Happy 2nd Birthday, Kieran!

Kieran is 2! So hard to believe! Kieran continues to be an easygoing, happy little guy. He keeps very busy and has a lot to say. Vehicles of all types are a recent favorite.

With sock monkey on the morning of his second birthday

Cole wanted in on the birthday attention.

On the morning of his birthday, I told Kieran that it was his birthday, and he responded with "Chuckie, shoot, ball." Birthdays equal Chuck E. Cheese's at our house. I couldn't disappoint my sweetie, so we made a trip to Chuck E. Cheese's. Kieran was thrilled, and so were his brothers.  

Playing skeeball

Taking his first ride on the clock

Opening presents

Duplos from Caden and Cole

Books and a Wiggles DVD from Daddy and Mommy



A pirate water table too!

Reading with Caden

Blowing out his candles all by himself

On the Saturday after Kieran's birthday, we celebrated with family and friends.

Grammy came through with a fantastic Mickey Mouse cake.

Playing in his waterless water table with our neighbor girls--Alexa, Abbey, and Sophia

Present time!

Excited for candles and cake part 2!

Needed a boost to blow out the candles

LOVE this messy smile!



I decided to get out of the crowd during pinata time. Check out Kieran's Super Mickey cape (perfect!) that Nana found.

Exhausted and sleeping in drool after his party

After post-party naptime, Kieran opened presents from his family.

On his little Big Wheel from Nana and Papa

On his mini trike from Nana and Papa

Checking out the Batcave from Uncle Jason

I think Kieran either said "ooh" or "whoa" when he opened the Megabloks Thomas the Train set from Grammy and Grandpa. Thanks go to Caden for patiently building the set for his little brother.

Really into opening presents!

Finally, there is water in the pirate water table!

Soaked and loving it!

Caden and Kieran with his new collection of vehicles from Grammy and Grandpa 

Loving his birthday balloons!

Looking forward to another big year with my little guy!

Our Trip to Chicago

In mid-July, Curt, the boys, and I spent four days in Chicago. We visited some sites and spent time with Aunt Shannon and Josh.

On Sunday, we started our vacation at Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg.

Chicago Lego miniland was taken over by Star Wars minifigures for Star Wars weekend.

Hagrid (from Harry Potter), the boys, and me

Kieran swimming in Legos

Caden and Cole pedaling through the air

Posing with a few figures before leaving Legoland, getting delicious milkshakes, and heading into the city to meet Aunt Shannon and Josh for dinner.

On Monday, we spent the day at the Museum of Science and Industry. There is so much to see and do at this museum! We enjoyed the planes and trains, coal mine, weather, body, Mythbusters, and U-505 submarine exhibits.

The guys are on the bottom right checking out the planes hanging above them.

The Mythbusters exhibit had a lot of equipment and experiments from the tv show. 

Caden discovering he cannot drive blind in the Mythbusters exhibit.

Kieran running around in the storm exhibit

We had the opportunity to tour a real U-505 submarine, a German sub that was defeated during WWII. It was a very interesting experience.

Caden and Cole on a submarine simulator

Cole trying out a periscope

Caden taking his turn with the periscope

The HUGE U-505 submarine!

We finished our day with dinner at the Rainforest Cafe and a swim in the hotel pool.

On Tuesday, we spent the very HOT day with Aunt Shannon--Lincoln Park Zoo, Nookie's for lunch, a stop by Aunt Shannon's apartment, Millenium Park, Jamba Juice, a swim in the hotel pool, and PF Chang's for dinner.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Caden and the zebras

Watching the tamarins

Kieran was not as brave as Cole.

Lucky polar bear!

Millennium Park

Making a trip over to the two giant fountain towers was the BEST idea! It was just what the boys needed to cool off and have fun.

On Wednesday, we met up with Aunt Shannon and spent the day at Shedd Aquarium before heading home to Springfield.

Watching the sea turtle

Fascinated with the swimming creatures

Enjoying the cool jellyfish exhibit. Never knew there were so many types of jellyfish!

Caden, Cole, & Aunt Shannon

It was a fun-filled, busy few days in Chicago! We were so thankful to get away as a family and spend time with Shannon and Josh. Looking forward to next time!