Prepared...?

Not sure if I am ready for all this, but I will be returning home after being in Chicago for two weeks straight, to a house full of guests! That's right, I have not been home to clean, catch up on laundry, or to make sure the essentials groceries are in the fridge before all these guests arrive. My sister, her boyfriend, niece, brother, mom AND my buddy from college will all be staying at our house tomorrow night! What was I thinking?! LOL :) Honestly, it is going to be a lot of fun. We use to have 15-20 people stay overnight at my grandma's small two bedroom house during the holidays, so my family members are definitely pros at this. My buddy Shane, however, might have a whole different view of things. No worries, I warned the poor guy and he is extremely laid back, so like I said, it ought to be fun. Not to mention he will only be there Thursday night before heading out to finish the remainder of his journey south for the weekend.

Although I feel completely unprepared I am excited to see them all. We always make the most of our time together so I can't wait to get home tomorrow!

Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum

Last weekend Matt and I wen to go see Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum at the Amphitheatre in Chicago. One of my best friends and roommates from college invited us to go and we jumped on the opportunity. I've turned Matt into quite the country music listener over the years :) We had such a great time and can't thank Keri enough for inviting us.

Instead of me driving home at the end of the week, Matt came up here instead. We stayed at the S family's house Friday night, walked uptown for breakfast Saturday morning, went to a birthday party Saturday afternoon, concert Saturday night, and made a stop at Ikea on Sunday. It was nice having Matt see the area I am at during the week. I think he has a better idea now when I say the kids and I walked here or there and the houses I have explained to him. I even took him to Portillos which was a must. Awesome Chicago style hot dogs which were right up his alley! :) I even made him bring a cooler, because I love Valli Produce prices on deli meats & cheese, fruits and vegetables! Now you can all see the penny pincher in me :) He thought I was nuts at first asking him to do this, but after seeing that I spent only $31 on a whole cooler full of food, plus 2 bags of none fridge food, Matt changed his mind.

All in all I hope Matt had a good weekend in Chicago, despite the drive, because I know I did! :)

Today in Review

Here is a run down of our day! First, Sloan had her dance class this morning. I must mention that she did not want to wear her leotard today, but rather a onesie with a little skirt attached. I knew from experience that other girls wore shorts and t-shirts, even though most moms dress their girls in fancy dance attire. Whatever is most comfortable for Sloan is best, in my mind. Mom and Big Bro were able to come watch this week which made it all that much more special. Sloan was so much more comfortable in class with her instructor and the other children. She joined in right away and did everything her instructor asked. Major difference from last week when she stood there observing for most of the time.


The children do little warm ups, then do dance moves back and forth across the room, and at the end they have a dance party. Although I took many little video clips through out class, the Freeze Dance Party at the end is what I am sharing. Enjoy!



Then later this afternoon after nap, quiet time and snacks, we headed to a near by park. Q rode his bike and Sloan pushed her baby in the stroller. Q is extremely conscious of my bicycle safety rules, on top of the basic ones. He knows that he must be at least one side walk square away from the street. He also knows he does not have my permission to go ahead unless I can see him. So if I am waiting on Sloan and there is a corner or big tree that will block my view of Quinton, he is not allowed to go. However, if I can see him, then he has permission to look both ways and walk his bike across the street. I am usually about 10 yards away when he is allowed to do this so I can see all the streets and on potential oncoming traffic. Quinton feels like he is being independent doing it on his own, even though we all know, I am there to tell him to wait if need. :) I must also add I do this when we go to Forest Glen which is only two blocks from the house.

While Sloan played with her baby on the equipment, Q made a new friend and played Star Wars or something with him. Both kiddos had fun. After the other kids left, Q decided to try the high monkey bars! There are two different sets at this park. Lower ones that have maybe a foot between Q's feet and the ground when he goes across, and then the high ones which has a good four feet from Q's toes to the ground when he goes across. After practicing a couple times when we first got there and having me there just in case, Q decided he wanted to try while I video taped him. So I'd like to share an exciting accomplishment of his :)

Dance

Today was Sloan's first day of dance. Man did she look cute! As you can see for yourself I am not biased!!! :)


At this age parents are allowed to be in the room for the first few weeks until the children know the instructor better and are familiar with the class routine. Sloan watched and observed for most of the class. She would join in at the tail end of each activity. About half the class did the same where as those who had taken it before followed Ms Sherry's every move. It will take Sloan a few times, but she was enjoying herself. She only came over to me once after she jumped over the block when it was her turn. I gave her the reassurance she needed, and she joined back in without any tears. I have a feeling she is going to enjoy this more than she did her gymnastics class. Only time will tell :)

I forgot to bring my camera this week, which is a major bummer. Don't know what I am going to do! :( Fortunately mom got a few pics of Sloan before we headed out the door... as you saw above. Can't wait to take pictures during class and maybe even some video next week!

Until then you might just want to DANCE yourself!

Whispers Estate

For those that know me, know that I am a paranormal investigator. A couple years ago I became a member of a ghost hunting group here in Pekin. After about a year and a half, things weren't going well, so with a handful of great friends, we started our own group. We are the Rural Illinois Paranormal Society (RIPS) located in Tazewell county. We have investigated residential houses and businesses where concerned owners have asked for our help. Over half of RIPS members met in the previous group.

RIPS Members

Although the majority of our investigations are local, we do try to take trips to haunted places out of state. This year we decided to go to Whispers Estate, located in Mitchell, IN. Ten out of the eighteen members went to this old Victorian home to investigate potential paranormal activity. After getting a tour of the house and finding out the owner had not been completely honest about a few things (AC on second level, having house to ourselves, etc) we made the most of our time there. A few members checked out the basement seeing if there was anything that could be debunked. Next we set a digital recorder on third level. It was even hotter than second story and we refused to put our health at risk by staying up there. The group then split into two groups, one on second story and the other on the main level. After an hour, we met in the parlor for an EVP session and then switched levels for another hour. It was after 3:00AM when we finally got to bed. Due to the heat, most of us slept in two jointing rooms that had air conditioning. One member braved the second story although by 7:00AM it was so hot in there he couldn't sleep any longer. Another member stayed up all night to keep an eye on the workers (2) that stayed. We didn't want an funny business or stories say this and that happened after you all went to bed. Most of us that went have been doing this for a few years now and know what types of stories we'll get. One of the reasons we were upset that we didn't have the house to ourselves.... the other was that they kept talking and walking around during our investigation which contaminates our evidence.

Although we didn't experience any obvious paranormal activity, which is always disappointing to be honest, we may have caught something via digital recorders, video camera, or photographs. Going over evidence isn't fun. You have to concentrate on every little detail or sound. It takes HOURS to go over everything. Each individual has hours of their own material to go over. But if we find or debunk something it is all worth it.

Although the drive was long, I enjoyed the time I got to spend with my awesome friends! We all had fun and I can't wait to go on another out of state paranormal trip!!! :)

Last Week Run Down

Here is a run down of last week with the kiddos...

Q started t-ball on Monday! He absolutely loves it. A buddy from soccer camp ended up being in t-ball with him. Q loves his coaches and comes home talking up a storm from all his excitement.

Sloan had her last gymnastics day of the session. Although we are still adjusting to the difference from Ms Angie's, Sloan did enjoy herself. We met a few little girls that had the same love for shoes and bow as Sloan. Although she isn't going to be in gymnastics this next session, in the future she would enjoy seeing Coach Donna and Coach Beth again. Starting this week, Sloan will be in Dance! Can't wait to see what it is all about :)

Between scheduled events and play dates throughout the week, the kids and I were able to squeeze in a trip to the library, sign up for the summer reading program (hope mom and dad remembered to log their times over the weekend), go to some parks, have a picnic, and go to Splash Park! Just so you all know, Quinton and I read 2 1/2 Magic Tree House books last week. They easily suck you right in and it is hard to stop. Since we have been logging reading hours for the library reading program, Quinton is more reluctant to put a book mark into his book. Q also practiced reading some of his beginner books. He is getting there. I think I will be buying index cards tonight to take with me... you can never go wrong with homemade flash cards!

Splash Park is an great place for both kids. Q is old enough that he runs around and doesn't mind if he is soaking wet. It took him some time to really start enjoying himself, but he found a friend from t-ball (Jack) and met a new one (Shawn) as well. After that he was all over the place, using the water cannons, running under the water tunnel, and playing on the train. The ground is made so it isn't slippery when wet, which helped calm my nerves greatly. Q had a ball and was not thrilled when we had to leave. But he understood why and didn't argue at all... he knew Burger King was in his future for good behavior ;)

Sloan was a bit more apprehensive at Splash Park. It took nearly half an hour, but I finally got her to enjoy a small fountain. First she would only stick her toes in, then her hole leg got wet. Eventually she walked through it a couple times allowing her tummy to get wet. I think the next time we go, she will be more willing to get wet sooner :)

Overall Splash Park is a great place to take the kids. It is easy to keep an eye on both of them without being afraid something might happen to one... especially being the only adult there to keep an eye on them. I am much more comfortable taking them to a place like Splash Park than a pool. There is a great picnic shelter and playground next to Splash Park which allows kids to take a break from water or eat.

All in all we had a great week and I am sure this week will be just as fun as the last!

Cousins

Family Fun!

The week after Memorial weekend the kiddos were in Morton staying at Papa's before heading down to see CC and DD in St. Louis later in the week. Which meant we were able to spend a couple days playing and hanging out with their cousins. We went swimming one day and then made a trip into Peoria to visit Ms. Angie the next!

Swimming Fun!

Ms. Angie Fun!

It amazes me how much more Sloan talks around her cousins. All four kids had a blast and I know they can't wait to see each other again when M&M head up to Chicago land in a couple weeks!!! Then they'll have some Red White & Blue Fun! :)

Weekend of Surprises

Memorial weekend ended up being full of surprises! For starters, we (my parents, Matt and I) surprised my little brother by bringing the Taurus back for him. He had been hoping... wishing... praying for a car on his 16th birthday back in April, but of course didn't get one. I mean honestly, did he really think my folks would just buy him a car?!?? Kim and I both had to buy our own at that age. Since Matt bought me a new cat, I talked mom and dad into buying my Taurus below value for Billy. Matt and I made the dreaded 7 hour trip back to Southwest Iowa in separate vehicles. Although we did have fun with the 2 way radios :) Upon arriving, billy came out to greet us only to find just me.

He asked "Where's Matt?"

"He didn't come. Ended up having to work Monday" I fibbed.

"Oh" Just then Matt comes walking up the sidewalk from the far driveway at my parents' house. Billy looked so confused. We both just smiled at him.

I then proceeded to tell him, "We brought the Taurus back with us."

"Okaaaaaay?!?" He looked confused and just shrugged his shoulders as he started grabbing luggage out of my car.

"The Taurus is for you. Surprise!"

"Oh" he said and shrugged his shoulders again. I just looked at him with my eyebrows raised, then after a few seconds it sunk in what I had said. "Oooooh" and a HUGE smile spread across his face. "Thank you!"

Billy's Surprised Face?!?
(not really, just a silly picture he was tagged in on Facebook)

I hadn't been sure if my parents had kept it from him or not. Unlike my sister and I at that age, Billy doesn't have a job. I know I was busy with sports, community service, and other extra curricular activities, but Billy has way more going on than I ever did. So for now mom and dad are footing the bill for the car. That was surprise one for the weekend!

The next morning, we planned to go to a early movie in Council Bluffs. It has become a tradition to go to an early matinee because it only costs $4/person versus $6.50 for afternoon matinee or $10 in the evening. Hello, it is me we are talking about here... the Penny Pincher Queen!!! So Kim got Jayden up and out the door by 8AM so they could get to our parents by 9:00. Kim hadn't told her why they were up so early or where they were headed, nor did she know Matt and I were back. Jayden fell asleep in the car ride over so I got the joy of waking her up! I love seeing he face light up. It was probably the best part of the whole trip!

We went to Shrek 4, then headed over to the Omaha Humane Society to look at the animals that were up for adoption. This is something else we enjoy doing as a family as well. Jayden was probably three years old when we started going to shelters for an afternoon activity. She has learned to appreciate what shelters and donations can do for animals who without them would be a lost cause.

*~ Jayden with a grumpy looking cat ~*
(he was actually quite loving despite his permanent scowl)

After all that we had a late lunch then met our parents at the Bodies Exhibit. If there is ever an exhibit near you, I highly suggest you go. It is expensive, $22 for adults and $12-18 depending on you child's age. Jayden thoroughly enjoyed herself. She learned a lot not only from seeing these amazing cadavers, but also from reading about the functions of the different systems throughout our bodies.

Sunday we spent the day in Nebraska for Jayden's birthday. It was nice to get all of our running around the day before. Jayden's "step sisters" were able to come over to celebrate her big day with the rest of us. The girls showed me the tree house their dad is building for them and played catch since I was unable to see a softball game while I was back.

We made homemade egg rolls and crab rangoon. Everyone helped!! It was a random dinner consisting of Egg Rolls, Crab Rangoon, Corn on the Cob, Fruit and Brownies; Jayden prefers brownies to cake much like her Aunt Nicki! :)

As always, leaving the next morning was hard to do. We are never able to make it back for very long so it is sad when we have to leave. We swung by my parents to dig up some ferns to bring back, as well as go to lunch with them. The ride back was a lot easier and enjoyable since Matt and I were able to ride together. We had a wonderful time seeing my family, but it was also nice to get back home.

Catching Up

Sorry for the two week absence! Between my trip back to see family in Iowa and Nebraska over Memorial weekend, a busy week of researching contacts, materials, and who knows what else for house remodel and of course hot summer days with the kids... time has gotten away from my, yet again. Thus, resulting in my blog taking a back seat to it all. I am currently working on editing pictures and writing posts to catch myself and the rest of you up! :) Hopefully, you will start seeing new posts as early as late tonight!