Hey Batter Batter

Wednesday night was Coast Guard Appreciation Night at our local baseball park. This baseball team is literally in a league of its own...nope, not a farm team for anyone, just a 'professional' team of wannabe's. Regardless, it was a beautiful park and SO incredibly fun for all of us. We had fantastic seats so the kids were able to be up close and personal with the players. Owen was fascinated by the ball going back and forth as well as the huge score board. Kailey had a great time dancing with the mascot, named Sun Burn and even got him to shake it and spin around! She also 'befriended' some poor seven year girl old who ended up having a little blonde shadow for about an hour. There was a wonderful family area in the outfield complete with tables and a playground for the kids to romp around. I guess it's safe in the outfield because again, these guys probably wouldn't be hitting it over the Green Monster if given the chance. The fun and games ended for Kailey when she went down a slide and got a mouthful of sand. However, a little pink cotton candy, or sugar, as Kailey calls it made everything MUCH better!

Piano Man

This happens to be the toy of the week. Both Kailey and Owen have been rockin' and rollin' to this sharp little piano from Grandma Karel. This piano is WAY better than my synchronizer circa 1988 that I earned from my ONE summer filing community band music for my dad. (That's a WHOLE other story for those of you not familiar with the Sousa/Community Band...someday, someday). Back to our piano. It has great beats, a microphone and a turn table. Owen often surprises himself with the noises he can make with the piano (well, he surprises himself with all of his noises, but again, that's for another day) and Kailey just dances.

Such a big boy

We've had a few chilly mornings these last few days therefore, I've had to dress the kids accordingly. I've been slowly shopping for cold weather gear, so we wouldn't break the budget come fall. However, I didn't expect to break out the jeans this early. We are keeping our fingers crossed that it's only a temporary cold spell and we can return to some nice, warm August temperatures soon.

Owen sure does look cute, but certainly not like a baby anymore which makes me sad. I can't believe he's ten months old already, where does time go? He loves to stand and cruise around anything and everything. Soon he'll be standing on his own, he just needs to get the balance thing down!

Oh, I went to the animal fair...

The birds and beasts were certainly there! As a kid, we always went to the Medina County Fair which was a real humdinger. It featured tractor pulls, demolition derbies, dunk tanks and my 8th grade favorite, New Kids On the Block. This fair wasn't quite the caliber of my childhood memories, but it did live up to expectations in terms of animals.

However, never, ever did I think a trip to the fair could bring tears of joy to my eyes as this one did. Kailey tends to be a little scared of most things. She always exclaims, "I'm fine, I'm fine" which is code for "Get me the heck out of here." Well, she spotted a real pony carousel and wanted to immediately ride. Paul and I thought for sure, she would get close to the pony, flip out and then want to leave. We were wrong, so wrong. She got on Lumberjack the pony, yelled to all of the other pre-school riders, "Come on Cowboys, Yeehaw!" and had the time of her life. Owen watched her with pure glee and giggled the entire time. Absolutely worth the price of admission!

Blueberry Picking

Last week, we indulged ourselves in one of TC's finest crops...blueberries! We traveled with our buddies to Buchan's Blueberry Hill to pick the most luscious, delicious, plump blueberries I've ever tasted. Okay, okay, maybe I've been a bit sheltered as this was the first time I've ever picked blueberries, but I was in Heaven! Kailey enjoyed picking the berries for about five minutes until she realized eating them was much better.

The best part was since I was flying solo (Paulie had to miss it due to work), my friend Krista and I got to straddle and creep under the bushes, while her husband Jerod wrangled five, yes five children! In the end, Krista picked nine pounds and I picked six pounds. (She's a more experienced picker...I guess). I now have a freezer full of blueberries to enjoy for many months to come. Pure Bliss!

Owen- Loo-Who

One of my favorite things to purchase for the kids are jammies. I've always had a thing for jammies and now I am passing it on to them. Kailey is in a nighty-princess phase and won't change out of her 'princess' all day long. We have to use bribes and the like so we can go in public without her good friends "Sleeping-rella" and "Cinder-beauty." (I could correct her, but why?)

In Owen's case, I didn't realize this little romper would create a Seuss character in my very home! It's the blue eyes and the big smile that add to the charm.

Paul's Look-alikes- Ha-cha-cha!

Jenny's Celebrity Look-alikes

http://www.myheritage.com

Owen's Celebrity Look-alikes

http://www.myheritage.com

Kailey's Celebrity Look-alikes

http://www.myheritage.com

Swinging and Playing

These were from a favorite playground close to the hotel where we spent a lot of time swinging and playing on the train. Owen is a big fan of the swings and Kailey just loves to run around. Of course they wouldn't like the same things, that would be too easy!

Shedd Aquarium

Kailey has been on a whale kick since her Aunt Wendy bought her a set of bath whales for Christmas. We therefore jumped at the opportunity to see some real Beluga whales at the aquarium. These shots were taken at an amazing underwater viewing area where Kailey just couldn't believe her eyes. We now sing and read about the Baby Beluga (who is just a few months older than Owen) every single night.

Jelly Belly Factory

This is a must see activity when visitng Waukegan. Every family recommended that we go on the factory tour of the Wisconsin Jelly Belly factory. We did have fun riding the little train through the warehouse and the Willy Wonka-ish Jelly Belly store at the end of the tour. However, I was expecting much more. We watched videos of the creation of Jelly Bellies not the actual process. Considering I still remember the crayon factory episode of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, I was a little disappointed that we didn't see the real deal. Kailey enjoyed it and Owen didn't scream, so I guess it was a success. We did leave with our hats and lots and lots of yummy treats to last us for a while. And Hannah and Maddie, be expecting something especially fantastic and really disgusting that will most certainly please your parents!

Lovin' my brother

After months of ambivalence, Kailey now loves her brother more than anything! Every time she is given the chance, she kisses and loves on her little Owie. I'm thrilled now, but someday soon they'll be cooking up some good stuff for their mom and dad...watch out!