'Last Lecture' Professor Randy Pausch Dies at 47

This post will be a little off topic . . .

I'm not sure how many of you have heard of Randy Pausch but he was a Carnegie Mellon computer-science professor with terminal cancer whose "Last Lecture" became a YouTube sensation in late 2007. Since then he was featured on ABC, Oprah and many more programs. He was such an amazing individual in the way he choose to deal with terminal cancer. I encourage you all to read the article I linked here and then watch his lecture. It is kinda lengthy but SO worth it.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,391123,00.html

Spray Park

Today we met some friends at the spray park. We decided that we would meet after nap time so everyone would be in a good mood. Well, Lauren was just too excited to take a nap! So, that idea went out the window. Actually, she can do pretty good now without a nap. I'm sure it won't be long and she'll be giving it up for. She'll sleep good tonight, though, as the girls had a blast. They were on the go from the time we got there.

This was Andrew's first trip and he really enjoyed it as well. I just wish he wasn't walking quite as well! He about got a big 'ole bucket of water dumped right on his head but I snagged him just in time. Actually, I think that all of us will sleep good tonight.

Andrew Eating

Andrew has a couple of new tricks at the table. He does this squacking thing and let's just say that he and Barkley have become GREAT friends. Turn your sound up!

Long Time . . .

Wow! It's been a while since I've posted anything. Guess we've been busy with other stuff . . .

Last weekend we took Harris family pictures. They turned out pretty good. Especially since our photographer had to work with 5 kids under the age of 3! I'm on the hunt for picture frames now. I would like to do some type of collage. We had a complete family picture like the one I posted. Then we each had little family pictures and the grandparents with the grand kids so I think it would look really neat all together.

On another note, today's mail brought a post card listing the supplies Lauren would need for preschool. Everyone can probably guess that it brought tears to my eyes. August 21st will be a tough day in the Harris household. I've already warned Elliott that he'll be accompanying us that morning! I just can't believe that it is that time already. She is soooo ready to go and I know that she will love it. I am looking forward to a couple hours a Andrew & Mommy time as well but it's hard to imagine her that old.

What else has happened over the past few days? Let's see - Lauren locked Elliott, Andrew & I out of the house one evening. Thankfully she cooperated and unlocked the door with a little pleading. I guess we need to start carrying our keys with us! Elliott played his last summer league softball game this week. They have a tournament scheduled on the 26th and then a couple weeks off before they start on the fall league. Yes, folks that makes for 7 months of softball! And don't worry he isn't idle come winter because that's when the basketball leagues start up. The kids and I really enjoy attending the games and I can't imagine him not playing. Soon will have kids playing as well and then things will get interesting! Today the kids and I met a friend and her two kids at the mall for the beginning of the sidewalk sales. We are quite the sight I'm sure as we both push double strollers so we take up LOTS of room. Old Navy is having some killer sales. I'll be going back as I wanted Lauren to try on some things that I got before I cleared the shelves. In all a good time was had by all.

Harvest

The kids got to experience a wheat field for the first time this year. I'm not sure how we've managed to miss it in the past couple of years but this was Lauren's first year to ride on a combine. We stopped at the Harris operation first and she trucked it right out to Mike's combine and they were off. She isn't near as clingy as in the past and I'm loving it!! They made a couple rounds around the field and then it was time for us to head off for bedtime. The next day we made an appearance in the field with my dad. Lauren got to ride again and was a happy camper. I might be bias but I think she looks better in green! :)

While Lauren was touring the wheat field aboard the combine, Andrew was exploring the wheat field on his knees. He had a great time especially when he would sneak something into his mouth. The kid will eat anything he can get his hands on so we had a couple mud balls to dig out of his mouth. I guess it must be a boy thing . . . That was a phase that I didn't really believe in until now. Lauren would put things in her mouth but not anything like he does. I'm looking forward to it passing soon.

Playhouse

I just realized that I haven't posted any pictures of the playhouse now that it is completed. I'm not sure the pictures do it justice. . . Elliott did a great job on it. It is 6x6 and at the peak is 6 ft tall. It's great that it is big enough for us all to be in it and still stand up.

We still have some finishing touches to do but the kids have been playing away in it. We need to do some rearranging of the landscaping and put down a layer of rock. I also need to paint the inside of the playhouse. I'm also on the look out for an old kitchen set to go inside. Right now they are happy playing with the table and chairs. The kids are so lucky to have a crafty father!

Carnival

There is a little carnival in town this weekend so we decided it was time for Lauren to experience the fun. She did great and loved every minute of it. This little carnival come every year and it is set up only a few blocks from our house. It is definitely geared towards small children so it was great for Lauren's first attempt at riding the rides.







She and Elliott 'fished' for a prize and she won a stuffed fish.

















Then she rode on the pig train, the cars, the carousel and the boats. I think she could have stayed all night. I guess we'll be ready to attend the county fair in August this year.
















Here's a picture of Andrew in his snazzy new stroller. He enjoyed people watching!