Tball

Getting tips from the coach (Daddy) Love this picture!
In line waiting to bat
This was just after he got grazed on the ear by the ball and was not happy! Luke, our neighbor!

Payton at bat

Payton started his T ball season at the end of May and had his first game this past week. He loves it and its even better because Graham is one of the coaches along with our neighbor. He had a great time during the game and even had a few good hits. He did have one run in with the ball as it grazed his ear, which scared him more than anything. He tried really had not to cry until Graham came over to see if he was OK and he lost it:( Poor guy!

My parents and I had a great time watching the kids learn the rules of the game. It is so funny to see the kids try to run the wrong way, all dive for the ball and throw it in total wrong direction.

Safety Town

Payton & Francesca Payton & Chase

Walking in his graduation

I signed Payton up for Safety Town this year with his friend Chase. Each day they learned about different topics, such as water safety, fire safety, seat belt safety, etc... Payton loved going every day and was so excited to tell us what he learned. The last day they had a little graduation ceremony. It wasn't much but Payton loved it and was looking for me when he walked across the audience. When they were done we were able to take a few pictures in the little town with his friends Chase and Francesca.

Outer Banks, NC

At the Outer Banks Brewing Station - playing on play set while waiting for dinner Playing at our pool
At the beach
Making Grandpa Al do all the work
Emma - 3 years
The whole gang

Playing Payton's favorite game, "run from the water"

Payton - 5 years

Graham and Brady sleeping in

Brady - 5 months

Chilling Pool side

Playing on the plane at the Wright Brothers Memorial

At the rock where they took their first flight

Riding go carts

So cute...

Brady's first time in the ocean

First time in the pool

My 3 boys

This year for Graham's family vacation we went to the Outer Banks, NC. We rented a 4 bedroom house that was the perfect layout for all of us. On the top level was the kitchen, family room and a king master suite for Gaia and Grandpa Al. On the middle level there were 2 king master suites for Graham and I and Alyssa and Andy. In between those two rooms there was a room with 2 built in bunk beds for both Emma and Payton. On the bottom level there was a game room and a walk out to the pool.

The house was just across the street from the beach with a beach access path right in front of the house. One really great feature of the house was that it had an elevator. This came in real handy when loading and unloading luggage and groceries!

The weather cooperated just about every day. It was usually in the 80's with the exception of maybe one day. We only had rain one day and for a very short time. We spent the morning each day at the beach playing in the sand and even a little bit in the water. We would head back to the house for a late lunch and spend the afternoon hanging out by the pool.

We ate out a few nights and cooked in some as well. One of the places we ate at was called The Outer Banks Brewing Station. It was perfect for the kids! In the back there were picnic tables that you could eat at and while you waited for your food, there was a pirate ship play set, soccer goals/ball, tricycles and bag games for the kids and adults. We actually went there two nights because of that great perk!

Other than Brady not sleeping well, the vacation was very relaxing and just what I needed after a crazy last month of school. Payton had a great time playing with Emma, Gaia and Grandpa Al. He loved sleeping in the bunk beds, although he only slept up top one night because he said it wasn't very comfortable. He had the chance to ride go carts and pick out his own souvenir which he thought was pretty cool! Brady enjoyed a few firsts, first time putting his feet in the ocean and first time in the pool. I hope to go back to the outer banks in the future!!

Thank you for the great trip Gaia and Grandpa Al!!!

We Found a Good One!!

A random picture of Payton and Brady playing Donna and the boys

Donna and Payton on his last day :(

I can't believe Payton's last day with Donna was June 7th. We were so lucky to have found such a wonderful and loving babysitter. Payton never, not once, made a fuss about going to Donna's; however often cried when I came to take him home :) That is the sign of a great babysitter!! Thankfully we do not have to say a permanent goodbye to her as she will have Brady next year.

Road Rally

Allison and Blake doing a "minute to win it" challenge Allison in front of one of our clue destinations

Our neighbors, the Rosenbergs, hosted a road rally last month. It was so much fun and something I hope to do again next year! The rules were that each couple bring a clue about a place within the Naperville city limits. We had to bring several copies of it for each group. Each group got copies of all the clues and then had 2hrs to figure out the clues, go to that place and take a picture of someone on their team in front of the place. There were also several bonus point options that we could complete to earn more points. We were paired up with the Geers and our group did pretty well. I think we only couldn't figure out 2 of the clues and we were able to get all but one of the bonus points.

Cavalcade of Planes 2011

Tyler, Ryan, Luke, Payton & Chase Kevin, Blake & Graham pretending to be tough

We went with the Geers and Rosenbergs out to breakfast at Charlie's (at Clow airport) and then to the Cavalcade of Planes. There are all kinds of planes and helicopters for the kids to see, touch and even get in. The boys had a blast, both young and old!

Mom's Tea

My place at the table The boys in the class
Payton with his teacher, Ms Sherice

Payton and his 2 buddies, Jack & Michael

Payton's preschool had a special Mom's Tea for Mother's Day. It was so much fun to join Payton at school and see what special things he did for me. When we got there, the kids all came out with homemade flowers to greet us and take us into their classroom. They had the room all decorated and a spot at the table for each Mom. Each child made a portrait of their mom and then had to answer some questions about us. It was so cute and funny to hear what all the kids thought their Mom's favorite tv show was or what their favorite food was.

After the teacher read all of those, the kids sang us some songs and they got each of us our snack. The kids were in charge of serving us and getting our drinks. Afterwards we were able to play on the playground for a little bit before heading home. It was such a fun morning and Payton just loved having me at his school!