Milestones Big and Small

Being human and all, I'm always happy when human rights get a boost.

Today, I give a big thumbs up to New York for passing the milestone gay marriage bill. Gay or straight, traditional or non-traditional, may we all enjoy the kind of lifelong companionship we deserve, along with license to wear ghastly nightwear and the marriage bonus, a KitchenAid Mixer.

But, in all seriousness, I found this quote in Time, which will force me to get to my point:

Over time, people who advance liberties tend to win the argument, whether it's for women, African Americans, immigrants or the gay community. In the end, America takes the side of the people looking for rights. That's one of the wonders of this country. Eventually, we live up to our ideals. 

-Chris Matthews

I especially appreciate that this quote doesn't imply that gay rights (or women's rights, etc.) and patriotism are mutually exclusive. As in...you can love your gay friends and love your country. And love your country for letting your gay friends love each other. How great is that?!

So, a big high-five and some serious jazz hands to you, New York.

Meanwhile, far from the politics - and comically/tragically far from passing any gay rights bills - here in Wichita, we've had a few serious milestones of our own this week.

Ben and Roman attended Little Wonders, a four-day camp of art, music and bible study (Roman is a bear; Ben's a frog)...

...and they finished their first round of swim lessons (Ben's video below):

That means they can swim on their own - just floaties for Roman - while I lounge.

So, sorry New York, but I win for milestone-of-the-week. He-ll-ooo summer; he-ll-ooo lounge chair, don't mind if I do. This should give me just the time I need to time to draft my letter: "Dear Ben and Roman, here's why Mommy and Daddy weren't married when you were born..."

"Nothing is higher...

...than an architect." -George Costanza

Look out Vandelay Industries; this hot Wichita summer is turning Ben into quite the architect...

F U a/c

If anyone's looking for a weight loss plan, I'd like to offer the Scognamillo Livingroom Sit.

Yup, nightmare of 100-degree-summer nightmares, the a/c just died. And, whoa, did it make a dramatic exit; the grinding sound and shaking was so loud that it made poor Benny cry.

(Even worse, it momentarily sucked so much energy from the kitchen that I couldn't microwave my lunch leftovers. The nerve! Although a cold lunch might normalize my body temp.)

The boys are fine, but I'm the one crying now; the repairman won't be available until Thursday afternoon.

Conveniently, the boys started swim lessons today (pictured below with Miss Linda). So, if you need us, we'll be at the pool. Until Thursday.

And the winner is...

This weekend was non-stop motion, starting with Anthony's Saturday morning Riverfest Run.

The boys love Anthony's races. And what's not to love?! Early morning with Wichita's most active (yes, they exist), cheering on Anthony from the comfort of the Radio Flyer. Also, we want them to have tons of exposure to exercise, especially after Roman's recent comment re: a jogger: "Mommy, that girl can't find her house."

So, the more they learn about exercise the better, particularly at Wichita's annual Riverfest, where the top activities include:
1. Eating fried turkey legs
2. Sweating
3. Wearing age- and body type-inappropriate clothes.
4. Peeing in public
5. All of the above

But, they kick it off with the 10k, which Anthony has run each year since we arrived in Wichita. This year, he placed 4th in his age group, but because of a registration snafu (thanks Genesis Health Clubs!), was listed as "no name." The boys and I were equally incognito, but far less ambitious - behold our perch at the finish line:

Race done; then Ben went off to a b'day party:

While Roman helped us shop:

(Incredibly, with two adults and only one child, we still left a full, paid-for bag of groceries at the check-out stand. Really?!)

On Sunday, Anthony had yet another victory, when his soccer team won their championship. I'd have taken a picture, but my camera (and I) would surely have melted.

Instead, the guys and I were attempting naps in the comfort of the a/c (nice, huh?!) and in preparation for Ben's evening: charging around Eastborough park at Oliver's birthday treasure hunt:

All-in-all, a nice little weekend. Busy? Yes. Fun? Yes, super fun. Productive? Eh, Anthony wins that prize too.