Golf Outing

This past weekend was our 6th annual Titas golf outing. We all had a blast. Every year we round up as many family and friends as we can and play a scramble. This year we had 84 golfers and played at a course on the West side. My parents were able to come up and visit and my dad picked up his clubs after a few years and played too. Following the golf, we all head back to Dean's sister's house for a gyro party. Being gyro lovers that we are, Dean's whole family decided it would be a good idea to by a vertical broiler to cook the gyro meat. And let me tell you, I was skeptical at first but now I'm as big a fan as any. We've had this cooker for a few years now and it's always a big hit. I don't know what it is but the gyros are just soooo tasty. I'm already looking forward to another party next year.

A few new words

Well Alexis has become much more talkative lately. It's pretty neat to be able to carry on a conversation with her, well as much as you can with a 2 year old. It's quite funny to hear her explain her day at school. She loves to talk about playing with her friends and painting and playing outside. Recently, Alexis has taken on a few new words. She has become very interested in the female anatomy. She has been referring to ladies "boobs" as pillows now. It's really hard not to laugh as she's poking you in the chest and going "these are pillows mommy". I can thank Aunt Mary for that one. She now goes around trying to touch everyone's pillows and we have to keep on her about not touching people there. She's a little parrot--don't touch pillows mommy. I have to admit that this can be embarrassing while in public. Alexis does seem to understand a slight difference between men and women. Instead of having pillows, Daddy has pecs. I don't know what's better; having her run around with her shirt up saying "look at my pillows", or "look at my pecs". I must say I need to get this on video, you know for some blackmail when she's older.

Trip to Dallas

This past weekend, Dean, Pete, Alexis and I went down to Dallas. We were visiting Dean's sister Mary and her husband John. We had a great time. The weather was nice and hot and we were able to get a little swimming in at the pool. The Indians were in town playing the Rangers so we were able to take in a game. It's funny to think that I traveled 1200 miles to see the Tribe play for the first time this year. Alexis was actually very good. I was a little worried that we wouldn't be able to keep her entertained for three hours but she surprised us. The key to keeping her busy is to keep the food coming. She had an entire hot dog, a few handfuls of cracker jacks and some ice cream. That was Mimi and Nono's idea.
The next day we took a trolley ride around a cute little city downtown. Alexis has a big thing for trains lately so we thought she would really enjoy that. Being in Texas we felt like we had to eat some steak so that evening we went to a steak house for dinner. I'm normally not a big steak eater but as they say; When in Texas, do as they do. I did notice quite a few trucks and boots. We wanted to get to a boot store for Pete to find some boots but we didn't make it. Maybe next time. Needless to say, we had a wonderful time and thank John and Mary for their hospitality. We are definitely looking forward to our next trip to Dallas.

Alexis' best friend

Alexis and Andrew are best buds. I think Alexis
is going to be sad when she finds out they're related.

Catching a snooze before dinner.

Potty training help

I need some advice from you moms out there who have potty trained children or who don't and have an idea of how to do this. I keep thinking Alexis is ready. I mean she goes on the potty, but only when she wants to. Lately, she has been throwing a tantrum every time I mention the word potty. I have been bribing her with m&m's lately and now I have even resorted myself to having a goody bag full of high sugar candy. I once said I would never give my children this many sweets because I didn't want their teeth to fall out. At this point, I am ready to buy her a car if she at least sits on the toilet. Am I really trying too hard? Everyone says they'll go when they're ready. I did sit back and think about how nice it is when we do go shopping or stop by the store really fast that I don't have to worry about finding a restroom. I guess I should just relax about the potty situation and just let it happen when she's ready.

Fireworks

Well we thought we'd try the fireworks this year with Alexis. I was thinking that she might be old enough to not be too scared by the loud bangs. We headed up to the park and waited the hour until it finally became dark enough to start. The initial blasts were a little frightening with Alexis burrowing her head in Dean's chest and wrapping her arms around his neck with a death grip. Once she relaxed a little, she did enjoy them for the most part. She did keep her fingers in her ears the entire time but at least she didn't scream and make us leave. It was a pretty good show. It even lasted about 30 minutes which is a pretty decent time for fireworks I guess. We had a good time and it was nice that the weather decided to hold out. They were predicting rain and thunderstorms the entire day. We'll definitely plan on seeing them again next year.

Swimming

Alexis has become quite the swimmer lately. We bought arm swimmies for her this year and they have worked quite well. Last year, she had to hang on me all the time but this year she is able to float all by herself. She's even jumping in off the side of the pool; although most of us would call what she does a belly flop. But at least she's trying. We're still working on not drinking the pool water as often. She doesn't mind going under water either. Dean and I will throw her back and forth and let her go under. The look on her face when she comes up is hilarious--her eyes are huge and she's probably wondering what were doing to her. But she continues to say "again, again". Hopefully by the end of the summer, she'll be swimming all over.