A Day at the Museum

The boys and I went to the Children's Museum in a near by city today, with some friends. They had a blast with all of the different exhibits (it is much larger than the little one we have here!), running around, and being with their good friends. I am so glad that we have finally broken down and gotten a membership to our museum, which allows us reciprocal visits to other Children's and Science museums throughout the country! I think we will totally get our money's worth- especially at the ages that the boys are, and how much Brayden is into science! (He is already asking for a trip to Chicago to go to Science and Industry, Field Museum, AND the planetarium as his only birthday gift this year!! All of which are included on our membership- so that alone will cover our cost, and probably even a hotel room!)


Rhylan painting on the paint wall

Brayden showing Rhylan how a ball can "float" if you line up the airflow the right way

Rhylan "shopping" in the grocery store exhibit

Brayden's "smiley face" pizza he made- just for me :)

I should have taken a picture of it, but didn't think about it.... this museum has an exhibit of a hospital nursery- and the babies were all in cloth diapers!! Woo Hoo! I thought that was pretty cool, and so did Brayden- I just hope that as we learn more about what we have done to our planet, it only becomes all the more mainstream. But hey, things like this are a step in the right direction for letting people know that they are out there, and how easy they are these days!

What's Up?!?!

I have really been slacking on keeping up on here like I used to (blame it on Facebook!). So, I just thought I would share a quick glimpse of what we have been up to!

Here are some shots from the boys' last Book Cooks class, which ended today. They love that class, but we have decided to enroll in other stuff for the summer, that will allow us to enjoy being outside!

Today's book was about Sunflowers, so what else would they "Cook", but Sunflowers?!?!

Rhylan "Cooking" his sunflower

Brayden showing his off

The finished product!! (Aren't they too cute?!?!)

And finally, the boys eating their work!

I have finished my semester, which means summer has officially begun at our house, and the boys are spending every minute they can outside. Rhylan will stand at the back door, rain or shine, yelling "Ow-Siiiieee!!!"- translation "Outside!!"- while pointing to the backyard. We have spent lots of time out there, and lots of time at various parks- often times with friends, or having picnics.

Enjoying an afternoon at the park

The boys' preschool had their picnic, finally, this week- after being rained out, and then the rain date getting rained out! It was really fun to meet other parents, watch the kids play, and try various foods that people had brought. Their school has a very diverse ethnic base, which equalled lots of yummy food!! I was able to catch a picture of Rhylan enjoying his time- but Brayden was off, doing what 5 year olds do, and running with his friends!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to chaperone a field trip for Brayden's class. I have never been able to do it before, because I am at work when he is at school. He was so excited to have his Mommy there, and had to sit next to me, both ways, on the bus. Ahhhh, I had better take it in and enjoy it now, that he is still proud to have me show up, not totally embarrassed!!

Here he is on his field trip to "Touch A Truck Day".

So, there you go- a short recap of what we have stayed busy doing lately! Never a dull moment around here. Looking forward to heading into the rest of summer!

Mother's Day 2009

For everything that can go "wrong" in life, there are 2 little people in my world that make everything right (and one "big" person...). These would be my 2 little miracles that give each and everyday so much meaning--- and what a wonderful way to celebrate them/me/us/our family, than to have a day fully devoted to being a Mother.

Brayden kept saying "this is the best Mother's Day EVER" all day today, and I would have to agree! Sure, the very first one a mom ever has is great, and there is something special about each one, but today, having my oldest "baby" old enough to understand, care, and be so passionate about it (while getting his baby brother on board), was really neat.

My day started with being given a present from Brayden, that he was so proud of. He made me a little bag with his hand prints on it. When I asked what the bag could be used for, he told me that he made it for me to use as a grocery bag, and "even though it's small, you can still use it... it can fit cheese, or something about that size". That boy cracks me up!!

He then announced that he had brought me breakfast in bed-even though I was already in the shower. What did he bring me, you ask?? Why, celery and dill dip, of course! What else would any mom want for a Mother's Day breakfast in bed (errrr, shower)?? Mmmmmm!

Then it was off to church- where Jason was in the nursery, and I had to teach children's chapel for the first time.

Here we are on our way to church:

Afterward, we headed to brunch at Flat Top Grill- one of my favorite restaurants (well, one of my favorite kid friendly, instant gratification, eating establishments anyway!).

This afternoon, Brayden and I made a trip to a local nursery and bought flowers to plant in the front yard. Upon coming home we weeded, trimmed, and planted together.

Once Rhylan woke up from his nap, we all 4 played together in the back yard, and then grilled out burgers for the boys to have for dinner.

The boys running in the back yard.

Playing on the swing set

The boys eating their burgers for dinner

....... And Rhylan being a Goofball

All in all a wonderful day. I can't imagine my life without these two perfect and precious little boys to call me "Mommy" (as annoyed as I may get hearing it being said incessantly some days!). This is what happiness is!!

Kids Night Out at the Children's Museum

When one door closes, a window opens.... Or so they say!

Our park district has offered a "Kids Night Out" program, once a month, for quite some time, that Brayden just LOVED (as did we!). A night of fun for the kids, while giving Mommy and Daddy a chance to have some down time. Well, for whatever reason, they discontinued this program; much to our collective dismay :(.

However.... I just happened to take the boys to the local Children's Science Museum one day, about a month ago, only to find out that they are now offering a similar program. (In June they are going to start doing it EVERY Friday/Saturday night!!!)

This Saturday night was the second one that Brayden has gone to, and he absolutely loves it! Each one has a different theme: This week's being puppet making, and at the end of the night, the kid's put on a brief show for the parents when we come to pick them up.

Here is Brayden showing his bird puppet:

An up close view of "the bird":

Showing off puppet creations with close friends, Z and A:

Not sure who enjoys these evenings more- Brayden hanging out with his friends, or Jason and I getting the chance to have an evening for a double date with his friend's parents........