Illinois!

At the beginning of August, the little boys and I went back to spend a week with family. We also attended Peoria's VBS, and Abe got to take swimming lessons (from a wonderful instructor who also taught Ryan and I years ago!).  It was a full but wonderful week.

We left Friday morning, and the boys were such good travelers.  We stopped in Beloit for a bathroom and drink break and then made it all the way to Ryan's parents' home without stopping again.  I wondered how they would do, since I was driving and unable to tend to their needs like I usually can when Ryan drives, but they were such good boys.  I was so thankful!

Friday night we went to Monical's for pizza with Mom and Dad Funk, Dusty and Erin and kids, and Isaac.  It was a really nice and relaxing evening, but I was really missing Ryan.  I just kept thinking that he should be there with his family, too!

Saturday, we went to Wildlife Prairie Park to celebrate Abe's birthday.  So, so fun!  I hadn't been there in 6 years, and it was special to go back.  The kids loved the train, of course, and we then enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch.  We sang to Abe, and he loved each and every one of his gifts.

The giant slide:

Watching the train pull into the station:

 

 

On the train:

Blowing out his candles (notice Charlie right in the middle of the action, too):

Opening gifts:

 

 

Sunday was church, and then when we got home, Ryan was at his parents' house!!!!  He had an unexpected break in his schedule, so after rounds that morning, he drove down for Sunday afternoon/evening and then went back home Monday night.  Best surprise ever!!  Sunday night was especially memorable as we sang hymns, some solemn, some silly, while the kids caught fireflies.

Monday morning, we packed up at Ryan's parents house and met my mom at Abe's swim lesson.  She gave him the lessons as part of his birthday gift.  He was able to fill in for people on vacation that week and got to take them every day.  He did such a good job!  I was really proud of him--he worked hard and listened well!

Swimming by himself:

The rest of the week was very full, with swimming lessons each morning, an activity in the afternoon (swimming, tea parties, lunch dates, etc.!), and VBS each evening.  I especially enjoyed spending time with my parents and sisters after the boys were in bed each evening.  I enjoyed the chance to sneak away for a while Tuesday morning and meet some dear friends at the Washington Square for lunch and shopping.  It warmed my heart so much to be with them again!

Tea Party with Great-Grandma and Grandpa Funk (coming soon!):

Playing the Egg Game at Great-Grandma D's:

 

 

At Lou's for lunch with Grandma L.:

Saturday morning, we headed back home to WI.  As always, it was wonderful to be back home again and start "real life" as a family again.  We missed Daddy so much and were so glad to be back with him!  I think he was glad to have a little noise back in the house!

We are so blessed by the love and generosity of our families and were so thankful to have had the week with them.

Abe's 5th Birthday

Well, I think it's about time I update this poor neglected blog of mine!  Between a busy schedule here in WI and a week down in IL, I just haven't made it a priority as of late. Today though, Abe's birthday post!

Abe turned 5 the last week of July.  I simply cannot believe it!  It seems like such a tremendous milestone.  We went shopping for school supplies yesterday, and again, I cannot believe it.  I am going to miss him like crazy!  He is such a big boy.

We let him open his gifts first thing in the morning, followed by a breakfast of cinnamon rolls and strawberries (his pick!).  Afterward, we went over Brady's house to celebrate his 4th birthday (he and Abe share the special day!) followed by lunch at home (bean burritos with fresh salsa, again, Abe's pick!).

For his birthday, we thought it would be fun to take him to the zoo and let him do all the things he always asks to do but usually gets a "Not this time, buddy" or a "Sorry, Mommy doesn't have any coins!"

He was very excited, and we ended up having a fantastic afternoon.  Of course, Charlie was also the beneficiary of many of Abe's fun things, too!

Putting a penny in the tornado thing-y (not sure what they are called!):

 

 

At the shark and sting ray special exhibit--both boys were brave and touched the rays!

Pressing a penny into a souvenir; Abe got a hippo, and Charlie got a rhino:

Getting a foot massage!  This was absolutely hysterical to watch.  Apparently most zoo patrons have never seen anyone do it either, because we got quite a few gawkers.  The chair just rattled shook Abe like crazy!  When he was done, Ryan said, "Well, Abe, what did you think of your foot massage?"  Abe replied, "Well... (pause).... It wasn't exactly what I expected!"  So funny.

 

 

Feeding the goats:

Riding the carousel.  Abe deemed this his favorite activity we did that day, and Charlie really enjoyed it too!  I, on the other hand, was quite dizzy and very ready to hop off when it was done!  I guess things are different when you're a kid :)

Afterward we headed home to have hot dogs and french fries (Abe's pick) and red velvet cake for dessert (also Abe's pick!).  It was a great day.

Happy 5th Birthday, sweet Abe.  Mommy is so very thankful for you and so proud of the little man you are becoming.  You are so kind, thoughtful, smart, sensitive, determined, sometimes mischievous, and so incredibly special to me and Daddy.  I can't wait to spend this next year with you--I love you so much!