Zoo Boo #2!

It's time again for the annual Zoo Boo! We were so excited to have the opportunity to go again, but before we hit the zoo we had two lovely family gatherings to attend. This week my Aunt Gayle & Uncle Bob were in the Indy area for a wedding, up from Tennessee. We planned an early breakfast, but were forced to meet a little later than we planned due to heavy rainstorms on our way. I think everyone had such a great time, and I know McKinley got a real kick out of playing checkers with Aunt Gayle and opening his brand new 'smart' golf balls from his Great Aunt & Great Uncle.

After breakfast we began our trek to Carmel for my Godfather's 70th Birthday Open House. There were so many people and it was really great to see everyone! I think my Godfather had a really special time...my favorite part was when everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to him as he stood in front of the cake with his two granddaughters under his arms. What a special moment!

Next, it was on to Zoo Boo where we met the Semmler family. Due to the craziness of the day and again some weather delays we were a little late meeting everyone, but when we arrived McKinley and Savannah were so thrilled to see one another all dressed in their Halloween costumes. Those two are just precious...

We had a lot of fun with pumpkin bowling, trick-or-treating, riding the train and the spooky backward carousel. As always the Zoo festivities are so wonderful, and the company is the best!

I admit, after three really big events we were all really, really exhausted (and I think you can totally tell in our family photo from zoo boo) but it was so worth it. McKinley fell fast asleep on the way home and when we finally arrived I simply put him in his pj's and let him sleep all night through.

We love October, no matter how packed our schedules!

Lynn

Get Lost

Well, it may be hard to believe but Fall is here! All of the beautiful festivities are right around the corner and yours truly can hardly wait! Zoo Boo, Street Fair, pumpkin and apple picking...it's my very favorite time of year! Tonight we visited Hobson's Farm with the Semmler Fam and had some great kid-sized fun.

For starters it was dark when we arrived...and dark for all of the activities, but we made it work! We fed some animals...I'm still not sure what we fed because it was so dark. I think we fed goats, a miniature horse and a donkey! After that we decided to head out to the corn maze - prepared with our make-shift flashlights...our cell phones. We ended up getting lost...but just a little. We found our way back out, and the kids loved every second of it!

After the corn maze we made many trips down the roller slide (FUN!) and then did a lot of jumping on the giant pillow bouncer (SERIOUS FUN!). I don't know about the other adults in our party, but I definitely had a few moments where I felt like a little kid again. Those things ROCK! I loved watching Cary and Rick bouncing high into the sky and their little 3 year olds bouncing up and down on the bouncer like popcorn. They weren't REAL sure about what their Dads were doing, but in the end they enjoyed it...and let's face it...it was really funny for Robin, Austin and me to watch!

We sat for a few moments by the fire and were back at it in the soybean maze (much easier, by the way). McKinley and Savannah enjoyed a few rounds on the corn 'train', and gave our furry friends a late night snack.

Two hours flew by! We are already planning a 'next time' but want to be there longer and earlier. Great time with great friends!

Happy Fall!

....Almost!

Lynn

Vacay to the 'Lou

We just got home last night from our fun trip with the Semmler Family to St. Louis. It was a whirlwind tour of the city (kind of literally, thanks to OnStar...) and most of it we got to see through the eyes of two almost-three-year-olds! In three short days we visited Grant's Farm, The St. Louis Zoo, The Arch, The Magic House Children's Museum, had a fun-in-the-pool night, dinner al fresco with McKinley announcing that he'd poopied on the potty and lots of other wonderful memories. I especially love the memories of Rick curbing their car not once, but TWICE with all of us inside. I laughed so hard I nearly peed my pants. In his defense, the curbs DID appear flat...kind of.
Our hotel stay was great, the kids were wonderful (and utterly adorable, especially when getting their faces painted...so cute) and the city did not disappoint. We love St. Louis and have visited often over the course of our years together, this trip was definitely more focused on McKinley & Savannah but so worth it! I think at some point, each of us got to step back in time a bit to relax and remember what it was like to be a child. We even got to get our hands in on all the fun!

What a great trip and wonderful time with such good friends! Can't wait to do it again!
Lynn

Two Strawberry Festivals in one week!

It's June in Indiana, which typically means RIPE STRAWBERRIES!!!!!!!!!! YUM!!!!!

This year, Cary found an 'extra' strawberry festival for us to attend...in nearby Rosedale. On Saturday, we visited the fest along with Nonna. We were all served up a HUGE portion of yummy goodness. McKinley was really more interested in the band setting up and all the people around (in true people-watching style...it must be inherited. I can think of a few people in his immediate family who love doing just that). At this festival there was a special selection of kiddie rides, McKinley chose to ride the ponies. Honestly, I'm pleasantly surprised at how easily he has taken to the riding and feeding of ponies and donkeys lately!

This evening was the Terre Haute Strawberry Festival...and when I think of that, I think of this post from 2008: McKinley's very first. Awww, cuteness! Our baby!

This time around our boy is a little older and accompanied by his buddy, Savannah! Thanks for the invite, Semmler's!

McKinley and Savannah didn't pay much attention to the festival's namesake - though I must say I enjoyed that shortcake! Instead, they wanted to play! When they each saw the horse and carriage rides they were awestruck. So, we left Cary, Rick and Austin on the ground while Robin and I took the kids for a ride. McKinley and Savannah got to sit up front with the 'driver???' for half of the ride and I don't think he was quiet for more than a second! As we passed by all the familiar surroundings he happily pointed out the fire station, the Indiana Theater, where we had just been the day before, our car, and even the red lights...all while holding Savannah's hand! Too cute. Savannah quietly enjoyed the ride and tolerated McKinley's tales of their adventures together. They were pretty darned precious sitting up there together. Rick took a photo of them sitting atop the wagon, I'm planning on getting a copy of that pic...it's too cute to not have!

After chatting with friends, devouring the shortcake (dessert before dinner??? WHY NOT?!) and taking our little downtown ride, we all walked over to Wise Pies, the new downtown pizza place. Everything was yummy and the company was great, as always!

And so begins the Festival Season!

Lynn

A Very Retro Movie Experience

Today was AWESOME! This summer (and evidently, for the last 5 summers as well), the Indiana Theater here in the 'Haute is offering a Free Family Film Festival. Rock on.

Not having to pay to test out our almost-three-year-old in a real movie theater for the first time? Free.

The look on his face and the audible, "WOW!!!!!!!!" when we walked into the old theater? Yeah, pretty much priceless.

For starters, I was seriously excited to share this experience with McKinley (as always, sad when we can't include Cary...darn jobs...blecchhhh) because this very movie theater is where I remember seeing my first movie with MY Mom...E.T.! Yes, that dates me...a week post 32nd bday too. Ugh. McKinley was in love. Obviously so was Savannah, who joined us with her Mommy too! I love that we did this! I'm hoping as the summer pushes on we can include more friends, more family and even those Daddies of McKinley and Savannah on their days off!

As we walked into the huge, still beautiful but in need of renovation, theater we were welcomed with that familiar smell of delicious popcorn...which we promptly purchased. We headed inside and so many memories came flooding back for me. I don't think I have been in the Indiana for a very, very long time...but I have always loved it. I went to movies there as a small child, in junior high I attended a movie there with friends and no parents! As a teenager I remember being there with my girlfriends and seeing my crush sitting in the next row and barely focusing on the movie - though I think it was either Batman or Speed...maybe both??? I remember performing there with my dance company (which was an amazing experience) and accompanying a friend on a date in which she was much too chicken to attend herself...I went as the third wheel because Cary was working nights at the time, and thus unable to join us.

Today definitely surpasses all of those memories. Being there with MY SON was incredible! I am definitely reaping the rewards of motherhood in moments like this.

I was so proud of McKinley, he sat through the ENTIRE movie, transfixed during part of it, even! We saw Ice Age 3, Dawn of the Dinosaurs. Cute! Robin and I really appreciated the little bits of adult humor, it kept us entertained in the extremely uncomfortable seats (hello? We need some padding in those suckers, please...). Savannah enjoyed herself quite a bit too, requesting to "watch it again! NOW!" several times. The kiddos even humored us mommies after the show with a quick photo shoot atop the balcony steps.

Once we left the theater, everyone came back to our house for an hour of play time in the new playroom (that currently still looks like the old nursery, but is getting painted next week - hell or high water, as they say). Robin and I agreed that we definitely have to hit the Indiana again for an awesome playdate!

What a great day!

Lynn

Hello, Zoo!

Sure seems like it has been a long hiatus from our beloved zoo, so you can just imagine how excited we were to be back there for the first time this spring. We were fortunate enough to make a few trips during the winter months, Christmastime of course, and a few other times while I was working in Indy. But it was cold, limiting what we could see and do. Cold no more, it was an unusually warm April day and PERFECT for our visit.

Our friends, The Semmler's invited us to kick out Cary's vacay with a trip and we were thrilled to be invited. We had to keep our plans on the down low, as usual, not telling McKinley until the evening before. If we tell him any earlier...well, it's crazy!!!

We met up with the Semmler's at Rick's parents' home in Avon, headed out for a quick lunch (the zoo fare is not so good...and not so cheap either!) then off to the park! The seals and sea lions greeted us as usual (which the kids adored), then we visited the sea creatures. Rick and Cary 'petted' the sharks and nearly convinced Savannah and McKinley to pet them too. Little did our husbands know the sheer terror they were evoking in us mothers. Oooh, not a good feeling to watch a shark swim by your husband and child while they frolic and play like we're dealing with a puppy or something! HELLO! SHARK!

Moving on, the rest of the ocean life had our attention for quite a while -we even attended the dolphin show, which was a special show honoring the NCAA Final Four. It was so fun to watch one of the dolphins 'dribble' a basket ball under water!

The famed splash park was open already, so we had to distract, distract, distract to get to the rest of the zoo. CAROUSEL! We all rode the carousel together, which was fun. McKinley and Savannah sat side-by-side (with me standing between them...just in case). It was adorable. Soon we were off to the train where we rode TWICE. Bet you will never guess who enjoyed himself beyond words...McKinley! Actually, we all enjoyed the rides on the brand spanking new engine. Again, McKinley and Savannah wanted to sit together, so Robin, Rick & Austin, Cary and I got our own seats and literally got to just enjoy the ride. It seems so hard to believe that the kids are old enough to ride by themselves already.

Before long, the zoo was CLOSING! Funny thing is not THAT long ago we were closing bars on a Saturday night...now we close the zoo. Truth be told, I really think the zoo is WAY more fun. Seriously. Who knew?!

As we all headed home the rain came. And as Cary, McKinley and I were about 10 minutes outside of Indy, the storms hit as well. My Mom was literally a few blocks behind us, having come to Indy for an appointment, so I called her and met up as the emergency sirens began going off in the city of Plainfield. We sought refuge in a mall there - the storms were REALLY bad. Thankfully they blew over without much damage to our immediate area (though we could have done without the hail, thanks), so Cary and I decided to do a little shopping and Mom headed on home.

It was a really fun day with Robin, Rick and their children. We had a wonderful time and love sharing in fun little day trips with such good friends! Zoo, I know we'll all be back soon!

Lynn

Be Irish & Have Cupcakes

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Today McKinley and I hit Wee Read with Robin & Savannah. The kids were seriously cute bedecked in their St. Patrick's Day t's. I mean, WAY cute. McKinley was sporting his 'Mommy's Lucky Charm' hat, some Paddy's Day beads and shades and a huge smile. Savannah was too cute in her mary jane's, green pig tails and beads too.

After Wee Read, Caboodle Cupcakes was an absolute must - I mean, they had GREEN VELVET CUPCAKES complete with shamrock sprinkles! So, we skipped lunch for a treat! Rare, but fun...and so worth it. Savannah & McKinley got 'into' their cakes, as is the norm, and the owner was smitten. We even picked cupcakes for Rick (Savannah's Daddy), Cary and my Mom. McKinley picked the Green Velvet for Daddy & Nonna, they were boxed so sweet and ready for delivery.

When we bid the Semmler Girls a jolly goodbye to our Top O'The Mornin', McKinley and I placed the cupcakes inside the car and set out to be Daddy & Nonna's leprechans. McKinley was so excited to give Daddy his cupcake while he was working. It totally made Cary smile...and me cry a little...so special. Next we headed to Nonna's house. I had to call her to ask if she would meet us in her courtyard, sans the dogs. I knew pretty cupcake would be pretty smooshed, licked and slobbered-on cupcake if there were remotely close! Again McKinley was beyond excited to be the delivery boy with the Green Velvet cupcake, and Nonna was obviously happy. Poor Luther & Hadley watch (and slobbered) from the front door. Not sure they got a taste of that one...Caboodle Cupcakes and sharing do NOT go hand-in-hand.

Soon, it was time for our little leprechan to have a little post-treat lunch, then a nap. This St. Patrick's Day has been so fun! Here's to many more Irish Blessings!

Lynn

McCutie & Lucky Girl

We Love Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics! Today my Mom and I took McKinley & Savannah to the clinic to build an adorable little tabletop basketball goal - it even keeps score! We got inside and settled and McKinley & Savannah wanted to wear their aprons. I caught the cutest photo of them sitting side by side, Savannah resting her head on McKinley's back. It was a darling moment! Soon, we opened our little project packages and got to work. The kids were so good and so eager to share the duties of 'banging' together, they even took a little 'snooze' break, pretending to nap while we finished up the project. Having two toddlers assembling a wooden project takes a little longer than the 'recommended' 7 and 8 year olds, so we were the last guests in the room. McKinley & Savannah were THRILLED when my childhood friend, Amanda (who happens to run the Build & Grow Clinics at our local Lowe's) asked them if they would like to help her put away the carpet squares and pick up any trash left over. They did such a great job and were a big help to Amanda!

After the Clinic, we headed off for a quick errand, to grab lunch and then meet up with Savannah's Mommy, Robin and her brand new baby bro, Austin for the Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, near our home. Thankful to have that picnic blanket once again (man, has that thing come in handy), we spread the blanket down and let the kids sit to wait for the parade. They didn't sit long! Once the parade (and candy throwing) commenced, they were on their feet!
McKinley & Savannah were seriously STINKING cute in their matching shirts (McCutie & Lucky Girl) that I made, along with their green shirts, socks, head and neck gear. ADORABLE! Even Robin, Austin and I got in on the wearin' O'the Green!

The parade was a hit - much larger than last year, though it was really cool and my Mom spent most of the parade inside our car for warmth. The kids were too busy looking at all the floats, displays and CANDY to be bothered by the cool weather, they were having a blast! I'm amazed at how quickly they really caught onto the candy-catching. This morning, on the way out the door, I grabbed a little bag to put McKinley St. Paddy's Day garb in...it came in very handy as our designated candy bag. The kids were eager to throw their captured candy into the bag. At the end of the parade, we easily had between 8 and 10 POUNDS of candy - the bag was full, to the top!

Soon, the parade was over and it was time for Austin to eat and McKinley & Savannah to take a nap. It was a big day! Lots of fun with the kids, family and dear friends. I just wish Cary & Rick didn't have to work and could have joined us! Oh well, they reaped the candy rewards at least!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Lynn

Happy New Year!

Happy 2010!!!! We spent NYE with our friends, The Semmler's and we had a BLAST!

Robin's sister, her husband and their three children came over as well, together we all played Wii games, ate pizza and snacks and watched the ball drop. It was a great night!

I had some NYE hats, horns and noise makers, so I brought those for the kids as well as some really yummy sparkling apple juice. Robin provided the cutest champagne flutes for the kiddos, and as you can tell from the pictures - the night was a hit!

I'm happy to report I scored my midnight kisses - one from Cary and one from McKinley, respectively. McKinley's favorite part of the night was that sparkling apple juice...he continued to toast himself (lol) until we had to drag him to the car! ***Note: it really was sparkling apple juice...nothing more!

What a wonderful way to usher in a new decade!

Happy New Year!

Lynn

Below, Rick shows McKinley how to 'sit n spin', McKinley toasts the new year, McKinley toasts the New Year as his friends look on, McKinley toasts the new year, and...McKinley toasts the new year. You get the idea...