Camping at Cape Disappointment

Climbing trees @ camp ground

Navigating the driftwood

We're going to build a sand castle!

I can climb over this all by myself!

Almost there...

Our beautiful beach...

A first attempt at a sand castle...



Above our beach

Jack's first camping trip was a success (according to him!).  He was interested in helping set the tent up, build a fire (watching, at this point), roasting marsh mellows, sleeping in the tent, climbing trees, riding his bike, building sand castles, and playing on the beach.  It takes work on our part, but making memories is always worth it!  

Top Ten Things Said on the Camping Trip

1.  Me to Chris...What...you forgot the air mattress, & we are sleeping on the GROUND!  I only woke up 20 times in 9 hours but felt OK after some instant Nescafe coffee!
2. Where's Jack?  In a tree, I responded.
3. What's that noise?  Sounds like animals fighting...2 raccoons were fighting over a can of Sunkist!
4. Why is it so cold at this beach?  Jack to me...well, son, we have to accept the mighty Pacific Ocean for what it is...a cold ocean that isn't good to swim in!
5. Let's build another sand castle (after we had done about 100).
6. Thank you Chris for cooking a gourmet meal that Paula Dean would envy...grilled tri-tip, grilled asparagus, grilled tomatoes topped with cheese, & black beans...Wow, eating out in the wilderness is GOOD!
7. I need 50 cents for 3 minutes of hot water!  I guess, I need a dollar then, b/c I need at least 6 minutes to take a shower!
8. Chris to Jack & I at bedtime...Breathe in through your mouth, down your back, up through your stomach & out of your mouth...I was asleep after 2 breaths.  It took Chris another hour to get Jack to sleep!
9. Can I climb that rock?  No.
10. How long will it take you to pack up camp while I sit here & relax?  Me to Chris:)  Gotta love camping!

Summer Interruptus

Jack feeding a giraffe @ Woodland Park Zoo

Dinosaur exhibit featured a T Rex...of course, Jack wanted to touch him but was deterred by his roar & small ropes!



Riding Greg, the camel....ALL BY HIMSELF!  Last year, when I saw the lack of seat belts (now how, would you really put seat belts on the back of a camel)...I rode the camel with him.  This year, he told me he was big enough to do it alone.



Jack wanted face paint & he has a favorite---a kitty!  So Jack, the kitty, it was!

I heard that we had had 78 minutes of summer thus far, meaning 78 minutes of temperatures above 80 F.  Well, my bones & joints are Southern and that just doesn't seem hot enough, but we have done a great job of extracting every little bit of heat/fun out of our cool summer thus far.  Jack & I headed to Seattle to the Woodland Park Zoo, his first visit.  The attraction...the dinosaur exhibit.  It was a great day & Jack slept all the way home!

Now on to Tarheel matters...I'm anxiously awaiting the release of the schedule.  Some pre-season announcements have been made including a trip to the Las Vegas Invitational & an invitation to play the first NCAA game on an aircraft carrier...YIPPEE!  The roster has been released and I am busy quizzing myself on names/numbers/height/weight/hometown.  I am the proudest of our only 7 foot player...senior Tyler Zeller.  He has successfully bulked up his previously skinny little body and will certainly be an inside presence.  Thank you Tyler for all those steaks/potatoes & weight lifting you did for the team over the last 4 years!  Oh yeah, he'll for sure be a sought after future NBA star....check out the UNC 2011-12 Roster

Don't hold your breath, but I'll try to be back before a month passes!  Toodle-a!

Soccer Camp

Soccer Camp...Jack is learning not to touch the ball!  He is on the far left & was the 2nd youngest in the class for ages 3-5.

Our best attempt at Jack holding his certificate and standing in front of his ball.

So this week was soccer camp for an hour and fifeteen minutes each morning...a little long for a 3.5 year old and his parents.  At the beginning of the week, we were out there most of the time helping Jack stay on task, redirecting, and motivating him.  By the end of the week, I had to go out to help him a little here & there...about 10% of the time.  He would become very distracted by something and forget...hey, yes, I'm in soccer camp and not flower picking or worm watching camp.

It was lots of fun and he liked his coach Jess from the UK.  Another person with an accent giving him directions!  I still think he likes swimming the best...and he definitely didn't like it when another kid could run faster than him.  But overall, it was a great experience.

The Perfect Belly Flop

Jack loves swimming, mostly under the water!



Uncle Marcus & Jack taking a smile break from watching Netflix!

It's getting easier...that's watching a toddler around the water.  This year, I could sit by the pool and watch Jack jump in over and over.  We tried to practice feet first & he would yell out "feet first" & then jump in & do a perfect belly flop.  Is that an Olympic sport? 

The picture of Jack & Uncle Marc is a great one of both of them...their best smiles!



Good Times



Aunt  Teresa & Lance (9 years old).  He is one sweet, special boy! 




April & Teresa, sisters & friends, forever!

Just to choose a couple of pictures from my vacation is very difficult to do...plus, I was so busy enjoying every moment...that I didn't take many pictures (thanks, John!).

People ask me sometimes, why did you move so far away?  Actually, it seemed like an accident at the time and I'm happy that I didn't see into my future (it would have frightened me), but now, the Northwest is my home.  But, I'm FROM North Carolina and love to go visit.  I did not enjoy the 90+ degree heat but I loved seeing the Atlantic, drinking lots of sweet (dark) tea, & just sitting around talking & relaxing with my besties...my family.  No words can express the love when a person knows & understands everything about where you've been, where you're at, and where you hope to go...that is the love of family!  And boy, is there lots of love in my family!



Sisterly Love

Jack's silly smile + my sister, Wendy

Jack & I went for a family & beach visit to NC...we had lots of time for hugs, talks, and fun, with my side of the family.  My sister Wendy had a scary (unanticipated) health crisis & I was able to be there, in person, for a change.  When you live far away & emergencies occur, it is difficult not to be there to hold a hand, give a hug, wipe a tear, or even paint some toenails!  I so wish Wendy had not gotten sick, but I'm glad I was there.

She is a strong woman who I remember as a brown-eyed, bald, beautiful baby who came into my world when I was 2 1/2 years old.  We shared a room together until I left for college and have a sister & friend connection that is deep & forever.

I'll always love you, my dear sister & hope that you will continue to heal & recover quickly & get back to your "old" self soon!

Where Heroes Rest--Tahoma National Cemetery

Memorial Day 2011

Waving the flag & singing "My Country Tis of Thee" with Mommy

Putting the flag on the grave

There once was an average American citizen, who served his country honorably and retired from the Army after 20 years of service.  He, his wife and two girls, moved to the Pacific Northwest, where he became a King County Sheriff's Deputy.  One fateful day, on June 22, 2002, he was responding to a call where a deranged, naked man was trying to get onto a bus.  He tried to pepper spray the man, but the crazy man retrieved the officer's own service pistol and killed him in front of all the horrified bus riders.  Yes, the SWAT team was able to arrest the murderer, and of course, he had come to his senses enough to get dressed.

Now, a wife and two teenagers, do not have a husband & father.  This man is Richard Anthony Herzog and he is who Jack & I memorialized this Memorial Day at the Tahoma National Cemetery.

Rest in Peace, our Hero!

Finally, No Pictures of This One

I thought working on a tobacco farm was hard when I was 7.
I thought cleaning up after a hog house full of pigs was hard when I was 13.
I thought going away to college was hard when I was 17.
I thought being a burn nurse was hard when I was 22.
I thought moving 3000 miles away from home was hard when I was 30.
I thought being responsible for premature babies as a nurse practitioner was hard when I was 39.
I thought waiting 10 years to have a baby was hard when I was 41.

But being a parent of a toddler, takes the cake!

Yes, at almost 3.5 years old, Jack, finally pooped in the potty on 5/25!  Yes, we tried bribing him and he did receive the bucket of sand toys that he had picked out!  I don't think anything that we did, made any difference.  He is growing/developing in his own time and not on our schedule.  I am so SICK of changing poopy diapers, especially...after swimming.  Yes, if Jack needs to go, he is relaxed enough to go in his swimmy diaper.  I am the ONLY mother that I have ever seen changing a poopy swimmy!

So Jack, this is for you to know...when you read this, after you grow up....You are one awesome kid!  In so many ways, you have been so easy for your "older" parents....except for potty training!  I keep taking you to swimming b/c you love it so much, but I do not love changing a poopy swimmy diaper.  It is the one thing that turns my stomach & luckily, I always have an empty stomach when we are there.  So if you ever happen to be a competitive swimmer, I hope you will thank me, your mother, for not giving up on your ability to learn to poop in the potty!

By the way, grown up Jack...if you are ever constipated.....I know the best, natural treatment for you...go swimming!  HA, HA!

A Present for Mommy

Jack picked some tulips for Mommy!  The look on his face is the result of our conversation about not picking the flowers yet, so we could enjoy them longer.  My heart melted when he said, "I have a present for you.." & held them out to me.  He was all smiles when he picked out a vase & put water in it to put them on the table.

BTW, Andy Katz, ESPN sports reporter, called my UNC Tarheels, a "sure bet for #1 Preseason 2011"!!!  YIPPEE, November will be here soon...now on to summer!

Wet Jack

Jack loves swimming and going underwater.  He swims around his classmates and stays under up to 10 seconds on his own.  The best swim teacher in the world, Ms. Kristin, is working on having Jack swim as well on top of the water as he can under the water.  Jack loves to watch water polo...the matches coincide with his lessons.   It looks like a challenging sport...I would be challenged to allow Jack to wear the uniform...you can say, briefs!

Tucker & Jack's Blanket

Tucker misses being the 1st & only son!  He doesn't get the attention that he got before Jack came along...here he is with Jack's blanket...otherwise known as, his "baby".  He's a good boy, except when he runs away from home & goes across the street to visit his friend & eat his friend's food!

Happy Mother's Day

Jack loves to cut...of course supervised, is best.  No self haircuts yet.



Yes, I have the best smile for my Mom b/c she says I can do more cutting after she gets one good picture!



Sweet Sixteen

Not much blog passion about the Tarheels, sorry!  You can rest assured that I'm teaching Jack, by example, what it means to be the #1 fan!  We are set to play Marquette tomorrow and if you listen closely, you will hear a transplanted Southerner screaming from a Seattle hilltop!  Let's go Heels!

Tadpole Jack



Learning to float




Swimming underwater toward Ms. Kristin



Learning to keep the "Alligator's" mouth closed (holding hands together)

First Swim Coach--Ms. Kristin & Jack
He absolutely LOVES her!

Jack loves swimming and has been taking lessons since he was about 18 months old.  On most Tues/Thurs evenings, you will find us at the Enumclaw Aquatic Center and more times than not Jack will be the one underwater (hence, hard to take photos of).  About the time he turned 3, he would (spontaneously) swim around his classmates, underwater, and stay under up to 10 seconds.  Do you see a future scuba diver in out midst (like Daddy)?

We LOVE Ms. Kristin, our favorite swim coach.  She has a Jack (& Grace) herself and has a loving, motherly way to push & get the best out of any toddler.  Wow, we are so lucky.  Maybe I should start researching swim & water polo college scholarships????

March Maddening Update

Big, happy smile!



Jack & his Pterodactyl



Tucker & Jack (holding a Giganotosaurus)
It is as it seems...Tucker tolerates (well, I might add), Jack's antics!

 Life at the Myers'

1. Dinosaur collection:  There is a speciality toy store in Issaquah where Jack & Daddy go when Mom is working.  Voila!  Dinosaurs magically appear!  Jack knows all their names and has an elaborate display set up on the coffee table.  *I know, bad blogger, no photo*
2. Potty Training:  All I can say, is Mom & Dad are doing their part.  Jack seems to be waiting for some developmental trigger because giving him a hershey kiss each time he is successful, hasn't worked thus far.  So we will chalk potty training up to being something more difficult for us. 
3. Love, love, love...our family, each other, our boy, our dog, our Tarheels beating DOOK!  Did you hear me screaming?   Life is good.

Kiss Me

Jack is holding up his Valentine's from school

Jack gets excited anytime he thinks he is going to get a "TREAT".  He uses it as a negotiating tactic.  He learned that from us...we use it to "influence" his behavior....ha, ha!  His school had a Valentine's day party and he was so excited to have a cupcake with his friends and exchange Valentine's cards.  But being the #1 girl in his life for just a short time longer...his Mom was the only one who got to kiss her boy!

The Big Red Dog





Taking a nap

Are you finished yet?

Up close & personal :)  Big, beautiful, brown eyes!

The big red dog #2, Tucker, is a very good dog.  He is like The Giving Tree book...despite my lack of capacity to love him like I did Scout, the big red dog #1, he meets me where I'm at....He has taken a silent back seat to all the love and attention given to Jack and he is OK with it.  We have had one rule from the beginning....Tucker is the only one to sleep with Mama & Daddy.  Jack does not have the concept of getting up & coming to get into our bed.  I know that's weird for most parents/kids...but a king size bed can only hold 2 adults & one large dog!

After "helping" me outside, he was more interested in an afternoon nap, not having his picture taken (he takes after Chris in that respect)....He tolerates Jack's toddler antics and tries to stay clear most of the time.  He really is a good dog!



Say Cheese



Big, Big Smile at the Rainier Grill in Enumclaw--Jack's favorite place to eat.  They know us by name and we probably go there at least once a week!

January has flown by with a few twists & turns in the road.  We are enjoying the blessing of spending time together.

 Jack has been growing...still at 36 lbs but slowly moving up to size 4T.  Some of the 3T pants are tight around the waist and the shirts are getting too short.  He is in level P2 in swimming and he is the only 3 year old in his class--the rest are 4.  He loves to swim underwater and he opens his eyes.  He jumps into the pool independently and now tries to reach & pull with his arms with his head down in the water.  We LOVE his teacher Ms. Kristin (who has a Jack of her own)!  We go there on Tues/Thursday evenings.

Jack took Mini-Peak gymnastics in January and it was his first exposure.  Let's just say, he most enjoyed watching the older students nearby and not following the directions/listening to his coach.  We may try a smaller class during the day when the gym is otherwise empty to see how it goes.  If he doesn't participate more, we will just wait a while and try again later.  Here in the rainy Northwest, it is so important to search out some indoor activities to keep active.

We still go to a mother/toddler class on Wednesday mornings, sponsored by Bellevue College Parent Education Program.  Every other week, I have a parent class in a room beside the children's room.  Jack goes from station to station, on his own, and has a great time.  He rarely to never comes to check in with me (like some of the other kids).  I'm happy he is so independent but also sometimes a little sad because he doesn't need me as much.  I know God knew what he was doing because the process of gaining Independence is slow, so the child and the parent can adjust naturally!



Merry Everything!

Jack & Nannie looking out at the Space Needle

It's hard to get a great picture of Jack these days...he takes after Chris in the "I hate my picture taken" category!

Santa came & yes, I got a Buzz Lightyear!  To Infinity & Beyond!

The Myers had a nice holiday season, low key, fun, and restful.  Before Christmas, Nannie Maxine came from NC and loved on Jack for a week.  She is a hard act to follow!  Jack loves to play non-stop with her.  She has lots of experience entertaining (starting in the '60's with me!).  Like always, the time is always too short.

We tracked Santa on the computer but we went to sleep when he was over the Sandwich Islands.  Now, who knows where they are?  Santa was extra generous this year bringing lots of games, puzzles, paint, an easel, and of course, the main attraction...Buzz Lightyear.  I'm reliving my childhood.  Well, at least the childhood that I would have wanted if I had been a boy!

Like Dale Earnhardt

Yummy Birthday Cupcake--last one to eat at home!



Best Birthday picture at Seattle Children's Museum...everyone, including Daddy, had to wear a hat!

Jack loved his birthday!  We talked about turning 3 and sang happy birthday many time in the weeks leading up to the actual day.  You know, I was the one who authored birthday month!  Jack doesn't realize it yet, but he has to share with Jesus, so maybe we'll start the celebration in November.  His friends who came to the party included Alyssa, Liam, Sean, Carson, Mia, & Cruz.  Grandma & Grandpa California (now Buckley) came too.  It was a great day!

All you NASCAR fans will recognize my memorial tribute to Dale Earnhardt...the ultimate #3--RIP.  Since moving to Enumclaw, of course, I root for Kasey Kahne--#9, so maybe when he turns 9, we'll have a NASCAR party.  Or not.