Windy Adventure

Last week my Dad and I took the boys to play in Chicago for a few days!  My sister has been so wonderful at visiting me, multiples times In Texas, and it was sooo great to finally see her home in the city!

The boys and I shared a room, which is no big deal, unless time zone is a factor.  The boys have fully adjusted to Eastern Time now that we reside in Ohio, so traveling back to Central left a sprightly Kaleb at 630am on the dot!  Once he saw me in the room there was no turning back.  Luckily our room is L&T's future playroom and was loaded with toys....which I chucked one at a time into both pack'n'plays.  I had hoped the boys would be entertained longer than 60 seconds, while I adjusted my mind to morning play.  Yea right.  So, I entertained them myself for an hour or so, then moved through each room of the house waking each adult, and toddler, one.at.a.time.  Who wants waffles and blueberry pancakes?

We had a great time fighting playing with new toys, visiting one of the most beautiful zoo's I've ever seen,

Jules and I continue to agree.  Kaleb and Lucie look like the twins.  Don't you think?!

By far the star of the zoo!!  This polar bear would swing by every few minutes and stare right at the kids!

picnicking by the waterfront, quacking like ducks in the pool and eating out at a real restaurant for the first time ever!  Aiden surprises me everyday with his independence and strong-will and each day Kaleb's kisses get just a little sweeter.

All 4 kiddos in this photo...running amuck.  Aiden, naturally is furthest away

This photo cracks me up.  "Skinny Pete" looks just a little more buff

Jules, thanks so much for having us, and Dad thanks so much for driving!!

Our 4th of July

One year sure does make a difference: my little stars and stripes have grown so much.  I tried incredibly hard to recreate this picture.  (I even bribed the gummy boys with gummy bears)  This is the best it's gonna get.  

We had such a fabulous time in Pittsburgh with the family for the celebration of our great nation!  I can't get past how amazing it is to see everyone, and do not miss the sadness of saying goodbye, because I know in a short time I'll have to opportunity to see them again.  Being close to home is everything I expected it would be.

Keith, my brother-in-law Tim, the boys and I had a crazy relaxing day at my Dad's, spent an incredibly fun time at my Aunt's for food/family, then headed to the golf course to see a fantastic fireworks show.  Kaleb surprised the crap out of me and loved the booms, bangs and cracks.  Thank you to my nieces Chloe and Sophie for chasing the boys around everywhere and keeping tabs on them.

This is Kman's smelling the flowers face

Aiden's favorite Uncle Michael

These girls are the.very.best!  I love them so much and the boys do too....despite the their faces above.

L.O.V.I.N.G. the grand finale!

Our house hunting continues, we are off to a birthday party at ChuckeCheese tomorrow (what an adventure that will be) and I NEED to take those "18" month pictures.  Also, a mad shout out to Keith, who found out yesterday he will retire the military as Staff Sergeant Rickel.  So proud of you!

One HUNDRED

CHEERS!  This is my 100th post.  Wow!

Lots of things happening around here and we are busy running here and there and everywhere!!!!  It's amazing to be close to friends and family now.  I'm happy the boys are such great car passengers.  This past week we've been on a few playdates, fed the fish with GG and PopPop, took a wagon ride to visit my Dad's cigar shop, got to sing Happy Birthday to my Aunt and visit with my beautiful Grandmother!

The boys with the Thomas bunch and JD

Thanks again for the bubbles Auntie Meg!

Toyland at Rowens!

Daily pillow forts in our tiny rental

Oh how Aiden looooves his GG!

I finally got some old pictures uploaded from our last Texas BBQ (thank you again to all our friends who came to visit and say goodbye), as well as a few other boating shots.  Additional thanks to friends and family around town who are opening your homes to say hello!

We have a fun weekend planned and I hope the boys do well with all the action.  Our 4th of July festivities begin at my Aunts annual spread then we're going to give fireworks a shot.  I think Aiden will loooove them and Kaleb will most likely scream in terror and bury his sweet face in my arms.  

Hope everyone has a wonderful Independence Day!!  Happy Birthday America!