Beating the Heat

We try to get creative around here in order to beat the heat! Although we love to hit the pool, it takes a lot of effort to pack everyone and everything up so we've engaged in some alternative water games at home in an attempt to stay cool. The kids really like the new water slide! It's super easy to set up and a lot of fun for the kids. Oh, and we also spend a lot of time in our underwear, eating snacks and being silly :)

Celebrating 4

I'm a little behind here, but we've been busy celebrating! Braylon turned 4 on July 18th and we held a number of celebrations to mark the occasion. Pizza and cupcakes at home on the 18th, a family party, gifts, and cupcakes on the 21st, then a pool party and cupcakes with his buddies on the 22nd! We consumed a lot of cupcakes that week, but it was all worth it :) Happy Birthday Braylon!

Bryan built this picnic table for the kids a few weeks ago and we just got around to letting them paint it. They had a large pallette of colors to choose from and they loved using their hands and feet to create their masterpiece. They were covered in paint, so we took the hose to them to clean up and cool off. We hope to dine on this little table for many outdoor meals!

Memorial Weekend

We had a jam packed weekend with all sorts of fun! The LCC pool opened on Saturday and Braylon and Macyn could not wait to take the first plunge. Braylon headed for the diving board to make his pool debut! Macyn was a bit more cautious, but it didn't take her long to warm up and start splashing around. On Sunday, we took a break from the mid-afternoon heat and hit the Sea Life Aquarium. Then, it was back to the pool on Monday. We met up with some fellow Stepping Stones parents there, so it was an extra special day for B as he got to play with his buddy Cash. We are wiped out after such a fun weekend!

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Crazy Hair Day

A few weeks ago, the kids participated in spirit week at Stepping Stones. One of the themes was "Crazy Hair Day". This was, by far, their favorite! Braylon has asked to have funny, spiky hair a lot since then. Macyn, on the other hand, won't allow me to put her hair in pony tails any longer. And, if so does, they are out within an hour. So, I guess either way, she has crazy hair nearly everyday :)

Celebrating 10 Years

On May 4th, Bryan and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversay Chicago style. We spent 3 days there and enjoyed an evening at the Second City Comedy Club, toured the Field Museum, cruised through the amazing architecture downtown, and strolled through Lincoln Park. After a few hiccups with the airline and 450 Southwest dollars later, we arrived home to enjoy a day with the kids before it was back to work. Cheers to another 10 years!

I Want To Go To Omaha!

Since our last trip to Omaha, over a month ago, Braylon constantly says, "I want to go to Omaha"! We took in a lot of sights and had a really great time. We visited the Henry Doorly Zoo, explored the Omaha Children's Museum, and played at the Amazing Pizza Machine. Mommy and Macyn also attended a baby shower while Daddy and Braylon splashed around at the water park. Here are just a few shots capturing all the excitement. Now that Lily has arrived and Baby boy Soto will be soon, I'm sure we will make the drive to Omaha frequently!

Spring Pictures

The kids had their pictures taken at Stepping Stones a few weeks ago. I am proud to share them! They are getting so big!

Easter Bunny

On a soggy Saturday morning, we ventured out to meet the Easter Bunny. Macyn was terrified and wouldn't get very close, but Braylon loved him/her and made quick friends. He's been asking for the Easter Bunny nearly every day since!

Faces

The kids visited the dinosaur exhibit with Grandma Jean and Aunt Amber on Friday. Looks like they came home with a few animal friends!

Two!

Our little Macy turned two this week! We kicked off the celebration with a cupcake party at school with her friends on March 14, the day of her birth. Then, we had pizza and ice cream and opened a few gifts to round out the day. On Saturday, we had a St. Patty's Birthday celebration with our families. Macyn enjoyed all the attention and loved all of her new clothes. She couldn't wait to try everything on!




She didn't really get into her cake, but she did enjoy the icing. We ended the day with some outdoor play time.


We look forward to all the joys this next year will bring with our little lady!

Trying This Again...

I have really neglected this blog and our viewers over the past several months. I've gotten some feedback that more of you than I had imagined were following us and our blog, so I'm going to try to get back on board with weekly or bi-weekly posts. Here are a few shots of the kiddos playing dress-up! This is currently one of their favorite activities!