First Time at Trader***Joe's

The kids and I made our first visit to Trader***Joe's. I had gone once when Keegan was about 18 months old, but basically walked in and walked out. So this time I had some good buddies to show me the ropes!! By the way, Trader***Joe's is a grocery store. You can see how I would be intimidated and fearful!! ;-)

My buddies Kari & Grace.

Kari is taking a picture of me taking a picture of her.

And I just realized they are standing under the "Dips" sign. Wow - the fun I could have with that one!!!

Just kidding!!!

Katie corralled, I mean sitting nicely in the cart.

Our other little helper shoppers. And no, that poor woman didn't know what hit her!!

Thanks for a great trip! And yummy trip!!!

Getting to see old friends...

I went back to Galesburg with the kids for a couple days and was able to meet up with some old friends I had not seen in awhile...

My friend Angie & I

(we sipped our drinks - and yes we know they are supposed to be shots. That's how we roll!) ;-)

My buddy Alex, and Angie's husband

Josh, grew up down the street from me, and his new wife.
Very cute to see newlyweds again.

The whole crew! Thanks for meeting up guys! Great to see you!!

Fun Friday!

Spider^man and his trusty sidekick Super*Tigger came to visit. Never heard of Super*Tigger before?? Neither had I, but she kept up with Spider^man quite well! Must have been all the training...

Spider^man showing some of his super moves!!

That's Super*Tigger's purse in the background...

Spider^man with some 'tude!

And just for fun, here are a couple pictures of how happy this Tig*ger costume makes people!!!

Keegan circa 8 months (I think)

KaeKae 19 months

Outdoor fun with Daddy

Katie riding Keegan's scooter w/ help from Daddy...

She also insisted on wearing Keegan's helmet to ride Keegan's scooter, which is why the fit is lacking...

Keegan about to go down the grassy hill on his big wheel...

Driving Miss KaeKae

"Cheese!"

Fireworks and Friends

Thank you so much Gaston Family!! We had a terrific time!!

4th of July Parade

Getting ready to go to the parade - the first time...

Mostly for Grandma & Grandpa, he still has his sword!!

Daddy and his little girl, who is really interested in the candy in the bag...

*The*Budweiser*Clydesdale's*

As you can tell from all the pictures, I thought the Clydesdale's were pretty neat!

Our local H.S. band

Who doesn't love an old green firetruck???

Now, here's a little story about the parade. It was rain delayed. So we went twice. So worth it - very fun! Also, I saw a friend I went to high school with that I hadn't seen since high school. She was passing out candy in the parade and recognized me!!! So that was really fun, except. Except, I was wearing some bright plaid capri's that were in the spirit of 4th of July. Now, had I known I was going to run into someone I hadn't seen in, well let's just say several years, they would not have been my first choice. So I'm rained on, and bright, and she still recognized me. I'm so glad she did! Later when I expressed my embarrassment of my attire to Chad, my dear sweet loving husband (who dislikes the said capris anyway) says, "That's why I always leave the house looking good!" Anyway, I located her on FB, and we are going to get together for a playdate. I'm so excited! And the capris are in the Good*will pile...

Katie is back to her old self

Happy Monday all!! Sorry for the absence, we have had a sick baby in the house. And I'm referring to Katie, not Chad! Poor little girl had canker sores in her mouth. Thus making it difficult to talk, eat, and sleep. But this morning, they seem to be all gone. She is actually playing and getting into things. And I actually got one of these at lunch...

She ate her hot dog! Hot diggety dog!! ;-)

Glad you are feeling better little girl!! We love you!!

Potty Training???

Well, Katie has definitely shown some interest in going on the potty. And the nurse practitioner suggested trying to introduce potty training now, while they are interested and less stubborn. So we tried introducing the little potty to Katie and the big potty with the ring (to help little butts fit better.) Below are the results...

Somehow we are not quite getting the point across...

But, she sure is proud!!

We also have a new super hero in our home! Her name is Captain Commode!!!

Fighter for Truth, Justice, Pretzel sticks, & Toilets Everywhere!!!

**Please note that said toilet seat around the neck of said child is clean!**

Have a safe and wonderful July 4th!!!

Wanted to wish everyone a safe and wonderful July 4th!! Below are some pictures from some pre-4th festivities...

Keegan's first roller coaster ride

(he ended up riding it twice!)

Driving/riding the train

Katie REALLY wanted to ride this ride.
Sadly, she was not tall enough (thank goodness!!!)

Riding some horses...

Just driving around...

Finishing up a funnel cake. The poor thing didn't stand a chance between the 4 of us.

Let's just say we are a family that appreciates a good funnel cake...

Heading out to the fireworks...

Mesmerized by the fireworks...

Just a tad tired on the wagon ride home...

Happy 4th of July from our family to yours!!!

Lobster Problems

Well, I don't know if it's because of all the rain, but at our house we are having Lobster Problems!! A lobster comes out and tries to get you with her claws (she has pig tails, that's how I know she's a girl lobster), giggles, and says, "Tickle tickle!!" We are all on edge around here because we never know when the lobster will strike!!

And then when the lobster is done with you, she steals your shoes...

Parades down the hall with them...

And then grins with them like trophies!! Absolute craziness!!

Has anyone else had this problem???