Busy July

First things first - potty training success!!  It was a rough first day, but Ryan really turned it around the second day and has been doing great.  Back in April when I attempted to potty train him, he picked out an ambulance that he would get once he pooped in the potty.  It has been sitting in the laundry room on the shelf just waiting for him to be a big boy.  It had been a long wait!  ;-)

Drew's baseball season ended in the middle of July.  It was a long season, but we had so much fun with the other families that I am actually sad the season is over.  I can't believe I am saying that after 40+ games!

Because we had a free weekend once baseball ended, we made a last minute decision to go up to Chicago for a White Sox game a couple of weekends ago.   Actually, Andy and Drew went to the game and Kayley, Ryan and I went to Barrington to meet Mel's baby Eli.  SUPER CUTE baby!  And he is such a GOOD baby.  Never a whimper and totally content in my arms!  And he sleeps through the night already.  I thought I had good sleepers!

After the game, we met back up with Andy and Drew at our hotel.  We walked to dinner, rode the train (highlight of Ryan's trip) to get ice cream, and then walked along the river back to the hotel.  I love Chicago in the summer.  I am not a big fan in the winter, but the summer is great there!

The kids had a couple of fun field trips last week so I snuck out of work for a little bit to see them at a couple of them.  We actually have more fun things for kids to do in this town than I give it credit for!

I took the kids to Iowa last Saturday to meet Mom and Matt.  They drove the kids back to the farm for a week.  Ryan was so excited to go.  It was his first visit to the farm without us and he could not have cared less that Andy and I weren't going to be there.  They have been having a great time from what I can tell.  Grandma and Grandpa are likely a little tired, but I am sure they are loving it too!

4th of July

We took the kids to the Peoria Chiefs baseball game on the 4th.  The plan was to go to the game and then stay and watch the downtown fireworks from the stadium.  Everyone else in Peoria seemed to have the same idea because the stadium was packed.  It is a great way to keep the kids entertained while waiting for the fireworks.  The kids had a great time.

Kayley was especially happy the entire time.

It was a great plan to watch the fireworks from the stadium except for the fact that the game went into extra innings so the fireworks started while the game was still going.  We watched the first 1/3 of the fireworks with the stadium lights in our eyes.  Bummer.  Oh well, the game eventually ended and we enjoyed the fireworks!  Ryan was a little scared though.  He had Andy hold him and at one point Andy took him into the restroom and Ryan said, "That's better."  Haha!  

Andy's dad came this past weekend for Drew's last baseball tournament.  The boys won Friday night, but the games were rained out on Saturday so for Sunday they had to switch to single elimination.  Unfortunately, the boys lost their first game on Sunday.  Drew's final games of the season are on Thursday.  He has a double header at home.  I'm sad to see the season come to an end.  With 40+ games, we have gotten to know some of the other parents pretty well and have had a lot of fun!

The only good thing about losing the first game on Sunday was that the kids got plenty of pool time Sunday afternoon.  Ryan went without a nap, but you wouldn't know it.  Well, until after he got out of the pool and came in.  Then we really noticed!

Kayley has had a big week with the tooth fairy.  She has lost 3 teeth over the course of a week! 

Ryan is having a big week too.  He FINALLY decided to try and be a big boy and wear underwear.  So far, he is doing ok.  Miss Pam will be busy tomorrow with him...