Being 4

It's pretty rad being 4. You can climb up the fire pole at the children's museum.

You can have sushi lunch with Mommy (all Aaron's choice). 

You can go ice skating during the summer.

Boxes are loads of fun. 

Birthday redo

Since I was unable to move or stay awake on Kyle and Emily's actual birthday, we had a birthday dinner redo tonight. We made a nice dinner and had some cake (actually fruit pie but it is cake enough). Happy 10th + almost 2 week birthday Kyle & Em! We love you! Actually, this is nearly the time when Kyle came home from the hospital as he was released at 2 weeks. Em had another 3 weeks to go from this point. 

Happy day

Around lunch time today, Aaron and I had the following conversation:

Aaron: Mommy, can we have a happy day with Daddy?
Me (not sure specifically what he is talking about): What do we do on a happy day?
Aaron: it's the one what I have beer pop.
Me: Ahhhh happy hour root beer.

He has good time / day sense too because we have previously done this on Wednesday. And what do you know, today is Wednesday. And so Jeff met Aaron and myself for a happy hour. And Aaron had his "beer pop".

Chicago

We took a trip out to Chicago for a wedding, birthday party and to visit family. We saw many people over 5 days. 

This was around 4am heading to the airport. We are way too awake for that hour of the day for an insanely early flight. 

All dressed up for the wedding. 

All my siblings at the Cubs game. And an honorary brother.  

My siblings. 

Jeff and Pete with the birthday boy, GT. 

The kids had a great time with Papa & Kari while we were at the wedding. 

Emily with Caper and Berkley

We also went up to Madison to check out Josh's new restaurant. It was a day trip so it was a long day. Kyle and Emily so rarely snuggle with one another that we had to document them sleeping in the car on one another. 

Aaron did some hand weights with me after my run. 

Our flight home was a connector, but was delayed just enough to get us on the direct flight. That gave us a few extra hours in the airport to pass which was very pleasantly done so in the club lounge with some free passes the airline had sent a few months prior. The kids were pleased with the extra screen time and snacks available, not to mention the comfy chairs. Lucky kids. I remember when my dad would take us in the airline lounge before flights. We felt like royalty with all the food and drink available. 

Kyle & Emily start 5th grade

Today is the first day of 5th grade for Kyle and Emily. In keeping with some trend not requested by us, once again in an odd grade year, they are in the same class. Preschool was always together. First grade we ended up requesting together after circumstances necessitated it. Third grade we requested separation when moving here but they were assigned together anyhow. Fifth grade they were put together again. They are both happy with their teacher so we are hoping it will still be a great year even if they didn't get the separation they would have liked. 

So on the first day, we went for muffins together. 

Birthday ropes course

Happy 10th birthday Kyle & Emily!! For their celebration, they went back to the Greensboro Science Center to do the ropes course. When we saw it the previous week, Kyle was intent on doing the ropes course and was disappointed we couldn't do it right then and there. They brought our best friends her in NC to the course and had an absolute blast. 

I was supposed to go as well and hang with Aaron on the ground (he is too young to be allowed on the course), but I threw out my neck and could barely function so I stayed back with Aaron. 

Beach

We made one last trip to the beach before school started up. Our friends joined us again and it was a blast. The kids play together beautifully. 

Fast motion kids boogie boarding

More beach video

Boogie boarding

Greensboro Science Center

On the way to the beach, there are plenty of signs for the Greensboro Science Center. So today we figured we would finally check it out. There is a lot there for the kids - a science center. a zoo, and an aquarium. Oh and a ropes course. 

4th of July

For the 4th of July, we stayed close to home. It was cool in the morning and then heated up in the afternoon. We went to our friends house for an ice cream party. The kids had fun playing and even got to play with sparklers. Jeff was super thrilled to play sparklers as well. And instead of driving north for fireworks, we just stayed in the neighborhood because there were plenty of people lighting off their own and very kid friendly. It was a big win in not having to battle traffic and being able to see the fireworks. Wahoo!

Ice cream on a summer night

Just a warm summer evening eating some delicious Goodberry's custard. Mmmmmmm.