Better Late Than Never?

I know, I know. I have not posted anything in a LONG time and I should be ashamed...and I am. But in my own defense, we have had a few computer problems around here. My internet was running super slow (fixed by Cox) and our wireless router died (still dead but in the process of being resolved.) I have to admit that I have gotten spoiled with the wireless thing, carrying my computer around the house wherever the action is.

We have been really busy for people with no big summer plans. Henry is potty training, which has been endlessly frustrating for all of us. We started about three weeks ago and he has gotten pretty good about going pee in the toilet (about 80% success rate.) Now we just need to work on the other.

Henry on his toilet watching who-knows-what.

I have also done some archeology this summer. The Arkansas Archeological Society hosts a dig each summer and this year it was a site called Carden Bottom in Yell County along the Arkansas River. It is an interesting site because it shows evidence of European/Native American contact. French copper bells have been recovered from the site. These were popular trade items. The site dates from the late 1500s to the early 1600s. I didn't find anything quite as interesting as a copper bell myself, but I did find pieces of pottery including a rim sherd that was Barton Incised. We camped at the Rockefeller Institute atop Petit Jean Mountain. I don't think I have ever camped in a nicer place. It wasn't really designated as a campground, but they let us stay anyway. Hydrangeas, babbling brooks and duck ponds? Does it get any better?

Rockefeller Center "Campground"

On the Monday after school got out, we took a family vacation to the Buffalo River. Chad and I had a relaxing and beautiful float on the Buffalo one day and then the next day we took the boys to the river to play. Henry and Karl could throw rocks into the river for hours (and probably days if we let them.) The view from our cabin was extraordinary. You can't really appreciate it from the photos.

Henry & Karl having fun in the cabin's kitchen cabinets.

The view.

Throwing rocks.

I have tried to turn over a new leaf and get into shape. It's so hard, but I think I am doing a pretty good job so far. During the winter and spring I had become very sedentary and was eating anything and everything that came my way. I decided to do 30 minutes of cardio per day at minimum. I've done that every day since school got out except for maybe five days. I think the body needs to rest some anyway, so I don't feel too bad about missing a few days. I won't bore you with all the details, but I am mostly running for the cardio with some jumprope mixed in there. I'm up to 3.3 miles now. I don't run that far every day, but I can at least. I'm also doing some hand weights, bands, exercise ball, etc... for strength. I do the strength several times per week. I think I have probably bored you enough on this topic, but I do have lots to say on diet too. I've been reading alot about nutrition and I think the Swedes have it right. More on that later, but I'll just say that I am trying to change my lifestyle as far as food goes.

I promise I won't wait so long to post again!