Category: monkey antics

Posted on

A Day with Daddy

Sunday BgK took MaM to her first official NASCAR race. Here in the racing capital of the world, you can either embrace or avoid racing, and over the years, we’ve come to embrace it. It took me awhile, but I got there. We love going to “the track” for all kinds of events.

When Indiana Dairy offered us tickets, I was hoping for a date day with BgK (I still dream about that one year, at the 500). As it turns out, we decided that BgK & MaM would be the duo best suited to enjoy the day together.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has gained another life long fan.

“What was the best part about the race today, MaM?”

“The ice cream.”

“What else did you like?”

“The cars.”

“Did you have a favorite car?”

“No. My favorite color is pink and there were no pink cars.”

“Did you have fun anyway?”

“Yes! I love the race track with Daddy!”

And there you go. That last phrase, right there? It’s kind of what I live for.

Thanks again to Indiana Dairy for setting us up with this great tickets! Check out their Facebook page or follow them @INDairy to learn more about the dairy industry in our fine state.

Posted on

How to Get out of Cooking for a Nearly a Week

Don’t get me wrong, I actually do like to cook. I like to cook when I have ingredients on hand, when I have time to put together a nice meal, and when I have time to sit down and enjoy said meal.  I like to cook when turning in the stove, oven, or grill won’t result in mass sweating by anyone who’s in the house. I like to cook when I’m really hungry, and want something warm to eat.

I don’t like cooking when it’s 90+ degrees out. It’s hot, it’s tiring, and while people need to eat in this heat, the hunger is different.

So, due to a perfect combination, I haven’t had to really cook since last Friday, I think.

Saturday night, I attended my 20th High School Reunion. I wrote about it on Persephone. It was a good time, and it involved a buffet, bar and fabulous dessert selections.

Sunday night, we picked up a roasted chicken at the grocery.

Monday we ate something, I don’t remember what it was. I know if anything, it only involved the microwave.

Me, smiling, because I'm not cooking!

Tuesday night, we went to Victory Field, and had a yummy picnic, compliments of Family of Farmers. Victory Field is SUCH a fun place to be, and if you can snag free food and beer, well, it’s even more fun. The fox was in his glory, watch “the guys” and MaM learned that “the thrower” is called the pitcher. We made it through five innings, I think, before we had to call it a night.

MaM was marginally aware there was a game being played. Marginally.

 

 

Guys! I can't wait to see the guys!

Wednesday night we went to the pool at the gym after work/school/day camp and fed the kids at the snack bar. Technically, I did microwave food for Bgk and I when we got home, but I don’t call that cooking.

Last night, we celebrated our tenth anniversary with dinner at Shula’s. I knew it was football-themed restaurant, but really wasn’t expecting the menu on the regulation football. But hey, it worked. And I didn’t have to cook! (Actually, it more than worked. A delicious steak dinner, with my honey, in a quiet, well air-conditioned restaurant, sans kids? I won’t lie- it was amazing!)

The steak menu was printed on the football, instead of the paper menu.

 

 

 

Posted on

Swimming Lessons: What to Expect

This is the last post in a series about everything you’ve ever wanted to know about swimming. I have to say, I’m feeling rather well versed in all things aquatic, for that’s where we’ve been spending most of our free time this month. Here are the last few questions I asked Javier Urias, Aquatics Director at the Ft. Benjamin Harrison YMCA.

What to Expect from Your Child’s First Set of Swim Lessons: When I asked Javier about what to expect during your child’s first set of swim lesssons, he told me the #1 thing they will focus on is the bob. As in, bobbing up and down in the water.

Bobs! We always start with bobs in the water. A bob is when you submerge your face in the water and blow bubbles. This is such an importance skill to learn and is the foundation of swimming. If a child can put their face in the water and feels comfortable with water getting in their face, ears and is relaxed then this opens up the opportunity for you to start teaching them to float. Once we are able to teach a child to float on their stomach and back then we are in business! Swimming is nothing more that pushing your floating body through the water. Bobs, floating and basic water orientation are the goals for a child in their first ever swim lessons.
In hindsight, the next question  I asked is like the question I was asked the most when I was teaching, just substitute the word “reading” for “swimming” — When Will My Child REALLY Be Swimming? Just as I always diplomatically answered that question, Javier responded:

It really depends on the child and the frequency of lessons. I’ve trained 4 year old kids to swim in kid triathlons! I try to tell parents all the time to think about swimming the same way you think about teaching your child to walk. I always say, “you don’t teach your child to walk in 7, 30min sessions” the more you send your child to swim lessons the faster they will learn. The more they take lessons the more refined their strokes become.

MaM has really improved her swimming technique during her three week session at the Ft. Ben YMCA. She’s learned the names of several swimming terms, she’s learned how to tread water efficiently, and she’s been introduced to three swimming strokes. I have a feeling she’ll be swimming laps in no time.

It’s not too late to swim this summer! There are still classes forming at YMCAs around town! Check out the list of Youth Swim classes (hit the back button for different age groups) and sign up for some end of summer fun!

Thanks again to Javier for answering all of my questions, to Brian at the Ft. Ben Y for teaching MaM this summer, and the Greater YMCA of Indianapolis for sponsoring this series. It’s been fun reporting on this classic summer activity!