Road Trip

The kids and I are gearin up to head on out. We are leaving tomorrow to make a dash for O-H-I-O.

The timing stinks, but we have to go. My Mom and Al just sold their house in Wooster and I need to lay claim to the furniture I want. However, since Pete won't be making the trip with me, I am not sure what I will do once I figure out what I want? Our original plan was to both make the trip, then load up a U-haul, bring it back and store it here in Greensboro til we move. We would have to put it in a storage locker though because we are about to list our house and certainly don't need any more clutter. ...now that Pete is staying here to ready the house...well, not sure what will happen.

So, the kids and I have packed some toys, rented some movies and jammed packed our three day trip back to Ohio with visits to lots of friends! It is a 7 hour drive without stops. The longest it has taken my is almost 11 hours, and the shortest is 8.5. My goal is 8-8.5 hours. Send good vibes and prayers for safe travels, and happy cooperative kiddos.

I am sure lots of updating will be done once we return.

Happy 4th of July to you all~

Drew's Favorite

Most that know Drew would refer to him as a "Mama's Boy". I absolutely adore him, and it seems the feeling is mutual. Heck, he won't go to camp with Izzy because "I want to stay wiff Mama. I want to be wiff Mama."

Tonight I took the kids to the pool and Pete joined us later. I had walked, while Pete drove. As I typically do I gave the kids the choice to walk home with me or drive with Pete. 99.9% of the time Izzy rides home with Pete and Drew walks home with me.

Me: Guys, do you want to walk home with me, or ride in the car with Daddy?

Izzy: I'm going with Daddy!

Drew: I wanna walk wiff you.

...so we walk out the pool entrance and begin to go our separate ways. Izzy heading to the car with Pete and Drew down the sidewalk with me.

Drew (stopped and watching Pete and Izzy walk away): Actually, I sink I want to go wiff Dada. He's my FAVORITE!!!

Me: Daddy's your favorite, huh?

Drew: Dada's my favorite, and you can be Izzy's favorite.

I just stood smiling. Another couple was approaching and she said to me, "Don't take it personally." I was no taking it personally at all! I found the entire exchange so funny.

As Drew ran to catch up with Pete and Izzy I hoped to myself that Drew's new favorite would also fix him dinner that night and put him to bed :) ...isn't that what favorites do?

The 4's

A good friend once told me: the terrible 2's; the trying 3's, and the f'in 4's.

We sailed through 2, and 3 was pretty darn easy too, but 4 has been a bit trying. I am sure even on Izzy's worst day she is probably still better than what many other moms deal with. She just seems to be having a problem with her "listening ears" lately. Either she isn't wearing them, or if she is...well then, they just ain't workin!

With all the battling that is going on between us these days, she still can make me laugh out loud, and thank goodness she does cause if she didn't then she would be spending some serious time in her room!

This evening when I took her up for bed I told her that I was so tired that I could just fall asleep on the floor. Her response..."prove it!"

Where do kids come up with this stuff?

*Prior to typing this post, I was compiling a post of all the awful attitude that has come with this 5 year of her life. Since it is a big ball of me venting I thought it would be better to not post it immediately :) ...might make me look like a really bad mom...

Slippin-n-Slidin

Yesterday we had a fun filled afternoon over at Delaney's house. It was a change from our typical pool days, but my kids were super excited because neither has ever been on a Slip-N-Slide. Jen made a comment how she was thinking of putting baby oil on it so the kids could go really fast. I asked if she could please wait until my kids had at least tried it once!

Izzy quickly figured out how to slide down, while Drew preferred to bounce his way down.









There is also nothing like some good 'ole fishing in a splash pool for a two year old boy. Imagine the fun when he actually catches a fish someday?



And of course nothing beats a popsicle on an extra hot day.



Thanks Jen for having us over! We had a great time :)

My Little Rockers

Drew love love loves his guitar (it also happens to be pink) and plays it daily. His current obsession is watching the season finale of American Idol and playing along with Kris Allen and Keith Urban.



Izzy sings, while Drew jams along. The following quick clip has Izzy and Drew at the beginning and then Izzy slurring the words of Big Girls Don't Cry by Fergie.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A Perfect Day

...yesterday just might have been. The kids and I had breakfast, did some cleaning, and then headed to the pool.

We swam, swam, and swam some more. Izzy now goes down the water slide and off the diving board WITHOUT her vest. She is able to swim unassisted to the side. She is by no means a strong swimmer, and I certainly can't let her swim without me nearby, but she has made HUGE strides in the last few days. She can also do a pretty darn good cannonball off the diving board. OH! ...and today she showed me that she can dive. SHE CAN DIVE! REALLY. WELL! I was shocked!

Anyway, we were at the pool from 11:30-5:30. Once we got home (we walk to and from the pool) the kids and I ran to the store to find dinner. Back home by 6...the kids ate and were in bed by 7!

It was a perfect day :)

Happy Birthday Omi

Today is Omi's (my mom) birthday. I sure sish we could be there to celebrate with you! ...hope you win the Mercedes tonight ;)

We love you!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Water Fight

This was one of the nicest, most civil water fights ever.

Proper attire was worn and no one got water on them.











I sure love summer days. Summer attitude is just so much more relaxed and go with the flow. You see, the kids decided to have this water fight as we were heading to the pool. The "water guns" are new pool toys and they originally were watering my flowers when they decided to grab their raincoats and umbrellas and have a water fight. On a normal day I would have been saying "let's go. let's go!", but instead I cleaned out some kitchen cabinets and enjoyed the fact that the kids were playing nicely with each other and having so much fun!

The Beach

Tuesday morning found us up and at 'em by 8:30. The kids and I headed downstairs for our included breakfast and then got ready for our day at the beach. We checked out of the hotel, and met up with Aunt Jaclyn and her family for some fun in the sun. Unfortunately I didn't get really any great shots. Hopefully Uncle Mike got some and can send them to me (hint hint).

Izzy has always been my beach girl. From the first time she went to the beach she loved the sand as well as the water. Drew on the other hand hated the beach the first time he went. The second time he eventually warmed up to the sand, but still did not like the water. Last year he was okay with the water, but didn't really play in it. Well, this year after 2.5 hours of not playing in the water something snapped...and I couldn't get the boy out! Much like the pool, he has no fear in the ocean. He wanted to go further and further with each wave that crashed. More than once he tried to walk on his own only to get knocked down. Once back on his feet he went right back at the waves - never once crying or complaining about water in his face or salt in his eyes. That kid is certifiably crazy ;) ...and I mean that in the nicest, most loving way.













Thanks again Uncle Mike and Aunt Jaclyn for taking such good care of us! You guys are the greatest!!!

Ocean Isle Beach

Once the kids and I started our journey from Charleston to Ocean Isle, everyones attitude completely changed. The kids were happy and excited, and I was now relaxed and enjoying my kids again. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly we reached some beaches we had previously vacationed at as we drove up the coast. It sure will be nice being so close to so many beaches...hopefully we can catch up with all our beach bound friends on their vacations.

We made such great time that the kids and I stopped at the Myrtle Beach outlets before heading to meet Mike and Jaclyn. Like every good mother, I bribed the kids with the promise of a toy at the Disney store if they let me poke through a couple shops. Speaking of the Disney Store, I need a couple more figurine sets so if anyone has one close by that they could pick me up some then I would appreciate it! I tried online but the set I want is not available online. Shucks.

After we were shopped out, the kids - not me, we headed to see Uncle Mike (Pete's brother) and Aunt Jaclyn. Aunt Jac's entire family had rented a beach house for a week and the kids and I decided to bless them all with our presence for 24 hours. We arrived just in time for dinner! The kids were so happy to finally have open space to run (the wrap around 2 level deck) and adults wanting to play with them. I was just happy to have a home cooked meal and others to entertain my kids.

After dinner we hopped on the golf cart and went for ice-cream. Once back at the house we watched The Bachelorette and then headed to our hotel. I was able to score a hotel room for $85 + tax. It was $169 but I told the guy I would only be there to sleep, and asked if he had a better rate. I saved almost $100 just for asking. The room was actually really nice too! Izzy had her own double bed which she thought was way cool. We even scored complimentary breakfast.

Next stop...the beach! Hopefully Uncle Mike got some good shots of the kids because I clearly did not. I think it may be time for me to finally pull the trigger and get a new fancy camera.

Quick Trip to Charleston

Immediately after Izzy's dance recital on Saturday we headed to Charleston to check the place out. We arrived around 5:30, quickly set up our stuff at the hotel, and then headed to dinner. One of Pete co-workers hosted a dinner so we could get to know some of the other GE employees and their families. It was really nice and their house was AMAZING! They live on Daniel Island and if I lived there then I would feel like I was on vacation every day. The houses are beautiful, the lawns perfectly manicured, and people travel by golf cart. People use golf carts to take the kids to school, go to the grocery store, bank, post office, etc. How fun (and kind of creepy) is that?

On Saturday we got up and got moving (the kids didn't go to bed until nearly 11 and were up by 7:30). Pete's co-worker was super kind and gave us a tour of all the places we may want to live. He has lived in Charleston most of his life and was an awesome tour guide. After 4+ hours of the kids actually behaving in the car (thank you God), we decided they had been patient for long enough. Pete took them swimming back at the hotel while Chris and I continued to tour a few more areas. Man, there are so amazing places to live...if only money was no object :)

That night we took the kids downtown and all had a nice time just poking around. For the record, the kids were not well behaved at all while in the hotel. They were downright awful! In fact when I told Izzy that we would not be going on a horse carriage ride tomorrow like she wanted due to her behavior, her response was...are you ready? ..."that's okay mom. I didn't want to go on the carriage ride tomorrow anyway. I wanted to go on it the NEXT night." Little devil. Guess what sister, you ain't going on it the next night either!

Run little ones run. ...again, they still didn't go to bed til 11!




One of the few moments when the kids actually listened wasn't to either Pete or myself, but a fireman. We lucked out when a fireman invited the kids to check out the firetruck. Here they are inside while he explains how the horn and sirens work.




I don't know where Pete was when I took this picture? Perhaps in the lobby on a conference call. But Izzy knew that I was not happy with the their behavior. She asked if she could have a couple band-aid's and I said sure. I knew since no crying was going on that no one was hurt and she just wanted them - probably because normally I don't let her just "play" with the band-aids and she was probably deliberately trying to irritate me. Anyway, when Drew approached me looking like this, saying "ho ho ho", I couldn't help but bust up laughing. Goofs.

After this we had a group hug, then kissed the person to our right, and the person to our left and all was forgiven.

Monday morning arrived and the kids and I checked out a couple more areas before deciding we needed a break. ...a vacation if you will :) So, we packed up the car, left Pete in Charleston and headed to Ocean Isle Beach, NC to visit Uncle Mike and Aunt Jaclyn!

We've Got News...

Big news! Huge news! ...and no, we are not having a baby.

WE ARE MOVING!

Where?

.....drumroll please...


Lots of craziness has happened over the last 10 days here at the Swyt household. Everything has happened so fast. While we will miss our friends here, Charleston is a pretty cool place if you are gonna make a move.

Dance Recital FINALLY!

Saturday morning finally arrived and Izzy was up and at 'em bright and early. I went for a jog and got back home just before 7 and found her in the kitchen. Not sure how long she had been awake?

The recital was P.R.E.C.I.O.U.S! I wish I had pictures of all the different groups and costumes to show you, but alas I do not. You will have to believe me when I tell you it was cute beyond words. I cried at a couple points in the program. Once before Izzy even took the stage - I was all misty eyed thinking about how my baby girl is now 4 and dancing in her first recital. It is kind of a right of passage, you know? This is what moms of girls wait for :) The other time was while Izzy was dancing. She just looked so stinkin cute that it was kind of crying through laughter.

After the show Izzy was very excited to get flowers from us, as well as a trophy (with her name on it) from the dance studio. A few pictures for your viewing pleasure...

Prior to the show with her friends and dance partners Alexandra and Delaney. Alexandra with right next to Izzy in the dance line, but Delaney was on the opposite end. In fact, Delaney was the far left and Izzy was far right. Pete and I joked the girls were probably placed furthest apart due to excessive talking during class.


After the recital.

Dress Rehearsal

For those wondering Drew ended up going to camp with Izzy again on both Wednesday and Thursday. I intended to keep him home with me on Wednesday but once we dropped Izzy off he walked into his classroom and said bye. I got his lunch out of the car; took it in; and cancelled our plans with friends. I simply came home and was much more productive than the previous day. Thursday he went to camp again, and I went to the dentist and got a cavity filled. Good times, good times. I am very hopeful that he will do fine in the MMO program both he and Izzy begin in a couple weeks. ...more on that and why it is so important later.

Today we started off kind of slow. After a very busy week we didn't leave our house until 11. I would have been happy staying in all day, but we had stuff to do. First stop, a haircut for Drew. Then we went to the bank, Krispy Kreme for a free donut, and Toys R Us for a new leapster game. Once we were back home the kids had a late lunch and then it was time to get Izzy ready for her dress rehearsal.

Here she is!


I must say that the instructors who run the show are amazing! I took Izzy backstage and there was a long strip of masking tape on the floor and it had the names of all the girls in her class on it. She was to sit on her name. Lucky for her she was the first name (closest to the stage) which allowed her to easily watch all the routines. She was also able to spot me in my seat. I sat in the seat I have assigned for tomorrow so she would know where to find me.

She found me ;)


We were allowed to take pictures today (no flash) and video tape, so I did the video camera and handed the lady next to me my camera. Unfortunately I didn't check the setting and had it set wrong. No biggie because I didn't think I was going to get any actual pictures of her dancing. I figure the grandparents will want to see these even if they are poor quality. Look how happy she looks.








Finally, at the end of the show the girls all came out for a bow. After all the performers bowed, music began playing and the instructors told the girls to dance any way they wanted. Izzy thought this was so cool! She just bounced around and turned circles. She can't wait for the real performance tomorrow. She is super excited for her daddy and Drew to watch her dance.



Don't tell her, but I had a cute girlie bouquet made up for her at the florist. Pete and Drew will give it to her after the recital.

It Was Hardest on Me...

So, the morning started with me leaving both Izzy and Drew at camp. To say I was lost without Drew would be an understatement. After I dropped him off I had to call and cancel our plans with friends. Since I didn't have a child, I saw no reason to go hang out at the Science Center. Instead I went to Costco to put gas in the car, and then to Target for some things. I clearly can't function without a child - I thought I was putting gas in my car, only to have the station attendant approach my window and ask if I needed help. Apparently after inserting my debit card, I never actually put the gas nozzle into the gas tank! Can you say dumba$$.

I am ashamed to say that I accomplished very little with my 4 hours. I basically walked around like a lost puppy dog trying to figure out what to do. I picked up the kids at 1 and Izzy had a fantastic day and Drew did pretty well. They told me he asked for me a few times and would cry, but then would be just fine. They said after lunch he really perked up. SH!T...the boy didn't eat breakfast yesterday because I was taking him to breakfast after we dropped Izzy off. He must have been SO hungry!

Last night while talking to the kids about camp Drew told me, "I wanted Mama. I just wanted you, Mama." It was so heartbreaking. I also got SO many "I love you's" from him yesterday. That right there was almost worth leaving him for! He also just kissed all over me. "I want to kiss your eye. Now I want to kiss your nose. Now I kiss your wips." So, I explained to Izzy that Drew would not go to camp tomorrow, but probably would go on Thursday. She really wanted him to go, but understood that he might be too sad two days in a row. She is such a great kid and an awesome big sister!

Once we got home from camp I figured the kids would be wiped out and need some downtime before we hit the pool. Was I wrong! I think they were so excited to see one another again that they were bouncing off the walls! We chilled out for an hour or so and then headed to the pool. Both the kids went off the diving board for the first time this season. It was Drew's first time to go off the board by himself! I wish I had a video of his little face right before he jumped. He look so scared! However, as soon as he popped back up he said he wanted to do it again. They jumped over and over and over and over and over again! Finally I had to tell them that McDonalds was going to close if we didn't leave soon.

Here are a couple pool pictures. They aren't very good, but they will give the grandparents the fix they need...




We left the pool about 5 and since Pete is out of town we went through McDonald's drive through for dinner. I never thought I would say that I am excited that my kids will eat fast food, but I am. It has only been in the last couple months that I can order a happy meal (plain burger for Izzy and nuggets with ranch and ketchup for Drew) and know that they will eat it.

Once home the kids ate, and were in bed by 7! Aaaaahhhhhhh....

Preschool Promotion

How ever did I forget this significant day? Izzy had her 3 year old preschool promotion on Friday, May 22nd. My fantastic friend Stephanie kept Drew for me so that Pete and I were able to focus all our attention on Izzy and her special day! ...I know poor Stephanie always seems to be helping me out with one or both kids, but on this day I bought her and RC lunch...Panera :) If you know Stephanie and RC then you know this is huge!

My once very shy and timid girl entered the gym this way.


The entire preschool. We were fortunate that Izzy was in the front row.


Here she is singing...right next to her best friend Sarah. Those two are the best of friends. I think they actually finish sentences for one another :)










Finally, we have a picture of Izzy with her awesome 3 year old class teachers!

Feeling Lost

I am a bit out of my element right now. Drew decided to stay at camp with Izzy today. I feel completely lost right now. Part of my heart is missing. I remember this feeling when Izzy first started school and was prepared for it, but I was in no way prepared for what happened today.

Izzy is scheduled to go to camp this week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. In addition to camp she also has dance rehearsals this week. She is going to be one tired cookie.

I dropped Izzy off in her classroom and started to leave with Drew. As we walked past the classroom Drew would be in had I registered him, I asked him if he wanted to go to camp. I was thinking someday...not today! He said, "Okay" and walked into the room. I looked at the director and asked if I could leave him. He gave me a hug and kiss and off I went. I did stop by Izzy's classroom on my way out to let her know that Drew would be staying as well. I didn't want her to be confused if she saw him outside or in the halls.

Now what to do???? 4 hours. I've got 4 hours. My head is racing at all that I should be doing, yet I walk around aimlessly because I feel so lost.

How can this little boy who refers to himself as "Baby Jesus" (this was taken last week) be old enough for camp?



I wonder if he will want to go back tomorrow?

*I have lots of blog catching up to do...and Aunt Jaclyn we didn't forget your birthday. We sang you a special little song that I will send you soon :)