Dentist, Soccer, Blue Crabs, and Cowboy Boots

Another busy weekend.  Friday, we took the kids to the dentist.  It wasn't their fist visit ever, but it was the first visit in over a year, meaning they didn't have much memory of what to expect.  The kids did really well.  They all cooperated and there were no cavities or other problems.  However, I was disheartened to hear the dentist's suggestion that parents brush their kids' teeth until kids are 8 or 9!   I was thinking another year or so and we could pass the brush on.  We are letting them brush themselves after lunch, because it's good practice for them and it is not the most important cleaning of the day.  I am not wishing away the years, but there are a few things I have been anxious for them to be able to do on their own: be potty trained (check!); use the bathroom alone in public places; sit in a booster and buckle themselves; and brush their own teeth.  A relatively short-list.  Some of the things I currently miss: the toothless grin and inarticulate speech (i.e. "call me Kawa".  Actually, Kawa still talks a bit this way, so it isn't completely gone... yet).  Of course, there are still lots and lots of things to enjoy: holding their hands, holding them on our laps, kissing boo boos, being their favorite playmates, watching them experience more "firsts" (like the first day of school and vacations to new places); etc.  The longest list is definitely the one of things left to enjoy.  It's good to be at this stage in life.

Because they didn't have any cavities, they got to take a picture with Flossy and have their picture put on the wall.

Okay, back to the facts.  Saturday, we had our air conditioner replaced.  We spent a warm week without air and were glad to have it fixed. Of course, we were not glad it went out in the first place.  We had just spent almost $500 having freon added (or whatever it is called for a heat pump) and I was hoping the unit was going to last a few more years. Instead, it lasted a day.  It was a week of back-and-forth (can they fix it?  will it remain broke forever?  tune in tomorrow when we will see if part A will provide the magical fix. spoiler-it doesn't).

We also had our second-to-last soccer game Saturday.  Thomas had to do his PHA at Andrews, so it was just me and the kids.  I was impressed with how much better they played.  It is always fun to see progress.  I brought the camera and got some nice pictures.  It would have been nicer if I thought to do it while Thomas was coaching, but I didn't want to wait until the last week--just in case someone is sick or something.  So, hopefully, I will get more pictures next Saturday with the kids and their coach.

Apologies to Coach Paul for cutting off his head.

Sunday, we went to a Blue Crabs game.  It was not at all crowded and the Playzone is free on Sundays.  Thomas and I had wanted to go to a Nationals game this weekend; we were planning on having a babysitter watch the kids Saturday night so we could actually enjoy the game and the concert afterward.  But, with the air conditioner expense we decided to forgo those plans.  Since kids are free (on the berm), the whole family can see a Blue Crabs game for $12.  We had a great time and made it through 7.5 innings.  We could have made it to the end, but it was getting close to dinner time and the kids were pretty restless.  Also, the Blue Crabs were losing 7-0.

That about wraps things up.  In other news, my sister has graciously agreed to try her hand at the Drizella costume.  So, Kara will not be disappointed.  And, having something made by an Aunt is just as good as one made by a Mommy, so we still get to have the "made with love" factor.  A few more pictures, because I can't resist.  A few weeks ago, their Great Grandma sent them the cutest cowboy books, which they now wear randomly.

I am not sure why Jack was on Anna's bike with her helmet...

The world's longest french fry?

I thought this would be a quick one, but it always takes so long to organize and find the pictures (usually a combination of my phone, the camera, and Thomas' phone).