The Mac Kinnon Family

Today was one of those days when both kids seemed to wake up on the wrong side of the bed. During the night both kids migrated to our bed so when John's alarm went off at 5:45 both kids woke up. So having an earlier than normal start just got our day off rough. Emily was whiny most of the day, Mac cried most of the afternoon over silly stuff....by the time John got home at dinner I just had to laugh every time Mac cried. It was crazy....I hope no one is getting sick......

John got home Sunday night, we went to the airport to pick him up. The kids were super excited, sitting patiently waiting! Poor John had been traveling for almost two days and that evening he fell asleep at his computer. This kids have been all over him the past two days, they want daddy to do everything with them and for them, it's so sweet to see. Hopefully John will be home for a little while......we all are looking forward to having him home a while!

Mac had his first swim meet today. This was a new experience for us all, and a very long day. We had to be there by 12:45, swim warm ups weren't until 1:55 and the meet didn't start until 2:30. So we get there, find out were all placed like sardines into a HOT gym, with no ac and 95 degree temp. outside. We have to find a space camp out (didn't bring a blanket like everyone else...newbie mistake number one) and we sit here for an hour until the kids are called to warm up. We all assemble, the go to the pool, do 2 laps then come back and sit for another half a hour until the meet starts. The little kids (Mac and several of his buddies) only got to swim in 2 events, event number 8 (25 meter freestyle) and number 60 (25 meter backstroke). Event 8 was called quickly, but it took two and a half hours until event 60 was called.......a very long two and a half hours with young kids including Emily. I did bring some toys, coloring books, leapster and lots of snacks but by t...

John is on his way home from his last deployment, he shared a few pictures on-line with us from his journey. I saw this picture and am in awe of what a beautiful and amazing picture this is. John got an amazing shot...maybe he has a hidden talent. These are two hippo's (Owen and Cleopatra), Owen is from one of Mac's books called "Owen and Mzee", it's a true story about a hippo and a turtle becoming the best of friends, it's a beautiful story. Anyway the animals are at Haller Park in Africa, John was close by and Mac asked him to go by and see Owen and Mzee. John did and got some neat pictures (more to follow later) but found out Owen was beginning to nip at Mzee so Owen now has a new friend named Cleopatra....very romantic! This is the two of them, I think we'll blow this picture up, fabulous!

We've been talking alot about Halloween and what to be this year. Last week when we were at wal-mart the kids saw the costumes and Emily fell in love with Snow White and Mac loved Bat Man. Both kids were totally excited until today, when were in Costco and Emily saw a Tinkerbell dress with a head band, wand and wings. She loves Tinkerbell almost as much as Dora these days, how could I say no to her saying PLEASE so cute. I'm all about being fair and of course Mac wanted something too, he saw this Iron Man helmet and now wants to be Iron Man. Ironically I bought the helmet and garb about 2 months ago on sale and was saving it to give to him for a special occasion. I don't know what either of them will be on Halloween but they are sure having fun now! Emily even had to try on the Iron Man helmet, it was almost as big as her!

It's never to early to start.......at least with cocoa!

Mac has a t-shirt for his swim team, so John and I got one too to support the team. Everyone had to tie dye their shirts lime green (such a lovely color), I have never tie dyed before but I think it turned out pretty darn good. Mac was excited to have his shirt done, I hope John likes his! Mac has his first swim meet this Saturday, it should be a new adventure.

We got our camera back from the shop just in time to go to the zoo today! We hadn't been to the Norfolk Zoo yet, it was tiny but enough for all of us to have a great time. One of Mac's buddies Aiden joined us today too. The boys were great with Emily, helping her up to look at things and she was always right behind them wanting to do what they did, whether it was running, looking at the animals or climbing a fence! Emily took a great interest in a sheep, she was talking to him and occasional would try to be brave and pet him, it was very cute. The boys attention span was short and we bounced from animal to animal very quickly except for the ground hogs, for some reason they watched them for a good 5 minutes! Of course the reptile house was a hit too! It was a great day and a nice break from the daily grind!

I carpool with another mom to get the kids to school. Mac's buddy Dixon is a year older and in first grade. Some mornings they are loud and some they just sit and chat, or some days it's both! Today they chatted for a while and I chuckled more then once. Some snippets from today: Dixon: You know Santa won't bring us a DS or Wii because were too young Mac: Yeah I know.....mom says we can't have one Then they chatted about who has them and questioning why they cannot. Then: Dixon: Does your mom cry? Mac: Yes sometimes.Does your mom? Dixon: Yes, sometimes. Does your Dad? Mac: No, he never crys. How about your Dad? Dixon: No he doesn't. Do you think our dads are twins? Mac: Maybe. Then Emily's messing with Tinkerbell and broke the strap to her dress. Mac said he would try to fix it then I hear: Mac: Hey Dixon, look at Tinkerbell's boobs...... Oh my....they start at such a young age. What is John teaching him :)!

Emily and Luke (family friend) were hanging out in the back yard today. They were adorable to watch. They would swing, laugh, giggle, talk and I thought to myself......"this is cute now but in 10 years....would we think it's cute or will John by standing close by with his shotgun" :)!

I finished my third triathlon today. It was my first open water swim and I was very freaked out over the swim. The day started at 67 degrees and raining. We were soaked before we even hit the water. The water temp was 74 degrees so we were able to wear wetsuits (very comical watching me try to get into it), fortunately I rented one in case I needed it and I'm sure glad I had it. I was in the 4th wave of swimmers, it was pretty freaky. Between the rain, rough water and amount of people I couldn't swim or really catch my breath. About 2 minutes into it I almost went to one of the boats and called it I was so freaked out about it. But I flipped onto my back and started doing the back stroke, this seemed to work for me, I'm sure my time was slow but I did the 750 meters... The bike was great, although a wet day and the run turned out decent too. My hamstring injury hurt but I was able to run through the pain and walk after the race which is a major improvement. This r...

While on his journey to his next destination, John has an overnight layover in a really cool city. He was excited to find his next bike.....if you look closely the people are drinking beer while all pedaling the bike......

Mac starting singing one of the songs he is learning in kindergarten at the lunch table, it was too cute. John thought he was stuttering at first, but then got it! It's very cute, I think it's for phonics.

I think this is the biggest chair I've ever seen!

We've been on the go for a few days and haven't had time to blog. I arrived home Sunday morning after an overnight flight from Cali., needless to say I was tired. 3 hours of sleep was tough but I was so excited to see John and the kids. I missed them like crazy! We spent the day catching up and then I went for a swim in the James River to prepare for my last triathlon this Sunday. I was exhausted and slept very well! Yesterday we spent the day at Water Country, it was the last day of the season and a great time to spend together as John is preparing for another deployment. My camera is also in the shop for a repair so pictures will be via my cell phone for a while! I hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend, hard to believe summer is unofficially over :)!

As most of you know my beautiful sister was diagnosed with breast cancer almost 2 months ago. I flew to California to help her through her first chemo treatment. Our dad came in yesterday and he will help keep her company since I'm flying back home tonight. We spent the morning shopping for a wig for Holly. We didn't know what to expect and at the second shop we found a great wig for her. They were fabulous and we had some fun too! Holly ended up choosing the second pictures style and the color of the third picture. She will look beautiful with or without hair, but she will sure look sassy with her new do!

Emily is a gymnast when she sleeps. I have no idea how this could be comfortable.......

John and the kids have had a blast the past few days. Aside from the day to day stuff John took them bike riding two days in a row and today he took them to a new inflatable jumpy place which Mac has been bugging us to go to. It looks like that had fun. John e-mailed me a picture of their delicious dinner, I'm not a huge fan of Cornish game hens but he made one good looking meal! Of course the kids wanted movie tonight so they dined on strawberry shortcake while watching a movie. They are never going to want me to come home.....

When we went to New York we brought Emily home a Tinkerbell doll. I'm getting a little burnt out on Dora and she's shown some interest before in Tinkerbell. Since she's gotten the doll, it hasn't left her side. She eats, sleeps and travels everywhere with her. When I was talking with everyone on the phone today, she interrupted John twice to talk to me, once to tell me how much she loves Tinkerbell and the second to thank me for buying her Tinkerbell. When I called later to say goodnight to the kids she told me she was going to dream about Tinkerbell. Guess Tinkerbell is the new Dora..... PS - I think John did a terrific job with Emily's hair today!

I left for California today to help Holly with her first Chemo treatment and John took some leave so he could stay home and take care of the kids. I'm sure they will have a blast and some much needed daddy time with the kids. Since Chinese food isn't something I enjoy, I never really think about cooking it so the kids really have never tried it. John thought it would be fun for the kids to try so he got some Chinese food and chop sticks last night for dinner. The kids seemed to enjoy it, although John said neither really cared for the egg roll but both loved the fortune cookie! I can't wait to see what adventure they have today with John!