Monday, June 30, 2008

We're Packed!

I think we have everything, if not, they have Target too. Lindsey won't go to sleep, she is pretty excited, so I hope she's not too grumpy tomorrow. Now it's off to shower and bed. We've decided on the 3:45 wake-up, roll out of bed and into the car by 4am. Wish us luck! I probably won't sleep anyway.

Next blog - from Florida!

Relaxing Weekend

It was such a nice weekend here. The weather was iffy at times, with occasional pop-up showers, but the temperature was awesome.

We started Saturday morning at gymnastics. The girls had a great time as always, it's so much fun for them. We then came home and relaxed. We didn't have anything that needed to be done, the house was clean, the yard was mowed, it was wonderful. We sat around and read the paper. Tried going to the pool but it was closed for a swim meet. So we invited a couple friends over for pizza and hung out outside until 2am. Can't beat that!

Needless to say we all slept in Sunday morning. Leslie til 9 and Lindsey til 10. They were both up late too, but neither made it until 2am. The girls wanted to have a picnic, so we grabbed some stuff and headed to the park. They had fun on the jungle-gym while David and I sat at a picnic table and watched and talked. Again, so relaxing. Then a little shower came through (and we were a little cold) so we jumped in the car and did a couple errands. Once home Lindsey played with a friend and Leslie napped, while David fooled around on the computer and I started packing. It was really nice not to rush around. David even commented to his boss that he felt guilty going on vacation after such a relaxing weekend. I don't think so!

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Putt-Putt Fun

Friday night we had David's co-workers over after playing putt-putt at the course just up the road. The girls were very helpful going to the grocery store in the morning, then getting all the food ready in the afternoon.

They had a really good time playing, although they weren't as patient as they needed to be waiting for the people in front of them. Luckily it was a young guy that works for David and his girlfriend, so they put up with it.

Leslie wanted to scoot the ball more than putt it, and usually had her club upside down. After a while she would kick it, or just throw it in the general direction, especially when there was a tunnel or something for the ball to go through.


Lindsey used her putting skills from golf lessons. She was able to hit the ball pretty well. Of course it's not easy with the obstacles that come with mini-golf. The biggest hit was probably the water hazards. The girls would hit their ball in it on purpose so they would get to scoop it out.


Thursday, June 26, 2008

Thursday Play Day

Lindsey had a friend from school come over to play today. She hasn't seen her in three weeks, so she was very excited. They spent a lot of time playing with babies in her room, and didn't want to let Leslie play with them. So Leslie and I played with PlayDoh.

After lunch the girls wanted to go out and play with the water table. I set it up and the sprinkler, and they ran in the back yard while I did some outside work. They had tons of fun. I put Leslie down for her nap, and the older girls played some more.

We decided to go to the pool around 4pm, and when we got there found out that there was a swim meet and the pool was closed. Major disappointment. So we came home and I mowed the backyard. Then our neighbor friends stopped by and played for a while. It turned out to be a great evening.

After dinner we had ice-cream, and the girls ate vanilla with caramel and chocolate with brownies -- YES, Lindsey ate chocolate ice cream, I know it's shocking.

Wednesday

We woke up to nice thunderstorms on Wednesday morning, so we decided it was a good day for a movie. Both theaters in town do kid movies in the summer, so we went to Rave to see Alvin and the Chipmunks. Lindsey has been wanting to see it, and it was free, so why not?

Of course when we got to the theater it was pouring rain, and we got a little wet getting inside. Luckily they were showing the movie on more than one screen because there were buses from Rogy's daycare. Our's was pretty empty, and we were met by Gabe and Alex for the show. The girls really enjoyed it. Leslie is getting much better at sitting still.

After the movie I thought I'd run a couple errands, but it was a disaster. Leslie will NOT listen...she won't hold my hand...she tries to climb out of carts...she has to touch glass things...she runs. UGH. So we came home and had lunch, and she took a nap.

We decided to meet Daddy for dinner at Old Chicago on the riverfront. Of course he was late, but it gave me a chance to take some pictures of the girls by the river. Notice the girls both took purses and dolls with them - I didn't know until I got them out of the car.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Tuesday

Lindsey spent most of Tuesday playing with Kellar from across the street. They playing in his yard for a while, then came over to our house. Kellar's mom was taking him to see some traveling animals at one of the libraries and asked if Lindsey could go too. So she went on a little field trip, then played at Kellars house for a while longer when they got back.

Leslie and I planted flowers in all of our pots (the pansies from April did really well, but it's too hot for them now). I also trimmed some bushes, including one with a birds nest with an egg in it, the mommy bird was not happy with me. Leslie was kind of happy that Lindsey was out of the house, because she got to choose a show to watch for a change.

David had dinner with someone at work last night, so I took the girls to run a few errands and stopped at McD's. I love the southern style chicken sandwich and sweet tea. After some guitar hero with dad it was off to bed.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Cowgirl Lindsey

Here's Lindsey in her new cowgirl hat the she loves! She needed a hat for the beach, and wouldn't you know, there was a matching swimsuit. I love Gymboree!
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Sunday, June 22, 2008

Nice, but crummy day

This day would have been a lot more enjoyable, but both Leslie and David are sick. Leslie has had a fever since Friday, but nothing else really seems to be wrong. If you ask her if something hurts, it's anywhere from her little toe to her elbow, sometimes her forehead or her bottom. She's pretty much herself if she has medicine, but otherwise wants to rest or be held.

David has been attacked by the cold bug in the summer. He is sneezing constantly, his nose just drips and he has a sore throat. He had lots of plans for stuff to do today, but didn't get much accomplished. He did get pictures off the camera - which is wonderful because now I can add them to my posts! I've been waiting over a week to be able to do that.

We made it to the pool for a little while today. David and I baked in the sun and the girls were freezing cold in the water. Everyone was just a little grumpy today, and I'm hoping tomorrow will be a lot better.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Out to the ball game

Friday night was a lot of fun. David's group reserved one of the areas at the Peoria Chief's game, so we had a buffet dinner and seats in the grass in the outfield to watch the game. The girls really enjoyed it. Leslie couldn't understand why we wouldn't let her go onto the field, and she kept commenting that she forgot her bat. There's also a playground that the girls go to run around on for a while. David's boss' family was also there so it gave the girls others to play with.

After the 7th inning we moved to seats so we could watch the post-game fireworks. We were amazed at how good they were. Both girls covered their ears, but watched, so we should be ready for fireworks on the beach again this year. It was a late night, but lots of fun!

We also did some decorating around the house on Friday morning. The girls helped me iron and hang curtains in the living room/dining room, and Lindsey helped me frame and hang portraits of the girls. For their hard work, I took them to the pool for a short time (really to tire them out before naps). It was a pretty busy and fun day!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Not much going on

Thursday was pretty much a do-nothing day, at least not anything exciting. I am trying to organize, clean, and decorate the house. Now that the living room/entry/dining/kitchen are newly painted, it's time to hang new curtains, update the pictures, etc. So the girls tagged along for a little shopping then drive-through lunch at McD's.

We did take Bob to the vet today, finally, for his annual checkup. Everything is fine - he's a healthy 6 year old basset. Although the vet did mention having his teeth cleaned because of tartar buildup. They knock him out to do it with a shot then gas, I can only imagine how much that costs. I told her I'd have to discuss it with David. Don't think we'll be doing it, she said he teeth aren't that bad...

We took a quick walk/bike ride this evening which lead to a lot of whining and crying on the girls part, so I did some errands alone after dinner. It was one of those moments this evening when I remembered why I worked...

Wednesday Fun Day

We got to go to the park Wednesday morning with friends Gabe and Alex. We haven't seen them very much with our previous work schedule, so the kids are excited to play. It was a great morning to be outside. They played on the swings, slide, and chased each other on the playset while Beth and I talked. A great time for all!

We then met daddy for lunch. Lucky for us he had things to do outside of the factory, so we met at BW3 for yummy wings. It's always great to see dad for lunch. We played for a while outside waiting for Dad to get home.



After work, we all went to the pool. The girls had a lot of fun because the pool was almost empty. They swam and splashed, and played with their newest toys - spray bottles (thanks Susie!). Leslie even became more adventurous and went to the deep end of the kiddie pool - 2 1/2 feet. She's tall enough to walk around, just a little weary of falling. It was nice that she was able to play with the kids more, rather than sitting on the steps. The lifeguard almost jumped in to save her once, but mom got their first. Good thing, too, if the lifeguard comes into the water the parents have to sign some waiver and probably be scolded by the person in charge. Glad it wasn't me! Lindsey used her new floating swimsuit which holds her up just enough that she doesn't sink, but she still has to swim to keep completely afloat. She's learning to swim a lot better.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Happy Birthday Anne

Today is Anne's birthday - I think she said 29 again, 20+ years later. So we made a trip over to the bookstore for a long-overdue visit. Sam and Stephanie were very happy that we brought cupcakes. What would a birthday be without cupcakes decorated by Lindsey? We were going to do some sight-seeing while in B/N, but miss Leslie decided to sleep until 8:30 today - wow. So we just visited everyone at the bookstore, and then took Anne out to lunch. Of course both girls fell asleep on the way home. It's such a gorgeous day, I wish I could nap (again). The girls have it in their heads that we are going to the park tonight, so we may. I think a trek in the woods would be a great adventure, or maybe just the playground down the road...we'll see!

Monday, June 16, 2008

Home at last

The girls were very excited about not going to school today, and I tried to convince them last night that they needed to sleep in. Of course Leslie was up at 6:30 and Lindsey at 7:30 (came out of her room dressed). So they watched Sesame Street and had breakfast.

I went out to mow the yard and the girls went out to play. It started with bubbles, which Leslie wiped all over the side of my car, the went to bikes and scooters. Then they decided to do a "project" that required rocks from the neighbors yard (sorry Jeanne!), helicopters from the tree, and sticks off the ground. They were going to create something and David and I had to figure out what it was (great). I watched them on the porch playing with these things, then when I looked again they were playing Polly Pockets. Of course the rocks and sticks are still on the porch, but they did pick up the plastic pieces.

We came in so I could shower and I figured it would be back to the television. But instead they went to the loft to play in the tent. Dress-up turned into an underwear party, and thank goodness, I was not allowed to play. They have enjoyed each others company and playing around the house. It's only day 1, so we'll see how time progresses.






It's lunch time (grilled cheese and apples) and then nap time (I may need one too). Hopefully we'll go to the pool later, but it's not real hot out. I'm enjoying the breeze coming through the windows and the sun shining.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Trip to Morgantown


Friday was a day of driving, and we reached West Virginia around 6:30 - just in time for dinner.


The girls were very excited to see us. Leslie kept giving hugs, and wanting us to hold her, then we'd get more hugs and some kisses. It's obvious that she's still young. Her big sister was glad to see us, but Lindsey could have stayed another week or two.



Lindsey helping Pap feed one of the new goats.

Leslie throwing rocks into a mud puddle - she loves to get dirty.

We visited with our family on Saturday, staying up past midnight to play Wii. Then Leslie was nice enough to keep us up with occasional crying, until we put her in our bed. Then she said her tummy hurt and I took her to the living room to rock her, where she proceeded to puke all over the floor...twice. So I put her on the couch to sleep and I sat in the chair next to her until 3am to make sure she was ok. Then she was up at 7:30 ready for breakfast, apparently her tummy was fine.

Needless to say, 4 1/2 hours sleep did not make for a pleasant car ride home. We were all tired and grouchy... and only stopped for food and gas. It seemed whenever we wanted to stop to get out and play or "rest" someone was sleeping. We finally got home around 7pm and we all decided we needed a walk to stretch our bodies, and calm Bob down.

After baths it was off to bed for the girls. I am hoping they sleep in tomorrow morning, because we don't have to get up for school or work!!!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Officially Unemployed

Today was my last day working at Caterpillar. I am officially a stay-at-home mom, but I don't have any kids at home! We will drive to Morgantown tomorrow to spend the weekend and bring the girls home. Tonight, however, David and I are going to enjoy our last night of alone time.