Fun in the Kitchen

Who knew that playing in a bowl of soaking potatoes could be so fun???? Or maybe its just because Logan loves anything having to do with water and getting wet...LOL

School Spirit

The spirit wear that we ordered Rylie finally came yesterday. So, you know she had to wear something to school today. Go M.E.S. (Mokena Elementary School, for those who don't know) Stars!

Parent/ Teacher Conferences

Last night I attended my first parent-teacher conference for Rylie. She is doing so well at school...SHE IS OUR SHINING STAR! Kind, caring and shares with others (except maybe Logan). Her speech, colors, numbers and OT/PT is making great progress. Way to go Rylie!!!

Who Would've Thought????

November at the beach with the Grants?! We only tried once this summer to get to the beach since Jim (Eric's brother for those who don't know or remember) and Jennifer live so close, but it stormed. BOO HOO! But we finally made it and the kids had so much fun, I wish I took a picture of Logan running for the water in shoes, socks and good party clothes! Check it out! :)

Halloween

Rylie's Halloween costume was made be Grandma Grant and I, thank you Grandma. SHE'S A CLOUD! Other pictures include carving of the pumpkins (done Halloween night...we're behind) since Logan has an ear infection his part in the festivities were not so much this year...hopefully he'll catch up next year. Rylie did dress up for her school Halloween party and today for Halloween but did not want to go Trick or Treating...she helped Grammy hand out candy.

Playing in the Leaves

A time honored fall tradition! You rake the leaves....they jump in the leaves....etc. They have fun you get some exercise....everyone benefits!

Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

This years trip to the pumpkin patch was not as good as last years. Lots of people made it less enjoyable. Boo Hoo! But we still went on a hayride, pet some cute animals, played in the corn and, or course got our pumpkins!

Rylie's First Field Trip

This is Rylie's BFF Jackie. She is very cute but her mom definately has her hands full!

If you notice the holding position...Rylie is literally squeezing the poop out of this poor little duck. Clean up was pretty gross!

Amid all the tragic stuff that was going on in the family this week (John's passing), the light side of life was that Rylie got to go on her first school field trip. It was a much needed distraction for me and fun times for the Ryster. We went to the Children's Farm in Palos Park where Rylie and her classmates got to hold animals, go on a hay ride and pick their own pumpkin. They were all so cute!

Shop 'Til You Drop

Poor Logan we hit Walmart and Trader Joe's this morning. He's a good little shopper but I think he had too much. Nothing like falling asleep with your prize of the day, though!

Potty News

RYLIE SAT ON THE POTTY AND ACTUALLY WENT POTTY FOR THE FIRST TIME TONIGHT!!!!!!! So exciting....its getting closer to only having one in diapers!!!! Then I spent the rest of the night sitting with her in the bathroom when she thought she had to go...what are you going to do....bring a magazine! LOL
More news to come I'll keep you all posted!!

Logan....FINALLY! LOL

This is the second Thursday for Logan's Gymboree class. It works out real well with Rylie's school schedule...we go to class from 9:15-10:00. Today Rylie got on the bus and Logan and I went for a walk down by the fire station. The firefighters were SSSOOOO nice to us (especially Logan) and let us touch the fire truck and they even turned on the lights for Logan to see. He is just in love with TRUCKS! Sorry no pictures from the fire house...we were just out walking and I didn't have my camara...OOPS!

First Day of Preschool

Well, by now Rylie has been in school for almost two weeks. Her first day was sad for me and Logan even cried. Now we are pros and sending her off to school and are even enjoying some much deserved Mommy and son time...even though will still miss Rylie in the morning. She leaves around 8 or 8:15 and then comes home around 11:15 or 11:20. We are still adjusting to our new morning schedule and its weird not having her around for a chunk of the day, but she is adjusting well and loves going to school. Here are a few pictures from her first day and her first bus ride (which happen this past Monday).

Rylie's Party and Birthday

Rylie's 3rd birthday party was a hit! All the family and friends that came and BIG thank you Lynne for lending us her jumping thing, all the kids had a great time jumping!

Then the next day was more partying. We took Rylie and Logan to Choo-Choo Johnnies for Rylie's birthday lunch, then to the park and then met up with Grammy and Pop-Pop for ice cream at Oberweis. It was a hectic but great weekend.

First Train Ride

Sunday morning we took the kids on their first train ride. We had lunch in town at Eggsetera (which is a little restuarant right by the train station in Mokena), then we got on the train to go to Joliet and back. The kids loved it but the story can't end without a little excitement, right??? When coming back from Joliet there was a horde of people getting on at Mokena when we were trying to get off and "the doors are about to close" happened and we were stuck on the train. In all the excitement trying to get off Logan's shoe fell off the train and we had to get off at the Hickory Creek station (about a mile or so out of town) and call Grammy to come and pick us up. We did make it home safely and Logan's shoe was recovered by the Front St Mokena station. FUN TIMES!!! :)

Tonght's Menu: Borscht

So...I am admittedly a self-proclaimed beet hater! Tonight I stepped out of my comfort zone and attempted to try the dreaded beet again and made borscht (for those who don't know; cold beet soup). In a word GREAT...even the kids loved it. Made it from a recipe from Barefoot Contessa's cookbook...Summer Borscht.

First Day of Senior Year

Sarah's first day of school today, I don't know why I'm so happy but I am. I'm sure it was quite a shock to her system to get up and ready to go so early but it builds character. I told her it was a good thing starting back to school it gave her a purpose in life! LOL

PS. Logan cried when she left or maybe it was because I was outside, who knows! LOL