May 18, 2010 must go down in the history of RM Cook fam as the day Kyleigh officially became a bike rider. She can start, stop, turn and ride on her own. WOO HOO!

At first I wanted to post this picture because Ridge looks so much like Kyleigh. When I looked at it again I almost thought he looked like a doll. His smile is so dollish and his skin is so clear. What do you think?

Russ and Ridge.

Bubble Monsters!

This is what happens when you mix bubble bath and jets. Bath time heaven.

Ridge's first beach trip...

We bit the bullet and took Ridge to the beach for the first time. He was very happy to be there... for a minute. Maybe two. I caught him smiling during the happy minutes.


It has been so long since we've been to the beach the girls had to get in and play with Daddy right away. Rusty took them snorkeling. Ridge stayed in the shade of his stroller. By the time they got back the happy minutes were gone. Ridge was already snuggled in my arms under the shade of his blanket (100% bamboo fabric blanket, the absolute perfect material for this weather). Ridge didn't get any water time at the Saturday beach day.



Katelyn loved snorkeling on Rusty's back, though.

And Kyleigh is all practiced up for our trip to the big Island. We are hoping to catch the dolphins near Captain Cook's monument again.

Plus she found a huge sea cucumber. Sea cucumbers are an instant kid attractor at the beach and Kyleigh is an amazing hero with her find.

I ventured out to the beach again the same week. Just me and the kids. I waffled back and forth before finally getting the courage to try it alone. I kept telling myself that I have to start if it is going to get any easier. We had a great time. I found that I need an umbrella and the stroller is key. Ridge did get some salt water exposure and loved it. Every day beach weather is around the corner (no, it is not beach weather every day) and I will be ready!

Nasty!

Once again Ridge looked cute in his Sunday clothes. We were trying to get a good picture and he kept looking down. Kyleigh reached over to lift his chin up to look at the camera just as he looked up and spit up in her hand. Her reaction, "NASTY."

Flubber Friday

Kyleigh has been begging to make "flubber." Her friend Haley came over with some flubber in an Easter egg that she got at school and Kyleigh really wanted to make some. It took a few trips to the store to accumulate all of the items needed. Last Friday we made flubber first thing in the morning, pajamas and all. You make flubber by:

Dumping a large bottle of Elmers glue in a bowl (7.25 oz.) Then filling the bottle with warm water and adding that to the bowl. Mix it and add food color. Then you dissolve 1 tsp. of borax in 1/2 cup water and slowly add that to your glue mixture, stirring as you go. You can start stirring with your hands quickly. By the time you add all the borax mixture your flubber has formed.

I was as amazed as the girls with our flubber fun. It forms into a ball and has a little bounce, but will slime out of your hands if you aren't actively shaping it.

If anyone on Kauai wants a tsp. of borax let me know. I bought a whole box.