Happy 5th Birthday, Amelia!

My beautiful daughter turned 5 years old today. Her day started off with presents from her brothers and sister. She got a mini Fancy Nancy ballet doll and a Hello Kitty shirt for the Fall. Then we enjoyed cinnamon rolls for breakfast. After Charlotte's morning nap we went to Target to finish spending some birthday money. She got a doll trunk with three outfits for her American Girl Doll. Ben worked on spending some of his birthday money, too (yes, he still has some left over). Then he treated his brother and sister to Icee's.








After a delicious dinner of hot dogs and BLT salad, Grandma and Papa came over with Amelia's doll cake that Grandma made.

Our First Trip to Chicago

On Saturday we took our first trip by train to Chicago. It started with a rocky start but turned out to be a great day. Charlotte was a great trooper and the kids had a lot of fun and firsts. We started driving to Cary to meet Grandma and Papa to catch the 11:08 train to Chicago. We stopped to get gas so we were a little rushed but we made it to the train station 10 minutes before 11. Grandma and Papa were not there but they only live 3 minutes from the station so no big deal. Well, as we saw them pull into the parking lot we saw the train down the track. It was only 11 am. We got on the train and my parents hurried but just as Grandma reached the back of the train, it took off. We couldn't understand why the train would arrive early and leave early. Well, due to the air and water show in the city they added extra trains and we just happened to catch one. Grandma and Papa hopped on the 11:08 right behind us and met us in the city. Unfortunately, trying to catch the first train re-injured Grandma's knee. A little disappointed at first, the kids quickly enjoyed the sights of the train.








We arrived in the city and as we waited for Grandma and Papa's train, we took a bathroom break and enjoyed some Garrett's popcorn. Charlotte had only taken a 5 minute nap up until this point. The boys went to the Lego store where Uncle Rick met them. He is a short walk from there. The girls went to the American Girl store. Within minutes of entering Charlotte fell asleep in the tray of her stroll. While she slept, Mia explored. She had already decided she wanted the Elizabeth doll, the best friend of Felicity. So, we explore that area and then looked at all the other dolls. Mom and Dad bought the doll for her birthday. She used her money from AZ Grandma and Papa to buy the toy doll that belongs to Elizabeth. And IL Grandma and Papa bought her Elizabeth's holiday outfit and a doll carrying bag.




When we were finished Charlotte awoke and we met Uncle Bob's girlfriend, Julie, who took us up to Uncle Bob's apartment. He lives across the street in the Hancock building on the 79th floor. Uncle Bob had to work. So, the boys walked to meet us there and we got to watch part of the air show above the planes. And Amelia opened her doll and loved her.


Then we all took cabs to the Rainforest Cafe. It was too loud and the kids didn't care for the thunder and the lightning. Probably should have went somewhere else that was more "Chicago" but it was close to Uncle Rick's apartment and we visited his place after our meal. They did sing Happy Birthday to Amelia and they took pictures with the frog.



After Uncle Rick's, we finally managed to catch a cab and all eight of us crammed in. We lucked out and made the express train back to Cary. Charlotte finally took another nap and the kids got to enjoy a train ride with their Grandma and Papa. It was a great day and the weather wasn't too hot.

Charlotte and Bear - 6 months

Charlotte Sitting

Charlotte has been sitting for about 2 weeks now. And she is crawling/creeping where ever she desires. This video was before nap so she was a little grumpy.

The Mia and Joe Show

Here is an original short film performed and written by Joe and Mia. Enjoy!

Ben the Baseball Star

Well, the baseball season is over. The playoffs started Saturday morning. The team has improved this year but still lacks in fielding skills so when they won the first game we were surprised. And when they won the second game (against the season's first place team) we were even more surprised. But then they painfully lost the third game and their hopes of first or second came to an end.We figure because there was no double elimination with their record they placed fourth technically. As you can see he doesn't care. He is proud. He has a trophy and a medal and a certificate for the most improved player and a batting average of .529. And he wants to play again next year, maybe with Daddy as the coach.

The Girls Sitting

Charlotte Creeping

Some Irresistible Snap Shots

Messy Baby

Bouncing Charlotte

Dancing Joe

Charlotte in a Hat

The Girls Sitting

Daddy and Joe Having Fun

Charlotte at 5 1/2 Months

The Entertainment

At our house we have a lot of entertainment.

Here is some video of the middle two doing their thing.

Charlotte's First Baby Food

Charlotte's baby food eating has been a work in progress. She had her first cereal on July 10 but because her bowel movements had slowed down to one every five day we proceeded with caution so as not to make her constipated. It has taken almost a month but now I am introducing new fruits every couple days. She has had peaches, pears and bananas.

Charlotte in Her Bouncy Seat Laughing

Charlotte and Bear - 5 months

Ok, this post is really late. I took the picture on time so that is what counts. Be on the lookout for a new picture this week because my baby turns 6 months.

Arizona Visitors

We had a great time with Aunt Carine, Margaret, and Michael. We went to see Toy Story 3, mini-golfing and go-karts. We took Daddy out for his birthday and had Culver's for dessert. And we played with them for endless hours. Thanks, Margaret, for the volleyball lessons. Thanks, Michael, for the Wii Little League Games.

Joe's First Movie

While Aunt Carine, Margaret and Michael were here Joe went to see his first movie theater movie: Toy Story 3. He had a great time and enjoy the popcorn. His favorite part of the movie was when the toys were thrown into the trash.

The Fourth of July

I know that I am very late with these pictures but better late than never. Our Fourth of July started with Mass. We came home and took some pictures. Getting four children to cooperate at the same time is quite difficult.





Our afternoon was spent at some friends' riverhouse. The kids played in the sand and there was good food to eat. I made the s'mores on a stick seen below. They were really easy to make and Mia was able to help. We made over 100 of them.


Our early evening was rained out so we went to the People of Praise building with some friends and watched a movie and then on to the fireworks. We had to get home and to bed because we had some important visitors the next day.