Spring Break

Caden and Cole had Spring Break back in March. Curt did not have the week off, so we mostly stuck around home and enjoyed the beautiful warm weather. We were lucky that he was not scheduled to work on the Monday of break, so we spent the day in St. Louis. Unfortunately, I forgot the camera, but I snapped a few photos with my phone.

We started our day at the Science Center. The boys had a lot of fun in the Discovery Room. 

No surprise here--Kieran playing a ball game

Cole trying out a wheelchair

Cole & Kieran had fun in the teepee.

Cole & Caden at the water table

Kieran moved from the balls to the racecars.

Caden was thrilled that the computer had the human body game on it. He played this game weekly at the library when we lived in Indianapolis. With some help from dad, he happily completed the skeleton!

After exploring most of what the Science Center has to offer, we took our first trip up in The Arch. It was even a first for Curt and myself. Caden and Cole were so excited! 

Cole & Kieran heading up in our teeny tiny tram car/elevator

Caden could not wait to get to the top!

Checking out the view

The boys had fun going up and down in the tram. They were hoping it would seem like a rollercoaster on the way down, but THANKFULLY it was a slow and smooth ride both ways. They were amazed at being so high. I was not so sure about the slight sway you could feel from the wind, but the boys thought it was cool. Before heading back to Springfield, we enjoyed a delicious meal at The Old Spaghetti Factory. So glad Curt had the day off! It was such a fun day!

Kieran at 19-20 months

Kieran is at a FUN age! I can't keep up with all the new words ("Yay Yay, ead" means Caden read.) and skills he's learning. Kieran is cute and curious, which makes him irresistible even when he's causing trouble. Minus his high-pitched shrieks when he is mad or not getting something he wants fast enough, he continues to be easy-going and very happy most of the time. Kieran is friendly and has a contagious smile. Some of his favorites include BALLS, books (especially Piggies, Hug, and the Trucktown series), being outside, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. He can point to most body parts, says "no" while shaking his head (unfortunately becoming more frequent), makes animal noises (cat, sheep, horse, dog, and cow), sings tunes and then claps/cheers for himself, and climbs (hoping to avoid an ER visit). Kieran will repeat words and imitate his brothers (not always a good thing). He puts his stuffed animals to sleep, saying "shhh" with his finger to his mouth. Those were some highlights from the last couple months. Now some photos...

19 months--February

Loving the bounce house on a warm winter day

Would love to be outside all day long

"Reading" Caden's chapter book (for over 5 minutes, which is why I snapped a photo)

Giving Mommy a subtle hint that he's ready for some outside time

Kieran with his favorite toys

Back from a bike ride with Daddy

20 months--March

     

Happy 8th Birthday, Caden Parker!

Another year has zoomed by!  Caden turned the big 8 on March 9th.  Unbelievable!  Curt had to work until 10pm on the big day, so Caden got to open presents first thing in the morning before school.  What kid likes to wait to open presents anyway?! 



Cole delivering a present to Caden as Kieran watches with curiosity

Kieran decided that he wanted in on the present action

Caden received a new baseball glove, as well as Spy Gear, books, and Legos.

A new bike was his big gift from us

 After presents, a candle in his breakfast, and the birthday song, Caden went off to school. Sounds like he had a great day! I dropped off cookie cakes for his class to enjoy.  For dinner, Caden picked Buffalo Wild Wings, and then we stopped at Culver's for ice cream sundaes. 

Nana and Papa arrived before bedtime with presents for the birthday boy.

More books for our lover of nonfiction! Caden LOVES to learn!

Opening his Kindle Fire, his most requested gift

Caden's birthday celebration continued the next day with an Angry Bird party at Chuck E. Cheese's. 

Cole practicing for tball

Caden and Nathaniel--This photo is so frightening that it's funny. 

Guitar Hero with Mason and Griffin

Dominic and Michael

Brady and Ali winning a ton of tickets

Our cul-de-sac girls--Sophia, Stella, and Greta

Kieran playing basketball (no surprise there!)

Grammy went above and beyond on Caden's Angry Birds cake! It was AMAZING!

Caden getting crowned

Probably wishing that he didn't have to wear the crown

The reason Caden selected Chuck E. Cheese's as his birthday party location...The Ticket Blaster!

Caden and his friends had a great time playing games and hanging out.

Papa and his buddy, Kieran enjoying an Angry Bird

Back home to open presents



Opening lots of fun presents from Grammy and Grandpa, Aunt Mariah, Uncle Jason, Aunt Shannon and Josh, and his friends

After presents, Caden and his family enjoyed the beautiful weather outside with basketball, bikes, and chalk. 

LEGO building started the next day with this Star Wars ship from his friends, Olivia and Ethan

It's been over a month, and I still can't believe Caden is 8!  Such a blessing to our family!  Love him so!