Playground Playmates

We spent the day today in Champaign, visiting my cousin and her family. What a beautiful day to spend outside! This was Drew's first trip to the playground, and what fun he had!

Luke & Drew swinging side by side.

"Higher Daddy, higher!"

The swing is definitely a favorite. Drew gave me the high pitched scream and flailing legs when it was time for him to get out.

This slide was ok...

but not as fun as this one!!

This slide was

super

cool

crazy

fun

excitement!

"What's next?"

Daddy's Birthday!

Happy 32nd Birthday, Daddy!

The weather sure didn't cooperate, but we had a good day, nonetheless. Drew, Luci and I woke up Brad this morning with a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday" (Brad smiled, so I think he liked it). He opened a small gift from us (Little Miss Sunshine DVD) with the condition that it could be bartered, traded or sold for what he really wants (Brad's impossible to buy for and he doesn't give any suggestions!). Around 4 this afternoon we headed up to Peoria to do some birthday shopping at Best Buy, where Brad picked out a computer game (go figure) and an accessory for his computer, and then headed to Old Chicago for dinner. A laid back birthday, but I don't think Brad minded...he only heard one "old man" joke all day today!! :)

Happy Birthday, babe. We love you very much!

"Beer? Beer nuts? No, none for me, thanks....

My sippy and goldfish suit me just fine."

16 Months Old!

Whoa! Seriously, where does the time go?!?!?!

16 months old

Milestones this month:
Gives kisses on the lips when asked (and likes to share as he can't just give to mom or dad without giving to the other!)
Two new molars
Can say "hi" "ball" and "baby"

New Pics

MN fun!

The three of us enjoyed a fantastic trip to MN last week! The weather was beautiful, so Drew got to spend a lot of time outside, which is becoming one of his favorite places to be. Just check out all of the fun he had...

B-ball lessons with Uncle Jeremy

Photography lessons with Uncle Justin
(how to look like you're having fun when the toddler you're holding is less than thrilled)

"Hello, Mr. Garbage Truck"

umm, wait a second...where was Mom when this occurred?!?!

A new toy that is CRAZY fun (a superb garage sale find (thanks, Uncle Jeremy!))... fresh batteries has made it especially fun!

THANK YOU Grammy & Papa, Uncle Justin and Uncle Jeremy! We had a great time, and can't wait to see you all again soon!!!

Mother's Day

The reason I get to celebrate this day.

The best card ever!

That's Luci and Drew on the left, and Brad on the right. You can see Drew's "signature" if you look closely. The marks underneath 'love' and 'you' were made by him. (I received my gift last weekend...a traveling tote for my scrapbooking goodies.)

Enough said!

A New Kind of Education

Apparently, Drew thinks he's far advanced for his age.
He's taken an interest in US News & World Report.
But he's not exactly "reading" it...

He's learning through osmosis...

and close observation...

and if neither of those work, just eat it!

Ta-Da!

Happy Birthday, Luci!

Today Luci turned four. Her present was to go with us as we watched one of our youth kids play soccer this afternoon. She loves to be outside, and was very excited to be out and about. She also got a flavored rawhide chew (which she downed in about 5 minutes) and a few McDonald's french fries. Drew gave her extra love and affection (a few more than normal whacks to the head and fists to the back) and she may just get to sleep in our bed tonight.

We often forget about our "first born" so I needed to acknowledge her day here. :)