Play Ball!

We had such a great time last night. Reba was selected to sing the National Anthem at the Charlotte Knights baseball game and we went down and watched her last night. I was able to record some of her rendition (had to break it into two parts so it would upload onto this blog!). She did an outstanding job! I really never knew she could belt it like she did! Great job Reba! Then we were off to the buffet. There were hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, ribs and BBQ with all of the fixins. Then, the guy came around and told us to help ourselves to the ice cream freezer (marked $2.00 each, but no additional charge for us!) Wow! Was that dangerous! It was a great time with family! Here are some pictures from last night. (Check back, I am anticipating adding more pictures when I get them!)

Reba's name in lights!

The star performance!

Grace loved the merry go round!

Take me out to the ball game....

Mmmmm...free ice cream!

Devin thought it was a wrestling match instead of a baseball game. Unfortunately, he didn't inform Uncle Moose!!!

Grace playing "how many times can I drop this spoon between the cracks of the bench" with her new favorite person, CJ.
Someone LOVED the ice machine!

Worn Out after the first week of school...

Well, the first week of first grade is over. So far so good. I still don't know a whole lot about what is going on, but I did find out from a friend who has a daughter in Devin's class that she doesn't know a whole lot, either. Maybe some information will be sent home this week that will clarify some items still up in the air.



Saturday night the Chicago Fire played. Crash insisted on ordering wings from Fox & the Hound (tradition, you know!) and when he finished, he laid down on the couch to watch the game. About 15 minutes later, we looked over to find this...

This was about 9:15. This is the same boy that was basically putting us to bed at 11:00 about a week and a half ago. First grade is exhausting!!!

Check-up and First Day of School

Well, Grace went for her 15 month check-up on Tuesday. She was 22.4 pounds (45%) and 34 inches tall (grew 2" in 3 months...more than they said she'd grow in her 2nd year!). She remains off the chart for her height. She was a total drama queen during the exam. I hope she grows to love Dr. Burcal. He's really sweet and Devin just adores him.


On another note, Monday was the first day of 1st Grade for Crash. He had a good day and seems to really like his teacher. I hope they will be a little more clear about some things. For instance, water bottles have always been allowed, so Devin picked out this really cool Incredible Hulk water bottle (at the tune of $15.00!) and was so excited about showing his friends. Well, it turns out that water bottles are not allowed! That would have been nice to know prior to dropping the cash for it! Petty, I know, but come on! On Wednesday the first card was pulled...not by Crash, but by his buddy...funny Bobby! Crash said Bobby rang the bell. Huh? What bell? Lots to find out about first grade. Here's a picture of Crash on his first day of school.

Looking ready!

A complete bust to get them photographed together!

Pool and Ice Cream on a HOT summer day!

We had so much fun when our family came to visit. We went to the pool one day and then to get ice cream at Bruster's before they left to catch their flight. Here are some fun summer times!

We miss you guys! : (

Visit to Nanny's

We went to the lake Saturday night to visit with Mike's mom and step-father (Nanny and Pops). We started out at Cici's and then went to her house for the "famous" scavenger hunt, swimming, boat ride, fireworks, and talent show. This year there was even a square dance. Grace went into the lake for the first time and wore her life jacket for the first time. She was so relaxed, as you can see in the picutres.





Most of the whole gang!

On Sunday we went to Tiger World. It is a little "zoo" type place in China Grove. They had a white siberian tiger cub, a lion cub, and also a "Liger"...that's right, a lion and tiger mix. He was really cute. If we had gone the day before, we possibly could have pet them, but they are becoming a little too rowdy now for untrained persons to handle them. Here are a few pictures from Tiger World.

Devin and CJ

The tiger and lion cub

The "Liger"

Bear and Devin (it was so hot!)

Big tiger in the background.

Taking a quick break in the shade



"Boo" the Tiger and "Boo" (Mike)

Myrtle Beach Days (part 2)

We'll do anything to keep Grace entertained. Devin found that throwing goldfish in the air and catching them in his mouth was grounds for a belly laugh from Grace! This was on the way down to the beach, about 3 hours into the trip!

Grace ended up loving the ocean!

Future Gladiator?

Nighttime walk on the beach

Monkey see Monkey (Miss) Doo!!!

Enjoying some "Rita's" Italian Ice

She was worn out!!

Myrtle Beach Days

We're finally here! We usually come to the beach in June but we did some other traveling in late May that delayed our trip until now. It is so nice to go to a place that feels like a "home away from home". We know where everything is, have our "favorite" restaurants, know what we like to do, etc. Unlike Chicago, where basically you are at the mercy of where your hotel is located and how much cab fare will be if it where you want to go is out of walking distance. When we were on our way to the airport it was exciting because it was going to be an adventure. Here, it is just like being home, only better because we have the pools and ocean at our disposal. Nights at Broadway at the beach, days at the pool, ocean and arcade. Grace seems to like the ocean pretty good, but last night after it got dark we went down to the beach and she did not like the feel of the cool sand on her bare feet. It's been cloudy and rainy today, so we've only ventured to the pool. Perhaps later we'll give the ocean another try. Unfortunately, I forgot the cord that I need to hook up my camera to the computer, so pictures will be posted when we get home Wednesday.

Chicago Baby!

Well, our long awaited trip to Chicago has come and gone. We had such a good time. The food was fantastic, the soccer gane was great, and the family time was plentiful. The only thing we did not do in excess is sleep! We're home now and can catch up on that, though. Here are some pictures from our adventures:

The boys at Chicago Pizza and Grinder Company



The FAMOUS Pizza Pot Pie...MMMMMMMmmmmmmm!!!



The girls at Chicago Pizza and Grinder Company


Aren't they sweet!!

After dinner we went to the Sear's Tower...

The next day we took off to Navy Pier. The boys had planned on doing the power boat, but Devin decided he did not want to go. SO, we ended up at the Children't Museum. It was a lot of fun for both Devin and Grace.



Miss Doo enjoyed fishing in the pond (actually, she enjoyed eating the fish!)



They dug for dinosaur bones... (actually, Devin dug and grace ate the plastic chips that covered the bones)





Devin indulged me for this photo...

The next day we went to the Chicago Fire Soccer Game. This was the highlight of the trip for the boys. Unfortunately, baby doo and I only saw the players introduced before we headed down to catch a cab for the trip back to the hotel. Here are some pictures from the game..

Outside Toyota Stadium...



MLS goalie in the making...



Sweet catch...



National Anthem and player introductions

We headed home and are looking forward to our next adventure this Friday to Myrtle Beach.