Our August

The end of summer...

Rey dumping out her toy basket in search for a toy

Kieran and Kody playing baseball

Cole and Kieran completed the library summer reading program. Caden completed the program for his grade level too. 

Rey trying to sneak into Kieran's bedroom way too early in the morning...This would be okay if she didn't snuggle up to Kieran's head and purr loudly while sucking on her paw. 

Jovie, MY morning cuddler

Caden moved to the middle school this school year. He has quite a haul between some of his classes and only a three-minute passing period. He adjusted pretty well, especially after his toe was healed and he could get rid of the boot. Here, he is working on his new locker combination. 

Jovie watching tv, which is unusual for her

Jovie makes it even harder for me to get out of bed in the morning. We do not like mornings!

Curt and I saw Paul McCartney perform at Busch Stadium. It was an incredible show! So awesome to see a Beatle perform! We were thrilled that he sang many Beatles' songs.

Great seats!

We had so much fun with Audrie and Robb! (Ignore Curt's ridiculous face.)

Paul performed nearly nonstop for over 2 1/2 hours. 

The day after the concert, we drove home from St. Louis and visited the Illinois State Fair with Nana and Papa.

The Giant Slide--my favorite

Caden and Cole on one of their favorite rides

The hang glider ride makes me nervous. 

Kieran loves this ride. 

Cole getting into the race car ride too. 

Dragon coaster

Racing down the smaller slide

We always have to convince Kieran to go on rides like this one, and then he ends up loving it. 

Caden with two of his friends on Super Shot, which goes way up and drops down quickly

Everyone does spinning rides, except me.

Cole, Curt, and Kieran

Curt, Cole, & Caden

Kieran still likes the motorcycles. 

Rey adopted Kieran's Build-a-Bear tent.

Second trip to the Illinois State Fair

All four boys on the hang glider ride...Makes me even more nervous! Curt held onto Kieran just in case. 

Curt, Caden, and Cole on Super Shot

Caden and Cole on Sky Glide

I make Kieran sit really still on Sky Glide. 

First Day of School!!!

Kindergarten! 7th grade! 4th grade!

Kieran and Cole walking to the bus stop

Our cul-de-sac crew...Kieran-K, Cole-4th, Stella-3rd, Hugo-1st 

Pretty successful first day...Cole likes his teacher and knows several classmates. Kieran missed me and thought the day was really long. Thankfully, Kieran's uncertainty about school only lasted about a week. 

Rey missed her morning snuggle time with Kieran.

Begging for attention

Curt and I were lucky to see two incredible concerts in August. The second concert was Pearl Jam at Wrigley Field. We took the train to Chicago, spent some time with Shannon and Josh, visited with old friends, and enjoyed Pearl Jam.

While we were in Chicago, Nana and Papa treated the boys to a movie, a book store shopping spree, and their third trip to the Illinois State Fair. They spent a lot of time in Conservation World on this visit.

Cole made it to the top of the rock wall.

Kieran and Caden trying archery

Cole

Cole and Caden 

Cole jumping

Cole and Kieran went through the inflatables. 

On the ferris wheel

Rey is always happiest when Kieran returns from school.

Soccer season begins.

Cole in blue

Kieran

Kieran as goalie

Rey does not like to share "her" tent.

Popsicles in the pool at Island Bay

Cross Country season begins for Caden. He missed out on pre-seasoning training and the first meet due to his broken toe. It was a LONG four weeks! He was ready to run! He was released to participate in the first home meet of the season at Chatham Community Park. It is not his favorite course to run, but he did a great job after missing so much training.    

That wraps up our very busy August! It was a great end to summer and beginning of the school year.