The Scherer Scoop

Early Easter

2010-03-28T06:52:00.000-07:00

We were lucky to have some early Easter fun together as a family. Isabella was excited to sit in the Gator car on the Kiddie Train (The cars were all painted for different SEC teams).

Joshua was more interested in the gate than the animals.

Isabella loved the bunny rabbits.

All smiles until she was bodyslammed by a big boy. She is still telling me how they need separate malls for boys and girls so they can have separate playplaces. This idea stemmed from an encounter with a rowdy boy at Oaks Mall over a month ago, so I can only imagine the plans she is devising for "girls only" bounce houses.

While everybody gathered for the Easter Egg hunt Joshua had free reign of the bounce house. Good thinking Kurt!

This egg hunt didn't require much searching but it did require speed. Luckily, the kids were divided into age groups so Isabella was with other 3 and 4 year olds.

Where's Isabella?

Joshua was over in the 1 and 2 year old area. He picked up one egg, turned around and walked away from the action. It would have been a great video, but Kurt was recording Isabella at the moment. We kept trying to get a picture of him with an egg in his hand but he would throw the egg before we could.

Family Fitness Day

2010-03-26T15:02:00.000-07:00

Gainesville Health & Fitness, a local gym here in Gainesville, sponsored a Family Fitness Day. We heard free t-shirts and a zumba class for kids and we were there. The free t-shirts were only issued after you had your fitness card checked off in eight categories.

1. Soccer Kick

Despite looking like I am doing some serious coaching, Isabella actually just needed a little moral support on the first event. She ended up telling us afterward that the soccer kick was her favorite. Kurt and I sighed as we just passed on signing her up for soccer this year.

Joshua did most of the events as well. We figure he'll grow into his free shirt.

This picture cracks me up! Eye on the ball buddy!

Hula Hoop
(this was one of the events on the adult checklist)

I really didn't exert enough energy to break a sweat hula hooping because I totally couldn't do it. I remember back when I could keep a hula hoop going forever. At least I gave the lady next to me a good laugh. The truth behind the sweaty armpit is we ran to the park with the kids strapped in the jogging stroller.

Kurt looks like a pro!

2. Relay Race

3. Sprints

4. Tug O' War

Kurt was at the other end and managed to beat us while holding Joshua in his arms.

5. Vertical Jump

(no picture but you get the picture)

6.Football Toss

7. Basketball Shot

8. Wheelbarrow/Sack Race

Ready...

Set...

Go!

They're a great team!

All eight checks and it was time for t-shirts and slushies.

2010-03-25T20:24:00.000-07:00

Kurt and I would often go into Isabella's room when she was younger and admire her sleeping. With Joshua we don't dare. But this particular nap I not only ventured into his lair, but I returned a second time with the camera and took a picture. He didn't move a muscle!

Brides, Princesses... who could ask for anything more?

2010-03-12T17:47:00.000-08:00

We were relieved that Isabella was equally excited over the bride and groom who walked out of the temple while we were there as she was about the Disney princesses she met later that day.

Winter Clothes

2010-02-11T19:25:00.001-08:00

We've had some record low temperatures in Gainesville this winter so we're learning what it means to bundle up.

Swinging from the trees!

2010-02-11T16:55:00.000-08:00

We have two trees in our backyard the perfect distance apart for a hammock. Of course Kurt and I like it for relaxing and the kids like it for swinging.

Animal Kingdom

2009-12-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

Dino-Land USA!!!

The Amazing "Flights of Wonder" bird show!

Bird Thief

Kurt braved Expedition Everest. He handed me the camera and said he would hold his hat up so I could record him. Somebody else had the same idea and I ended up recording a different guy with his hat up in the air.

Isabella braved the River Rapids (forgot the name) ride with her Dad.

She got most of the splash!!! Kurt says she wasn't sure how to respond when first getting soaked, but once everyone started laughing she joined in too. Phew!!

Kurt and Isabella spent most the morning together while Joshua and I stayed back at the hotel. We thought giving him a good morning nap would help in his recovery...

The morning nap obviously wasn't enough.

Safari Ride

View of the gators from the safari jeep.

Playplace break

A pineapple popsicle was our $4 dollar splurge each day.

"It's Great to be a Bug" in 3D.

Magic Kingdom!

2009-12-10T18:36:00.000-08:00

Okay, so one of my big dilemmas with blogging is that I never get to posting until like three weeks after the event I'm posting about. For journaling purposes do I date the post the day it actually happened or the day it was posted? Sounds like a perfect segue to inform you that although I am posting this Disney World Vacation today on December 10th, we actually spent four "magical days" (Kurt and I love how the Disney workers are always saying, "Have a magical day!") there November 16th through the 19th.

We started on the carousel, which actually had us all missing Chattanooga and the awesome carousel downtown at Coolidge Park.

I had a mother's sort of hunch that Joshua was not feeling well (I guess it doesn't take a mother or a hunch to detect a hot forehead and fussy baby, but it makes it sound like I'm really in tune with my little guy).

Isabella eagerly tugging the safety bar in great anticipation for Winnie the Pooh and friends. Of course Joshua stayed somewhat calm while in Kurt's arms throughout this ride only to go ballistic later while I was trying to contain him on Peter Pan.

It seems like not so long ago (about a year) that Isabella would request to watch "Bumbo" everyday and we wondered if she would ever move on to another Disney movie? The Princess movies have definitely stolen the hot spot, but Dumbo was her first true love!

This is how vacations work with children and this is definitely a result of Disney vacationing for children and adults alike. We were so thankful for the beautiful November weather and vowed that Disney World in the Summer should only be borne by the really loyal Disney fans. You decide, but we've decided.

The "Barnstormer" was Isabella's first shot at a roller coaster. An experience so enjoyable she requested a second ride. The experience for me is one all too familiar over the last year as Joshua vomited a stage two peas and bananas all over himself and the stroller. Was he too scared by the roaring roller coaster, was he sick, was it reflux? Who knows why, but all the same because it still required a clean-up crew, Mom and Dad.

Isabella wanted to explore this playplace a lot longer than we allowed because Joshua was getting worse by the minute.

This is Joshua after a visit to the First Aid Office to confirm he indeed had a fever. We gave him tylenol, stripped him down to his diaper, and then when the chills set in covered him up and headed for home. The poor thing did not "have a magical day."

The Cinderella Castle aglow was a dream come true for Isabella. She still showed so much concern for Joshua's health admist the dreamland. While sitting in the back seat of the stroller she would reach forward and rub his head while softly singing "lullaby, lullaby" over and over. It is a blessing to witness such sincerity.

Birthday Boy Devours Birthday Cake

2009-12-04T09:08:00.000-08:00

It's My Party I Can Cry if I Want to

2009-11-24T10:35:00.000-08:00

He's not Zero Anymore!!!

2009-11-24T10:07:00.000-08:00

THE CAKE (which Isabella thought was prettyful)

BEFORE THE CAKE....

AFTER THE CAKE!!!

CLEANED UP AND READY FOR PRESENTS

Isabella is really happy that her brother isn't zero anymore. She loved Joshua's day of celebration and she especially loves his new slide which she explains is "a park in our house."

Sesame Street Live

2009-11-12T18:50:00.000-08:00

A definite perk of living near a university are the performing arts shows that come through town.

Isabella sat wide-eyed on the edge of her seat for the first half of the show and then she mustered up her courage to get out of her seat and shake it a little.

Kurt almost has Joshua asleep!

This is where she started to dance along.

Asleep at last, SHHHHHHH!
Now if somebody could just tell those life sized Sesame Street characters down on the stage to be quiet we would be set.

Bubbling with Laughter

2009-11-12T17:50:00.000-08:00

Isabella and Joshua got quite a kick out of Daddy's bubble blowing (or "balloon blowing" according to Kurt in this video).

Halloween Day

2009-11-05T07:43:00.001-08:00

Isabella spent the morning watercoloring Halloween pictures.

We waited too long to buy pumpkins and Kurt spent a good portion of the morning trying to hunt down a big one to no avail. We resorted to carving our mini pumpkins we had bought at the pumpkin patch a few weeks earlier.

Isabella touched the gooey pumpkin filling and was done with carving, so Kurt and I were on our own to create something that would win the approval of a three year old.

She knew right away which one Daddy had carved and which one Mommy had carved and she liked them both so we deemed it a success.

Who needs carving? Joshua had plenty of fun rolling the pumpkins around the kitchen floor.

Isabella waited patiently through all four quarters of the UF vs. Georgia game for Daddy to take her trick or treating. She was super excited.

And the best part of Halloween night, coming home and dumping out all your candy.

Trunk or Treat!

2009-11-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

Kurt came straight from the hospital and was a good sport about wearing the eye patch!

Isabella with her cousin Max and friend Ellie collecting a lot of yummy loot!

Isabella and Max doing their best pirate expressions.

It's great to be back in the SWAMP!!!

2009-09-21T19:16:00.000-07:00

Game Number 1: UF vs. Southern Charleston
This gigantic new scoreboard was the first improvement we noticed at the season opener. Improvements like this tend to pop up when you win championships.

This was taken at the end of the game when the score was such that fans felt it safe to call it a night. We didn't have nearly that much space for the first three quarters. Kurt bought me the Tim Tebow jersey two years ago for Christmas, but I couldn't wear it last season because I was pregnant, so I'm wearing it every game this year.
The amazing Tim Tebow!!
Game number two: UF vs. Troy

My attire should give you a clue as to the weather. Having grown up near Seattle I thought I had experienced rain in all its forms. That is, until I witnessed my first Florida downpour. Umbrellas are no match for the precipitation down here, so a poncho is a good thing to have on hand throughout the month of August. Our other adult poncho wasn't in the car (I think I forgot to put it back after I used it last) so the only option for Kurt was a kid's size Mickey Mouse poncho which he turned down. After about 30 seconds of rain Kurt was drenched and he really could have used some windshield wipers for his glasses.

Game #3: UF vs. Tennessee
The half time show was pretty creative with the Gainesville blue and orange recycling bins as props. This was a 3:30 rivarly game that we couldn't miss, although the sweltering heat did lead me to wonder about the fans at home cool and comfortable on their couches.

WE'RE UNDEFEATED THUS FAR...

Sunday Dinner!

2009-09-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

Usually I get a little frustrated when I walk in the door after church and realize I didn't defrost any meat for dinner, but this past Sunday it resulted in a night off for Mommy, as Daddy and Daughter donned their aprons and went to work cooking breakfast for dinner.

I liked it so much I'm willing to start a weekly tradition!!!

Joshua cheered them on while munching on cheerios.

University of Florida Family Fishing Days!

2009-09-15T18:13:00.000-07:00

Of the 7 or 8 stocked ponds we felt to try our luck on Watson Pond. Isabella has her game face on. Let's go catch some fish!

Game face still intact as she checks out her first catch. Well, actually...

It was her Dad's first catch, but he let her share in the proud moment.

Isabella was anxious to get a close look at Mr. Fish.

That is, until Mr. Fish got too close a look at her and she shied away. A big thanks to University of Florida for providing the free family fun with fish, rods, and hot dog bait all inclusive.

The Beauty of Medicine!!!

2009-09-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

So, the GI Specialist's prescription combo of Zantac and Prevacid has brought some healthy improvements in our little reflux man.

Easter

2009-04-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

Fancy shoes, egg dying, and peaceful naps on Easter Sunday!

New Brother

2009-04-07T21:54:00.000-07:00

Isabella has really ejoyed taking care of "her baby" the last few months. She likes to soothe him when he is fussy, and his ear to ear smiles show that he is pretty taken with her as well.

Daddy Daughter Date to the Toy Store!

2009-04-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

Isabella loves when Daddy takes her to the toy store on Saturdays. Believe it or not, she loves it despite the fact that they just play with all the toys and usually leave empty handed (The promise of a Wendy's frosty on the way home helps prevent a tantrum). Well this was an extra special day because Kurt broke down and bought Isabella the Dora the Explorer Backpack.

I was especially amused that Isabella picked out such a funky outfit for her outing with Daddy.

Picnic with the Girls

2009-04-07T09:57:00.001-07:00

A sunny day picnic in Lydia's backyard.

Taste of New Orleans: Day 2

2009-04-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

I took Isabella and Joshua to the New Orleans Children's Musuem while Kurt was in conference.

Isabella started her adventures with trying to decide on a career. Sorry Munchkin, Mommy can't allow her daughter to fight fires. What was her next choice?

Just as dangerous, moving on...

If the decision were left to a toddler it would probably be made based on who wears the coolest hat, so I'm grateful for many more years and qualified academic counselors before Isabella decides upon her field of choice.

It looks like I have a few things to teach Isabella before she starts cooking!

Kurt with his program director in front of his poster of a unique case study.

Kurt in presentation mode.

Helping Isabella prepare for those primary talks coming up in a few years.

Isabella had some of her own data that she wanted to leave behind for the morning conference.

Isabella looked glamorous adorned in her shiny bead necklaces and "larger than Paris Hilton sunglasses" that Daddy caught for her from the floats in the evening preMardis Gras parades.

Taste of New Orleans: Day 1

2009-04-06T17:23:00.000-07:00

The kids and I were fortunate enough to tag along with Kurt to New Orleans for a Medical Research Conference. In between Kurt's presentations we were able to fit in quite a lot of fun. After a trolley car ride to an above ground cemetery, a walk through the French Quarter, some New Orleans gumbo, and a couple preMardis Gras parades we both agreed that New Orleans is one of a kind.

Isabella's favorite Disney movie is Dumbo (all elephants are Dumbos according to her), and so this baby elephant statue won her heart.

She was pretty amazed by the real live Dumbos as well and the way they used their trunks to splash water on themselves. Her favorite part of Dumbo is when the Mommy Dumbo uses her trunk to rinse off the baby Dumbo during his bath in a bucket of soapy water.

And of course, the elephant was her animal of choice on the carasoul ride with Daddy.

And I think we all know by now which animal Kurt is partial to.

Gators, and particularily, Florida Gators!!!

The white gator was cool, but like I said, we prefer the blue and orange.

The gumbo at the Palace Cafe was mmmm, mmmm, good!

After tasting a beignet from the famous Cafe du Monde I was relieved we would only be in close proximity to these tempting pastries for two more days. Kurt and Isabella wearing their Cafe du Monde paper hat souvenirs.

New Arrival!!!

2008-11-28T11:57:00.000-08:00

Joshua Andreus Scherer

9 lbs. 4 ounces and 22 inches long

Born November 24th, 2008

at 12:41 pm

Joshua definitely resembles his Dad!

Mommy's little boy wasn't so little!

Isabella was anxious to shower love and kisses on her new baby brother!

We all agree baby Joshua was worth the 9 months of waiting!