At the Ranch

Tennis, Cows, and Graduation

I have spent the last two days trying to get my pictures downloaded off my camera and I am having no luck. I think we have a bad USB port, so I guess I will blog about recent events and put pictures on later. Last weekend we went to Great Falls to watch Reid play tennis. The weather wasn't the most cooperative, but by Saturday's match the sun came out and we were able to sit outside and watch rather than watching from our van. We stayed at the McCafferty ranch in Belt on Friday night. Pason got to help feed baby calves and ride the tractor with Uncle John. He even got to name a calf. At first he wanted to name it Maggie after Grandpa and Grandma Rowan's late dog, but when he was told it was a boy he decided on Ace. Today we had Pason's preschool graduation. The kids walked in one at a time and handed their mother a rose and gave a hug and kiss before taking their seat. Then they said the pledge, sang a few songs, and individually answered a few questions, like how to spell their name, what their talent is, and what they want to be when they grow up. Pason did a somersault for his talent, and of course told everyone that he wants to be a garbage truck driver! At the end they threw their hats in the air. This preschool worked out so well. Unfortunately half of the kids are going to kindergarten next year and I don't think it's going to work to do the same thing next year. We'll have to figure something out, I don't think we can afford $95 a month for real preschool! Especially when he's smart enough that he really doesn't need it.

Learning about Safety

Today Pason had a pre-school field trip to the safety complex in Laurel. We got to see the ambulance, the fire trucks, and the police cars and motorcycles. We learned a little about safety and how and when to call 911. The fireman also talked to us about smoke alarms, escape plans, and not playing with matches. Of course for the kids they were way more interested in the flashing lights and sirens on the vehicles. All of the kids got to honk the horn in the fire truck, except Pason. He had no desire to make such a loud noise! It was lots of fun, but we could have done without the snow! Next week is Pason's last week of pre-school. He has a little graduation party on Wednesday. Now as soon as dance is over we will be ready for summer. That is if it ever stops being winter.

Daddy's Home!

Well he has been home. Right now he's not here because he's playing in a golf tournament. Tuesday Jared got home shortly after 3 and I didn't think Carter was going to let go of him. That night we had our traditional dinner at IHOP, Pason and Carter had "who-cakes" and green eggs and ham. Then we took Pason to his swimming lesson. He is putting his face in the water now, but still won't go all the way under. I think we will be repeating level 1. Since Jared has had the rest of the week off I have kept him busy catching up on his "honey do" list. We did some yard work, and got the shelves in my closet finished. Yesterday we all went to the driving range. Carter got bored pretty quickly, but Pason was doing pretty well hitting his driver off the tee. He will be a better golfer than his mom in no time! Seriously. This morning I was giving Jared a badly needed haircut and the boys were playing in the front room pulling all the cushions off the couch. I told them to put the cushions back because today was house-cleaning day not make-a-mess day, to which Pason replied "Well, when is that day?" What do you say to that? Nothing, we just laughed. Anyway, it is good to have Daddy home. Maybe Mom's sanity will return as well!

Carter's Check-up

Height: 35 1/4" 72%
Weight: 28 lbs, 10 oz 60%
Head: 49 cm 70%

As you can see Carter is a healthy growing boy! He didn't have to get any shots today, thank goodness! The doctor said the rash on his face is just dry skin, which is very common in this area this time of year, and told us we could try hydrocortisone ointment if needed. We are so thankful for healthy children!

We also measured and weighed Pason at home to compare the two. Here are his numbers!
Height: 38 3/4"
Weight: 32 lbs
Head: 49 cm

Swimming Lesson #2

He was a little braver, but still couldn't bring himself to put his head under the water!

Swimming Lesson #1

It was the swimming lesson that almost wasn't. Tuesday was Pason's first lesson. He was so excited all day. He kept asking when it was going to be time to go, and all the way into town he was saying "What's taking so long to get there?" We got there early because I wasn't exatly sure where the pool was. Pason wanted to put his foot in the water, but I told him he had to wait until his teacher got there. When it was finally time to get in Pason would only sit on the edge. He wouldn't even get in on the little ledge. The teacher and I both tried coaxing him in, and finally about 15 or 20 minutes in he got in. He did put his face in the water for a fraction of a second and he tried to float, but was pretty stiff. He kept getting out and sitting on the side which you would think caused a severe case of hypothermia the way he was shivering. At least he had fun and wants to go back. He promised he would put his head in the water tonight, so maybe I can get some pics of him actually in the pool!