Dutch Wonderland

Yesterday (7/20), I had my 1 hour sugar test so since Greg had off to help with Gavin, we decided to venture to Dutch Wonderland. Both of us had been there as kids, but since it is geared for the really young, neither of us remembered what it was like. I can honestly say that Gavin loved it. It is a perfect place for smaller kids with a variety of rides and a very small water part. Gavin was a huge fan of the water slides and most likely would have spent the entire time there if he could have.

Unfortunately, it did rain for awhile, but that gave us a chance to check out a show and grab some lunch. Luckily about 1 the sun came out and it turned out to be a completely wonderful day. Parking is free and AAA has discounted tickets for anyone looking for a fun day.

It was just starting to rain so Gavin was checking out the weather on his "monster truck."

Daddy and Gavin waiting for the monorail to come back. Again, just starting to rain so we chose to find a ride that would keep us covered for a little.

Anywhere there is construction equipment count on Gavin to find it.

After the rain finally stopped, Gavin found some wiggle racers. These were another hit. This is an untimed ride so as long as no one else was in line, the kids were free to wiggle around as much as they would like. This is a problem for Gavin who gets so engrossed in what he is doing if someone doesn't tell him to leave he won't. As you can see this was after the downpour and most people had chosed to take the rain pass for another day back. A little rain doesn't hinder the Mentzers!!

Dutch Wonderland is in Lancaster, so you know that the Amish have some influence on the attractions. Gavin thinks cows are great so he got a chance to "milk" a cow here.

Feeding the ducks.

As I mentioned earlier, Gavin is a water bug and "Duke's Lagoon" was by far his favorite part. He loved the water slides and not getting in trouble for splashing mommy and daddy.

Scissors

I finally got enough courage to give Gavin scissors for the first time last week (7/13). I knew that I wanted to tackle this task so that he would be ready for preschool in August, but the weather had been so nice that most of our days have been spent at the pool. Since I was "working" this week and was tired when I got home, I finally gave in. I have to say that this went very well and Gavin really enjoyed this. He is fond of the green ones that I bought for him and for right now it is good enough to just make a mess and cut lines. We will venture into actual shapes later in the summer (though it is almost over already).

Gavin showing off his new scissors.

Gavin is very focused on his work.

Gavin's first pile of scraps. Luckily, he likes to clean up too.

First Dentist Appointment!

Donna putting on Gavin's "napkin."


I have to say that this went better than I thought it would. We all had apppointments so that Gavin could see that it was no big deal. I went first and Gavin was excited about the "napkin" that they put on me. This was enough to get him in the chair so that he could have his own "napkin." Everything went well for all of us. Hopefully Greg and I passed down the good genes for teeth since neither of us had braces. :)

First Movie!

Like many young kids this summer, Gavin went to his first movie on June 18th. I'm not sure if it was more entertaining for Greg or Gavin, but Gavin did enjoy it. I was impressed that he sat through the whole thing and was quiet. He certainly did enjoy the popcorn that he got to eat there and since then went to see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs with mommy and Depicable Me with Daddy. He really enjoys the movies and TS3 and Depicable Me were both in 3D. Don't let the picture below fool you - the first time the glasses stayed on for the picture only, but Greg said that he kept them on the whole time for Despicable Me on July 17th. What a difference a month makes!

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Helping Daddy.

If there is one thing to say about Gavin, it is that he loves to help mommy and daddy. He always wants to be involved and I have to say that he helps more than he gets in the way which is great for us! He loves to sweep the house for me, but I love to watch him hard at work in the yard with Greg. So everyone knows that Greg is ambitious to say the least. He got this brilliant idea that we should get a pool. It would be really convenient to not have to go to our parents' houses with all the hot days this summer.

As always - nothing is easy. The "pop up" pool is now useless since our yard is not level and we have decided to not waste anymore time or money this year and next year Greg (and Gavin) will try again I'm sure. Anyway, the pictures and video are cute of Gavin using his wheelbarrow to move the sand. Notice that Gavin even has his own work gloves - they are Spongebob of course.

Using the wheelbarrow!

Shoveling the sand with daddy.

I'm Back!!

So for all my friends - you all knew that I wouldn't exactly keep up with this thing. Please be patient - I am updating with a few items that have happened in the past weeks.