The Sab of Summer

Summer gives me a whole new appreciation for Sab's teachers.  This really shouldn't be a surprise given I'm married to a teacher and truly set out to college with thoughts of being one also.  Twenty students in a classroom just like Sab or even just one another person - prayer, lots of it.  All kidding aside the child has energy pouring out of him at all times.  When he sleeps at night he is out - cold.  I've gone into his room to pick something up or to kiss him if I forgot and it's too late, he is in Sabland.  This being said it amazes me to see him truly surprised by a situation.  Normally, he is the surprise! 

My sister and her husband (aka Captain Jim) own a speedboat.  A really great speedboat.  The name of it is Good Times which makes me smile instantly.  While we were home they asked if they could take Sab tubing.  I said yes but I also have to be included.  Sometimes people take offense to me just tagging along, it's not that I don't trust them; I don't trust Sab!  Seriously an open river, a speeding boat, Sab's love of danger - who would let this happen?  So we go . .

Here he is on the boat.  Waiting for Captain Jim to blow up the raft.  He only asked maybe 10 times how long it would take.  No, that is not my mane blowing in the background.

The tube is beautiful, not really a tube but a three seater raft!  Back in the day when I tubed with a wonderful friend of mine, we literally had an innertube and hung on to it for life.   No, I didn't walk 10 miles in the snow to school!  Anyway, Sab straps on his bugged eyed goggles and is ready.  He does mention to me that he is actually fearful.  I think I asked him to repeat that several times, just in case my hearing was going.

 He's in at this point.  I need to mention this is taking place in the river.  A Pittsburgh river, pretty sure we are not known as water conservationists.  You can't see his cousins on either side of him.

Sab has three, older female cousins.  Current ages are 8, 11 and 13.  They are the greatest girls I know and extremely good to Sab.  Kate is more like a sibling - they go at it, no holds barred.  Nevertheless, they are the best of friends.  Sab being the only boy and the youngest (of this group, I haven't forgotten Mia) tries to keep up.  He would knock himself out just to do it.

The boat is zooming along and the kids appear to be having a great time.  We think they are waving for more speed so we relay the thought to Captain Jim.  Bounce, bounce, bounce - everyone is holding on.  Good times - sure.





I'm choosing this photo because I can't post a pic of an upclose shot of my neices.  Boy do I want to though!  I really do have some great shots . .  please do not be surprised when this appears on the family calendar :)



Long story short, here the girls might have been waving to slow down.  Just as we understand this message and stop the boat to converse.  The raft capsizes - one little bugged boy remains.  The girls are thrashing in the scenic river, none to happy.  Sab is loving life.  Truly surprised and speechless to see this scene happening.  Shocked still actually.  Much drama ensues.  Sab later tells me it's the best day of his life.  Listening to his version of the story later with Nana and his dad - was priceless.  A childhood memory was made for him. 

Bubba Turns Seven

So I'm way behind on blogging anything.  This summer schedule is killing me.  Sab and his partner in crime Mia are staying up until 9:30 or 10:00 every night and not sleeping in!  We have added another hour and a half to slow motion craziness and I'm dragging.  Enough about me - Sab is now 7!  I heard someone ask him the other day how old he was and he very maturely said, "I turned 7 this year."  Gone are the days when you hold up your fingers to indicate your age?

Ok, so my family was unbelievable enough to visit us on the weekend of Sab's birthday.  They all packed in the car - many hips were cracking, my motion sickness sister looked like she wanted to run 10 miles, but they made it!  Of course as my luck would have it, I was sicker than a dog.  I cleaned the house and was all set except for a couple of things the Wednesday before.  I took Sab to his swim lesson and could feel the pulse in my head.  The reflection off the pool was peeking in my glasses.  Yep, I always like to vomit when that happens.  I assure Curt all is well and will be fine if I lay down when Mia naps.  He and Sab ride off into the sunset (aka as Toy R Us).  Doom sets in.  The chills and fever set in, I could barely swallow.  I'm literally propped up while watching that whiny Calliou with Mia  . .  quick text to Curt - I'm losing my noodle and possibly everything I've had to eat - PLEASE COME HOME.  I hear all sorts of chaos later.  Baths running, Curt muttering how does your mother do this?  The dog is barking and he is running around with diapers and pj's while watering the garden, which I like to call my crops.  It was a rough night, but Sab's seventh was not going to wait.

Sab had a great time.  And we surprised him with a trampoline (although I have my suspicions if he was really surprised.)  My dad God bless him helped Curt and my sister set it up.  In two hours time, it was ready.  Many hours later, Curt child proofed and hung various safety signs.  No wonder this man never sleeps at night.

Here are some of my favorites from that weekend:

The process.  My sister always has that smile on her face.  During construction, the birth of my children . .

I blindfolded him so he wouldn't see while he walked outside.  Still think the little stinker knew.

The surprise!  My dad checking things out.

Sab picked vanilla cupcakes with vanilla icing.  No chocolate for this boy.  Look how old he is?!?

Someone was able to sneak a chocolate.  She still believes it is her birthday at this point.  Reminder - it was in April!

Happy Birthday Buddy! I love you!  You have made the last 7 years an unexpected ride I could never have imagined.