This year is the first time since I started working full time that I have taken 11 consecutive days off. The nice thing is - Larry took the same week off. We had a great time going to the Gramley's trailer, Mom and John's in Peoria, and hanging out around town. Except for the fact that Ethan got the flu on the second day of vacation and Larry caught it the third. Bummer. All-in-all, I was grateful to spend the time with my family - sick or not.
Our good friends, the Gramley's (Chris, Stacie, Dylan, and Connor) have a cabin in Lee County. It's not too far and the area has a pool, fishing lake, and tons of activities. We had a blast riding their scooters, swimming, and just hanging out. It was so relaxing. We managed - er, shall I say, the kids managed to find a stationary train, which has now been named Blackie the Train in Amboy at the Amboy town museum and a whole Thomas section at the local pharmacy. We went for old time soda's and malts (which were delicious by the way). Of course there were tears shed as we left the pharmacy empty handed.
Ethan recouped quickly, but Larry took longer since he's older I suspect. We just took it easy for a few days. The following week, we went to Peoria to spend a few days with Mom, John, Rhonda, Allie, and Chelsey. It was fun going to dinner on Thursday just us and the Johnson's. Rhonda and Gang arrived later that evening. Friday, we went to the indoor water park and Ethan had a blast watching Chelsey on the big slide, and playing in the pool. Larry taught him to hang on the side of the pool and kick, and now he is just all about that. We made pizza's on the grill and laughed with each other. Saturday was time to go.
Ethan and I ran errands on Monday - he was such a trooper, and entertained everyone he came in contact with. We went to the All Aboard Diner as a reward and he could hardly stand it, he was so excited. That place is ridiculous! It is every train-obsessed kids dream!
Today, we went to visit Dad at work, and see Toy Story 3. We made it about half way through and he decided he could not sit still any longer and needed to go home immediately.
Recently, Ethan has developed a fascination with the Boomerang channel from Cartoon Network - it houses the classics, like Thundarr the Barbarian, Smurfs, Yogi Bear, Quick Draw McGraw, Hong Kong Phooey, Dino Boy, Tom and Jerry, Scooby Doo, and now the Powerpuff Girls. I understand a 4 year-old getting into Tom and Jerry and Scooby Doo, but not really getting the Powerpuff thing. This cartoon doesn't bother me as much because there is always a good lesson to learn and the girls are good forces. I usually watch TV with him, so I know what is going on and what influences he has. There is one character, which I find interesting and eery. "Him". He's a character sketched much like the devil. H
e can morph from his original to very big and scary. In every episode he is in, his voice is very calm and he conducts evil in very subtle ways... for example, one episode, he gave the children candy. He was mocked by the other villains but he said "why not give them a lifetime of pain in cavities". This is a concept, the devil, that I think is not so obvious in other shows. It kind of creeps me out, but at the same time... don't our kids need to know that evil can be everywhere or anywhere and even in the little things? And that you can be easily tricked or influenced by the wrong examples? I mean, I'm just saying.
Ethan's birthday was on Tuesday, Mom was here all week to celebrate. In true Nana fashion, Mom spoiled him with treats and toys all week. Nana made a strawberry shortcake giant cupcake for Ethan, she helped him color and draw, and created a pumpkin of many faces. They has such a great time together. I am so disappointed to discover I have not one picture of Mom and me! Wah!
