By K.J. Cardinal
A year ago today, we were graced with the best-natured little boy that anyone could ever ask for when Leo Michael Cardinal was born.
It's insane to think that we've had the little guy for a full year now... as the last 365 days have been a complete whirlwind for us.
The leap parents must take going from having one young child to two young children is HUGE and Leo did his part to make this a stress-free transition for us. I mean, thrice he had double ear infections and never even cried about it. Talk about low maintenance, huh?
There are a lot of things that I could say about Leo. Like how I'm so proud to finally have a son. Like how psyched I am that he's a "big" kid. Or how much I love seeing him in Angie's arms. But, honestly the thing that I can't express enough about Leo is how happy he makes me each and every day.
I think most parents can say this about their kids. And, I know I said it about Anna, but Leo really takes this to a whole new level. The kid just makes me happy. In fact, he makes EVERYONE happy. There's really not much else to say. If you've met Leo, then you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you've been a shopper passing by him in the grocery store, you know exactly what I'm talking about. He's just this little infectious bundle of joy that makes people want to do two things:
1) Smile, and
2) Pinch his chubby cheeks.
That's it. Just thinking about him makes me smile ear-to-ear. We have been blessed with an amazingly good-natured kid that is always smiling and loves to make people laugh. He's such a treat and I am so excited to watch him grow up.
So, happy birthday Leo! Thanks for being you and for making me the happiest father in the world. I love you, big bud.
PS: My "happiness" may turn to fear the minute he starts walking... stay tuned.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Where's Waldo?
By K.J. Cardinal
And by Waldo, I mean, Where is K.J. at the US Open?...
[Click on the photos to enlarge]
And by Waldo, I mean, Where is K.J. at the US Open?...
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Leo goes camping and kayaking
By K.J. Cardinal
Summer officially began for us this past week as we took Leo on his first-ever camping and kayaking expedition.
We hit up Pawtuckaway State Park for four nights (well, three actually since one night was a "rainout" for us) and had a blast. The weather didn't cooperate the entire time we were there, but Friday was definitely one of the most enjoyable days with the wife and kids I've ever had.
The campground is right on Pawtuckaway Lake (we were at sites 75/76 on Horse Island), so we set out on the kayaks for a little exploring. The lake is great because there are tons of small islands with lots of spots to park your kayak for remote fun.
We ended up docking at the campground store, hit up the beach next to it and then got the kids' ice cream there. It was so great finally being able to take both kids out to do something cool like this. Anna was in her glory and Leo was a treat as always.
I snapped this video of Leo eating his apple in the kayak with me. It got wedged between his chest and his life vest, but that didn't stop him from eating it. I actually think he preferred eating it this way, as he is a pretty lazy eater...
Leo was also happy as a clam to just be in the tent. He got a pretty big kick out of it (as this video shows), so needless to say, we'll probably be camping and kayaking a whole lot more this summer...
On Sunday night, Meme and Papa brought their motorhome and camped with us... as if the kids weren't in their glory already.
Leo and Anna both got to jump on Meme's bed and asked after what her favorite part of camping was, Anna said, "having a pillow fight with Meme."
Anyway, it was a fantastic way to start the summer for us. Now excuse me while I take a nap.
We hit up Pawtuckaway State Park for four nights (well, three actually since one night was a "rainout" for us) and had a blast. The weather didn't cooperate the entire time we were there, but Friday was definitely one of the most enjoyable days with the wife and kids I've ever had.
The campground is right on Pawtuckaway Lake (we were at sites 75/76 on Horse Island), so we set out on the kayaks for a little exploring. The lake is great because there are tons of small islands with lots of spots to park your kayak for remote fun.
We ended up docking at the campground store, hit up the beach next to it and then got the kids' ice cream there. It was so great finally being able to take both kids out to do something cool like this. Anna was in her glory and Leo was a treat as always.
I snapped this video of Leo eating his apple in the kayak with me. It got wedged between his chest and his life vest, but that didn't stop him from eating it. I actually think he preferred eating it this way, as he is a pretty lazy eater...
Leo was also happy as a clam to just be in the tent. He got a pretty big kick out of it (as this video shows), so needless to say, we'll probably be camping and kayaking a whole lot more this summer...
Leo and Anna both got to jump on Meme's bed and asked after what her favorite part of camping was, Anna said, "having a pillow fight with Meme."
Anyway, it was a fantastic way to start the summer for us. Now excuse me while I take a nap.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Tornado misses us in Hudson
By K.J. Cardinal
Thankfully the tornado missed us last night out in Hudson, but it was a surreal scene that I have never witnessed before as our entire house was surrounded by lightning. Check it out...
Thankfully the tornado missed us last night out in Hudson, but it was a surreal scene that I have never witnessed before as our entire house was surrounded by lightning. Check it out...
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