Mike's Blog

My Review of Picnic ‘n Playhouse

Mike Armstrong — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:30:38 +0000

Originally submitted at LIttle Tikes

Toys Made in the USA with US and Imported Parts.

This playhouse and climber combo is an outdoor play set that can be set up in several configurations to keep the p…

Picnic ‘n Playhouse

Great house, confusing to assemble

By Mike in Folsom from Folsom, CA on 3/26/2010

Pros: Attractive Design, Hours of Fun, Durable, Sturdy

Cons: Difficult Assembly

Best Uses: Group Play

Describe Yourself: Working Parent, First Time Parent, Parent Of Multiples (Twins etc)

I agree with all the other reviews on this site. The assembly process was confusing. We were actually missing one of the dowel rods needed for step 1, so I had to make one. The assembly took almost 2 hours once I got started with all the pieces. The slide and ladder took absolute brute force to get in. I also agree that it would help if the holes were pre drilled, that piece really confused me. There are also slightly different screw sizes included, but they are not clearly marked. You can see my video of the assembly on YouTube by searching for ‘Little Tikes play house simple assembly’.

But this has been a fun little house for my twin 1 year old boys and their 2 and 4 year old cousins.

Little Tikes play house assembly

Tags: House, Play

(legalese)

Filed under: boys, caleb, chase, diy, general Tagged: assembly, little tikes, picnic n playhouse, play house, playhouse

The month of walking

Mike Armstrong — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:58:45 +0000

Over the last few weeks the Caleb has really made a lot of progress on his walking skills. He’s moved from holding on to things while walking around to just standing up by himself in the middle of the room and walking to his next point of interest. Chase isn’t quite there yet, but he is definitely on the verge.

Posted in boys, caleb, chase Tagged: caleb, chase, walking

Don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years

Mike Armstrong — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:08:55 +0000

It seems rather fitting that I return to my blogging to discover that my last post was during my bonding leave several months ago. Well folks, I’m happy to say that I again am on bonding leave. I guess my leave technically ended last week, but we are wrapping up our family time in Texas. It’s been a great three weeks getting to see all the families for an extended time. And the boys have changed so much since March, it’s unbelievable how fast time flies. Chase has teeth #3 and #4 coming in. Caleb has teeth #5 and #6 coming in and has also started taking a few steps walking by himself. It was really cool to be in Texas to have our families be able to see some of these first steps.

And before we know it, 2009 will be done and the boys will be a year old! Wow, it’s hard to imagine that. But they say the first year is the hardest (or the easiest, I can’t remember). I doubt they will be this easy, but we sure have had a great year with these boys. Catch you guys on the flip flop, later!

Family pic at the Williams Ranch

Posted in boys, general Tagged: bonding leave, caleb, chase, family, texas

Great family bonding

Mike Armstrong — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:25:37 +0000

Here’s a great picture of Chase with his cousin Kelsey (3). Kelsey really enjoys spending time with the boys and loves helping them put their binkifiers back in their mouths. They appear to both be enjoying each other’s company.

Caleb has also started being a little more happy. I think he is becoming less worried about tax season and enjoying life more.

Posted in boys, general Tagged: caleb, chase, kelsey

Get em Flash!

Mike Armstrong — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 04:04:08 +0000

The only difference is the white cowboy hat… Maybe Chase has a future in a sweet sweet television series!

Mini Boss Hogg

The Real Boss Hogg

Posted in boys, general Tagged: boss hogg, chase

The first colds

Mike Armstrong — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:09:55 +0000

Well, we are not even 4 weeks in and the boys have their first colds. We went to the doc this morning and had them checked out since they’ve had some gagging and choking, especially in the middle of the night. Luckily it’s not too severe, and it’s definitely not the RSV that’s going around, but enough to have to suction their noses and use some saline drops.

Other than that, they have been doing great. They are sleeping about 4 hours between feedings at night, so the 3am feeding is the killer right now. But they enjoy their food – both boys weighed 7lb 10 oz each today with clothes on. That’s pretty impressive for Caleb considering he gave Chase a head start. Time for a nap…

Posted in boys, general Tagged: caleb, chase, sick

Caleb and Chase Armstrong!

Mike Armstrong — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:15:58 +0000

We are so excited to announce that Caleb and Chase are finally here! They were born on January 15^th at 5:22pm and 5:45pm. Caleb Reed weighs 5 pounds 5 ounces and is 18.5 inches long. Chase Joseph weighs 6 pounds 1 ounce and is 19.5 inches long. We are all doing great and we’re excited to all go home in a couple of days.

Posted in general Tagged: babies, caleb, chase

Win up to $10,000 by casting a vote

Mike Armstrong — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 01:14:04 +0000

Time to cast your vote! When do you think the boys will be delivered? For each person that guesses correctly, I’ll buy a scratch off lottery ticket. I’ll even scratch if off for you and let you know if you won or not!

View This Poll
Posted in general Tagged: babies, poll

One year of clear vision!

Mike Armstrong — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:40:29 +0000

Yesterday was the one year marker to my Lasik surgery. I can’t believe it’s already been a year, but that’s a whole different story. I can’t imagine what life would be like having to still put in my contacts every day. I remember it took about 2 months to get to the point where I wouldn’t have to think about not worrying to take them out at night. After that point, I felt like my eyes were back to normal and it’s been nice to not have to worry about all that stuff.

So, one year later, not even a spec of an issue, I would highly recommend getting the procedure done for anyone who is thinking about it. I opted for the Custom Lasik, and recommend that over traditional lasik if you can spare a few hundred bucks. Though there is no way to really tell if it’s any better, I actually can “see better than I could with glasses or contacts”.

I still remember the day of the surgery. The surgery itself took about 6 minutes. There was no pain. It was almost uneventful, which I guess is good when you are talking about eye surgery. I tried to keep my eyes closed on the way home (yes, Kari was driving!), but remember opening my eyes a few times and being able to read the street signs. Things were hazy for a day or two, but objects were definitely clear. Over the next few months, the focus just kept dialing in.

So, if you’ve ever thought about doing it – now is the time! Best money I’ve ever spent (on medical bills).

Posted in general Tagged: lasik

Playing the waiting game

Mike Armstrong — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:21:07 +0000

I am really surprised. Given the fact that we had to start going to the hospital before Thanksgiving, I thought for sure the boys would arrive well before the due date. But amazingly, they are holding out for the meantime as we approach the magical 37 week marker on Thursday.

Sometimes it’s a little scary to think that there are 2 little guys coming, but then we turn on Jon and Kate plus 8 and all our anxiety is removed. Anxiousness aside, I think I am ready. Stay tuned…

On another note, I have been updating the timelapse video and will post the final version soon.

Posted in general