Thetas in Miami.

For the past 5 days, Jami has been in Miami with more than 560 other members of Kappa Alpha Theta for Grand Convention 2008. She continues her Theta volunteer work as a District Director of Risk Management advising 16 chapters in Southern California, Arizona, and Nevada (yes, these are very social chapters, too, so she stays busy!) One of the perks of volunteering is occasional travel, and Grand Convention is always a favorite trip! Staying at the fabulous Doral Resort was not bad either, although it was hard to get used to the intense humidity after living in dry climates for so long! The week was a great chance to meet collegiate and alumnae members from all over the United States and Canada and reconnect with many Theta friends through the ages. Another highlight was that one of the chapters in her district -- Omicron Chapter at University of Southern California -- won the Founder's Award for overall excellence among all Theta chapters. It was certainly an exciting week filled with facilitating sessions, reviewing legislation, and having many meetings! Check out the photos below and here: Grand Convention 2008 Slideshow.

The Directors of Risk Management show off their Miami Vice attire for the White Party on Friday night.

On our free afternoon, we attempted to hit the beach ... only problem was the massive thunderstorm!

The final banquet includes a procession by chapter of initiation. The Delta Eta Thetas of Kansas State show off their purple pride!

Jami & Amy Bartel Lingenfelser were in the chapter at the same time. Amy now is the Advisory Board Chair at Duke. It was great to catch up with her!

What fun to reunite with these Phoenix Theta friends Heather, Stacie & Anne!

Hot lava.

Luke. Mom. The Volcano.

This week's "mom school" lesson is focused on volcanoes. What better way to learn about volcanoes than to make one and watch it erupt! We made one volcano and tested 2 different kinds of lava: 1) the traditional baking soda and vinegar combo and 2) Diet Coke and Mentos. We had hoped the latter lava would be a bit more explosive, but not the case. Here's some video of our science experiment with Lava #1. Luke is bubbling over with excitement in this video!

Brotherly love.

Usually, the boys get along fairly well. Sure, they have their occasional squabble over a toy which leaves Reid screeching in disapproval and Luke snickering that once again he's succeeded in pushing his brother's buttons ... but in the last few weeks you can tell they are enjoying being brothers more and more. Reid aspires to do all the things that Luke does, and Luke really gets a kick out of Reid's antics. Together, they make a great pair.

Supermen in the swings. (If you lean forward in the baby swings, you can fly like Superman!)

Luke wanted to try and pull Reid with HIS bike. We weren't sure he could do it, but the two were off and rolling. Luke was all too excited to show off to his friends that he could pull Reid in the trailer. Reid was all too excited to just be going for a ride.

The Rookie.

Luke has been really interested in baseball lately. This afternoon we ventured out for a little wiffleball game in the park. Check out the rookie in action! (The mountains at sunset make a nice backdrop.)

Father's Day Camping Trip.

What better way to celebrate Dad's Day than with a camping trip! Mimi, Papa & the Leahy 4 headed out for a camping adventure this weekend. Our camping destination (after learning our first few choices were all booked) was the Castle Rock Campground. It was a mere 20 minutes from our house and featured fantastic amenities like a pool, teepees, hayrack ride, and more! Half the crew slept in the Airstream (Mimi, Papa & Luke), and the rest slept in the tent (Scott, Jami & Reid). One highlight of the weekend ... the Renaissance Festival was located nearby, so the campground was also the weekend home to MANY people working there. Yes, we had our own entertainment watching folks wander by our campsite in full Renaissance Festival attire. Click on this link for an album with more pics: Father's Day '08 Camping Trip.

Scott & the boys in a teepee

Mini mountain biker Luke

Rowdy Reid at bedtime. What a night owl!

Banner Playdate.

Once upon a time, there were 3 gals who used to work in public relations for Banner Health... and today they all met for a playdate at Monument Valley Park! Jami used to work with Torie (who lives in Colorado Springs) and Nancy (who was here from Phoenix visiting family). It was great to see Nancy and her two kids Sam and Drew. What fun to catch up on several years since our hospital days until now!

Fishing expedition.

The Leahy fishermen in pursuit of a whopper!

This week's summer learning lesson (AKA "Mom School" as Luke calls it) involves the theme of camping, which leads up to a Father's Day camping trip planned for this next weekend. So Mom and the boys ventured out to Monument Lake for a little fishing trip today. We didn't have any bites, but we did learn a bit more about crawdads and the phenomenon that boys cannot avoid stepping in water ... even cold water! Luke used his fishing pole, and Reid thought he was fishing even though we just gave him a long stick.

New wheels.

This weekend, Jami found a bike for Scott at a garage sale. It is an early Father's Day present because she thought his old bike from college (yes, COLLEGE!!) needed to be upgraded since it was stuck on the hardest gear and was impossible to ride up the steep hills in our neighborhood. We tuned up the bike (which was a steal of a deal) and it rides like a dream. With his new wheels, Scott has decided to bike to work on occasion now that the weather is oh-so-nice! Here he is ready to take off on the 3.5 mile trek to RT Logic. It's a win-win for Scott ... save on fuel costs and incorporate a workout!

Line of Leahys.

When watching TV in the morning, it is important that you claim your spot on the "dad chair."

Birthday buddies.

This afternoon Luke & Reid helped their pals Sam & Ty celebrate their 2nd birthdays at My Gym with a Blue's Clues inspired party.

The birthday boys in the ball pit.

Jami gives Reid a rock-n-roll ride!

Reid LOVED driving this car ... especially when it was dad-powered.

Wheeeee ... Luke rides the zipline!

One small step for mankind....

Reid has mastered some new tricks at the park ... like climbing up a curved ladder. He's a brave little guy, and we have to watch that his courage doesn't get too far ahead of him. Check out the video below featuring special guest and stunt spotter Papa.

Biker boy.

Since school's been out, Luke has been spending a lot of time cruising up and down the street on his bike with the older neighborhood kids. His training wheels have been a good safety net, but in the past week, we've noticed those wheels barely touching the ground and his balance improving. Several times we've asked him about going without his training wheels, but he was very insistent about keeping them on his bike. Today Mom convinced him to just give it a TRY ... and if he didn't like it, the training wheels could go right back on. He was off and rolling in no time with no looking back. Major milestone ahead ... check out the video below! (Scroll down and click on the play button. The video blends in with the blog background.)

Yes, he has already mastered the stand-up-and-pedal technique and the go-very-fast-and-make-Mom-fret skill.

Take me out to the ballgame.

Tonight the Leahy crew ventured out to cheer on the SkySox, the city's AAA Minor League affiliate for the Rockies. The ballpark offers $2 Tuesdays, so tickets and parking were a deal! Luke enjoyed keeping tabs on the mascot Sox the Fox, and Reid was really observant of all the sights and sounds ... letting out a "whoa!" every now and then.

This baseball outing also goes along with some summer learning that Jami has planned for the boys. Each week has a different theme; this week the boys have baseball themed activities and lessons. What a fun field trip for the whole family!

Fountain of Youth.

The gorgeous 80 degree weather lured us out and about today with a destination of Downtown Colorado Springs to visit the Uncle Wilber Fountain. This fountain mixes art with play in a whimsical statue that rises up with catchy music while squirting water. (If you can't tell from the photo, it's a man playing a tuba.) Kids and parents were splashing about the base of the fountain in the pop jets. Luke & Reid were a bit reserved at first, but then they warmed up.

Watching from the sidelines & checking out the scene.

Castlewood Canyon.

A-hiking we will go! This morning the Leahy crew was up and at 'em to travel north to go hiking at Castlewood Canyon. Amidst the plains and rolling hills just east of Castle Rock sits the picturesque Castlewood Canyon area of large rocks, pine trees, and the trickling Cherry Creek. Highlights of the hike included seeing chipmunks, bluebirds, a small snake, and a bunch o' bugs.

Innovation.

Scott has been with RT Logic now for a little over 6 months. The company seems to be a great fit for his career and for him personally. Last week, the company had a quarterly employee meeting, and Scott received an award recognizing his "innovation" for a project he's dedicated much time and talent to over the past few months. We are so proud of his efforts. Way to go, Scott!

16-ft. Sneeze.

Today we went to the zoo, and today perhaps Reid had an encounter with the giraffes that scarred him for life. You see, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has this very neat observation deck that allows you to be at eye level with the giraffes and feed them snack crackers. Usually, Reid wants nothing to do with these long-necked creatures, but today he was feeling brave and ready to try feeding them a cracker. Buckled into his stroller and with the treat in hand, Reid held up the cracker for his spotted pal. The long neck and even longer giraffe tongue stretched over the fence to almost within a lick's reach. However, at that same moment came a bizarre sound and strange spray. The giraffe sneezed on us!! Jami started laughing at the odd turn of events. Reid started screaming because he was so freaked out by what had just happened. Luke started asking questions, "What was that?!" We did eventually get Reid calmed down, but it's pretty likely he won't want to linger around the giraffe exhibit at any future zoo visits. The above photo was taken several hours after the sneezing incident ... he's obviously a little happier!

The Leahy Boys.

Some fun photos of the Leahy boys.

Fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, nephews & cousins ... Eric, Stratton, Paul, Luke, Sawyer, Scott & Reid.

Luke, Reid & Eric model their plaid shorts. J Crew might want them for an ad!

Cousins on the couch ... Stratton, Reid, Luke & Sawyer ham it up!

Buzzin' Cousins.

What a treat it has been for Luke and Reid to enjoy so much time with their cousins ... first Dalton last week and then Sawyer and Stratton this week. Here are some fun photos of the buzzin' cousins. These boys are busy lil' guys!

Bubble up! Dalton gives Luke a pat on the back about his bubble-making skills.

Cousins who play together ... sip together. Reid and Dalton take a time out for a beverage break.

Here are a couple of computer-gaming cuties. Sawyer and Luke play a game or two. No online poker yet...

Scott has two little blondies in tow with Reid & Stratton. We were outside checking out the jets flying over the Air Force Academy.

May Visitors: Round 2

This is one Memorial Day weekend full of good memories! We are blessed to have more family visiting us, and this time it's Scott's side of the family! Eric & Charity flew in on Saturday, and Paul, Juli, Sawyer & Stratton flew in on Sunday. What fun to show them our new city and the gorgeous sights! Here are a few highlights of the visit so far...

Lunching at Adam's Mountain Cafe in Manitou Springs with Eric & Charity.

Eric & Scott (and 2 monkeys on their backs) hiking at Garden of the Gods.

Italian fare, Colorado wines & the fam ... Juli, Paul, Jami, Scott, Eric & Charity. (We fed the younger Leahys first and sent them outside to play so we could enjoy a peaceful meal!)

Grandparents & grandsons.

When the Goffs were here visiting, we took this grandparents & grandsons photo. The boys really show off their Swedish heritage with that blonde hair!

Grandma & Grandpa Nelson and their 3 grandsons Dalton, Luke & Reid.

School's out for the summer!

Luke officially wrapped up his first year of preschool with a "graduation" ceremony this afternoon. He will still be in preschool next year, but some of the students in his class will be stepping up to kindergarten so this was a fun way to celebrate the end of the year with some songs and even a diploma! Here are some pictures of the graduate.

Forget formal handshakes ... this graduate gets a hug from his teacher Mrs. Blazi and a diploma from Mrs. Malone!

The Leahy men at the graduation ceremony.

Weekend at the Cabin.

When Jami was away in California, Scott and the boys joined our friends Joe & Mary Fran and their dog & cat for a weekend at their family cabin near Gunnison, CO. This part of Colorado still has a lot of snow ... in fact it snowed while they were there! Scott, Luke & Reid had a blast at the cabin! Luke enjoyed the hot tub and checking out the snowmobile, while Reid became fast friends with Penelope the Dog. (A big thank you to Mary Fran for sending these great photos from the weekend!) To the left: Penelope, Reid & Joe play in the snow.

Scott backpacks uphill both ways in the snow while carrying a 25 lb. Reid. True story.

Luke gears up to brave the sledding hill.

May Visitors: Round 1

3 cousins & a giraffe at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

.....

This spring, we have been blessed to have several visits from Jami's sister Briana and her family. Briana and Dalton paid a visit to Colorado this week, and we took full advantage of the great weather. Luke and Reid adore having Dalton around. They all entertain one another! A video for you ... it will either make you dizzy from watching Luke run in circles or give you whiplash from watching Dalton keep up with Luke.

Art by L. Leahy.

One of the greatest joys of Luke going to school has been the art projects he brings home. We are always entertained by his creative mind. With the end of the school year being this week, he has brought home some interesting artistic masterpieces. Here's a virtual art exhibit for you.

"The Squirrel." Yes, it has three eyes ... not sure why. The better to see you with, my dear.

"Spring Chicks." Notice that Luke signed this piece. Someday his signature will be recognized for the number of horizontal lines going through the letter "E."

"The Cycle of the Butterfly." This is our all-time favorite piece because of the complexity of the subject matter and the different materials used. Fuzzy green dots, sticky tack, a branch, tissue paper ... and yes, the butterfly also has three eyes. Mom was a bit shocked when Luke came home asking about butterflies and the "chrysalis." Big word for a 4-year-old!!

Down on the Farm Field Day.

Remember back to the days of old when you had field day at school? Today was that special "first" for Luke at St. Peter Catholic School. Jami volunteers with the PTO and helped plan the preschool field day with a "Down on the Farm" barnyard theme. The activities included:

• Fetchin' the Eggs (digging through hay to find eggs to put in the basket)
• Milkin' Old Bessie (water bucket relay)
• Dressin' the Scarecrow (the students had fun dressing the teachers as scarecrows)

Top Photo: It's not about finding a needle in a haystack. Luke's looking for an egg!

Middle Left: Farmer Scott ran the snack station. Reid sampled the coffee cake.

Middle Right: Moooo-ve over! Luke's on the run.

Bottom: Old McLeahy had a farm. E-I-E-I-O!

Head, shoulders, knees & toes.

Check out Reid's latest favorite game. This video also showcases how he likes to laugh at himself (what a ham!) and that he doesn't sit still for longer than 3.2 seconds. Enjoy!

Bowl-a-rama.

Tonight the family enjoyed a night out to our local bowling alley Pinz. With the bumpers raised on the gutters, we were ready to bowl! Luke bowled an amazing 103 using the skills in the video below (who knew bowling required kneepads!), and Reid was infatuated with the nearby driving video games.