Williams First Season of Swim Team - Gardner Acres Sharks

What a season it has been.  William who really just started to swim last season said he wanted to do swim team this year.  So we went with it.  Of course we just paid the fee to join the team and not the $35 tight swim trunks.  Instead if he liked it and wanted to do it next year we would buy the swim suit for him then.  Since he only had 3 meets and a league meet he was fine.  Not to mention he has an awesome "shark" bathing suit and we're the sharks so that worked well.  He was so dedicated and didn't complain one bit.  He went to both morning and night practices when we could and worked really hard.  We were so proud of him and how much he improved by the league meet.  His dedication and hard work paid off.  He swam in the 6 and under meets so next year if he does it again he'll move up to 7 and up.  He did 3 different strokes and I couldn't believe how well he picked up each one.  I remember in the first meet asking one of his coaches if he even knew how to do back stroke?  He picked up the strokes so fast.

Williams times:                 Freestyle     Backstroke     Breast
June 12 - (first meet)         1:16.76        1:47.26        1:13.71
June 19 - (second meet)    1:33.31        1:30.19        1:16.40
June 26 - (third meet)        1:10.20        1:25.12        1:14.42
July 10 - (league meet)         51.76          59.54         1:06.62

He swam in two relays, Boys 6 and under 100M Free relay and they did well.  He enjoyed that and the atmosphere in the relays are wild.  Lots of cheering.  In the end he was so proud of his ribbons.

USA College All Star vs Grizzlies Game

Ok, so the game was rained out and not much to post but, the day that led up to the game was fun.  We went to Medical Pharmacy Center and had an All Star signing and then headed to the game.  William and Kaitlin got lots of autographs.  They got to meet the CWS (College World Series) MVP, Jackie Bradley from South Carolina.  Kaitlin was excited, Jackie Bradley gave her a silly band.  Her comment was Mom, look at what he gave me, he likes silly bands too.  Oh, why can't I come up with something like that and make millions?  Anyhow, in the end William thanked me for his "first autograph session"  he had fun.

Even though the game was canceled due to massive rain storm as always my husband helped make the most of the evening and we danced in the rain.  Ok, so they did I took pictures and enjoyed watching the kids play.  What fun they had and turned out to be a memorable evening.

Holiday Weekend - yeehaa

The 4th of July has became a favorite holiday in our family.  This past weekend was no different.  Good times with family, perfect weather and a chance to celebrate our countries independence.  KK and William are now getting to the age of understanding that the 4th of July is more than cookouts, parades and fireworks.  In KK's words, "its our country's birthday."

We started the weekend Friday night with Shelby's fireworks watching from the middle of the lake with Nana and Pops with a platoon of other boats (late night number 1).  We were up early Sat morning and headed to the mountains to spend the day with MawMaw and PawPaw, Uncle Wes and Aunt Kasey, Kenric and Brooke.  Were first in line for the Blowing Rock parade.  The kids got more candy than you could believe.  William said it was "better than Halloween."  We all had a great time, dancing, laughing and waving to the folks in the parade.  Madison even got into the waving.  Note to parents, always be lined up first in the parade line - more candy than you know what to do with.  We did have a break through moment for both KK and William.  Their were a number of mascots in the parade.  At one point to KKs excitement, she looked up with such an innocent expression and said "Mommy/Daddy, I'm no longer scared of mascots, yippee."  It was priceless.  William wasn't as excited but we were very proud of him.  He didn't lose his composure and stuck in there like a big boy.  Disney may not be so long away....  I better start saving now. 

After the parade, the kids played on the campground.  They are mesmerized by the pond and spent all their time fishing, hunting for tadpoles and skipping rocks.  They had a blast.  And we went on a long hike with the kids, Uncle Wes and I.   Got a bit dicey for a moment when we lost our path.  I wasn't afraid of getting lost (good sense of direction plus I had my cell phone - it worked) but I was more concerned that the kids were going to wear out and I would have to carry them out.  We found our way and all was well.  Had a big cookout and then a fire with smoores.  Left late headed to Nana's.  Late night number 2. 

On the 4th, spent time on the lake, ate more than I care to think about and took in fireworks around the lake for a 2nd time.  The display this time was more impressive than Friday night and proved to be the event of the weekend.  The kids refer to the 4000 dollar fireworks.  A group on the lake had pooled money and spent a boatload on fireworks.  They were impressive.  Late night number 3. 

On Monday, no work for me and we stayed another day and spent most of it on the lake.  Got the tube out and was pulled by the boat.  William says that was his favorite moment..  The kids were tired so we decided to spend another night with Nana and Pops.  Probably overstayed our welcome but thanks Nana and Pops!  The adults spent the night playing cards.  During conversation, we were discussing what the kids had said were their highlights of the holiday.  Come to find out that KK had told Nana, Mommy and me at separate times that her favorite highlight of the weekend was spending time with each of us.  Was very cute but boy, she sure knows how to work it!  I can only imagine what she is going to be like in her teenage years!  Hopefully, we'll post some pictures soon.

The kids and books

Christine signed Kaitlin and William up for "book buddies" at the local library.  It's a bi weekly summer time event with story tellers and kids get to check out books.  It's been the hit of the summer thus far.  Kaitlin got her first library card and boy was she so excited.  Now that's all she wants to do.  Free entertainment!  Daddy likes that.  With KK so excited about her new card, William has been disappointed because his card has been missing in action.  A few weeks back, we searched his room for it.  Our response, no big deal, we'll get you another one the next time you go. 

So Monday night, Christine took them and the new card idea completely bombed.  Free replacement cards are no longer issued.  There is now a $3.00 replacement charge - ha, ha.  On principal alone, Christine said no thanks and said that we would find his old one or he could use hers.  For some reason, that didn't resonate very well with William.  Poor guy, can't say I don't blame him.  We knew it was in his wallet but had no idea where.  There is nothing free anymore including replacement cards.  When I was a kid, I bet I lost at least 10 of them.  Only got new ones because of school assignments.  What do kids do these days that can't afford it?  Anyway, I digressed.  Super Mommy saved the day like she normally does, once they got home.  Needless to say, Will was very happy - he's now back in the game.  Money was also in his wallet - I'm impressed. 

With the program, the kids normally bring home a bag full of books and have a contest as to who can read the most books.  Not sure where they get their love of reading from, Christine and I don't read books and weren't the best students growing up.  What's the saying about gene's skipping a generation?  Maybe this proves it is true.  It's exciting to see their joy and passion for reading.  Both are doing super and we are so proud.

With the book that William was reading tonight, he was near the end of the book, turned the page and started reading.  I immediately saw that a character was called William and thought this might be cool.  William got to the sentence, noticed his name and gave a big pump of his arm and said "YES".  My name is in the book.  William the character in the book turned out to be a weasel, so William the Weasel it is. 

On a completely random thought - Madison is doing great.  She's finally started to stand, hasn't attempted to walk yet.  It's coming soon.  She's climbing all over the place and gets into everything!  Maybe that's a byproduct of being the baby of three.  She is much more active at this stage then Will and KK were.  She's a bundle of personality as well (yes I'm biased and should be).  She's pretty laid back (like her daddy) and hasn't had a care in the world - very mild mannered....  Well that's until the last week or so, not sure if someone is spiking her food or what.  All of a sudden she has gotten nuts.  Loud and crazy..  Guessing that maybe she figured out that is the only chance she has to get a word in edge wise.   Time will tell. 

We're excited about the pending 4th of July holiday.  We give thanks and salute all those that serve in the military, have served or have given the ultimate sacrifice to provide and protect us of the freedoms that we have today.  Think we're hitting the lake and making a day trip to the mountains.  Can't wait.    

William's first World Championship Game 7

Mommy had a tennis match tonight so it was just William, Madison and I.  KK was at Nana's for her weekly overnight visit.  Tired and worn out when I got home, William quickly informed me that tonight we would be making chocolate chip cookies.  A Barnes household favorite.  Now mind you, we're not talking about the kind you buy and spoon on to a pan.  Homemade toll house cookies - simply the best.  Not sure where he got the idea today but he was set on it.  It wasn't the first thing on my list, but I find it incredibly difficult to turn down homemade, hot cookies.  We got Maddy to bed and then started.  William did most of the work himself.  He gets a kick out of turning the blender on and hopes that a cloud of flour will hit Daddy.  It got him tonight!  Cookies were delicious and well if you eat 4 or 5 right before bed time that will jack you  up. 

Both William and KK love to cook.  We've got some rules though.  I'm stating them now simply for reference as they get older (life advice here kids)   -
1) Hands must always be clean.  (teaching food safety here)
2) Don't play while you cook.  (Pots and Pans aren't drums)
3) Sharp knives will really cut you and hot stoves will really burn you. 
4)  Patience must be demonstrated (It really takes 9 minutes for them to cook)
5) Clean as you go (not practiced while Daddy cooks, however, have to add for Mommy's sake)

As we finished up, the Celtics and Lakers were coming on for an epic Game 7 championship game.  I'm not fans of either franchise and really dislike both, but we're seeing history here.  A game 7, you have to watch and you have to pull for one team.  We decided on the Celtics, mainly because of the Big 3 in Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.  They are aging veterans and well, Daddy's getting old and can more relate to the older guys.  I explained the importance to William of the game and he was excited to be watching.  Think the culprit was probably because it meant that he would be staying up later. 

Anyway, we sat on the couch talking basketball and eating cookies.  It just doesn't get better than that.  William quickly grew to dislike timeouts, for they meant long commercials.  Wow - it starts early.  The Celtics took early control and were up most the first half.  It was not a well played offensive game, but the intensity and defensive pressure was good.  Entertaining and Kobe Bryant - Laker superstar was having an off half.  As we got into the 2nd quarter, about 9:15, William was starting to tire.  He went for a few more cookies and ended up not eating one.  A while later, he started playing possum - acting like he was sleeping.  A few minutes later, he jumps up and starts eating the cookie that he placed on a table.  He looks at me and says " Dad, I was asleep and had a dream about eating cookies and woke up and just had to eat one."  Yeah right - I was rolling.  As the half came to an end, he was getting very tired and restless.  At the commercial break, he looks at me and out of the blue says "Dad, you want a piece of me? and starts flexing his arm...."  He wanted to wrestle at 10pm - way past his bed time..  I answered no and off to bed he went.  He crashed hard! 

Sad to report, the Celtics lead throughout the 3rd quarter and the Lakers rallied to win down the stretch in the 4th quarter.  Derrick Fisher, a long time point guard for them hit a critical 3 pointer to swing momentum.  I can remember my first super bowl, NCAA championship's etc.  All around the same age as William is now.  Maybe he'll remember it 30 years from now.  I know that I will.   

Chad

Let's get it started

Hello world,
Maybe that's a bit of an overstatement and the world isn't viewing yet, but Rome wasn't built in one day. So I've been nominated, well directed to become the designated blogger for the Barnes of Bucknell Ave. I've been told that cousin Paige has gotten quite entertaining and her "blogs" seem to be a frequent highlight. My hope is that one day I can be 1/10th the blogger as she is. For the record, our original blogger resigned due to creative indifference. I figure that I'm really struggling to keep my hand written journals for the kids, so this might be a better avenue to create lasting memories. Evidently, you can make a book out of this? Paige really? Sign me up for a clinic.........

The reality is that I'm still in the early 1990's regarding technology. I prefer rotary phones, like Sega - Madden Football the best (NY Giants with Stephen Baker the touchdown maker and Mark Bravaro, was unbeatable), I don't get the purpose of texting or Facebook and am not impressed with the idea of 3D TV. Give me ole Andy Griffith in black and white and life is just fine. For those that don't know me, I'm a pretty simple dude. So enough back ground on the new chief blogger.

With that said, I'm not sure what this experience will be. From time to time, I may rant, I may poke fun at, I might not make sense or even disappear for long periods of time. Quite possibly, I could offend folks by accident or document embarrassing moments that my kids will have to live with for the rest of their lives (already planning to have good wedding materials to share)... For that, let me apologise in advance - no harm intended. William, Kaitlin and Madison - you'll understand one day. My goal is to document for our family key events/milestones, provide a lasting memory of different stages and fascinations that the kids have (yes, the mascot really is a person) and to capture some of the daily grind (ie - 20 years from now it will be really funny that Mommy stepped out the back door bare footed and landed on a monster black snack). And along the way, provide a quick laugh and connect with family and friends.

Ultimately, I need to come up with a Pen name. Maybe I'll let the kids decide what that will be.
This movie is just starting, so let's get it started!

Chad

This one is for Paige

I've been so bad with my blogs lately, OK so it's been well over a year. Anyhow, I'm tired of being on the bottom of my cousins blog list so here I am. Yes, I'm back to blogging. It's been a while so I'll have to recap later our last year. (I'm hoping Chad will do it for me on one of his late nights up) What a year it was. So many things to write about and add.

But for today I must write my quote of the day courtesy of Kailtin: (Today they started to learn spanish in school. (PWS 4's) She's very excited and eager to learn.)
"Mom can we pretend we have dark skin and speak spanish" this of course was followed by her saying uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco....