another busy weekend

We had another busy, but fun weekend. Logan went to his first Cougars game. Carter loved it - we've taken him once every summer for the past 3 years. We had bleacher seats behind the Cougars dug out. Unfortunately no foul balls came our way, but Carter had his glove ready just in case. He was a little upset when no slig-shot balls came our way, but the friendly first aide guy was behind us and gave Carter a special ball to cheer him up! The boys piged out on pizza, brats, pretzels, and nachos and got some souviners from Daddy - a bat and ball for Logan and baseball cap for Carter. Logan danced and clapped to all the music. Carter had the opportunity of a lifetime to run the bases all by himself on the field after fireworks (believe it or not, Logan fell asleep just after the fireworks show and band began to play!). Maybe someday one of the boys will run them after hitting a homerun outside Elfstrom Stadium!

elburn days parade 2007

Ok, I've been busy! I worked in my classroom all last week and was wiped out pretty much every night. I think I crashed not long after the boys were bathed, brushed, and tucked into bed!

You've probably been on the edge of your seat waiting to see if I've mastered this slideshow thing...nope, sorry! I am offically a "photobucket" loser, therefore following are some pictures from last weekend's parade...

Elburn Days Parade 2007

boys love tractors

Today was the big day! We've been waiting all summer for this...the Elburn Days Parade! Charlie works for a John Deere dealer and every year we are in the parade driving a Gator! Take a look at parades from the past and then I'll fill you in on this year's big day.

2004 Carter is almost 9 months old

2005 It was HOT! Carter's a few months from turning 2.

2006 Logan's first parade -- rain, rain, go away!

How will I ever choose what shots to share from today - I want to try to figure out how to do a slideshow of my favorite photos! I took more pictures than ever. I'll work on it in the morning.

Really though, what a fun filled day! We got to Daddy's work around 4 and spent a good hour playing in the showroom. Boys love tractors - this was more fun than the park! Next we boarded our family-sized Gator and headed out to line up for the parade. While we waited to start we visited fire trucks, saw horses and clowns, high-fived Ozzie from the Cougar's Game and THE Ronald McDonald! Around six the parade began and Carter steered us in the right direction constantly waving to the crowd. Logan just took it all in on my lap, looking at all the kids and people waving at him on the sides of the street. Crazy! After we finished the route we joined some friends for food and watched the rest of the parade go by - crazy corn cars, marching bands, dancers, floats - while people tossed treats and toys our way. Then, back to the car as sun went down. Logie fell asleep on the way home and when Charlie tucked Carter into bed he said he couldn't wait until next year!

Stay tuned for the slide show...

silly boys

peek-a-boo!

Oh, and check out Mr. Mostaccioli!

a day at the pool

Believe it or not, we made it to Cypress Cove for the first time all summer today! With teaching summer school and some rainy days we hadn't been able to get to the pool for the day and weekends have been so busy. We've tried to get out in the backyard pool and sprinklers as much as we can. Also, I need an extra pair of hands - Natalie came along. Logan's first trip to a big pool and Carter's first opportunity to test out all his new skills from swimming lessons. This was no backyard swimming adventure for sure! Carter was a fishie swimming under the water, slipping and sliding down the slide, tossing his new lizard and squirting water at everyone, so so brave! I kept saying "Daddy'd be so proud of you!" I wish he could have seen him playing shark in the water - Natalie was the boat and it ran out of gas! Yikes! At first Logan was quite clingy - he's a boy who prefers a ball or a sandbox over your backyard blow-up pool, which is odd considering how much he splashes and kicks in the tub every other night. After a big piece of pizza and some applesauce and a few laps 'round the lazy river he was much more comfortable, daring, and brave crawling toward the less shallow water, climbing out and backing back in, splashing, kicking and even eventually enjoying the fountains of water Carter attacked. Fun in the sun! I can't believe how much fun I had with them today. I loved every minute of it and I think they did too!

visiting gridley

We made a trip down to Gridley to visit Grandma on Sunday - her 82nd birthday! Carter was so excited to make the trip down to see his Great Grandma! Jamie and Matt joined us, getting a glimpse into how long lunch at McDonald's can take with kids. Both the boys did well in the car, they napped a bit on the way down and on the way back when we got close to home we even saw a funnel cloud! They played and played with a bunch of old toys Grandma brought out for them. On our way out of town we stopped at the old park and rode the old merry-go-round and took pictures by the cannon. Grandma's doing so well and I'm so glad we got to see her on her special day!