Illinois State Fair 2012

We visited the State Fair two times this year for fun rides and yummy fair food. The five of us went on the first Sunday, and then Nana and Papa joined the boys and me on the last Sunday.

Kieran was so excited to ride the train. 

Kieran (saying "Cole"), Caden, & Nana

My bench partner, Cole

 Kieran is too small for most of the rides (thankfully!), but he loved the ones he could ride.

Caden being the good big brother on Kieran's first car ride--I wanted to make sure Kieran would stay seated.

So happy!

Papa & Caden on the bumper cars

The giant slide--my favorite (except for the hike up the steps holding a 2-year-old and rug)

Caden was the winner with Cole not far behind him. Kieran and I are at the top of the photo, but my head is cut off. Kieran wasn't sure he wanted to go down the slide a second time, but we had no other choice. I was not going down the steps.

Radio Disney had a Phineas and Ferb area set up in Happy Hollow. The boys went through the PlatyBUS looking for a hidden Perry in several pictures, and then they "played baseball" with Phineas and Ferb.

After a snack of dippin dots, the boys rode more rides. At least, we got good use out of their Mega Passes.

They don't look too excited in this photo, but the Avalanche was their favorite ride.

Looking happier during the ride!

After a very brief snooze, Kieran woke up to ride the merry-go-round with Papa.

"Cheese!"

Caden and Cole on the smaller Himalaya--I could barely watch, but they loved it.

Kieran rode the little boats over and over and over again!

Until next year...

Lincoln Memorial Garden

Cole and Caden have wanted to take Nana and Papa on a hike at Lincoln Memorial Garden ever since they attended LMG Ecology Camp earlier this summer, but it has been way too hot. Last Saturday, the weather was perfect, so we headed out for our hike.

My handsome boys

Cole collecting shells

Papa, Nana, & Kieran

Caden & Cole watching geese and searching for the perfect walking stick

Our fearless leaders

With the oldest tree

Kieran wanted a photo with the oldest tree too.

The weather was beautiful, and we had a great time. The boys remembered quite a bit from their camps. Although I wondered at times, Caden and Cole were able to lead us out of the woods when it was time to leave. We need to visit LMG more often!

First Day of School

Back to Glenwood Elementary School...This time, we have a kindergartener and third grader!

Kieran did not want to be left out of the school day photos, so he offered to hold Cole's lunchbox.

Our kindergartener, Cole--A little nervous and a lot excited!

Our third grader, Caden--Seems impossible that he's in third grade!

Kieran had to take several pairs of sunglasses and an extra lunchbox down to the bus stop.

The elementary-aged cul-de-sac crew (Cole, Sophia, Caden, & Greta) waiting for the bus

Cole rushed onto the bus. Ms. Barb had to stop him, so I could say good-bye (choking back tears) and snap a photo.

Caden and Greta

As the bus pulled away, Kieran burst into tears. He must have thought he was going with his brothers. His breakdown made it harder for me to hold myself together. Thank goodness for awesome neighbors! They offered hugs and a lunch date. The boys' first day was a full day (8:30-3:30), so it was a long day of wondering and waiting.

Kieran patiently waiting for the bus to bring his brothers home

Off the bus with a big smile--First day of kindergarten was a huge success!

 

The big boys have been in school for a week. Kieran and I are enjoying all of our time together, and I've gotten used to some productive or relaxing time during Kieran's afternoon nap. The boys first week went really well. They are enjoying school, making friends, and already learning. Hoping for another successful school year--full of learning and fun!

The End of Summer

We tried to squeeze in as much fun as possible over the few days before school started.

On Friday night and Saturday, we enjoyed a visit from Papa, Nana, Aunt Charlene, and Uncle Fred. With Curt sleeping after an overnight shift, we stayed out of the house most of the day. We spent the morning at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, and then we enjoyed lunch and swimming at Island Bay Yacht Club.

Kieran playing in Mrs. Lincoln's Attic

Cole as a very serious soldier

Cole and Kieran cooking for me in Mrs. Lincoln's Attic

Cole, Caden, Papa, Nana, Aunt Charlene, and Uncle Fred with the Lincoln family

On the Monday before the boys started school, we met friends at Knights Action Park. It was a very cool (70's) and cloudy day, but they had a great time together. The following photos only show some of our group. We were lucky to have four moms, so the kids could split up. Unfortunately, Ethan and his mom had to leave within the first 30 minutes after he slipped on a slide and cut his head open enough to need 24 stitches.

Griffin and Olivia

Griffin, Olivia, Brady, and Caden

Brady, Ali, and Griffin

On Tuesday, we spent the afternoon swimming at Island Bay Yacht Club, and then the big boys started school on Wednesday. Where did the summer go?!

A Visit to Nana and Papa's House

During Nana's week-long vacation, she spent part of the week with us in Springfield, and then she took Caden and Cole home with her for three days. Papa had one day off, so they road-tripped to Miller Park in Bloomington.

First, they hit the super fun playground.

They stopped for a Dairy Queen picnic lunch.

Then they played mini golf.

Cooling off at the sprinkler park. Really wish Springfield had one of these!

They finished their day in Bloomington with a visit to the Miller Park Zoo and a stop at Culver's.

In front of the tamarins for Mom

With the tortoise for Kieran

Cole escaping the sun

Sounds like this cockatoo was quite the entertainer!

On the less busy days, the boys had fun playing monkey-in-the-middle and ladders.

Caden and Cole had a great time at Nana and Papa's house. It was a nice break for all of us!