Love Family Blog

Trick or Treating!

2011-11-04T21:00:00.001-05:00

We always stop at Grammie's house to Trick or Treat and take pictures - took a while for Maley to get into the swing.

On Halloween - the two "Kratt Brothers."

Grandpa taking the kids for a nighttime Halloween nature walk (in their jammies). :)

More Pumpkin Farm!

2011-11-04T20:58:00.001-05:00

We took Wilson out of school (sshhh) so we basically had the farm to ourselves. We had our own private hay ride and pumpkin patch!

Maley loves "Lella!"

Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm

2011-11-04T20:57:00.001-05:00

Feeding a camel

The highlight is always feeding and petting the giraffes. Can you tell this is a pumpkin farm like no other?

No fear when it comes to animals!

Boo at the Zoo!

2011-11-04T20:55:00.001-05:00

Wilson dressed as a Wild Kratt (a middle aged biologist) from PBS Kids.

Monkeys love to climb!

One tired monkey...

More Happy Birthday!

2011-09-12T16:54:00.001-05:00

We celebrated Maley's birthday on Saturday with Grandpa, Sweetie, and Great-Grandpa!

Even at 89, Great-Grandpa can still throw a great pitch!

Waiting for cake!

Roasting marshmallows with Grandpa - the highlight of Wilson's evening!

Bristol Renaissance Faire

2011-09-11T16:56:00.001-05:00

I took the kids to the Bristol Faire on Labor Day and it was gorgeous weather and we really had a great time.

Here's Wilson on the ship with Robin Hood and Maid Marion for storytime, although storytime got "interrupted" by pirates.

Here's Wilson with his new sword with the hero of the day, Robin Hood.

Happy Birthday Maley!

2011-09-11T16:55:00.001-05:00

Here she is! 2 years old and in her Cinderella heels.

Mommy, Daddy, and Grammie got Maley the play kitchen for her birthday and she LOVES it!

"Happy birthday to ME!"

She was REALLY excited!

Baby's First Stitches!

2011-09-11T16:53:00.000-05:00

Wilson jumped farther than he thought and came down on the side of a friend's pool a few weeks ago. We ended up in the ER with 8 stitches. But everything is healing great and he even still went to school that day!

Wilson's First Day of Kindergarten!

2011-08-24T19:38:00.001-05:00

He basically jumped onto the bus - he was so excited!

Here he is with his best friend Zach, getting in line

With his teacher, Mrs. Chavez

Lincoln Park Cont.

2011-08-24T19:35:00.001-05:00

Wilson wanted to walk back to the nature museum after the zoo, so we went up to the rooftop garden.

Then we walked to Diversey Harbor and over to the beach

And all this while Daddy was away in Springfield!

Wilson and Maley's Adventure in the City

2011-08-24T19:34:00.001-05:00

We had to snap a picture with this alligator gar for Daddy - he is fascinated by them!

Playing at the Nature Museum

Where we had our lunch

At the Lincoln Park Zoo - this chimp loved Wilson - they interacted with each other for a while, tapping on the glass and making eye contact.

Day 4 - King's Island

2011-08-13T18:24:00.001-05:00

The "real" reason for our trip (besides visiting the Kenney Girls), was to take Wilson to see Dinosaurs Alive at King's Island. Almost 14 acres of animated, life sized dinosaurs that roared, breathed, moved, growled. It took us almost 2 hours to see everything and it was definitely the highlight of the trip!

This T Rex is HUGE! The picture does not do it justice!

And Now For Some Posing

2011-08-13T18:06:00.001-05:00

Hugging a hammerhead

And a little penguin mouth to mouth

Aquarium Free Flight Area

2011-08-13T18:04:00.001-05:00

All these pictures really speak for themselves

Day 3 - Newport, KY

2011-08-13T18:03:00.002-05:00

Working our way through our favorite aquarium, but it was soooo crowded.

Checking out the gators!

Whoa!

Cincy Day 2

2011-08-13T18:01:00.002-05:00

On our way to Jungle Jim's. Wilson was very disappointed when he realized it was just a grocery store.

Our post Cincinnati 5 Way Chili treat!

Strolling through Hyde Park Square

Watch out Cincinnati! Here Come The Loves!

2011-08-13T18:00:00.001-05:00

Asleep within the first 1/2 hour of the trip. Coloring must be boring.

My fairy godmother no longer holds a magic wand - it's now a pellet gun to shoot squirrels. Here's Darren on squirrel patrol. The Corona just adds to his accuracy.

Enjoying the beautiful evening

Celebration #4 with the Love Side!

2011-08-13T15:25:00.002-05:00

Thus concluded Wilson's birthday bonanza, with a visit from the Love side of the family!

With cousins Cassidy and Daniel

He's 5!

Birthday Celebration #3 with Grandpa!

2011-08-13T15:23:00.001-05:00

Happy 5th Birthday Wilson!

2011-08-13T15:22:00.001-05:00

Poor Wilson, he had all his shots for kindergarten the day before his birthday, and had a horrible reaction. His arm was red and swollen and he ran a fever for days. What 5 year old puts themselves to sleep for 4 hours on their birthday? We also celebrated at Rainforest Cafe the next evening with Grammie and Uncle EJ, but Wilson still wasn't 100%.

He rebounded enough for some ice cream though!

Maley was very interested in one of Wilson's gifts.

Okay, she really wanted it bad.

Happy Birthday Wilson!

2011-08-13T15:17:00.001-05:00

Wilson asked for a big boy bike for his birthday.

He picked it out himself and was super excited.

Now if we could only get him to pedal.

2 Busy Boys

2011-08-13T15:16:00.001-05:00

Looking so intent...

Except Darren was doing stuff for work and Wilson was playing a game on Disney Junior. Very important stuff!

When You're Cool, the Sun Shines on You 24 Hours a Day

2011-08-13T15:11:00.000-05:00

A Day at the Waterpark

2011-08-13T15:09:00.001-05:00

It was Wilson's last swimming lesson, so we stayed at the waterpark for the afternoon.

Their favorite part!

Wilson in the lazy river

Where Does She Think She's Going in Those Shoes?

2011-08-13T15:07:00.001-05:00

Preschool Graduation

2011-08-13T15:05:00.001-05:00

Here is Wilson with his best school friend, Zoey.

Saying goodbye to Miss Linda

Giving his teacher, Miss Katie, a hug

The class of 2011

Spring Soccer

2011-08-13T14:58:00.000-05:00

It was a very successful spring soccer season for Wilson! 2 goals and he really came far in his understanding of the game. The top three pictures are of his goal and you can see the look of pure pride on his face.

Happy Easter!

2011-08-13T14:54:00.002-05:00

We had a great Easter. Here a couple shots of the Easter egg hunt at Grammie's house. The dress Maley is wearing should look familiar to the family; I wore it, Brinin and Bevin wore it, and now it's Maley's turn.

Our Princess

2011-08-13T14:49:00.001-05:00

Crowns, cookies, and high heels, oh my!

Gone Fishin'

2011-07-16T11:21:00.002-05:00

Blogger has been acting up (like since Christmas), but I will give this another shot. Both blogging ad Wilson have "Gone Fishin'" for a while. This was Wilson's first fishing trip (i.e. a couple of hours while we were in TN), but he did catch a couple of big fish! So exciting!

Santa's Little Helper

2010-12-21T10:38:00.000-06:00

Maley's cousin Melissa (who is now a freshman in high school) wore this for her 2nd Christmas too.

Land of Nod Bean Bag Chair

2010-12-21T10:35:00.000-06:00

Yes, they are constantly fighting over it...

Because it's the best seat in the house. Basically a nest to Maley and a bed to Wilson.

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

2010-12-21T10:32:00.000-06:00

Bundled up! She's such a trooper!

All the kiddos - it's our tradition with our good friends the Konrads.

Best buds Wilson and Zach

Checking out the monkeys in Tropic World

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2010-12-21T10:29:00.000-06:00

Ready to bake a snowman cake (it did NOT turn out as pictured). I'm chalking that up to putting a 4 year old at the helm of the operation.

Dressed up like penguins at the Shedd Aquarium

The next American Idol

She loves her yodeling goat from The Sound of Music!

Are we traumatized yet?

2010-12-21T10:21:00.000-06:00

Polar Express!

2010-12-05T21:20:00.000-06:00

Grammie and Wilson all aboard the Polar Express!

Wilson was so excited!

Talking to Santa

Here's the bell from Santa's sleigh - I hope I always remember his sweet little hands like this.

More Snow Day Pics

2010-12-05T21:17:00.000-06:00

We kind of parked Maley to the side, but she still made it in to the line of fire during the snowball fight. She took it all in stride.

Our first "official" snowman! Snowman in a Sack courtesy of Grandpa and Land of Nod.

First Snow of the Year!!!

2010-12-05T21:14:00.000-06:00

She liked sledding...

But once she was down it was kind of like Randy from A Christmas Story, she really couldn't get up or move.

Snowball Fight!

Feeling the Love on Pot Roast Night!

2010-12-05T21:12:00.000-06:00

Busy Reading

2010-12-05T21:11:00.000-06:00

One child has a much better attention span than the other...

Can you guess who?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-12-05T21:10:00.000-06:00

Zoo Day

2010-12-05T21:08:00.000-06:00

We had another super warm day in November, so we took advantage and went to the zoo. Here are the kids up close and personal with a polar bear.

Dolphin Show

Wilson was one of the "helpers" at the dophin show. You would have thought he won a lifetime supply of candy and Matchbox cars.

Checking out a turtle at the play zoo

70 in November?

2010-12-05T21:04:00.000-06:00

Taking advantage of the warm weather to put out the Christmas lights (with a little helper)!

Soccer star like big brother already!

He does great downhill - anything else is work.

My very own Clark W. Griswold

Almost 14 Months Old!

2010-11-01T15:09:00.000-05:00

Everytime I turn around more and more "baby" goes away and is replaced by "toddler." :( But she's a cute toddler!

Boula Family Fall Fun Fest

2010-11-01T15:07:00.000-05:00

Football Guys with Uncle E.J.

Great Grandpa Ed

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-01T15:06:00.000-05:00

A Carnivore and Herbivore

Our Trick or Treat "practice" at Wheaton Town Square with Jeff and Sarah.

Soccer Season is Over

2010-11-01T15:04:00.000-05:00

Wilson and his friend Logan trying to stay warm on the sidelines

The whole team and their trophies!

Pumpkin Carving

2010-11-01T15:02:00.000-05:00

Wilson wanted a "Mad" pumpkin this year.

The adult pumpkin - "Boo" on the front and a scary face on the back so the face shines on the wall when lit.

Fall Fest at The Arboretum

2010-11-01T14:59:00.000-05:00

Farm Stand

2010-10-21T08:29:00.000-05:00

We have a little farm stand by our house that operates on the "honor system." It's where we get our corn stalks, gourds, pumpkins, etc. I took the opportunity to snap some more pictures while Wilson and Darren were agonizing over the perfect carving pumpkin.

More Pumpkin Farm

2010-10-21T08:26:00.000-05:00

Feeding the giraffes

Daddy's Girl

On the hay ride to the "pumpkin patch." Goebbert's, like many other farms, had their pumpkin crop destroyed by all the rain in July, so they brought some pumpkins out to the field to create a fake pumpkin patch. Sad for the farms that specialize in this season and pumpkins are their bread and butter.

Too much fall fun Mom!

Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm

2010-10-21T08:21:00.000-05:00

Because I can't get enough of a Midwest Autumn, we did the orchard with Grammie on Sunday and then the pumpkin farm with Darren on Monday. Goebbert's is our favorite - they have things no other pumpkin farm has, and since Darren has Monday's off, it's super cheap and we have the run of the place. Gorgeous weather again!

The pumpkin eating dinosaur. Wilson is obsessed with dinosaurs right now, but would not get NEAR this guy. Clearly it's a robot, but whatever.

Checking out the bunnies.

My big guy and the train

The exotic petting zoo

Jonamac Orchard

2010-10-21T08:16:00.000-05:00

Grammie took us out for a fun fall day to Jonamac Orchard. Wilson had a ball with the animals (and channeling Dr. Doolittle) and he had his first caramel apple. Maley had her first apple cider donut and I'm sure it won't be the last for either of them. Some things you have to get while you can.

And yes, she's the cutest 1 year old EVER!

2010-10-21T08:12:00.000-05:00

Happy First Birthday Maley!

2010-10-21T08:10:00.000-05:00

Oops! Have to back up a little. I just realized I never posted any pictures from Maley's party. It was sooo hot that day, but Maley was a trooper and we sincerely thank all our friends and family who came out to celebrate!

Illinois Railway Museum

2010-10-21T08:04:00.000-05:00

This time we did not visit IRM during Day Out with Thomas! We went in October and pretty much had the place to ourselves. Wilson is starting to get out of Thomas, although he does play with the trains a lot and so does Maley, but he still loves all kinds of trains and enjoys learning about the history of "real" trains. His favorites are the "Big Boy" steam engine, the Chief, and the Burlington Zephyr.
Here's Wilson with a GE Locomotive (he's got a toy version in his hand)

Enjoying a train ride

Checking out one of the many barns

Pooped from a busy day

I am not a marsupial!!!!!

2010-09-07T14:59:00.000-05:00

"Get me out of this pouch!!!!"

"Big brother in here is not helping either!"

The pictures just kept getting better so I kept snapping them.

Maley is still hysterical and of course my little model is still posing for the camera.

My first (but not last) half marathon

2010-09-07T14:56:00.000-05:00

Darren, Jeff, and Sarah kept laughing at me - every time I passed them I would give them the old pageant smile and wave. I always looked happy they said.

Here I am crossing the finish line.

My goal was 2:15 and look at the clock - I made it!

I earned that sticker on the back window!

Fall Soccer!

2010-08-25T15:20:00.000-05:00

Wilson had his first soccer game last Saturday. His team is the Cobras and yes, that is me coaching. I was unaware, like so many other things, that you need to sign your child up very early (like, while they're in utero) for schools and sports. Well, I missed the deadline, but played the whole, "I'm a former teacher and I'm happy to help anyway I can" card. Darren refers to me as "Coach Cleavage." But I figure if I can teach 27 5 year olds to read and write, I can certainly wrangle six 4 year olds for four 5 minute periods every Saturday and one practice per week. We lost the first game, but there's always hope!

Not Quite Sure How She Did This!

2010-08-25T15:13:00.000-05:00

"Mom, can't you see I'm reading?"

So long Cincy!

2010-08-02T15:30:00.000-05:00

At one of the many ice cream parlors we visited!

See ya soon Cincy!

More Day 3

2010-08-02T15:28:00.000-05:00

We did a lot of naughty eating on this trip - here we are at Skyline Chili!

We got to take a tour of the new School for Creative and Performing Arts - here's Wilson and Grammie peeking in on a ballerina and her partner rehearsing.

Wilson with some dancers on lunch break

Day 3 - Newport Aquarium

2010-08-02T15:25:00.000-05:00

Petting a shark

Cincinnati Zoo

2010-08-02T15:24:00.000-05:00

The beautiful elephant house

Passed out from too much fun

Bird eating spider... I tried to get Wilson to stand next to it and take a picture (since it was the same size as his head), but he wouldn't do it. Hmmm.

Riding the steam engine

Of course, Bach didn't really hold Wilson or Maley's interest!

2010-08-02T15:21:00.000-05:00

Brinin's Concert

2010-08-02T15:19:00.000-05:00

After dinner, we headed to a park (similar to Ravinia for you Chicagoans) to hear my uber-talented cousin Brinin make her debut with the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra. Gorgeous evening!

Cincinnati Trip - Day One

2010-08-02T15:16:00.000-05:00

Mom (Grammie) and I took Wilson and Maley on a little road trip to see Aunt Gina and the cousins in Cincinnati. Here we are having dinner at a small private airfield with our Cousin Wally.

The High Chair... A Love/Hate Relationship

2010-08-02T15:13:00.000-05:00

Birthday Celebration #3

2010-08-02T15:11:00.000-05:00

Pizza and Dinosaur Party!

Blowing out the candles on the dinosaur cake!

Birthday Celebration #2

2010-08-02T15:09:00.000-05:00

What Race Car Party would be complete without a genuine race car?

Having some trouble blowing out the candles...

So Grandpa helped...

And then we relit and tried again...birthday saved.

Birthday Celebration #2

2010-08-02T15:06:00.000-05:00

Here's Darren and Wilson decorating Wilson's race car cake, modeled after Jeff Gordon's #24 car.

Grandpa and Maley

Watching Uncle E.J. slip into Boy Scout mode and build a fire

Wilson's Birthday

2010-08-02T15:03:00.000-05:00

This was the first of Wilson's birthday celebrations, which this year we've deemed "Wilson Gras," since it dragged on for what seemed like a week. He insisted on pink cupcakes much to the chagrin of his father.

Here's his big boy backback for preschool - sea turtles! He saw it in a catalog and couldn't stop talking about it. I had it monogrammed with his name too.

Happy Fourth of July!

2010-08-02T15:00:00.000-05:00

Wilson was less than impressed with the baby pool we set up,

but it was perfect for Maley!

A Day at Centennial Beach

2010-08-02T14:57:00.000-05:00

At the Carwash....

2010-08-02T14:55:00.000-05:00

A Final Note....

2010-05-26T21:33:00.000-05:00

Darren may (okay, not may, does) disagree with me, but to me, Disney is the happiest place on earth. Imagination, joy, smiles, laughter, hugs, and creating family memories together; and that's what this trip was for our family. Everything on this trip went so smoothly, and it was so much fun seeing Wilson experience the magic. When he met Woody or Mickey, it wasn't a guy in a suit. It was the REAL Woody, and the REAL Mickey. This was a trip full of love and fun, and I know it'll be a while, but I can't wait to go back!

Breakfast with Pooh and Friends

2010-05-26T21:27:00.000-05:00

On the Monorail, on our way to Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom

Look at that hug!

Maley did NOT like Tigger!

Epcot

2010-05-26T21:24:00.000-05:00

Had to ride Test Track again!

We discovered a new beer - Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse! Our new favorite! Needless to say, we spent a lot of time at Germany!

Checking out the World Showcase

Downtown Disney

2010-05-26T21:21:00.000-05:00

Lunch at Rainforest Cafe

My boys and their Ghiradelli shakes

3 princesses!

Maley loved the tables at Rainforest!

Day 3 - Magic Kingdom

2010-05-26T21:18:00.000-05:00

Right after riding the Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster!

Meeting his hero Woody!

Tearin' up the road at 7 miles per hour!

Taking a Dole Whip break after Pirates of the Caribbean

Day 2 - Animal Kingdom

2010-05-26T21:15:00.000-05:00

On safari - the animals were sooo close!

"How can she be sleeping? We're on safari!"

Riding the steam engine

1st Dip in the Pool!

2010-05-26T21:13:00.000-05:00

1st day - Epcot

2010-05-26T21:11:00.000-05:00

Lunch at Biergarten

My boys, off to ride Test Track

1st of the Disney Pictures

2010-05-26T21:09:00.000-05:00

Waiting for his FIRST airplane ride!

Maley has already flown the friendly skies twice - she's a pro!

Ready for Bed!

2010-05-26T21:08:00.000-05:00

Big girl jammies! I can't believe she's almost 9 months old!

Wilson was CLEARLY unaware Maley had gotten ahold of Bear

2010-05-26T21:06:00.000-05:00

Museum of Science and Industry

2010-05-26T21:04:00.000-05:00

I took the kids to the museum a few weeks ago - Wilson calls it the "Inside Choo-Choo Museum." We had a blast and it was so neat to see Wilson recognize the trains. He has checked out every train book our library has at least 10 times, so it was so cool hearing him name the trains. He's moved beyond Thomas and Percy. He loves them still, but was so excited to see the REAL Burlington Zephyr and the REAL Stephenson's Rocket.

She's just practicing her "my brother is annoying" look

2010-05-26T21:01:00.000-05:00

Riverwalk

2010-05-26T20:58:00.000-05:00

We were feeding the geese our leftover Cheerios and they got a little aggressive. Look how nervous Wilson looks!

"Stop!"

This is where Mommy and Daddy got nervous too.

Grandpa's Lotus

2010-05-26T20:55:00.000-05:00

Wilson refers to the Lotus as "Grandpa's race car." First thing he said, "I know how to drive this kind!"

That's why we call him "Baby Einstein"

2010-05-26T20:53:00.000-05:00

Easter at Grammie's

2010-04-06T10:22:00.000-05:00

Hunting for eggs

Uncle E.J. loves his niece and nephew!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-06T10:20:00.000-05:00

The Easter Bunny brought Maley organic spinach puffs - yum!

The Easter Bunny brought Candyland for Wilson

1st Trip to the Dentist!

2010-03-31T09:29:00.000-05:00

Those are big teeth!

Wilson got to work the vacuum!

And how do we celebrate a successful dentist check-up? Blue ice cream! Better than a lollipop I guess! Sorry Dr. Brennan!

Wilson is going to be an IKEA expert by the time he hits kindergarten!

2010-03-31T09:26:00.000-05:00

Yes, that's a real nail punch

60 degrees and sunny - you know where we're headed!

2010-03-31T09:24:00.000-05:00

"Leave me alone so I can nap!"

Pop's 80th Birthday Bash!

2010-03-31T09:22:00.000-05:00

Miss Alice, Oma, Papa, and The Birthday Boy!

Papa holding Maley

Maley with her cousin Cassidy

In early March, we traveled to Tennessee to celebrate Darren's Grandpa's 80th birthday! We had a wonderful visit with everyone and the party was a total success!

Allow Me...

2010-03-31T09:16:00.000-05:00

"No Maley, you're doing it wrong," is a sentence we are hearing quite a bit!

Splish Splash!

2010-03-31T09:14:00.000-05:00

Maley is 6 months old here and LOVES the water!

A cold, but beautiful day at Brookfield Zoo!

2010-03-31T09:10:00.000-05:00