Luke Lately

Here are some of the recent phone pictures I've snapped of Luke lately.

Splish splashing in the tub

(Now that Caleb is "like a grown up" and takes showers, Luke has more room to play.)

While he ate his popcorn perfectly while we were at Target, he decided to empty the entire contents of his bag into his lap on the way home.

By far, the vast majority of the pictures I have of Luke show him snacking.

Kings Island '12

Last Thursday we made our 4th annual trip to Kings Island. We love, love going each year and continue to be amazed with Caleb's bravery. The weather was beautiful- low 90s with blue bird skies (I think I reapplied sun screen to the boys like 4 times!) and since we went during the week, it wasn't too crowded. Luke had so much fun on his first trip, actually enjoying it more than we expected. We ended up staying for 8 hours- a new record for us, but with two happy boys, we just couldn't leave! And Caleb is already asking if we can go back!

First stop: the bumper cars!

Caleb loved shooting ghosts with his "boo blaster!" We loved the indoor, air conditioned ride. :)

Luke's first carousel ride. I took him while Creed and Caleb rode the little roller coaster and had to drag Luke off of it while he screamed bloody murder. Yes, it looked like I was abducting him.

So, Creed took him on another ride. And he didn't cry at all at the end. Ha!

First sweet treat- lemon ice!

I still can't believe Caleb talked me into riding this. It went up and down WHILE it was spinning in circles.

After riding rides that morning, we took the train to the water park.

 I only had my camera out for like 30 minutes in the water park but we had so much fun. Caleb loved all of the slides, especially the ones where he got to ride on a tube. Luke LOVED sitting at the edge of the wave pool and cracked up laughing every single time a wave hit him. They both also had fun running around the spray areas and swimming around the pirate ship. I thought they'd tire of it quickly, but we had to talk Caleb into leaving after four hours there!

Lunch at the park.

We've learned to take our own drinks, fruit, and snacks (for Luke.) 

After the water park we spent a few more hours riding rides since there were no lines at all!

Another annual favorite- blueberry ice cream!

On the way out we stopped and let Luke watch the fountains. He was amazed.

My very, very favorite picture of the day...

If you went to Kings Island every year as a child like I did, then you remember "The Beastie." I remember when I rode it and thought it was so high. Now it's called "The Woodstock Express" and this is a picture of the souvenir picture we bought. Hilariously cute!

More Water Fun

Earlier this week we went swimming at the pool in Marshma & Papa's neighborhood. The boys had fun swimming and Caleb was so excited to show them how he swims without his floaties.

Papa & Caleb

Luke is content to sit and play on the steps most of the time.

Using the rail to do a "flip."

Caleb swimming to Papa

Luke took a turn swimming with Papa too.

Wednesday we met our friends, the Dursts and Lathams, at the Zoo so the kids could play in the splash park. This was Caleb and Luke's first trip there, as I haven't been brave enough. We got there a little before 10, and since there were not that many people there at that point, it worked out great. By the time it did become crowded, the kids were ready to see the animals. It was a fun and hot day!

Water Fun

Recently we've had some water fun on the back deck. Luke loves playing with his water table, although he only does two things...

First, he pours water on the ground (and down his shirt, shorts, and shoes)

And second, he splashes. And splashes, and splashes.  (The smile says it all!)

Sunday

Sunday morning I stayed home from church with the boys while Creed went. At this point, I just didn't want to take the chance of one of them getting sick from being in the nursery. After Creed got home we went to the pool and met our neighbors, the Lathams. Caleb and Barrett had fun swimming, while Luke and Colin loved splashing around.

Creed and Grandpa went fishing Sunday evening, so we met cousin Ava at the splash park. It was a last minute trip, but we were so glad we went. Sunscreen wasn't necessary and we basically had the place to ourselves.

We laughed that this picture looks like a posed, prom picture, although hopefully they won't take their cousin to prom. ;)

Roasting Marshmallows

While we were at Lake Cumberland a few weeks ago, Caleb decided that he wanted to make a camp fire and have S'mores. So, Uncle Luke being the awesome uncle that he is, spent lots of time making a fire out of pretty damp wood, as it had rained the night before. Briana helped Caleb roast his marshmallows, and as you can imagine, he loved every second. He also made pretty tasty S'mores!

Just Like Brother

Luke watches Caleb so carefully and tries his best to mimic everything Caleb does. In his mind he is just as big as his big brother. Recently he has decided that he wants to eat whatever Caleb is eating. He wants to eat whole strawberries, popcorn, and fruit snacks, and passes on his scrambled eggs when Caleb gets a PopTart out of the pantry.

Luke is doing much better with a fork and every now and then can get a little food when using a spoon, although usually he spills it in his lap. The other day I peeled a peach for Caleb and Luke insisted on having his peach whole as well.

Luke also thought he was big stuff eating corn on the cob like everyone else, although I don't usually gnaw on the ends. :)

Sick- Again!

I have our pediatrician on speed dial.

I know the ladies that answer the phone, not by their name, but by the sound of their voice.

And, I'm sure they think, "Oh, it's Mrs. Fowler again."

Two weeks ago Luke had the stomach bug. Then a few days later he had a fever. It was a bummer spending the week indoors, but it was even worse seeing Luke so down. We got in lots of cuddles and he formed a serious attachment to his pacifier and blanket.

We went to Lake Cumberland this past weekend with Grandmom and Grandpa. Luke was fussy on the boat Saturday, but we assumed it was due to his lack of naps, the heat, and having to wear the infant life jacket. Wrong. That evening we realized he had a fever. I brought Luke home Sunday morning and the doctor confirmed Monday morning that he had an ear infection in both ears.

Monday we spent the day inside playing. I love Caleb's imagination and creativity...

Tuesday morning we were hit with this...

I noticed when getting Caleb dressed that he felt warm. Another fever in our house.

Thankfully, Luke seems fine now. He did break out in a rash yesterday afternoon, and due to concerns over a penicillin allergy, we are switching his medicine.

So, we will be spending at least another day indoors. Hopefully there is no secret TV police monitoring the amount of time my kids are watching Disney and Nick Jr...

Swimming

We love our neighborhood pool- it's very laid back, rarely crowded, and everyone is really nice and friendly. All the kids basically share each other's pool toys and seem to get along great. However, it feels like we haven't been much this summer because of vacation, Luke being sick, and the excessive heat. You know it's too hot outside when you don't even want to be at the pool.

BUT, last week we were able to go three days in a row, which the boys loved. Creed has been working a lot with Caleb on his swimming, and with all the practice he got last week, he's really taken off. I took this video on Thursday.

We are SO proud of him. It's crazy but a few hours after I took the video something clicked inside him and he started swimming with his head above water! Go Caleb!

This little guy was happy to watch his brother from the shade, enjoying a cup of ice.

Caleb just had to get a lemon Chill from the snack bar after all the swimming. He actually crawled up in the chair and said, "This is delightful."