"T" is for Trace (and tractors)

This kid is something else. There's lots and lots wrapped in this little package. He's a hot head. He's lovable. He's dad's shadow and my best friend. He's as rotten as the day is long. He holds his own, day-in and day-out, surrounded most of the time by only women. He's mine.

He's also tractor-obsessed. As in, he will sit and look at books detailing tractors, trucks and construction equipment for as long as I'm willing to read about engines, scoops and wheels. His latest hobby is riding along a stretch of road that's being widened to take in the backhoe sights and dump truck work (yes, he asks that we take this scenic route despite our destination).

He reached the holiest of grails, however, on Monday during our visit to the Allen County Fair. Farm machinery companies hoping to draw in some business were the ultimate jackpot for my little dude. He found heaven in the newest, shiniest of tractors galore.

Green, red, white or brown ... he doesn't discriminate and was smitten with them all. And, thus, proceeded to climb upon every one in sight (literally, not figuratively). Some were even paid a second visit, holding a special place in his International Harvester-loving heart for being just like Papa's (only newer).

He gladly passed up the fair's petting zoo to climb aboard mowers and Bobcats (which he powered himself with motor noises). After test driving them all, he was ready to put them through a second round ... we were only able to move on with the promise of checking out some chainsaws.

The view from here

Newsflash: We're not dead. I haven't left the blogging world. We haven't packed up and moved away. The sun's been rising in our world (as have the mounds of laundry). We've just been living.

Learning to swim. Loving to read. Living to laugh.

There's been all of summer's best ... and only one day I've wished for school. Now with backpacks and buses getting so close, I'm holding it close. Longing for more of what's been.

No strollers for Kings Island. No diaper bags for the park. No four carseats to fasten and unfasten at each stop. Freedom.

Running, loving, learning. Splashing, dreaming, talking. Playing, planning, wishing.

Babies and toddlers turned kids. Kids who soak it up, live it up and love it up. More questions than there is time to answer them. More fun than ever imagined.

The world through their eyes is a summer vacation.

Trace and Alysse being whipped around - their screams are comedy.

Alivia loves this huge pink duck at Kings Island, and insisted she must be photographed with it.

Trouble and happiness all at once.

Alivia modeling hazmat gloves at Fairfield's "Touch a Truck" event.

Trace tries on a Fairfield Fire Department helmet for size.

The children's librarian we saw weekly this summer. The kids love her, and she's helped nurture a reader in Trace.

Bumping up on the ride scale, Alivia is able to enjoy new "big kid" rides at Kings Island this summer. She's a rider at heart.

Please note: Our children did not inherit this desire for thrill from me.

Best 4th of July ever

Four kids + anticipation of fireworks + beautiful weather = craziness

Cute little dude + relaxing, kicking back + a little ball = great family time

One of my favorite people + big, red fire engine + four kids = laughs, horn blowing, memories

Four kids psyched about booms and blasts + Fairfield's great fireworks show + Harbin Park (best location to view said fireworks) = Ooohhhs, aaaahhhs and shielding of eyes from the moments of brightness

A little helper + the Pioneer Woman's rib rub + a fresh whole chicken + grill + blackberry cobbler + corn on the cob = a delicious 4th of July meal

Pool + kids + splashing = swimming, laughing, love

Add it all up = best 4th of July ever!

Goggle giggles

For the last two weeks the kids have been trying to convince me they "need" goggles for their swimming adventures. While saving money and living better today at Wal-Mart, I stumbled upon a goggle deal that turned their "need" into an extra $3 added to the bill.

Once home, they were thrilled and immediately went about testing out the goods. This involved strapping the goggles on and sticking their heads into the four inches of water their sand and water play table holds. They were pleased with the results, so just imagine the goggle potential in more than three gallons of water.

They now "need" to go to the pool tomorrow for google testing and research.




And the 75 cents a piece we paid for the goggles was totally worth it ... simply for the crazy goggle mugshots we got.

Just a few reasons ...

why our kids are spoiled stinking rotten. But, I know, this too shall pass, and sooner than I'd like, we'll have four kids that don't want to be seen anywhere around us. So until that time comes, we'll indulge them with trips to the zoo and perhaps too much splashing.

Our summer days are numbered. Our days (wanting to be) together are numbered. Our days being completely thrilled by backyard sprinklers are numbered. My memories won't be.

Trace checking out a blue-tongued lizard at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Alivia and Alysse enjoying a red-footed tortoise at the zoo. They would have packed him up to come home with us.

Just one of the reasons why the county's water department LOVES us.

Alysse kicking back on the patio.

Alena at the top of a rope jungle gym we've discovered at a local park.

Visiting this particular park once a week or so, we've learned the walking path is great for bike riding.

We've got four kids that will now "go under" thanks to visits to East Butler County YMCA's waterpark.

A Sunday visit to Kings Island's Boomerang Bay proved popular. While they enjoyed the water slides, Alivia and Alysse named the lazy river their "favorite."

Alena and Alivia check out the jelly fish at the Newport Aquarium. The kids are always especially taken with this portion of the exhibits.

After the aquarium we took a walk across The Purple People Bridge. Spotting a large barge made it super cool for Trace.