Harry Potter & SpongeBob

For the last few weeks the boys have been all about Harry Potter and Sponge Bob. Jacob has been reading Harry Potter and just finished the first book. I was surprised that he was so interested in reading a long book like that - especially since he does not usually like fantasy books.


I've been trying to read with Benny more often but unfortunately he wants to read SpongeBob Squarepants books and usually this silly joke book that includes winners like:

"What is SpongeBob's work motto?"
"If at first you don't succeed, fry, fry again!"



Now, could I accidentally misplace this SpongeBob book? Would lightning strike me down? Is that against the rules of motherhood?

Green Iguana

I really have to recommend the green iguana -

No, not that one (although I did want an iguana for a pet when I was a third grader but my mom talked me into getting a hamster.)

The green iguana drink.


It is a nice cocktail for the summer. It is strong so you can't have too many.

Here is the recipe:

Green Iguana

1 1/4 oz tequila
1 oz Midori
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz Cointreau
lime wedge, to garnish

Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a rocks glass (or whatever glass you like!)

Enjoy!

Play Ball!

Baseball has started and this year both Jacob and Ben are playing. Jacob has moved up to the minors division. This is the first time that the kids will be pitching. Jacob's first practice was yesterday. I noticed right away that the kid's skill level has increased. Many kids can throw the ball pretty hard. (I know that I would not be able to catch it! And yes, I also throw like a girl.)

Benny is playing t-ball. He had his first practice this morning. Benny did great and had a good time. George was joking that we have not done right by him and need to show him some of the fundamentals. Benny did hit for power though and kept telling his coaches that he "wanted to hit a home run!".

The boys reluctantly posing for a photo.


Benny at his first practice.


Getting some expert instruction from his coach...

Walking with Dinosaurs!

Last night we went into Manchester to the Verizon Center to see "Walking with Dinosaurs". This is a show that brings dinosaurs to life and features life-sized dinosaur contraptions. It was amazing!

The dinosaurs are life-sized - so they are huge - and they move around and roar just like dinosaurs would (or should). Benny's expression was priceless. He was speechless and truly in awe of the show! Jacob loved it too! My folks joined us as my father was the one to hook us up with tickets. I highly recommend the show and I believe it is there until Sunday.

A long neck...



T Rex - scaring the heck out of us!



The mommy T Rex and baby.

Jump In - The water's c-c-cold!

Jacob and Ben swam in the pool today. The air temp was 80+ degrees but the pool water was only 68. The water certainly looked inviting but I am not going in until it is at least 75 degrees. Spoiled, yes.

If you look closely at some of the pictures the boys are shivering and trying to smile but the water was frigid! This may be a record for the earliest "first swim" of the season.


Getting ready to jump in


Cold!


I am having fun!


All the way in!


Almost warm enough - NOT!

My crazy, mad scientist, obsessed with the pool water husband would want folks to notice how crystal clear the water is.

It's a Family Affair...

We had company this weekend. My cousin Michael, his wife Leigh and their son Dylan came up from NY. We had a great visit and took advantage of the nice weather. On Sunday we went to my parent's house for dinner and Big Grandma, Michele and Elizabeth joined us too.

George also opened the pool this weekend - still way too cold to swim but he has started the process of perfecting the pH, metal balance, acidity, etc. of the water. What this really means is that George has once again become the crazy mad scientist and is constantly discussing the merit and meaning of our pool's latest water test results.



Ben playing in the woods...



George needed a rest after cleaning the pool.



My cousin Michael and his family.



Ben at Grandma and Grandpa's.


Jacob - with a pillow for a body!


The ladies...

Happy Birthday to Me! (A Totally Self-Promoting Post!)

Today is my birthday. I am 37 and now just a few years away from the big 4-0! 40! Yikes!

To celebrate my birthday, we are going to Newick's for dinner. At Newick's you eat free on your birthday and one can never get enough fried seafood. Oh, the calamari! (Yes, I like the little squids.) They also serve mighty fine clam strips.