Itchy and Sore

I seem to be slightly unlucky when it comes to getting itchy rashes. I got poison ivy the week of my wedding, and honestly have no idea how I came into contact with it. When we first arrived in OK, I got a really itchy rash. We had no idea what that was until we learned of chiggers. Growing up in MA, I had never heard of them at all. I learned quickly that I wouldn't be sitting in the grass unless I wanted an intensely itchy rash that could last 2 weeks. I must have forgot that lesson when I moved to TN. The other day I sat out in the backyard while Ryan played outside. Lo and behold, I have been bitten. I have the marks across my stomach, a little on my arm, and yes, on my face. I really didn't need any help feeling more uncomfortable and unattractive, but thank you , little buggers, I am now bordering miserable. Well, I'm not quite that unhappy, but seriously, did I need a rash?

Today I'm exhausted. This morning we woke up early to go to post for the 2nd Annual Run for the Fallen. They had a 1 mile, 5 mile, and 10 mile event. I had been telling Pat we should do the 5 mile, but he was convinced it would take us too long to walk that and it would be too hot out. When we arrived and he saw how many others were walking the 5 mile course with strollers, he immediately changed his tune and said we should do the 5 miles. I'm always up for a challenge, and we did complete it. I will admit that I was slightly waddling by the end, a bit sore, and definitely tired. I was proud to finish and also that we weren't the last ones.

Now I need rest.

Horses, Slides, and Memories

Yesterday afternoon we took a ride over to the horse stables on post to show Ryan the horses. At first Ryan was really unsure of the large animals. He would cling to me or Pat. Pat and I joke that we have a chicken for a child. Finally, we placed Ryan on the ground to stand near the horses. After a few minutes he gathered his courage and approached a few of the horses. In fact he got a bit closer than I was comfortable with for a few seconds there. Ryan would make funny faces at the horses, and seemed to wonder why they were looking at him with such long faces :) While Ryan had warmed up to the horses, he was still a bit timid. If any of the horses leaned their head too close, Ryan would jump away. Overall though, he really liked this experience. He was very upset when we were putting him back into his car seat.

Across from the stables was a play area that we took Ryan to. He hadn't been to this one yet, and he really loved the slide. It was one of those slides that curves around. Every time Ryan went down he had the biggest smile on his face. He couldn't be bothered to try any of the other play equipment. He had a one track mind with that slide. After about 20 minutes or so of sliding we headed back to the car to run our errands.

Although I didn't bring my camera, I have the memories that will hopefully last a lifetime of his smiles from this adventure. And those are priceless.

Feeding the Ducks

The other morning after dropping off Pat's car at the dealership for some scheduled maintenance, we planned to go feed the ducks. On the drive from the dealership to the park, Ryan placed Pat's hat over his face and fell asleep.

Our intention of going to the park was to get some fresh air and explore nature.
And of course to feed the ducks. Unfortunately we saw a sign posted saying "Do not feed the ducks!" Well, when we got out of the car the ducks all came running over so I couldn't resist breaking the rules a little. Pat and I brought 3 pieces of bread out of the car (less than the whole loaf we had set aside for them).
Ryan was a little grumpy from being woken up and was wondering why were were spending time with the ducks. He just stood there and gave the ducks his evil eye.
Pretty soon he was surrounded by ducks, geese, and what not.
Honestly, who wouldn't be a little afraid? ;)
After a few minutes of feeding the ducks, we decided to walk on the path around the water. As you can see Ryan was still not his happy self yet.
But eventually he warmed up and started having fun running free on the path. He was really enjoying it there once he woke up.


When we got home, I had to go out back to check on the dogs. Two of them were in the backyard when I entered the kitchen, and if you know my dogs, you know that is weird. I went out to check on them, and they seemed fine. By the time I got back in, I saw we had a mouse in our house. His name was Ryan, and he was nibbling on ALL the donuts. You can see he's holding a jelly donut and also notice there is a bite taken out of the chocolate frosted. He's a silly boy that loves donuts (or nonuts as he calls them).

Air Show

Last weekend as part of Week of the Eagles, there was an Air Show on post. Pat and I met up on post to take Ryan there. It was so much fun, but also very hot being surrounded by concrete. Ryan and I lasted about 2 hours before we were both overheated. We got to see lots of cool stuff though, and it made for a fun day.

Ryan sitting inside the Blackhawk.

Ryan behind the controls.
He's "flying" it.
My handsome boys :)

Ryan becoming a prisoner of war.
POW

Bubbles

Ryan was enjoying blowing bubbles sitting like a nice, big boy on the deck last night. I couldn't resist grabbing the camera to snap a few photos. I'm glad I caught a few good photos before he had a melt down when he wanted to play with the grill and his mean Mommy said no!

Shower Cap

This morning I was getting ready to meet Pat at the Air Show on post. I had to take a shower but didn't want to wash my hair. I had just bought a shower cap at walgreens the other day and got it out to use it. While I showered Ryan was playing in my room and watching TV. I quickly showered, dried myself off, and put the cap on the vanity. Then I had to go down to the laundry room to get some stuff. I could hear Ryan closing doors in my room and knew he was up to something. When I got back to the room, I couldn't find him anywhere. I began to get nervous. That is until I opened the shower door and found him like this...

Swimming

Pat's parents came to visit this weekend. We were able to take Ryan for a little swim in the pool at their hotel. Ryan had such a fun time. Here are a few photos. (There are a few more on Facebook too.)