Now That's A Turtle.

Buck was called to the aid of my grandparents last weekend to rescue a turtle from their pool.  They only live about a mile from us -- and we frequent their pool.  When Buck arrived at their house he found my mother and grandmother trying to get a HUGE turtle out of the pool to no avail.  Buck reported that it took him approximately thirty seconds to accomplish the feat, and he brought the fruits of his labor home to us for Fawn's wonder and enjoyment.

Pictures are deceptive -- the turtle doesn't look huge in this picture, but it was the biggest turtle I've seen outside the monsters at the zoo.  Here, happily cooling off in Fawn's baby pool.

Though Fawn was unsure, he eventually gave the turtle a quick pat.

At this point, I'm out of here -- I don't do reptiles!

Prologue:  Our massive turtle friend was quickly released by Buck and Fawn to the comforts of the stream that runs through our yard.  So we may be seeing him again.  But, frankly, I hope not.

Lake Pictures from Aunt C.

Buck's sister is pretty handy behind the camera lens and shared some precious pictures with me from our time at Lake Martin this summer.  It's great to have another set of hands with a camera to capture cute toddler moments, and as evidence that mom actually goes on vacation too!

Belle was here.

Buck gave Fawn a fishing grub, which he cherished our entire trip over the 4th of July.  As Buck said, cheapest toy ever (coming in at a few cents)!

Mr. Cool (we can't find the super-snazzy red sunglasses at the moment, so I'm glad we captured them in film).

Already a boat captain.

Fawn's preferred method of swimming: on Buck's back.  Now that's a super daddy if I've ever seen one!

Beach Fishing.

It's no secret that Fawn loves to fish.  LOVES. TO. FISH.  He fishes off of our banister, out of the back of Buck's truck, out of the boat (even when not in the water).  And, Fawn loves the fishing pole from my brother and his wife. 

The beach was my fisherman's heaven.

And, look what he caught, yep, you guessed right -- the plastic blue fish he catches every time!

 After awhile, the reeling became difficult -- we realized the saltwater had done a number on Fawn's beloved fishing pole.  It's now in a heap in our garage -- and fixing it has been added to Buck's always present, always growing honey do list!  (Thank goodness I have a honey who is such a do-er!)

More beach pictures to follow from Mimi's camera!

Back from the Beach.

Sorry for the blogging hiatus.  Fawn and I (accompanied by my sweet mom) have been enjoying ourselves at Orange Beach, Alabama since last Wednesday.  It was Fawn's first "real" trip to the beach -- we took him when he was about six months old.  So not only does he not remember it, at that point he was not a fan of the beach.  Last summer we skipped the beach in part because of the oil spill. 

It was a great trip -- though we missed Buck who held down the home front, took care of the beagles, and worked (of course!).  Fawn loved every bit of our time down there.  While he could have done without the car ride (ditto, my friend), he was a real trooper and did better than I could have hoped for.  He loved the sand and the ocean and was absolutely fearless.  We even went out on the water in a fishing boat -- Fawn seemed to enjoy it, but was slightly apprehensive as the ride was much choppier than our normal cruises around Lake Martin.

The only downside of our trip was Fawn's eating -- he ate horrendously while we were gone.  I don't know if it was being hot, wet, sandy or being out of our surroundings or being exhausted but whatever the cause his intake of food was pitiful.  The only thing resembling a fruit or vegetable that he consumed while in Orange Beach was a french fry (multiple french fries in fact).  To everything I offered him, he would simply say "I want something different."  So frustrating!  And, I knew he was starving.  I'm happy to report that the second we got in the car to come home he slurped down a strawberry Buddy Fruit, which was quickly followed by eating a whole banana.  And today he's already consumed a peach, a kiwi, a plum and a banana.  So thank goodness we are making up for lost time (and lost nutrients).  I was fearful that we were entering a new phase of terrible eating habits and am so thankful my little buddy is back to his old self.

Pictures to follow this week -- most are on my mom's camera, so I need to retrieve and edit!  Now it's time for a Mommy nap (after chasing a toddler around the beach for four days!).

Fireworks.

I suggested that I take Fawn to the Fourth of July fireworks that they shoot over Vulcan.  Buck vetoed the idea in a very nice way.  The fireworks didn't even begin until 9, and Fawn is usually in bed by 7:30 at the latest.  Plus, the weather was horrendous -- rain, thunder, lightening.

I was thinking that I might just DVR the fireworks over DC or NYC and show them to Fawn Tuesday morning, but that felt like quite a cop out.  Luckily, our neighbors came to the rescue, shooting fireworks off around dinner time (illegally, I might add, though I was certainly not going to call the cops as the fireworks (1) entertained Fawn and (2) satisfied an item on our summer to-do list).  The weather was already so dark and gloomy that you could see the fireworks.

I love the look on Fawn's face -- like he's doing something he's not supposed to be doing.

When the rain really started coming down, Buck improvised by making a seat on an empty planter for Fawn to sit on.  He's quite the handy man. 

Maybe next year Fawn will not be as wedded to his schedule and we can do "real" fireworks.  But, neighborhood fireworks in the rain, after a long day swimming, was a perfect way for a two-year old to spend the Fourth of July.

Fishing.

So, I'm done with the weekly summer updates -- the weeks are morphing together, summer's getting crazier, and my blogging has been more sporadic.  But, I will of course, keep track of all of our fun.

At the lake this past weekend we accomplished fishing.  It was a big hit.

 Fawn happily obliged when Buck suggested he kiss the fish.  Lovely.

Two sweet boys and one poor fish (we saved him, don't worry).

Island Hopping.

We spent the Fourth of July weekend at Lake Martin.  Nine years ago on the 4th, Buck and I got engaged at Lake Martin, so it seems fitting that we spend the holiday weekend there.  This past weekend was a blast -- Fawn absolutely loves the lake, and it's pretty easy to keep him entertained and happy there.  This weekend was no exception.  Buck (my constant adventurer) loves to have Fawn along for the fun.  He suggested that they raft out to an island.  Fawn readily agreed (life-jacket wearing, of course).

 As far as my camera would let me zoom (a Canon PowerShot -- the next big Buck and Belle purchase will not be a toy for grown men (see blog post on our golf cart) but rather a new and improved camera).

Back from island exploring.

And the best daddy of all -- who makes our life one awesome adventure.

Mommy Lunch.

No, I'm not talking about "ladies who lunch."  Though that is a nice fantasy about life as a (mostly) stay-at-home mom, I'm thinking that's not even a viable option until one has school-age kiddos.  I mean between the nap schedule and the difficulties horrors of taking a toddler out to eat, Fawn and I rarely make an appearance at lunch with friends.

So, we either eat at home or pack a picnic for the park, zoo, pool.  Let me tell you, I've had my share of sandwiches in the last two and a half years.  I've been trying to expand my lunch food the past couple months and wanted to share my ideas.  The criteria: 1. easy, 2. quick to prepare, 3. semi-healthy, 4. yummy.

Banana and PB Burrito
You need: a large tortilla, peanut butter, a banana, granola, vanilla yogurt, and honey.  Spread the tortilla with a thin layer of peanut butter.  In a bowl combine, sliced banana, granola, vanilla yogurt to coat banana and granola mixture, and a squirt of honey.  Place banana/granola mixture on peanut butter-topped tortilla, wrap up like a burrito and enjoy!  These stay together great for a picnic if you wrap tightly with aluminum foil.  I'm sure these would be great with some berries thrown in too!

Greek Yogurt Parfait
You need: plain Greek yogurt, granola, a lot of berries, and honey.  In a bowl layer equal parts yogurt and berries.  Top with granola and a squirt of honey.

Hummus Tostada
You need: a tortilla, hummus, salad greens, tomatoes, lemon juice, balsamic or other Italian vinaigrette, and taco sauce.  Make dressing by combining 1/4 cup of taco sauce with 2 T of vinaigrette and 1 t of lemon juice (this will make plenty for multiple meals).  Broil tortilla in oven until crisp on one side, flip and repeat.  Top tortilla with hummus.  On top of hummus make a big salad with the lettuce and tomato.  Drizzle on dressing.  If you want to make this "to go", skip the broiling step and wrap it all up like a veggie burrito.

Pepper Burrito
You need: a tortilla, hummus, and sliced green, yellow and red bell peppers.  Spread hummus on the tortilla and fill burrito with as many pepper slices as will fit.  Wrap up and enjoy!

Okay, I know there were a lot of ingredient repeats (I'm a creature of habit!) -- but this is what I've been enjoying on these hot summer days for lunches.