Bath time

The kids giving Aaron a bath. Again.

Names

On the way home from school today the kids and I got on to talking about names and that led to a discussion about baby names. 

Kyle: If I had a girl and I was a girl or the girl I marry has a girl I would name the baby Lucy. And I would name a boy Adrian.

Emily: I'm not going to have a baby because I am going to live with the fairies. But I would name a girl Emma.

Playtime

Emily is determined to catch a fairy. She donned her fairy wings in hopes it would help her cause. She is so sweet. 

And Kyle wanted to play with Aaron so he set up a wonderful play area for Aaron (pictures below). He is so thoughtful. The other morning, after reading a book about activities to do with your baby in the 1st year, he created a game for Aaron. He had him hold Puffy Chubby Bananas (his ball stuffed monkey) and he timed how long he could 'hold' onto the monkey (i.e. balance the monkey on his belly). He sure is a wonderful big brother and will make a great father someday too. 

Baby giggles

We caught some Aaron giggles on video!

Wild West Town

After the reunion in Ohio, we headed to Papa's house. We had a fun time with Papa, Kari, Josh, Stephanie, Ben & Davie. On Monday, we went to the Wild West Town together and got to shoot a bow & arrow, slingshot and cork gun, ride a roller coaster and canoe, pan for gold and play dress up for a picture of our ancestors. 

What's interesting about this picture is that Kyle wasn't smiling during 90% of the roller coaster ride, but when he saw that Ben was smiling, he put on a big smile too. He really looks up to Ben. 

Emily & Davie, two peas in a pod... or a canoe.

Throwing the tomahawk

Slingshot!

Cork guns

Our family in the 1800s

While in Chicago, we went to the Wild West with Papa, Kari, Josh, Stephanie, Ben & David. The kids had a great time playing with sling shots, taking a canoe ride, doing some archery and panning for gold. We also all took an old fashion picture together, just like Jeff and Josh did when they were younger with their families. 

Reunion at the farm in Ohio

After spending a day in Chicago, we headed to Ohio for our family reunion. The last one to be had on the farm before it is sold. We've had a lot of fun memories on the farm and we are happy that our kids could enjoy the fun that is the farm. 

Aaron took his first long road trip. He hasn't been a huge fan of his car seat so we especially found his outfit amusing for the ride. All in all, he did a great job. Kyle and Emily were great in the car, as expected. 

Kyle moves in his sleep a lot. 

Roasting s'mores with Grandma

Aaron with Great-Grandma

 Aaron with Great-Grandpa

Hayride! 

 Pretty awesome action shot of Kyle throwing a frisbee with Mike

Kyle, Emily & Ike playing in the water

Passed out after a long, fun, active day on the farm. 

Passed out

Almost to Ohio and the boy who says he is NEVER tired is passed out. 

Super Dads

Two very awesome Dads: 

Tommy & Trevor with Jeff & Aaron at Tommy's house. Trevor & Aaron are nearly 4 weeks apart in age. 

Chicago

We made it to Chicago and Aaron did great on his first airplane ride. The white noise of the engines helped him sleep practically the entire way. Emily entertained herself very well with shows, games, coloring, writing and reading. Kyle played games the entire way. 

My baggage helpers while Jeff picked up the car. Those 3 giant bags are car seats. We had 2 suitcases for the 5 of us. 

Aaron plays toys

Aaron playing with his toys. Or random movements that look like playing with toys.

Monkey boys

Monkey sanctuary

What an awesome experience we had today! We went out to Ramona to a monkey sanctuary called Mostly Monkeys. This woman has taken in many different animals, but mostly monkeys, and has given them a home and cared for them. She has monkeys and animals from homes that didn't have the licenses to care for them or were mistreated, and animals who had been a part of a laboratory or in the entertainment industry and were retired. 

We were the only ones on our tour so we got very personal treatment and got to come very close to the animals. Kyle and Emily were mostly impressed with the monkeys, of course, and even got to feed some of them and pet others. It was a truly amazing experience being so up close with the animals. Kyle and Emily were especially in awe. 

The raccoons - Betty and Barney. 

Spider monkeys. Kyle couldn't stay away! 

We got to feed these little capuchin monkeys some raisins.