away the "safety net" as soon as possible, so he would learn to rely on this own abilities and instincts, rather than the pull-ups. Same goes for learning to ride a bike. He uses a balance bike and we refuse to ever get him a tricycle or a bike with training wheels. He will learn to balance on this bike, and then the pedals come in later. Supposedly, he will learn to ride his bike quicker this way. Again- relying on his own abilities and instincts, rather than any other forms of balance. Ok, back to swimming. We thought the same thing about swimming- NO FLOATIES! Well...... we gave in while in Del Rio. For some reason, Elan has not taken on to swimming like we thought he would. He likes the water, likes the pool, but isn't comfortable swimming. We've tried the gentle approach, the "sink or swim" approach (he chooses to sink), but nothing has worked to get him comfortable. So, when we go swimming, he spends most of the time attached to one of us. This can get tiresome. So, while we were at my parents house, we found a pair of arm floats, and let him try them. He loved them! It gave him freedom and he was all over the pool. So, while we like to think we're tough, I guess we're really not.
One evening, Julio's sister, Selina, took us to this place out in Cienegas (you have to be from Del Rio to know what I'm talking about) called La Lomita where they have all of these crazy food and drink combinations. The owners have converted a small side house into their little store. I ordered a drink called Piña Loca, which is basically pureed pineapple. It was deliciously, refreshing! Julio and Selina ordered something called a Mangolada, with is basically a frozen mango puree with added chile. This isn't the kind of place you want to frequent for their food, as it will all probably lead you to a heart attack, but it's a good place to visit from time to time or you can just stick to their drinks, which can be a healthier option. All together, a pretty interesting place.
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| Yum! |
While in Del Rio, we were able to get some swimming in at my parents' house. Allow me to sidetrack briefly. Julio and I are kinda "tough love" parents. We don't baby Elan a whole lot. For example, with potty training, it didn't take us long when we decided to get serious about it. We went through 1.5 packs of pull-ups, and they were used mainly at night. We just took away the "safety net" as soon as possible, so he would learn to rely on this own abilities and instincts, rather than the pull-ups. Same goes for learning to ride a bike. He uses a balance bike and we refuse to ever get him a tricycle or a bike with training wheels. He will learn to balance on this bike, and then the pedals come in later. Supposedly, he will learn to ride his bike quicker this way. Again- relying on his own abilities and instincts, rather than any other forms of balance. Ok, back to swimming. We thought the same thing about swimming- NO FLOATIES! Well...... we gave in while in Del Rio. For some reason, Elan has not taken on to swimming like we thought he would. He likes the water, likes the pool, but isn't comfortable swimming. We've tried the gentle approach, the "sink or swim" approach (he chooses to sink), but nothing has worked to get him comfortable. So, when we go swimming, he spends most of the time attached to one of us. This can get tiresome. So, while we were at my parents house, we found a pair of arm floats, and let him try them. He loved them! It gave him freedom and he was all over the pool. So, while we like to think we're tough, I guess we're really not.
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| Practicing his swim techniques. |
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| Jumping in |
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| On his own! |
Monday, July 4, 2011
Summer 2011, Part 1
I have a lot of catching up to do. Luckily we aren't world travelers, so it's not like this will be in 10 parts.
I guess I'll begin by telling you about our camping trip. We met up with my brother Turis and sister-in-law Dacia at Tyler State Park the second week of June for a 3 day camping trip. It was very hot, but lots of fun. Elan especially had a good time. Believe it or not, this was his first camping trip. I don't know how we've gone this long without ever taking him. So, everything was new and exciting for him and it was great watching him experience it all for the first time.
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| A view of the lake about 5 steps away from our campsite. |
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| A view of sun shining through the trees. Only Julio could capture this. |
We each had a good time enjoying the different things the park had to offer. Julio and Turis got to enjoy the park's expansive mountain bike trails. I almost forgot, I also got to go mountain biking (after 3 years of my mountain bike collecting spider webs)! Turis and Dacia got to go out on the lake on the pedal boats with their dogs, Hiro and Emma. Elan got to enjoy the swimming area, hiking, and his first go at fishing. And I got a chance to go for a jog around the tree-shaded trail around the lake.
I hope I don't go overboard with these pictures, but I think it'll give you a better idea of what Elan got to experience during the trip.
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| Making sure ALL of OUR bikes are secure before heading out on a hike. |
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| Testing the waters. |
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| A short climb during our hike. |
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| Going for a ride. |
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| Even the pros fall every now and then. |
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| Gone fishing. |
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| Casting. |
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| Casting again. |
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| Waiting for a bite. |
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| Waiting patiently. |
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| Taking a break from swimming. Of course, this is the only pic taken from my phone. Sorry. |
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| After a nice shower. |
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| Snacking, waiting for dinner. |
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| Sunset |
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| Sleeping in the tent. It was so hot, so we didn't dare use the sleeping bags, and all we had to serve as "a sheet" was a cloth table cloth! Oh, and we forgot the pillows, too! We survived, anyway. |
So, that was our camping trip. We'd like to go camping more regularly, but it's been so hot the last few weeks, so we probably won't be doing it again until the Fall.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Writer's Block
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Photo courtesy of: Lucid Dreams and Saturn SkiesThe Life (and Writing) of Andrew Kincaid |
So, that's been a small part of what we've been up to. I have a lot of updating to do! Four weeks of summer have gone by and we've done a lot. More on that later. :)
More writer's block humor:
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| Comic courtesy of everparent.com |
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| Comic courtesy of steven-dean.com |
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