Catching Up

I seem to only be able to get a new post published every few weeks, but that's how life goes for me these days!  I thought I catch up on our latest happenings...

Two weeks ago my mom and dad took Nicholas and me to the Cincinnati Zoo while Brandon was in Columbus for his drill weekend at his guard base.  Nicholas was a lot more aware of things this year than he was last summer, so we had a great time watching him as he was learning animal noises.  My mom and I weren't sure who was cuter to watch--Grandpa Hales or Nicholas--as they made animal noises!  We were also able to get the traditional picture in the turtle shell that we're hoping to get each summer to show how they grow through the years.

We've also had the 17 year cicadas attacking our yard in the last week.  I hate these little nasties!  They have a huge infestation in an area every 17 years.  I remember one when I was a little girl, plus a few minor outbreaks in between.  Now, though, I have to deal with a one year old who likes to put everything in his mouth and wouldn't hesitate to put their shells, or the cicadas themselves, in his mouth.  Basically we won't be playing in the backyard until the infestation is OVER!

Within the last two weeks Brandon has also convinced me that we needed a second vehicle.  It really didn't take much convincing because I like having the car available to me when he's at work, but don't like having to drive him to work in order to have that privilege.  Then he surprised me with the tidbit of info that he was actually thinking of getting a motorcycle because of our skyrocketing gas prices (better fuel economy, etc.).  He was finally able to convince me, and so now we are the proud owners of a new (to us) motorcycle.  (Brandon will be taking a safety course in driving in July, as per my request.)