Josie Turns 2!!!

Friday, May 20 was Josie's second birthday. They invited us to celebrate with them at the zoo for her big day. That morning we decided to make her a special birthday crown to wear around so everyone knew it was her big day. Andrew of course had a say in our first activity so the first thing we did was ride the train. Then we came back to the Rivers Edge stop and headed in to the see the rhinos, elephants and other animals. Then we grabbed some lunch and refueled before riding on the carousel and checking out the birds, giraffes, zebras and big cats. John joined us on his lunch break and Josie was so excited to see her dad. Of course everyone started to melt down at the furthest point from the car but we made it back all in one piece.

I knew everyone would fall asleep on the way home since we don't live very close so I wasn't worried about leaving in time to make it home for naps. Everyone did fall asleep and the younger 2 transferred which worked out perfectly. Our plan was to set up for our neighborhood garage sale that evening but after a busy day at work for Drew and the zoo for me we decided to bag that idea and give everything to charity.

We did enjoy checking out some of the garage sales around us before Andrew's baseball game on Saturday. We got Molly a barely used Barbie Jeep that we are saving for her 2nd birthday and we got the boys a four wheeler for free but had to buy a battery. Since Molly's birthday isn't until November we decided to try her battery in the four wheeler and it worked perfectly. Oh and we found a pink toddler four wheeler for Molly. Quite a successful day.

Sunday was Josie's animal themed birthday party. We really got into the theme and got her leopard print rain boots and umbrella, wrapped in leopard print paper with animal themed rubber duckies(her favorite) on top. I have to say Christina is quite brave: her house is on the market and has a 2 month old yet she hosted a great party at her house. The cousins had a great time especially with the animal dress up. It was a great weekend.

Last Week of School

The Monday after our trip, Andrew came in our room at a 6 and said, "Look mom, I pulled out my tooth!" His tooth had been loose for a while but I was shocked that he pulled it out. He's growing up!

Tuesday we met John and Christina and some other friends at SLU's last baseball game. There was an umpire issue so the game didn't get started until late AND it was FREEZING for mid May. BUT the kids did not seem to mind. They enjoyed being little monkeys and Andrew enjoyed watching big guys play baseball with his buddy Nick. 

Wednesday was Matthew's last day of school. Molly and I joined him at the end of his school day for some ice cream and songs. He had an amazing first year of school. I was really concerned about him not wanting to go because he's a "momma's boy". But he did great and I think it was because he had great teachers and friends. He is already asking if he is going to have the same teachers next year. Hopefully I'll come up with the perfect answer to get him excited for the 3 year old room before school starts.

Matthew and Samantha

 Wednesday evening Andrew had a make up baseball game. John and Christina had a showing at their house so they decided to come watch while the house was being shown. Andrew was so excited to have new fans AND he was crushing the ball. It was a fun night.

Thursday was Andrew's last day of school. Unfortunately it was a very rainy day and the festivities had to be moved indoors. Even though it was a bit cramped the kids didn't mind because they got ice cream. We were supposed to have a class picnic at the park afterwards but it was cancelled so we grabbed Chick Fil A and had our own indoor picnic. 

First Train Ride and Trip to the Windy City

My cousin John got married a few weeks ago in Chicago. We decided to be adventurous and take the train to Chicago. All the festivities were within walking distance of our hotel so it was the perfect opportunity. We got to the train station in plenty of time and the train was delayed but the kids were so excited they didn't seem to mind too much. And we met a very interesting character to keep the adults entertained.

Once the train arrived the excitement grew because the train was a double decker! The seats were very spacious and everyone seemed to be comfortable in our 4 seats. We took a little walk to the viewing car and snack car to pass time but quickly realized we got very lucky with our placement in the train. There were some more interesting characters. Of course Molly fell asleep with about 5 minutes left of the trip. So it was a little tricky get our massive amount of luggage, a sleeping baby, and the two boys through Union Station to cab but we manage. We're SO city:).

VERY nice cab driver

First cab ride

Fell asleep 5 minutes before we arrived at the hotel, heavy load

Once we got settled, we got all dolled up and headed to the rehearsal dinner at a delicious restaurant. One of my favorite parts was our walk there. Andrew, Kiersten, and Matthew held hands and took in all of the sights and sounds of the city. When we arrived there was a huge window that they loved looking out while the adults enjoyed cocktails and appetizers. The wait staff was extremely kind and made the kids their very own pizza. Once we sat down for dinner the kids were full and tired THEN Matthew fell out of his chair and hit his head on the concrete floor. That was our cue to bolt. Drew (SUPERMAN) carried Matthew and Molly back to the hotel while Andrew and I waited for the stroller. We got the kids in bed and then I headed back to the restaurant to listen to the speeches then headed back to the hotel for some much needed sleep.

Walk to Rehearsal Dinner

View from Rehearsal Dinner

Friday morning we had breakfast with grandma at the corner bakery and then were literally going to wait for the LEGO store to open. On our way we noticed that the American Girl store was open so we made the boys go in (unwillingly) but Molly ended up with a Bitty Baby. Then we headed to the Lego store and waited outside the doors along with about 20 other people. Everyone had a great time and ended up with some cool stuff. When we walked into the Lego store we were hot and wondering where the cold front everyone was talking about was. THEN we walked outside and it was cold and windy! What a difference an hour can make. Since everyone had been up since 5 we rushed back to our hotel to warm up and take naps. Then it was time to get ready for the big wedding. The wedding was absolutely beautiful. My children were not on their best behavior but hopefully everyone was more focused on the bride and groom.

After the wedding we got the kids set up with a babysitter in our hotel rooms and then headed down to the reception. Everything was beautiful! Drew graciously missed the first course so he could help the sitter get the kids to sleep. Since they were in an unfamiliar environment we felt that would be best for everyone. We had so much fun at the dinner portion of the reception. We were at a table with my cousins and it was just a blast. THEN the music started and the band was UNBELIEVABLE! We danced the night away. Drew and I did not want to leave but we knew it was the smart thing to do when the band took their first break at 11 since the kids would be up at 5 again. We later found out that the bride and groom chose the date of the wedding based on the availability of the band. It was so worth it! The adults without kids danced the night away and then continued the party at a bar near by with bottles of champagne and vodka that were on fire. It sounds like they had a great time.

The bride and groom

Saturday my dad wanted to take the kids to breakfast. We met him at a cute little restaurant next to our hotel. After breakfast we tried walking around a little bit but it was FREEZING. The bride and groom graciously hosted a brunch at a very cool bar in the city. It was delicious and so fun to hear everyones stories from the night before. Drew headed back to the hotel with the little 2 to nap while I went with Andrew, Pete's family, and my mom to the Shed Aquarium. We weren't the only ones with that idea, it was a rainy cold day in Chicago, go figure. After the aquarium we went to my aunt and uncle's house for an after wedding BBQ. We had a great time. My uncle has an amazing fish tank in his office, his pride and joy, that the kids loved. The food and company were once again great. Oh and we took a taxi to and from their house which the kids were so excited about.

Waiting for a taxi after the Aquarium

Molly and Matthew got to enjoy an aquarium too

Then it was time to load up and head home. We made it to Union Station on time. We didn't have a double decker train for the ride home. It wasn't exactly the luxury we traveled in on the way there but we survived. There was an extremely interesting character sitting behind us on the way home. I'm thinking he walked from the bars to the train station. Luckily after yelling some obscenities and yelling, "I NEED A FOOT" he passed out...not kidding. We were happy to arrive home but sad the fun weekend was over.

Raise your hand if you partied like a Rock Star

Bye, Bye Binky!!

Matthew caught what Molly had the day after Mother's Day. He stayed home from school, was pretty stuffy and had a fever but was in good spirits. He was especially happy when we built a fort. That night as I was laying him down he had his pacifier laying next to him because he couldn't breathe with it in. I had the great idea of taking it away from him and just seeing what happened. After I did it I felt like a horrible mother. Not only is he sick but the one thing that soothes him has been taken away. Oh and we were leaving to go out of town so he would be in an unfamiliar environment without his security. He did great that night and I promised him we would get a big reward after he gave his binky to the garbage man. He threw it in the trash and said, "bye, bye". After we took Andrew to school we went to Target and he picked out a Handy Manny Construction set and was very excited. The next few day he cried a few times wanting it to sleep but I must admit it has been much less painful that I anticipated. The big negative is: He takes MUCH shorter naps and wakes up REALLY early. Matthew has always been my GREAT sleeper. Now I know why...Drew and I were tempted to give all 3 a pacifier after this experience (in hopes of the kids sleeping later) but we know in the end our dentist will be happy;) WAY TO GO MATTHEW!!! (Next step...potty training, and no that doesn't mean a train with potty on it).