no apples in spring

So last week we took a little trip with Mr. Rider to St. Louis, he had a booksale in a little town outside St. Louis so since we were going to be there for a day, I decided to find something fun to do, I googled the place and found an orchard that seemed to have lots of fun things for kids. I left Stephen at the booksale and got on our way, I had told JAke how fun it would be, we could pick our own apples and berries, it was going to be fun and he was excited. As soon as I parked the car I realized, it's april! there's no apples to pick in april!!! (and it wasn't the bare trees that clued me in!) so we stayed for a while and played around. "You'll have to wait till the fall to pick apples" I told JAke. Then we headed to the "best" park in town, a scary experience, twirling gay guys, a hippie coming out of the bushes, and then several black guys with envelopes and beers met at the gazebo.
Anyways, then we went to the City museum, which was awesome, Jake loved it, but Ethan still too little for it. Next day, the zoo and a movie while we waited for Mr. Rider.
On a different note, there are several things I want to do this summer. Every spring I plan to grow my own tomatoes, and peppers and herbs. But somehow it never happens, this year, will be the year. I already got a strawberry pot for my herbs, it's in the garage. But as soon as I get back from CR it will happen, I'll have the best tomatoes too.
Also, I want to learn to play tennis, Mr. Rider doesn't want to teach me, so I need a tennis partner.
And last but not least, I want an organized garage. This will include Mr. Rider too.

my new best friend! Sunscreen...

For years I exposed carelessly to the sun, laying out for hours, I didn't think it could hurt me, after all I had dark skin, no problem, or so I thought. I don't think our parents were as aware of the danger as we are now. I don't ever remember my mom putting a drop of sunscreen on me. And now I'm reaping the consequences I started to get spots on my arms, and legs. So now I wear sunscreen all the time. Neutragena is the best! it's light and feels great.

Spring has finally arrived and with it a lot of work around our house. The dandelions have come back with anger, our yard looks pretty white, and it's not snow. So now we'll have to spend our tax return on weed killer, actually Tru Green. Mr. Rider has started talking about moving already, the mowing is getting to him, and we haven't even opened the pool yet!! But there's no way I'm moving after only a year! I don't think we had any idea of how much work it would be to have 3 plus acres. I can't wait till Jake is old enough to start mowing!
Just a few more weeks for Costa Rica. I'm more excited about my brother coming in august. He's taking a desperately needed vacation. He's the only one that hasn't come yet. My poor brother is doing his surgery residency, he has 3 years left and then another 3 I think for reconstructive surgery. The funny thing is that he is stock in the 90, he has no idea of what goes on, what's in style and what isn't. He barely has time to sleep, my mom has to shop for him!! So I'm excited about going shopping with him to bring him into the 2000's.
Looks like is going to be another rainy day!

Long week

Well, we started our vacation at the beach, Cocoa beach, I would rename it ugly beach. I know I've been spoiled, this was the first time I went to a beach where you could only see buildings on the back and there were soo many people. Ethan stepped on a nail while we were walking on the beach, not good. But the kids enjoyed playing in the sand.
I have to say that I have no desire to ever go back to Disney, I'm really glad we went now because the boys actually enjoyed all the rides, they don't really have that many rides for older kids, Jake actually didn't want to ride some of the kiddie rides like dumbo, and at Disney there's only 2 or 3 rides for older kids.
Epcot was my favorite park, but again not many rides. We did have perfect weather, and we were able to avoid the crowds. I really don't understand why anybody would want to go there on their honeymoon.
So, like Mr.Rider I would rather have a quite and peaceful vacation next, no crowds or running around like crazy.

kindergarten anxiety

Well, I thought that by the time Jake went to kindergarten I would be more than ready, I thought I would be doing carwheels, but instead I'm not ready to let go, I feel my stomach drop when I think about my little boy gone 5 days a week for 7 hours a day. I'm going to miss him a lot, but I know that he's more than ready to go, and I have to let go :( I've started praying a lot though, for a good teacher and protection for him.

The cows are back! this is my favorite view while I do dishes, the cows were on a different field during the winter but now they're back and there's more of them...

Easter

This year didn't feel much like easter at 40 degrees. Last week I told somebody how glad I was that we had made it thru the winter without the boys getting sick, I guess I didn't knock on wood because Jake has had a fever for 5 days, today finally he seems to be better. But we didn't get to go to any easter egg hunts so we just had an indoor one at Stephanie's house. We're going to Orlando in a couple weeks for a family vacation. I've never been to disneyworld so I'm excited and nervous, I don't really know what to expect. On a different note, the moles are taking over our yard, I mean really taking over. So I'm on a mission. I've tried before and failed but I'm determined this time. If you know of any extermination tips let me know. The moles have to die!

Busy week!

Well, at least it has been warm and that it's so awesome. The kids have been playing outside, and it feels great! I have been busy working a little and doing this brutal class at the gym, hopefully it will pay off.
Jake's basketball is over, actually it was over a while ago, but I hadn't posted any pics. He obviously isn't into it. You'll find him laying down on the chairs, he tried part of the time...
He'll start soccer soon and he loves that.
Today, we won't do much, stay home, and maybe go see the new Dr. Seuss movie later.

Dreading...

a snow day...I don't like snow, and I know Jake will want to play outside, which is fine, if he would just play by himself and I could wave thru the window, but then Ethan will want to go out too, and Jake always wants me to go out with him. So I'm not looking forward to playing in the snow.
I'm also returning to the work force, at least for a little while, and only a few hours a week, but I'm excited about it. My ex boss called me to see if I could come back a few hours a week to help them since they have several deadlines to meet, I can come whenever I want to and stay for as long as I can. She had me at deadlines, I'm excited to work (outside the home and get payed!) I'll be editing, proofreading, and doing some layout.
Anyways, what is it about Bebo Norman's voice, it's so comforting or calming to me. I don't know.

well, enjoy the snow day!