Ring Around the Rosie

Field Trip

A Pirate's Life for Me

Finally, something to play dress-up that is not a princess.  Simeon loves the hat.  He also figured out (too quickly) how to use that sword as a weapon.  The girls tried to get him to say "Arrrrgh!" but he just takes his hat and leaves.

Family Movie Night

Chip & Dale's Rescue Rangers

It must be 80's movie night.

The girls need ALL their blankets to watch a movie.  Simeon even had his own blankets down in front.  Of course, he didn't sit still...

Movie snacks are becoming a tradition. The was an improvised lemon pie with graham cracker crust.  

Vacuum

Helping Daddy in the garage. 

Simeon loves to vacuum!

Laser Tag

Laser Tag Birthday Party

Adley's first try. They played two games boys against girls and the girls won the first while the boys took the second. They had lots of fun and even used up a (tiny) portion of the energy from all that birthday cake!

Shooting the wall to register the scores.

Cut Hair and a Haircut

The before: Cana helped Simeon cut his hair with child scissors right in front. It was minor and he had plenty of hair to hid the problem.  Nevertheless, it was time to call in the expert. 

Lisa with her hair clippers to the rescue.  

Simeon is also modeling Mommy's new hair cutting cape.  

Telephone

Simeon loves to talk on the phone. 

He loves the home phone, the cell phone, the play phone, anything that resembles a phone and especially a phone with a live person.  He talks too!  He will chatter away and then, without notice he says "Bye!" and slams the phone down in front of him.  Next, he picks the phone back up and continues chattering without skipping a beat.  

Love his enthusiasm and his emerging voice.

Apple Picking at Apples on Oak

Happy Birthday Mommy!

 Co-chair of the party committee.

 This boy knows how to party at a spaghetti supper.

This was his second bowl.  Oh, and he ate it all, including the pasta in the bowl, on the tray, the wad in his fist and that on his bib. Nothing goes to waste.  

Mom and Dad had chinese take-out for supper at my request.  We could order spicy dishes because the kids had spaghetti.  Bonus!

 With Adley and her homemade birthday card she made at school.  She asked her teacher if she could make a birthday card for her mom if she had extra time.  I love this first grader!

 Simeon was next and despite the look on his face he was quite enthusiastic about helping me open presents. 

 Cana drew me a picture of herself?  She is turning into quite a budding artist.  

Helping Mommy.

The girls are each wearing skirts so they can dance when we're done with presents.

1st Day of Preschool

A quick photo before heading inside.  Backpack ready with her folder, baby picture, current picture and clothes to keep at school.  We are all set!

 Before School - Ready to go!

She told me at breakfast the folder goes in the yellow bin, the name tag goes in the purple bin.

Tired from the first day!

German Pancake & Glazed Apples

Family Day Dinner - German Pancake and Glazed Apples

Cirque Shanghai

At the end of Navy Pier on a gorgeous Labor Day. The whole Chicago skyline was visible, the temp was 75 degrees and there were plenty of boats out on the lake.

The girls had a great time watching the boats and people while climbing everything in sight. Simeon enjoyed watching the seagulls and his sisters while doing his best to keep up.

From the USS Chicago.

We walked back through the stained glass museum.  This mosaic was their favorite.  The camera doesn't do it justice. 

After a quick lunch at the Bill Goat Tavern we walked up to the Pepsi Skyline Stage to see Cirque Shanghai.  We were given tickets from a friend at church for the whole family.  It was a 75 minute non-stop show that kept everybody's attention.  They didn't allow photos inside so we had to take this shot after the show with the fans we bought and had autographed by 5 of the performers.

Adley liked the dancers.

Simeon liked the drummers.

Daddy liked the motorcyclists.

Cana liked the acrobats and the music.

Mommy liked the high flying dance.

Home from Chicago - nap time!

Sunday BBQ - Labor Day Weekend

We had friends over for a BBQ on Sunday after church.  Emily, Katelyn and Micah joined us with their parents for some water fun and some good food too.

It was hot enough for the water table...

...and slip n slide.

Simeon couldn't finish his supper he was so tired.

Before bedtime snack after a very fun day with friends.

The kids had a great time playing dress-up, slip n slide, puzzles, board games and then riding bikes out back.  We should sleep well tonight.