The rest of October

Even though it's after thanksgiving, it's not too late to post what we did in October right? :)

 Our only mini watermelon from our garden. Rough gardening year for us, but it tasted good! :)

 This is what happens when your two year old is very quiet for about 10 minutes. He pulls all the wipes out of a full baby wipe container....

 Payton seems to like fishing as much as his daddy! they got to go alot this October and they caught alot as well!

 Trick or Treating with good friends.We had a blast!

 The 4th year that one of our kids has worn this Eeyore costume. It hink we got our money's worth...what do you think?

 I just think the back of this costume is soooo cute.

 Aaargh! Matey!

Pumpkin Farm

It just doesn't seem like fall here if you haven't gone to a pumpkin farm! Going on a hay ride...

Parker is not so sure about this.

After this photo, I realize the hay is sticking him in his pants, so he was much happier sitting on my lap.

animals were a big hit!

Also went to a friend's birthday party and the kids got to stuff there own stuffed animals! they had so much fun!! Parker picked a bear with butterfly wings (?)

Payton picked a penguin and named him Waddling. Stuffing their animals was their favorite part... :)

2 Milestones

It's been a busy week! Parker turned 2 and Payton started Kindergarten!!

 elmo is a favorite around the Lee house. Officially, the 4th (and last?!) elmo themed party!

 everyone is ready for school and preschool!

 Parker wants to be like Payton and hold the sign

 new backpack!

 waiting for the bus

 the kindergarteners!

 getting on the bus

Six Flags

We got season passes to six flags for the first time this summer in Illinois. Who knew how much Payton (and Parker) would love roller coasters and amusement park rides! We've been over a dozen times and it never seems to get old. Although it was a "hot" day here, we braved the heat with good friends and had a blast! (although the mommies were exhausted).

Forgot my camera, but here are some iphone photos from Liz.

Family Visit

Recently, we hosted very special guests from Houston for a week. Sadly, Payton and Parker have not spent much time with their cousins so this was a very delightful opportunity for them to get further acquainted. Payton was very emotional after they left and has been pleading with us almost daily to Skype with them. 

Jelly Belly Factory Tour:

a scarf for Bear-Bear made by Christen:

at the Shedd Aquarium:

Here are some videos from the Gurnee Days event:

 Cousins sharing a huge snow-cone...

 

 Parker with the farm animals...

 

Whee!

  

 After a long day...

 


 Moments later...

 

Vacation

In June/July we went on a cruise off the Cali coast and my cousin's wedding in SF. It was a wonderful trip spending time with family and extended family... tiring, but really fun too!

Payton's favorite thing to do on the cruise was play on its mini golf course and the lifesize chess set with Uncle Chuck. Parker's favorite thing was probably getting to sleep in the same room with the whole family (he does not like to be alone, esp during nap/night time...)  :)

Wild Kratts Video

Payton's favorite show right now is the Wild Kratts. Here he is singing the theme song, while we are waiting for the Kratt Brothers to start the show. If you are not 5 years old or don't have a 5 year old, you probably don't know who they are...These real life brothers, teach kids about animals basically, but make it fun. I have to say, the few times I've seen their show, I've also learned alot about animals.

Summer So Far

Six Flags Great America, the kids are just LOVING it! (ok and me too... :)  ) although parker does look concerned in a lot of these pictures.... Payton and I convinced him it is fun... :)

 The Paytons have some precious cargo in the back of their green truck

 Waiting in 90 plus degree weather an hour early for the Wild Kratts!

 Here, have some water Dylan, you look hot.

 Payton is mesmerized by the Kratt Brothers. When he first saw them come on stage, he said to me, "Mommy, it's really Chris and Martin from on TV!!"

 They did a good job with the show, Payton loved it! As well as they other 10,000 5 year olds there, it seemed... :)