We are trying to squeeze every last drop out of summer. We were on our way to a Royals game yesterday, when we decided to change our plans and head to Smithville Lake on Grandpa's famous yellow boat.
It wasn't that we weren't excited to go to a Royals game. We had free tickets after all. The problem was Ella napped from 12:30 to 2 pm. The kid is structured, what can I say. We didn't get on the road until 2:45 and the game was already in the 6th inning as we were approaching downtown. We, well I, questioned if it was worth the drive with only a third left to go. Mike reluctantly agreed.
As we pondered our next move in the parking lot of the downtown Denny's, Mike got the okay from Larry to take ole yellow for a spin. We of course weren't packed for a trip on a boat, but it was a beautiful day and the boat hadn't had the pleasure of stretching its sea legs yet this summer. (Oh, those pesky summer floods.) We arrived to see Larry had the boat prepped and hitched to the truck, so we hopped in the truck and departed for the lake.
It felt so good to be on the water with my family. It was a great way to spend a leisurely Sunday. Mike just beamed with joy and Ella, well, I had expected a bit of apprehension, but once again I was wrong. She couldn't soak up every view and very inch of the boat fast enough. She was like a pinball darting between seats or Goldilocks trying to find the spot just right for her. It made me rather tense, but overall she was great. If I would try to loop a finger in her lifejacket, she would swat my hand and say, "Mommy no." I do admire her fearlessness at times. I though was relieved once she was securely strapped in the car seat and away from the water.
Ella got more exposure to the water tonight. I made a last minute decision and we visited the pool, which might possibly be our last visit. I wish I could capture the excitement and her screams of joy as we pull into the parking lot. Before the car is even stopped, she is saying, "momma buckle." We were only there for a quick hour and even though I was exhausted from a long day, it was definitely worth it. We battled a bit when we left, but she calmed down enough to say, "bye pool" multiple times as we meandered to the car. I can't believe it closes in a week for the year. I just don't think the bathtub is big enough to satisfy Ella's appetite for the water.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Somersault Stunts
Here is Ella's official YouTube debut. Payton is an inspiration to Ella as she certainly thinks that she can do anything Payton can do. It was quite humorous to watch. Too bad, our battery died after such a short while.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Mama P-O-O-L
As I've mentioned before Ella loves the pool. Right now, I swear it has to be her happiest place on earth. Last Thursday, I left work with the intention of hitting the pool. I had planned ahead and backed the pool bag and all the necessary equipment. I had failed to pack any dinner, so we made a quick pit stop for a bite to eat.
As we were eating, a little summer shower made an appearance. I called Mike who quickly reassured me that it would be brief and surely wouldn't close the pool. He was nearly right. When we left it was only a slight sprinkle, so I decided to go ahead and drive by the pool. Man, was that my dumb mom moment. Ella definitely knew where we were. Unfortunately, they were in the process of closing shop. Poor Ella, she was devastated when she realized that I wasn't stopping the car. She whined for most of the drive home. She kept saying "p-o-o-o-l, mama, p-o-o-o-l." It broke my heart.
Undeterred, I decided Friday after work to try again. Well, hello downtown monsoon. Joel Nichols had promised me the rain wouldn't hit until after 10pm, five hours early was completely unacceptable. I was disappointed but not willing to give in quite yet. So Ella and I decided to wait it out by visiting Mike and T2's First Friday Party. Good move. I enjoyed some tasty snacks and Ella enjoyed the space. After about 45 minutes, the sky was clear and off to the pool we went. It was surprisingly quiet and at one point Ella almost had the entire playground to herself.
On our way home, I treated us to some Sheridan's. I swear we've only taken Ella once before. As we were pulling into the drive-thru, Ella, unprompted, screamed with excitement, "ICE CREAM." She was gleefully kicking her legs as we pulled up to the window. She wasted no time consuming the delicious treat as it was only a tasty memory by the time we reached the house. No mistaken who she takes after!
Mike and I managed to squeeze another trip to the pool Saturday night. We swear as we were packing up and heading out, Ella said ice cream. Now, I'll indulge her in a trip to the pool back to back, but as a responsible parent, I can't give in on the ice cream wish. No matter how badly I want it for myself.
As we were eating, a little summer shower made an appearance. I called Mike who quickly reassured me that it would be brief and surely wouldn't close the pool. He was nearly right. When we left it was only a slight sprinkle, so I decided to go ahead and drive by the pool. Man, was that my dumb mom moment. Ella definitely knew where we were. Unfortunately, they were in the process of closing shop. Poor Ella, she was devastated when she realized that I wasn't stopping the car. She whined for most of the drive home. She kept saying "p-o-o-o-l, mama, p-o-o-o-l." It broke my heart.
Undeterred, I decided Friday after work to try again. Well, hello downtown monsoon. Joel Nichols had promised me the rain wouldn't hit until after 10pm, five hours early was completely unacceptable. I was disappointed but not willing to give in quite yet. So Ella and I decided to wait it out by visiting Mike and T2's First Friday Party. Good move. I enjoyed some tasty snacks and Ella enjoyed the space. After about 45 minutes, the sky was clear and off to the pool we went. It was surprisingly quiet and at one point Ella almost had the entire playground to herself.
On our way home, I treated us to some Sheridan's. I swear we've only taken Ella once before. As we were pulling into the drive-thru, Ella, unprompted, screamed with excitement, "ICE CREAM." She was gleefully kicking her legs as we pulled up to the window. She wasted no time consuming the delicious treat as it was only a tasty memory by the time we reached the house. No mistaken who she takes after!
Mike and I managed to squeeze another trip to the pool Saturday night. We swear as we were packing up and heading out, Ella said ice cream. Now, I'll indulge her in a trip to the pool back to back, but as a responsible parent, I can't give in on the ice cream wish. No matter how badly I want it for myself.
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