Basement Update

We've decided that the boys' toys need a place to go.  Preferably away from the tv area of our basement.  We have plenty of space just behind the couch for the to really play.

It really started with our trip to Chicago a couple weeks ago and how awesome the boys played in the toy area of the basement there.  We had finally moved the picnic table from my in-laws house to ours and put it in the place of the catch-all-junk table.  

Then on a trip to Soulard we let Gabriel pick out a rug for the area.  The first choice was a bit floral for my liking.  Later that day we stopped at Lowes for our other basement project and found new shelves for the toys.

The boys thoroughly love their new toy/play and Scott and I enjoy it more.

 

Finding Dory

We decided that Gabriel was old enough to experience the joys of going to the movies.  Finding Dory finally came out and Scott and I had been wanting to see it.  So, Nana and Grandpa came up to stay with Bennett and then we were off to the Galleria to watch the movie. 

We did talk it up to Gabe during the week so he would be excited to see it.  I think he was over-excited just to have mom and dad to himself for a few hours. 

There was no one in the theater when we got there and we let Gabe pick our seats.  He did well sitting through the entire movie, minus potty breaks.  The movie was great, we know we will add it to our collection.

Just Keep Swimming

Gabriel rocked is firs swim lesson.  The class started out a little shaky with a lot of tears from Gabe and a lot of nerves from mom.

Scott helped Gabe meet his teacher and he found his seat on the pool deck.  Then the tears started as Scott let his hand go walk away. 

Holding Daddy's hand

We had a quick meeting with the pool deck manager and by the time we turned back to watch the class, check on Gabe, he was on the other side of the pool laughing with the other kids.  He really did well in the class listening to his teacher and trying everything.  He was all smiles when he got out of class and excited to go back next week, not like he had much of a choice in the matter.

Bennett spent the time in the Y daycare playing with friends.  But he did get to watch some of the swim classes while we waiting on Gabe to get changed.  The fearless, water-lover that he is, will be in class before we know it.

Mini-Yadi watching classes

Everything is Peachy!

A few years ago, 3 to be exact, we went peach picking at Eckerts for the first time.  Gabe was only 5 months old and Scott and I loved the fresh peaches.  I have been wanting to go back ever since and we just didn't find the time.  This year I've been checking the website to know when all fruit and veggies would be available. 

We finally had a slow weekend and decided that it was time to take the drive over and get some fresh peaches.  The boys love the tractor ride to and from the peach trees.  The way back was extra long since we had to stop to drop off people gathering veggies. 

Here is our trip in pictures:

Waiting for the tractor

Tractor ride

Our peaches

Cousin time

The boys had a great time playing with their cousins and all the new toys at the Bates' house.  It was a great visit for everyone.

Putting the kids to work

The kid loves corn

And they are traped

This is where we found Gabe often

4th of July

We had a great 4th of July in Highland Park, IL.  We started by watching the parade.  Gabriel finally gets the excitement of parades, thanks to the school picnic last month.  We arrived a little late and missed seeing Riley with her circus camp. 

Waiting for candy

Fire Truck is coming

Hiding from the water guns

After the parade we headed over to the mall to check out the Lego exhibit of National Monuments.  It was pretty amazing to see how many Legos were used and how long it took to build each one. There was even an area for the boys to play with Legos.

Since Gabriel and Bennett were good at the restaurant for lunch we promised them ice cream before heading back to Aunt Jeni's house.  Gabe ended up eating all of mine and none of his rainbow sherbet - it was a little tangy for me.  Bennett wanted nothing to do with the ice cream of afternoon nap. 

Later there was a big party at Aunt Jeni's house for family and friends.  It was a lot of fun to watch Gabriel play in his first water gun fight.  Thankfully, his cousins told the big kids to go easy on him.  That lasted for just a little while. The boys didn't make it for fireworks this year.  It was ok - next year I'm sure Gabe will be ready.





Kidnectivity Fun

My sister-in-law started a new therapy place, Kidnectivity, for children to receive therapy and have fun while doing it.  Scott and I wanted a chance to check it out and let the boys have some fun. 

Climb

Ball pit

Jump!

Gabe really loved the ball pit.  He probably jumped over a 100 times in there.  Bennett tried the ball pit a few times, it wasn't for him.  He loved the toy car.  He played with that for the longest time.  Gabriel wanted to me to picture after picture of him jumping, finally I went to slow mo video.  He loved seeing that.

 

We love what Aunt Jeni is doing at Kidnectivity and we can't wait to visit again!