Big boy shoes

We have a similar picture of Kyle wearing my shoes when he was about Aaron's age (18 months). And so here is Aaron wearing his big brother Kyle's tennis shoes. He wants to do everything Emily & Kyle do. He is growing up so very fast! 

Kyle's tennis tournament and an amazing compliment

Kyle had his first tennis tournament in his level today. You may remember he played in one earlier this summer, but that one was 2 levels above where he should be playing at this point. The youngest division in most every tournament is under 10, so Kyle has been typically playing against older kids as a 7 year old. And for being the youngin, he has done pretty well considering the differences between a 7 year old and a 10 year old. Out of 6 kids, he came in 3rd. And of the kids who took first and second, he was able to take some matches from them. It was great to see him play and have some success and keep his cool despite playing against bigger and more experienced kids. 

After the tournament was over, the kid who took first place, who is also someone Kyle has lessons with, gave him what is perhaps the best compliment of his life thus far. The kid approached him with his older brother and asked Kyle how old he was. (I was speaking with his father earlier and his son is 10.) When Kyle told him he is 7, the kid said, "Wow, that's great! You are going to be a pro someday! I can see it now - Kyle, the professional tennis player! You can win Wimbledon!" Kyle was so thrilled at such a compliment because Kyle dreams of winning Wimbledon. So he excitedly told him, "Yea I want to win Wimbledon someday!" And the boy's brother also gave him a great man-pat on the shoulder, telling him great job and to keep on playing, that starting young will be great for his tennis. It was such an amazing exchange that my recap isn't doing it justice. 

Here is one point from the day. 

Recent favs

Just a few of my recent favorite pictures of the family. 

Cubs game in August

Sunset Cliffs hike

My beautiful kids

My beautiful family in Chicago near Karen and Pet's place

The five of us at the Cubs game in August

Beautiful day for the blondies

It was a beautiful day today. Between Kyle's tennis tournament and his soccer game, we were able to spend most of it outside. Emily and Aaron had a great time soaking in the sunshine. After Kyle's soccer game, they spent some time at the park just enjoying. 

Adorable

Emily had a great night tonight. She got to go to her first drive in movie with her best friend and her family. They brought along their favorite toys to enjoy the movie with them. They are so sweet together. 

Sweetness

Aaron loves Emily so much! 

Seesaw song

Aaron loves the crocodile seesaw that Kyle and Emily loved at his age too! He, too, loves the Grandma Beth seesaw song and really excitedly waits for the birdie part. 

Aaron's new shoes

After a summer of wearing sandals every day (like the rest of us), Aaron just got a pair of running shoes for the fall. And he was so very happy to have his shoes. During karate, he took me on a walk and showed off his new kicks. I had the Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes song running through my head as he ran along the sidewalk loving his shoes. Thanks to Spike for introducing us to that book (http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/books/Pete-Cat-Love-My-White-Shoes/ - you can hear the story / song)

Little Italy

We finally got back to the Little Italy Farmer's Market  - we think it's one of the best farmer's markets in SD - and it was so much fun! We brought along our little Italian old woman shopping cart (from Amelia) and the kids loved pushing it and fit right in. Aaron at one point got inside it for a ride, but otherwise preferred pushing it. It was about 100 degrees out, but we still scored some great produce and snacks. 

Aaron fun

With the kids back in school, Aaron gets some Aaron size activities to himself these days. 

Zoo time

Train museum

The animal cracker jar

My birthday

It's my birthday! Jeff made a great dinner - fried okra with salad and homemade pesto. Kyle and Emily had their first day of school. And Aaron to to visit the train museum. 

Monkey pile

The kids and me :-)

First day of school

Happy Birthday to me! Happy First Day of School to Kyle & Emily! This year the kids are in different classrooms. For being in separate classes, we couldn't ask for two better teachers, and they are both happy with their assignments, despite the fact that each of their best friends are in the other one's class. But their classes overlap at recess so they have school time and after school to play together. Hard to believe they are already in 2nd grade!! Everyone says time flies, but boy does it ever!

Hungry hippos

Not sure what I can say here that the picture doesn't. When you want to play Hungry Hippos, you just gotta play Hungry Hippos. Even if it's bath time. 

Anaheim

Ben and Davie were in town (or at least closer) visiting their grandparents up in Anaheim for the past 2 weeks. We took the opportunity to see them for a day up there. The kids had a wonderful time hanging out and swimming together pretty much all day. And Aaron took a great 3 hour nap there before joining the swimming party. After dinner, Josh played some piano and had all the kids riveted with his amazing skills. It was a great way to close out summer fun before school started. 

Coronado beach

The kids and I are having a great week before school starts doing the San Diego thing. Today we had an awesome morning at Coronado beach. We played catch, dug to make a sand castle, went boogie boarding and chilled. Aaron got in the water and got knocked over by a wave. He was a bit stunned by it, but recovered quickly with a hug. We had only intended on staying an hour or so since Aaron would need a nap, but we ended up staying a bit longer and delaying nap for a few hours. We did try to get him to take a nap on the beach in his tent like Kyle and Emily did in Dominican when they were 3, but alas, Aaron isn't 3 and doesn't know to sit still and doesn't just nap whenever and wherever told just yet. Though, once he's in his crib for a nap, he knows and that's that. 

Trampoline park

After quite a morning today (3 hours for a doctors appointment and labwork with all 3 kids - only 20 minutes of that was actual doctor meeting and labs, the rest was waiting...you can imagine just how fun that was...), we went to the trampoline park this afternoon. All three kids had a great time bouncing the afternoon away. And Aaron got to play his first game of dodgeball that he has so yearned for. All he wants is to just hold the ball. He threw it to Kyle who was on the other team and was tickled to do so. 

Bouncing bear

Time for some dodgeball. Yes, that is Phil Mickelson next to the kids playing dodgeball. He was there with his kids. Such a true class act. As the kids and I were sitting down having a snack later, he was getting ready to leave right where we were sitting so I said, "Hi Mr. Mickelson. We love watching you play. Good luck to you." He shook my hand and very graciously said thanks. 

Emily flipping

Kyle flipping

Kyle, Emily & Aaron having a great time jumping. I had to take a video with this one because they were playing the song "Jump!" or at least that is what I think it should be called if it's not. 

Chicago

We finally arrived back in Chicago from Milkwaukee after what should have been a 2 hour drive, but instead was 5 hours (an accident shut down the highway in both directions for 2 miles and they directed ALL traffic off the highway and on to rural roads), we were ready to not be in a car for a few days. Thankfully, Karen and Pete live in the city and we could do just that. We had a great time with them eating at their local favorite restaurants and taking in a Cubs game. We even saw some of the annual air and water (just the air part for us though) show from their rooftop. Despite going to Chicago all the time, this was the first time that we got to spend any real, quality time in the city doing city things, living the city life. And it was great fun!

Jacki reading with Aaron

On the pedi-cab going to the Cubs game at Wrigley Field!! We were finally in a place that people didn't chastise us for raising our kids Cubs fans. I know the Cubs have had a rough go for the past 100+ years, but perhaps in Kyle, Emily & Aaron's lifetime, the Cubs will pull one out and our loyal cheering will pay off. Even if not, it's still fun to be a Cubs fan, no matter where we are! 

Visiting with Grandma Edith

Before our flight, we headed over to see Grandma Edith. We spent the morning at her place with her and went swimming. Kyle and Emily loved doing cannonballs into the deep end and trying to splash me as I treaded out in the middle of the deep end. Aaron loved jumping in as well. Again, he wanted to do what the big kids were doing so he would run down to the deep end to jump in. Jeff and I were right there (chasing him in the water) to catch him as he fearlessly tried to cannonball too...

Aaron gave Grandma Edith good hugs and kisses when we had to leave