My Cousin Pam Comes to Visit

My cousin Pam and her two younger girls came from Texas for almost a week to visit. We had so much fun just hanging out and chatting. She has so much wisdom and experience to share with me (she also has two older girls...both in there 20's) I could sit and listen all day. The kids enjoyed playing together inside and out. The weather was warm so they were able to spend a lot of time in the pool also. We didn't really leave the house all week but on Saturday we took a day trip up to Chicago. It was so much fun. We went to the American Girl Place, the Lego Store, ate true Chicago Deep Dish Pizza, walked around Navy Pier, and took a sunset boat cruise. As I look through all the photos it was hard to chose which one to post.

Ty's Sleepover Birthday Party

Tyler asked if he could have a sleepover for his 9th birthday. We agreed if it was small and nothing fancy. All Tyler wanted to do with his friends was swim and play video games....and that is pretty much what they did. We set up two TV's in the basement and the four boys played Playstation on one TV and Wii on the other. They took breaks to swim, have dinner, and have smores. The boys were all so well behaved and had a good time. Other than catching them playing Wii at 2:00 in the morning....all went very well. I would definitely let Tyler do it again.

Celebrating Tyler's Birthday at Uncle Mark and Aunt Jen's

While we were in Ohio we celebrated Tyler's birthday with my family in Ohio. The kids were able to all play together inside and out. They had a lot of fun together. We had Tyler's requested taco's for dinner, which was a big hit. Now, most kids when picking out there cake would choose chocolate or an ice cream cake I would think. But not Tyler. He chose a blueberry pie. Since that is what he wanted grandma agreed, but we also picked up some cake for the other kids.

Tea Party in Michigan

Jordan's (Joe's youngest brother) girlfriend was crowned Rose Queen earlier this year. She is such a wonderful person that all the kids love. Cassandra and her mom planned a "Princess Tea Party" for some of the nieces and daycare girls. We were able to attend since it was the weekend that we were at Rita's. It made Kennedy feel so special that she was invited. They all had there picture taken with Cassandra, has lunch and tea, decorated frames, went on a pontoon ride, and had dessert. It was a great time and all the little girls were beautiful.

Our Trip to Ohio and Michigan.

With the kids out of school at the end of May we thought we would head back to spend a week with both sets of grandparents. We went to Ohio first for the big event of the summer....CEDAR POINT. Tyler has this book, The Kids World Almanac, which he loves. Well, in it, it talks about the top places for roller coasters. Of course Cedar Point was at the top and so for over a year he has been talking about it. A couple of years ago we went to Six Flags with the whole family. It is definitely not as big as Cedar Point and with Carter in tow it makes riding very many rides a little difficult. We did go though because Tyler had earned free tickets from school for his reading. So last year both of the kids earned tickets again but thought we would pass because Carter was just still to young. Anyhow, we made plans for my parents to keep Carter and then we could go and ride almost all the rides with the two big kids. As planning came along, Mark and Jen also came along with Jacob.

We had SO MUCH FUN! The crowds were so small that day. Most of the rides we could just walk on and the two longest rides were only 30-45 mins! The very first thing we rode was the Demon Drop! Both kids loved it and were not scared, which I thought was amazing. (If you are familiar with Cedar Point you understand). Tyler rode every big roller coaster he could and LOVED it. After a couple of the big one Kennedy could take it or leave it. Jacob could not ride any of the roller coasters so she enjoyed hanging out with him. My biggest surprise was when Tyler rode the Top Thrill Dragster......TWICE! It is a roller coaster that I wasn't even sure I would ride! (He loved it.) So it was a great day for all of us together. Kendall and Carter stayed with my parents and had a great day at Build A Bear and playing together. It will definitely be memories for all of us to cherish.

The Last Day of School

It is so hard to believe that another school year has come to an end. I am really looking forward to the kids being home with me all day. It will also be nice to be able to travel back and see our families and have a break from the routine of school. We also look forward to playing outside with friends, using the pool, relaxing by the fire pit and staying out past dark to catch lighting bugs. I look forward to the summertime when the kids can just be kids and be carefree. As the kids grow older I realize how fast time goes. It make me sad to know to soon I will be saying..."I can't believe the summer has come to an end"! But for now we will just enjoy everyday of the summer together.

Tyler's Track and Field Day

Being in third grade means being able to participate in track and field day at school. This is an afternoon where 3rd - 5th graders participate in different events. The weather was nice and it was fun to watch all the kids compete. Tyler ran the 400M, the short hurdles, and the 4 x 100 relay. (These are all measured around the grassy areas of the school, an actual track is not involved.) He did really well and had fun. He placed second in the 400 and the relay, he won his heat in the hurdles but did not place in the top three overall. Both Joe and I being runners, it was exciting to see what the future might bring. After discussion, we both feel he might be an 800M man.

Memorial Day Parade

We had great weather leading up to memorial day. A couple days of 80/85 degree weather and lots of swimming. On the Sunday heading in to Memorial Day we had a cookout with some neighbors and friends which was great. The kids all swam and the adults supervised and relaxed......if that is possible with 12 kids in the pool. It was a great day! (However, I didn't get any pictures) The weather on Memorial Day was not so great. It was cool and overcast. We did head downtown for the parade. We didn't fess properly, but luckily there were some blankets in the van. We did get sprinkled on while we were there but the kids didn't seem to mind. The parade only lasted 30 mins, which included an appearance from the local septic tank truck??? We then enjoyed the day together as a family.

Kennedy's End of Year Party

Yes, I am still having trouble keeping up with my blog! This picture is from May 26th....almost 3 weeks ago. The 1st grade class schedule a family get together at the park. We had subs and the kids played on the playground, ran in the grass, and pretended to play baseball. It was nice for Tyler because a couple of Kennedy's classmates have boys in Tyler's grade. Of course Carter will play with anyone who talks to him....so we all had a great time. It was beautiful weather and nice to just let the kids play and relax and chat with the other parents there. I think this picture is just adorable of some of the 1st grade girls. Don't they look just innocently happy?

Mother's Day at Starved Rock State Park

On Mother's day we decided we would go to Starved Rock and spend the day as a family. Our family loves to hike and have a picnic. So that is just what we did. This was the first time Carter hiked the entire way and wasn't in the backpack. He did a great job and made it the entire 2.5 hours. (Well, Daddy did carry him on his shoulders for about 10 mins.) We did a new hike this time and it was beautiful. Our family was able to walk behind the waterfall and we all thought that was pretty cool. The weather was beautiful and perfect for hiking. The kids have really become great hikers. They know to stay on the path, not touch the greenery in case of poi sin ivy, and listen for the waterfalls ahead. This time we even had to do some maneuvering around water puddles and mud. Mom, has also learned to pack spare clothes and shoes for everyone. It was a great trip and a great day

Kennedy Turns 7!!!

I can't believe that Kennedy has turned 7. I really do wish time would slow down a little. She has definitely come out her shell a little. She loves to play "mom and dad" with Carter. When she plays alone she seems to play with her Bitty baby, complete arts and crafts, or sing and dance in her room. For her Birthday it was great that my mom and dad were able to come out and visit. It was very special for Kennedy to have her Grandma and Grandpa here when she got home from school. We had a very busy afternoon. When the kids got home from school we visited with their grandparents, did some homework, and let Kennedy open her birthday presents. We then had a quick dinner (from the crock pot of course) as we had to head out for soccer practice. Joe arrived home before we left and all of went and watched Tyler practice and the other two played on the playground. Afterwards, we came home and had cake and ice cream, then showers and bed for school the next day. I feel so bad because in the craziness of it all, I did not get any pictures of the kids with Grandma and Grandpa! I have noticed that lately I am slacking in the picture taking area!

Kennedy asked for a ladybug cake. If you haven't realized I am not big on store bought cakes. I like to make them myself for the kids. So you will see my attempt at a lady bug cake. I think the only mistake I made was cutting it wrong so I couldn't frost the outside of the wings.......OK maybe it also had something to do with being in a hurry to get it done before she came home from school and not being able to let it cool long enough! Anyhow, it tasted great and Kennedy loved it, and that is all that really matters. She had a great birthday!

EASTER

On Easter morning, the kids were excited by the Easter baskets they found and the eggs that were hidden outside. The weather co-operated so that we could have an egg hunt outside. After church we cleaned up around the house and started dinner. There are a few pre-Robert's, SYSCO people who also did not make it home for Easter, so we had them over for dinner and all celebrated together. It went well, I was a little concerned when Joe told them, "No don't bring anything, we've got it all covered ". But everything turned out great and we all had a nice time together.

Easter Egg Coloring

We were hoping to color Easter Eggs with my parents, as the were to visit for Easter weekend, but my mom was sick. So we colored eggs as a family the evening before. I tried a new kit this year and was happy with it. We didn't dip in color as usual, I found that dipping was not a lot of fun for the kids......you know you have to just sit and wait! So instead I bought a kit where you stamp and paint on the eggs. The kids...and Joe and I.....had a lot of fun with this. I will look for this same kit next year.....and will boil more eggs!

SPRING BREAK

OK, so I know it has been a very long time since I have posted.......but as they say "better late than never"! So time takes us back to our Spring Break Trip to Panama City Beach Florida. We had such a great time. We enjoyed the beach, the sun, and being together with most all of the immediate family from Joe's side. (Jordan wasn't able to be there since he is in college). We spent our days out on the beach and in the sun. We had some cooler weather a couple of days but that did not keep us from playing outside or from getting sun burned. Even though we have a pool it is so different to enjoy the ocean and the beautiful sand. Tyler and Kennedy would play on the edge of the waves but Carter stuck to the sand. We did venture out a couple evenings and went go-karting. One day it rained all day long so to get out of the house we went roller skating. Carter was the surprise, as he was able to skate well all by himself. Not everyone was brave enough to get out there but our entire family did....and so did Rita! This is as much for the big kids as it is for the little kids. We look forward to this trip every year and always have a great time.

The Hair Cut

We have been growing out Kennedy's hair for a very long time. We thought we would be able to cut it at Christmas time, but one of our trims turned into....too much cut off. As our Spring Break trip was approaching, the thought of washing and brushing that much hair in the sandy beach air was a little concerning. We wanted to have enough to donate and measured and Viola! we had enough. So on Saturday March 21st she had 9.5 inches cut off and a new hair style. She seems to enjoy the ease of now washing and brushing her hair. It is similar to mine with the back shorter than the sides. I think we will let the back grow out to eventually even up with the sides. Her hair is very cute, but in my opinion a little to "trendy" for a first grader.

My Shopping Protege

Tyler had needed a new pair of tennis shoes since the ones he was in were from August. Amazing enough they had lasted since school started and he actually outgrew them before they were worn through. I had told him when the weekend came we would go shopping for a new pair. He asked if he could get a pair of Nike's this time ( I guess he has finally outgrown the Stride Rites I adore). So, before leaving he said to me "Mom how much are we looking to spend?". I told him I wanted to spend in the $30 range, but I didn't know if we would find any that inexpensive. So before we left Tyler grabbed a pencil and paper and wrote down $30. We went to the mall and went to 5 stores. He wrote down the model number and price of each of his two favorite at each store. We then back tracked to two of the stores, where he then chose his pair: the cheapest pair we saw! A pair of Nike's for $24.99! I was so proud of his planning and bargain shopping. ( I promise I did not make him pick these, I REALLY let him choose)

Kennedy's Date with Daddy

As I am behind on my posting, I went through my pics to see where I left off. The last event I had not posted about was Kennedy's special time with Daddy. Kennedy doesn't ask for much so when she asked for some special time with her Dad, we said yes. They went out to lunch together...at a place that mom has not even been to. Joe said she didn't do much eating but they did a lot of talking. Kennedy really seems to open up when she is alone with one of us. We definitely need to remember this as she grows older. After lunch they went to the mall and looked at Prom dresses! That is what Kennedy enjoyed doing and Daddy wanted to make her happy. Luckily, she didn't want to buy any....yet! Posted is a picture of her before their "date". ( I am not sure why I didn't get one with her and Joe together)

Today is the Day!

I thought I would be posting a picture today of Tyler with his new front tooth. However, plans have changed. We did go to the dentist and they tried.......no luck! Our dentist called the D.M.D. dentist in the next office over to look and he agreed. He just doesn't have enough tooth there (that is exposed) to attach to. So now we will wait and check at every 6 month visit and see if the cap they fill will fit. Tyler seems fine with that for now. He is more concerned about the drilling and pain, then a missing tooth. The dentist assured me that his tooth will be fine as it is. So he is a picture, he is just as handsome without one.

(Update: Kennedy is also doing better. We will try a full day of school tomorrow and just go day by day with what she can tolerate. No gym or outdoor recess for 4 weeks.)

Carter's Quiet?

The other day I was fielding calls from Kennedy's Doctor and friends/family to she how she was doing. While I was on the phone Carter and Kennedy had been playing. I was busy multi-tasking while on the phone and was wrapping packages to be sent out. Carter was up on the stool watching my every move. He got down and went to play, and I continued my work. After about 5 minutes I looked to see where he was and didn't see him or hear him. I then looked in on the couch and saw he had climbed up and went to sleep. Kennedy covered him up with a blanket and went back to playing herself. If only everyday tasks were this easy to get done!

Carters New Croc's

While on our drive home from Grandma Rita's, Joe said " The outlets are about 5 miles away do you want to stop". You know me and outlets so I of course said yes! It was a perfect time to get out and stretch our legs and go potty. While there we walked through many stores and purchased some things at the CROC'S outlet. Carter got a new pair of CROC'S......but more importantly he got a Diego and a baby Jaguar JIBITS to put in his CROCS. He is very excited about his new CROCS. If you call them "shoes" he will be sure to correct you and let you know they are his "blue CROC'S"!

Back Track to Saturday

While at Rita's Saturday, my parents, Jen, Jacob, and Kendall came up to visit. We were able to sit and catch up while the kids all played together. We celebrated Carter's Bday. He was excited to open his presents and have cake with his cousins. Carter loved his presents. He has been playing constantly with his new ninja turtles and his fire station. I think the biggest hit was his new nerf gun. Thanks Grandpa its Carters favorite and now maybe he can keep up with Daddy! (Kennedy is doing better today, although her feet hurt to walk because they are very swollen from the hives. We got the first batch of blood results back today and they were normal, except for the WBC resulting from the mono)

Poor Kennedy

On Saturday night while at Rita's we noticed something when Kennedy was getting in the shower - she was covered with hives. She seemed to feel alright and hadn't complained, but she had hives on most of her body. We gave her some Benadryl, waited a while, and then she went to bed. She seemed to be hot and cold all night when she slept and when she got up in the morning she was covered from head to toe in hives. She also was now complaining of a stomach ache. We took her into the ER and after three tries with the IV, some blood work, and a strep screen, found out she has Mono!!! Crazy! Her activity level really was pretty normal, but she had very swollen glands. They gave her a steroid, more benadryl, and a shot of epinephrine. Her hives went away for the day, but the doctor said they would probably come back.

(The pictures were taken when the hives were NOT so bad!)

Happy Valentines Day

Friday at school were both Tyler and Kennedy's Valentine's Day Parties. I was helping in Tyler's room and Joe watched in Kennedy's class. We were heading back to Grandma Rita's and Papa's for the weekend so it was a very exciting day. It was fun this year to see the kids each prepare their valentines. Tyler signed each of the boys valentines with his name and signed the girls each with ?????. Kennedy on the other hand signed all of hers but carefully selected which valentine would go to which person. Carter was very excited to be able to go to Tyler's class for the party and see what 3rd grade might be about.

Carter's BDay - Feb. 11th

We had such a busy day on Carter's Birthday. With school, Mom2Mom, and AWANA at night, the day went so fast. Carter enjoyed being sang to at Mom2Mom, cupcakes with the neighbors, and cake with his family that evening. There were two things Carter constantly talked about for his birthday: a ninja turtle cake and a ninja turtle costume. He got both on his birthday and I think this made him extremely happy.