Jack and Cate Update -- June, 2009

April, 2009

Cate and Jack's official second grade photos were taken back in March or April, but I just got around to posting them. There's a long and interesting story behind this delay, and I'm pretty sure it ends up being someone else's fault. That is all.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

We live in Texas. Get over it. Just a few days earlier, the kids discovered another small gecko (maybe three or four inches long) flattened within the door jam -- it was like a crispy gecko tortilla chip but not suitable for eating.

Friday, June 5, 2009

We road-tripped to Tulsa so the kids could see [The Drowsy Chaperone](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Drowsy_Chaperone), and Ken Gowriluk and his wife Joanne were kind enough to invite us for dinner and swimming (not necessarily in that order). Both kids swam for a long time, but Jack eventually tired and retreated from the pool to more fully enjoy not eating his dinner.

Friday, June 5, 2009

That's better! He's back to his goofball self...

Friday, June 5, 2009

Ken built a fire on the patio, and Joanne helped the kids make s'mores. These healthy and delicious snacks brought to you by the good folks at [Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows](http://brands.kraftfoods.com/Jetpuffed). (The economic downturn has hit hard, and our website revenues are way down. We're now accepting product placement ads -- please drop me an email if you're interested.)

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Ken and Joanne insisted we return the following night after the show, and we got to see Debbie and Allen Gowriluk as well as their three kids. As only seven-years-olds can, Jenny and Cate were best friends within minutes.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Cate loves pianos, so she was quick to join Jenny at the keyboard. In fact, we practically had to drag her away at the end of the evening.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

On Sunday morning, we visited the [Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum](http://www.tulsazoo.org/). Despite our morning start, it was a hot day, but many of the exhibits were indoors and mercifully air conditioned. Jack carefully considered our request to join in the photograph before "politely declining."

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Jack, Cate, and the undesireable end of an elephant.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Because she waited so patiently and asked so politely, Cate was rewarded with a camel ride. It was so effective, we're now considering purchasing a camel to keep in our backyard. Jack decided that camel-riding just wasn't for him. I couldn't agree more.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Before departing for a late lunch, we rode the train around the zoo. Before we got on the highway, we enjoyed the best artery-clogging burgers Tulsa has to offer. We went to [Goldie's Patio Grill](http://www.goldies.com/) -- Tulsa native, Dan Atwood, would be proud.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Despite the hot weather and blazing sun, Jack somehow convinced me to loan him my hat for the day. He may have a future in sales.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Jack fell asleep. In a chair. In the middle of the afternoon. Oh, how I admire him.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

We've always said, we've got one child who eats and one child who sleeps. Jack's not a strong eater.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

I call this one: *Boy With Underpants* I'm selling a limited number of prints, so get them before they're gone.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

We've seriously contemplated getting a dog for more than a year, and we decided months ago we'd wait until the kids' summer vacation. Before we made this life-atering decision, however, we needed to agree to some basic groundrules. Although I hope it will never be tested, I'm pretty sure this document will hold up well under legal scrutiny.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: Snickerdoodle. We found Snickerdoodle the afternoon before at the [Dallas SPCA](http://www.spca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Homepage_Template_2004), and she seemed like a perfect fit. She's small, which was Jack's (and our house's) preference She's supernaturally calm, even in the frenzied SPCA kennel She's three years old, so we're hoping she's somewhat nearly house trained She's a she, which we're hoping will mean less of a propensity to "mark" inside the house And, finally, let me answer your burning questions: No, we didn't pick the name Yes, she's been bathed No, she hasn't seen a groomer (yet)

Thursday, June 18, 2009

In an absolute fit of generosity, the kids invited Cole's younger brother, Simon, for a little trampoline time.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Simon is a serious contender for "most photogenic child" honors. He's well aware of this fact, and he works it for the camera.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Just two more because he's so gosh-darn precious.

Friday, June 19, 2009

While Jack was anxious to get a dog, Cate was the prime mover behind the decision. When she wasn't watching [The Dog Whisperer](http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/), she was quizzing us on our exact timetable for finding a dog. Since getting the dog, Cate has been administering the full-on Dog Whisperer treatment. Luckily, Snickerdoodle (or *Snick* for short or *Snick-D* when she's hanging with a tough pack of dogs) is completely compliant to Cate's wishes. Cate will curl up next to her (or sometimes on top of her) and twist her or turn her this way or that -- the dog doesn't seem to mind in the least.

Friday, June 19, 2009

At her first visit to the vet, we discovered she was suffering from a cold and needed to be put on antibiotics. After a few days, she had a lot more energy and was a lot more playful. You may have also noticed that she's seen a groomer since the first photo. In the owner feedback form, the dog groomer checked the box next to "Little Devil." This is perfect because I always wanted to worry about *three* report cards.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

This year, the kids decided to forgo an over-the-top birthday bash in favor of separate sleepovers with their friends. Jack invited five of his closest friends, and Cate decided it would be the perfect time to get out of the house. We went to see [*Up*](http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/up/) and then enjoyed a sushi dinner together. Since sushi is one of my favorites, I was anxious to share it with the good-eater portion of our offspring. She experienced a bunch of firsts: Edemame, California rolls, raw salmon, fresh eel, soy sauce with wasabe, and fresh ginger. She wasn't a big fan of the salmon, but she loved the rest.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Jack assesses his friends' singing voices as they sing *Happy Birthday*.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Expected to sit and listen appreciatively to five friends sing *Happy Birthday, Jack simply can't take it. He had so much pent-up energy that he fidgeted in his seat and burst out laughing -- we feared he might need medical attention.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

I include this photo simply because it's unclear whether he's *blowing* or *spitting* out the candle.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

My favorite quote of the night (while playing Wii Tennis): "You're such a deuce!" Back row: Evan, Cole, and Dalton. Front row: Thomas, Jack, and Jackson. Both rows: Trouble looking for a place to happen.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

We turned desparately to technology and purchased a [Pee Post](http://bit.ly/JUeAr) to help train the dog. I'm not sure if it's working, but at least our backyard smells intensely of pee.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

The dog had an unfortunate accident in Jack's room. Always quick with a solution, he commented: "I was thinking of pulling that carpet up anyway."

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Snick regularly attempts to look over our backyard fence. She compensates for her limited intelligence with dogged (ha!) determination.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Interestingly, Lisa has never simultaneously possessed three pairs of her reading glasses. Well done, Cole. Well done.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Cousin Sean (as well as Cousin Johnny and Grandma Mary Kay) visited us for along weekend in Dallas. Grandma Mary Kay (and Macy's employee) ensures they're dressed their best.

Friday, June 26, 2009

This was Cousin Sean's first trip to Dallas with Grandma Mary Kay, and he seems excited to be here. This if Jack's first time hosting Cousin Sean, and I *think* he's excited, but it's sometimes hard to tell.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

It was [just a year ago](http://www.nelsongang.com/kids/2008/06/) that Jack bragged to Cousin Johnny about his [Half-Pipe](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qTOEzg6PV0) prowess, and this year he got his chance to demonstrate first-hand.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Judging by Jack's expression: He's pulling about 12 Gs He's cool. It was all good

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Jack lives to tell the tale. And trust me, he'll tell it.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

While I was in line for another ride with Jack, Sean joined Johnny on the 60-foot [*Flyin' Hawaiian*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Slidecomplex.jpg).

Saturday, June 27, 2009

The minimum height for the slide is 48-inches, but I'm sure Sean is at least that tall if the light is just right or the attendent lacks sufficient motivation.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

After Johnny and Sean's successful slides, Jack decided he'd give it a try as well. We were nearly at the front of the line when he expressed grave doubts, but everyone "encouraged" him to try it once.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Jack was glad (and proud) that he literally took the plunge. In fact, we all got in line a few more times (while everyone else wondered where in the world we'd gone).

Sunday, June 28, 2009

On Sunday afternoon, we visited The Ranch to retrieve Grandma Mary Kay who'd spent the night. Grandma Irene taught the kids to play Mexican Train, but Jack looks like he'd be happier with a long nap.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Can't you feel the dominos-stoked competitive fires burning in these children?!?

Sunday, June 28, 2009

No visit is complete without visiting Dallas' own [Burger House](http://www.burgerhouse.com). If we eat here any more, they'll probably name a booth in our honor.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Due to an ongoing contract dispute, Jack was unable to join us for this photo. We're hoping to reach a legal compromise sometime before he graduates from college.

Monday, June 29, 2009

And one with the two Grandma's. A once-every-year opportunity.

Monday, June 29, 2009

After taking our Missourian visitors to [Love Field](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_Love_Field) for their flight home, we went to the [Ballpark in Arlington](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rangers_Ballpark_in_Arlington) to see the [Texas Rangers](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Rangers_(baseball)). It was Cate's first major league baseball game, and she was pretty excited about it.