Flower Fields Take 2

While Uncle Bob and Grandpa headed to Uncle Joe's to do a little work on the house, Aunt Leah, Grammie, Zack, Mommy, Will and Kylie headed over to the flower fields for a little tractor ride and flower viewing. The boys could really care less about the flowers...they are all about the tractors. Kylie, once again, took it all in stride.

Unfortunately, the cold Will has had since Kylie was born just wouldn't go away, and, after announcing last night that his ear was broken, Mom took the boy to the doctor this morning. The results: double ear infection. Broken ear indeed. While we were there getting Will fixed up, Mommy tossed Kylie onto the scale to satisfy curiosity. She's 10lbs 5 oz. already!

Wild Animals at 3 Weeks

Kylie is 3 weeks old today. It's about time she visit the Wild Animal Park, don't you think?

On the way there, Kylie slept. Will shouted at her, "Kylie! OPEN YOURS EYES! NEED SEE GORILLAS, ELEPHANTS, LION! GOING TO WILD ANIMAL PARK! KEEP YOURS EYES OPEN!" She wasn't as excited as he was, apparently.

Mommy, Will, and Kylie took Grammie, Grandpa, Aunt Leah, Uncle Bob, and Zack to the Wild Animal Park for the morning. The boys ran around and saw elephants, including one that was actually younger than Kylie, the HUGE lion (as it walked right in front of the window and roared), the gorillas, monkeys, Nile Monitor (looks like an alligator), meerkats, flamingos, and many more. They romped in the water play area, pet some deer, ate lunch, and headed home.

Kylie slept through the whole thing strapped to Mommy. Mommy got her workout in that way.

After a nap for everyone, Will and Kylie had some down time before dinner.

and many many many thanks to Brielle for the very thoughtful big brother gift included in a box for Kylie. Will was so happy!

More Visitors

This week we have a lot of visitors! Grammie and Grandpa flew here from Massachusetts and Aunt Leah, Uncle Bob and Zachary drove from Utah! Will is so excited to have the live version of his Saturday Skype dates here.

They are getting in a lot of play time as well as cuddle time with Kylie (who is 3 weeks old today!) Will, Zack and Grandpa have played with almost every toy we own, and we've visited a few parks.

Saturday Night

Our idea of a great Saturday night is completely different than many people's.

On a Saturday night, these two are the best company and the most entertainment we need.

Ok, and maybe a little secret snack for Mom and Dad after the older one goes to bed...maybe.

Awards and an Original Song

Daddy got another award during his last deployment, but they didn't have an award ceremony until yesterday because the ship was still deployed. Since Daddy had duty for 24+ hours, Mommy packed up the kids and headed over to Daddy's work for the award ceremony and to verify for a very concerned Will that Daddy was, in fact, still coming home later.

Many thanks to the woman who noticed Mommy juggling a baby, a camera, and a wandering toddler who sent her husband over to take pictures for us. Only another Mom would recognize the need for a 2nd set of hands.

Daddy's award is a second Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (gold star since he already has this medal). It's very rare for a Marine to get this individual award twice.

The award says for, "Professional achievement in the superior performance of his duties while serving as intelligence analyst, Combat Logistics Battalion 11, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit Force from February 2009 to February 2010. Throughout this period, Sergeant Platenik routinely excelled when assigned outside his billet and occupation specialty. Assisting the battalion security manager in validating 218 security clearance statuses, he ensured 79% of the battalion could access classified material as necessary. With 94% survival, evasion, resistant, escape training and 100% isolated personnel report readiness, he greatly contributed to the overall 94% pre-deployment readiness enjoyed by the battalion. On his own initiative, he developed a battalion language proficiency roster and non-combatant evacuation operation Smart Book for countries of interest to 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit during Western Pacific 09-02. Finally, for three weeks he excelled as acting battalion operations chief aboard USS Bonhomme Richard during Djibouti sustainment training. Sergeant Platenik's enthusiasm, professionalism and unwavering devotion to duty reflected greatly upon him and were in keeping with the highest tradition of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

In addition, Mommy received an award a few months ago, but Daddy was just given it to deliver home. Mommy's award reads, "This is to certify that Mrs. Megan Platenik has earned grateful appreciation for her unselfish, faithful and devoted service during her husband's Marine Corps career. Your unfailing support and understanding helped to make possible your husband's lasting contribution to the Corps and this Command. We fully realize that your support and understanding was not provided without hardship and sacrifice during your husband's tours of duty. On behalf of the Marine Corps and Combat Logistics Battalion 11, we thank you."

And, finally, Will has decided to write his own songs from now on. His latest, sure to make it to the top ten, he calls, "Sometimes".

Here are the lyrics so you can sing along:

"Sometimes I get so sad.

Sometimes I get HUGS!

Sometimes I be happy happy happy."

Enjoy. (copyright pending)

Gram Time

We were so lucky to have Gram visiting and helping for 3 weeks after Kylie was born. Sadly, she left this morning to head back to Connecticut. Gram is going to need a 3 week nap after all the activity Will had her doing. On Tuesday, we went to Playwerx where Gram got a toddler almost preschooler style workout climbing in the play structure with Will.

Gram helped with lots of chores, took Will for walks to the park and bike rides outside, made lots of special treats and read a lot of books. Gram even went to preschool 3 times and to Pump it Up. Thanks so much for all your help, Gram! We couldn't have done it without you!

(and thanks for the yummy birthday cupcakes and cake yesterday!)

2 Weeks

Kylie is two weeks old today! In honor of her two week-ness, she had her first real bath. Will was a great "help" keeping her warm and washed, and, afterward, Kylie got all cozy in her jammies and had some brother-sister time on the couch.

Will loves to sit on the couch with Kylie and talk to her. When he's done, he quietly says, "Here ya go Mommy, your turn hold Kylie."