July 4th at Popo's

We had a great 4th of July at Bill's "homeplace".  Ilona had seen a photo of one of these cakes that I would make when we lived in Switzerland and wanted one for this year. She really enjoyed it!  We had a great time Sunday evening riding the Kabota all around and then we took rockets to launch which J was very excited about! We did the traditional hamburger/hotdog grilling and then finished the evening with our own *fireworks* by the pond.

We don't have a good hill for these type of activites either, but J had a blast!

What a Man, what a man!

As you remember, Bill was cycling on 4/29/2009 and was hit head on by a car.  He spent 12 nights in the hospital, had 2 surgeries, (1 or 2 still to come), and lost so much strength he had to use a walker to make it to our mailbox.  At the time he was training for Blood, Sweat, and Gears, a 102 mile bike ride in the NC mountains. Our God saved Bill that day and gave him the resolve to "make it back".  On Saturday, June 26, 2010, Bill completed the ride in 5 hours 42 minutes!  He said he was riding mad - every time it got tough, he got mad about being hit.  Must have worked because he did awesome!

On his way to the start line.

Still looking strong at mile 82!

At the finish with his #1 riding partner (and great friend through his recovery).

Mountain Escape

The last weekend in June found us in the NC mountains.  Our cabin was super cute and had everything we could need - even though it was miles from "town".  We enjoyed being with good friends and watching Bill on his comeback bike ride!

The cabin had no ac, but thankfully it was cool at night.

JT enjoying the hot tub. Don't ask me why he's wearing water wings!

The many faces of Andrew in the Watuaga River - he was pretending to be a pterodactyl.

Introducing Ilona from Russia.  She is with us until the end of July.

Momma can't do this much longer! 

Father's Day 2010

Happy Father's Day!  So I am only 2 weeks late, but here's to my father, Bill's father, and Bill!  We spent Sunday in church and then preparing for Ilona's arrival (from Russia) and had dinner with Bill's father in Albemarle.  Monday morning we (me, the boys, & Ilona) went to the beach to celebrate with my father. 

Pool's Open

Against my better judgement we put the baby pool out yesterday.  We also have season passes for the waterpark, but Joshua couldn't imagine us not using our pool!  There were 2 holes in the side to patch and one in the top ring that I've still not found, so I'm guessing it will not see 2011 in our yard!

The water was super cold, but the boys braved it.  Of course, they were cold, but not happy to get out!

Bye, bye training wheels!

We set a goal for Joshua to be riding his bike without training wheels before he turned 5.  He did it almost 2 weeks ago - 5 months before turning 5!!  This whole time he's been using training wheels he's continually asked when he can get a "full face" helmet and when can he get a dirt bike and our answer has always been that you have to learn to ride without training wheels first.  Wouldn't you know it, the day he rode without training wheels he wanted to know when we were going to the store to get the dirt bike and full face!! 

Bill started him off on a slight decline in a grassy area beside the house.  He took a few falls, but eventually got it.

It really became a big deal riding through the neighborhood!  We did add the knee and elbow protectors for the pavement. ; )

Notice that he is wearing cycling pants (with pads and all) and a cycling jersey with pockets in the back.  No, his dad doesn't spoil him at all!!

We were at a friends house and they let him ride this - he did great to start with but then cornered on a small hill and flipped it (he was okay, just bruised and scared).  He hasn't really said much else about wanting a full face or dirt bike!!

Sleepy Boy!

I don't know how long we had to stay in carseats when I was little, but I know my parents always talk about me being asleep for any trip by the time we reached our mailbox.  Andrew is starting to display some of these behaviors!  J never (even as a baby) slept in the car.  I was only wishing this could have been me....

And here he is within 10 minutes of being awakened - apple juice does wonders for this kid!