The Adventures of Zachary and Tyler: June 2009

Now that the weather is warm, we can get back into the habit of doing fun things outside. Aside from playing in our backyard, Zachary and I love spending time at parks, farms and the pool. This weekend was our first trip to the pool together. Chad took him a couple of weeks ago but this was the first time I went this season. Zach had a great time playing in the little pool. He was not interested in going in the big pool which is fine with me right now. The water is way too cold for me, and I would have to hold him in the big pool. Last year, he only wanted to play in the big pool. Now, older and wiser, he is afraid. We will work on it when I am brave enough to go in myself. But for now, the little pool works for both of us! Today, we went to a great farm. Zach enjoyed playing on the playground, feeding the goats and strawberry picking! Zach probably ate more strawberries than he picked. I let it slide. He is only two :)

Happy to be back at the pool...

Playing with some toys...

Fun in the water...

Giving a high five to a friend...

Swinging on a rope swing at the farm...

Holding on tight...

Feeding the goat...

"He licked my finger!"

Ready to pick...

Taking a break...

Yummy..

Our summer is starting off on a great note. We are all moved into our new house and finally settled. Zach loves it here, as do we! We were lucky to not have to sell our last house. It's a two family house and we are now renting both apartments. We've always been fortunate with the tenants we've had in our first floor apartment while we lived upstairs. Now, we found great tenants for upstairs, too. Our first few weeks of being landlords while not living in the house have gone well. Let's hope it continues.

Our new house is a simple ranch style house with a giant backyard and it's in a GREAT neighborhood. We were not sure how we would feel about living in a ranch style home but so far we are loving it. Everything is so accessible, including our small child. Zach can never get too far in this house. Our backyard is wonderful. It's complete with a swing set, toys, sandbox, table and chairs and a grill. Zach would spend all day out there if he could. As would Sophie and Reba! I've become a big fan of grilling and we've even had a few cookouts with friends and family. I see many more cookouts in our future this summer!

We continue to work on the interior of the house. My father has been doing all of the work with Chad as his assistant. Chad is getting handier and handier by the day :) My father is a rock star! Things "we've" done so far...put down bamboo flooring, painted every single room and ceiling, painted and installed all new trim, molding and doors, installed new lights and ceiling fans, got all new appliances and toilets...And believe or not, we're not done. My father's next project is to make built-ins for Zach's playroom. And when that's done, we need to conquer the exterior. Yikes! We bought a fixer upper for sure but it looks great and it will only look better.

It's so worth it because of the neighborhood. We've been here a few weeks and have already met about four families with kids who are also two years old. We take walks on most nights and meet new families all the time. There are even a couple potential babysitters! The best thing is that Zach can get out of the car and make his way to the front door without us having to carry him so he does not get hit by a car. Our last house was on a very busy street. This house is on a street with a culdesac where people drive nice and slow! Zach likes this new found independence outside and, of course, tests us all the time. He knows that he is not allowed to go into the street by himself. He walks right to the edge of our driveway and carefully puts his little toes on the line that separates our driveway from the street. All while looking right at us. He is SUCH a two year old these days!

Here are a few pics of the new house...