4th in Virginia

We made the hike to my parents for the annual 4th of July week at their house. It was a little harder this year since the drive time doubled from other places we've lived. This time we broke the trip into 2 days of driving. We spent the first night at my aunt and uncle's house in Columbus Ohio and then went on to my parents. The boys loved playing with uncle Roger and having a meal that didn't come from McDonald's or Wendy's was great too :)

Once we were in Virginia, Gabriel decided to quickly get over any fear of water he may have and jump right in on a raft in the pool with nobody there to grab him, luckily that went well but we had our eyes on him at all times after that. He is fearless!

Nico was super comfortable in the water and both boys did good on the boat too. Nico played hard with all his cousins and made sure to wear them out before it was time to go.

It was a very nice trip, the boys did so well in the car I couldn't even believe it. Each year as they get a little older things seem to get a little easier...

Gabriel and Dinner, Oh boy...

Gabriel doesn't mind making a mess when he eats, his main thing is that you don't do anything to help, he wants to do it all by himself, even if that means sticking his hands in his meal, or his face, instead of using a spoon to do the job. Good thing we don't have to pass his clothes down to anyone else, he is sure to ruin them all! No bib for this guy, he wants it all over his shirt instead!

Easter

Easter was an interesting day for sure. We were leaving to go to my brothers for brunch and realized we lost our dog Yzma.

After looking all around the neighborhood we went on to my brother's house and he helped make signs for us to post all over the area. Oz thought it would be a good idea to email my Moms Group and ask them if anyone had seen a lost dog. Sure enough a few hours later when we were beginning to lose hope a Mom friend of mine called and said her neighor was housing a lost dog.

I walked over and found Yzma playing with their dog as happy as could be, unaware of all the trouble and worry she caused that day. We were glad to have her back.

Other than that we had a nice day. Here are some pics of the boys at the Easter Egg hunt in the neighborhood.

Cubbies

Today my brother was nice enough to give us 4 tickets to see the Cubs play the Reds. Wrigley field is a place to see and experience during your lifetime for sure. I remember so well going to games there as a child, hearing Harry Carry sing Take Me Out To The Ball Game, and trying to catch foul balls that headed our way. When I was little, I collected baseball cards; they are all organized and waiting to be handed down to my boys when they get a little older.

We weren't sure what to expect, the game started right during Gabe's normal nap time but I couldn't pass up a cubs game, even if it meant bringing a cranky child to the game. Oz and I loaded up the car and headed for the city. Nico LOVED watching the Metro Train roll by us again and again. He is always amazed by all the tall buildings and crazy activity that happens downtown. Both boys sat in the car awestruck looking out the windows. Luckily Gabriel managed a quick power nap which ended up being just enough for him to be in a great mood the rest of the afternoon.

We parked the car and headed down the streets of Wrigleyville on our way to the stadium. Nico thought he died and went to Heaven when he saw the L train go right over his head.

Once we made it to the stadium we found our seats. The boys people watched, and jumped every time they heard the man yell HOTDOGS! Get you Hotdogs HERE!

Eventually we had to have a Chicago dog ourselves so we spent 30 bucks for 3 dogs and a coke! Whoa!

Gabriel had his first sip of Pepsi and of course loved it, unfortunately...

Nico watched the game some, Gabriel watched the airplanes go over us and made sure to clap everytime he heard the crowd do so. He even tried YMCA with the crowd! By the 7th inning the boys were getting tired and it looked like rain so we headed out.

What a day at the park, I look forward to doing this each year with the boys, making it a tradition for them, it's such an experience and I know seeing them so happy and amazed made my day!

The Guys

Backyard

When we moved into the house our yard was covered in snow, at one point more than 20 inches of it. A few months later and some warmer temps have let us discover the backyard we now own. I think the boys will love it this summer and it's great that we have a fence this time.

Gabriel has already escaped once out the dog door so thank goodness for the fence. I was upstairs making the bed and heard the doorbell ring. I went downstairs and looked out front and didn't see anyone but still heard the bell. I then realized we have a bell on the back door too and Gabriel was standing outside ringing it.

This weekend was super nice, we ended up taking the boys outside and roasting marshmellows to make smores, they were a hit.

Touch a Truck

Nico was in heaven today and Gabriel nearly was himself. I took the boys to touch a truck. We've never been to one before and now I see why they are such a hit for little guys. Nico climbed into a huge bull dozer, a moving van, ambulance, cherry picker, trolley where he and Gabe got to ring the bell, a school bus, and some other pretty huge trucks.

I had to peel them away at the end to leave but it was so much fun to see how wide their eyes got when they realized they were allowed to climb inside all the big "mighty machines" as Nico calls them.