Too Much Stuff!

One day a few weeks ago we had a car full of stuff to take to Charlotte's house.  I was somewhat conflicted about all the stuff.  We had our regular diaper bag, Aiden's school bag, Aiden's baseball bag full of baseball stuff, three doggies, two pillow pets, two sippies, a blanket and a few other things that are escaping my mind.  It was ridiculous.  I reasoned with myself that it was ok because they are not home much to play with their things...  But that is a LOT!  This week we have somewhat downsized, and it makes life much easier!

Jaylee Update

Jaylee is starting to have her own little personality.  I think it was just by coincidence, but I stated reading the non-fiction book, Cinderella Ate My Daughter, and shortly after she started sporting some attitude!  I am hoping this quickly goes away...  She knows what she likes and what she doesn't like, and let's you know when she is unhappy.  She is learning a few new words, her newest being, "Boo Bears".  I think I have converted her to Go Bears...  She also does not like to have her shoes and socks on.  I'll put them on before we leave in the morning, and she always has them off before we get to Charlotte's house.  She enjoys getting the newspaper in the mornings before getting into the car.  That was formerly Aiden's job, but he passed it on to little sis since he has too many things to carry in the mornings.  More about that later!

Aiden Preschool Update

I can't believe that September is almost over!  We are finally getting in the school year groove.  Aiden is loving preschool.  His favorite activity is painting.  Show & Tell is every Friday, and so far he has taken Legos, his helmet, and his dog.  He has already studied the letters A, B, & C.  He loves to give me a word and ask what letter it starts with.  Sometimes he even answers his own question!  He has also become a big fan of the PBS show, "Super Why".  Aiden gets to check out a book each day at school.  Aiden, Jaylee and I love to read these each night!  I can't wait to see all the things he will learn this year!

Sugar!

Someone found the sugar bowl!

Soccer

We love to go watch Shawn "Double" DePauw play soccer! Go #4! Go Leafs!

Morton Pumpkin Festival

Just two quick pictures from the Morton Pumpkin Festival.  There will be more, however, I forgot my camera!  And I am patiently waiting for pictures...  Aiden had a blast riding the rides, especially the "scary" ones!  He took his first spin on the Scrambler this year!  Aiden also enjoyed watching the parade and catching the candy!  Jaylee and I hit the craft sale!  Lots of family fun over the weekend!

Someone Loves Baseball!

I am not sure he took off his helmet the whole first week he had it!

Aiden's 4th Birthday

Aiden woke up at the crack of dawn asking if it was time for his party.  Unfortunately it wasn't for another 11 hours or so!  Being it was Sunday, we went to church.  Afterwards I let him pick where we went for lunch.  He chose McDonalds because he wanted a carmel sundae.  After that it was home to play for a bit outside and then naptime.  As soon as he woke up, we changed into our party clothes (ie Cubs outfit) and went outside to play and wait for our friends to come.  I have to say that this is the least prepared I have ever been for a birthday party.  When he turned one, I had his invitations done in July, decorations out the wazoo, and made a ton of food.  This year I went for simple.  I texted the invite, ordered pizza, and thankfully relied on some great friends and family for some of the smaller details.  Special thanks to Tyler Ford for mowing for me, Teri Ford for the ice cream and pizza wisdom, My sis Kim for the baseball cake balls, and my mom and dad for balloons, paper products, and the list goes on and on.  Aiden had a blast surrounded by good friends and family.  Despite my "simple" attitude, I think this is one of the best parties Aiden has had.  He got to play baseball with all of his friends, and I got to enjoy myself as well.  Here are a few pictures from the party.

The Circus!

On Saturday I took the kids to the circus.  Our good friend Ryan came along for the fun!  Aiden was able to start his 3's at the circus last year, and ended his 3's at the circus as well! 

Aiden's First Day of Preschool

Today was the big day!  A day that has been talked about for a long time...Aiden's first day of preschool.  We picked out our clothes the night before, but neglected to talk about shoes.  Aiden really wanted to wear flip flops, but eventually settled on his brown Puma shoes.

After we took a few pictures outside, we stopped by the Donut Shop for breakfast, and took Jaylee to Charlotte's.  Then Aiden and I went to the middle school for a bit before Aiden's school started.  Auntie Jill had everyone wish Aiden a happy first day of preschool outside before they came in.  He was totally embarrassed! 

Right when we got there, he was totally ready to get started.  He wandered from area to area checking out everything!  At the end, the kids sang, "If You Are Happy and You Know It", got their new bookbags, and were done for the day! 

In Case You Needed a Laugh...

Hard to Believe...

It is hard to believe that Aiden will start preschool tomorrow! Time goes by way too fast!

Dinner Time!

My good eater!