Poop Camp '08

The kids and I went to Gurnee for a few days this week while my parents were babysitting Claire and Rachel, my sister's daughters. (I did the same thing last year while Claire was potty training, so we called it Poop Camp and the name just stuck.) We took the kids to the swimming pool, to Great America, and had a photo session at the mall. There was never a dull moment. I don't get to see my nieces very often, so I enjoyed seeing all their new developments and getting to know their personalities better. Claire is very sweet and smart and Rachel is advanced verbally and has a great sense of humor. I got to see my brother and bond with my parents, too. I love my family!

Dale and Nancy's Visit

Dale, Nancy, and Avery were in town for a visit from Georgia. It was my first time meeting Avery and the the first time all the Jones cousins were together. Everyone came out to Sterling for a day, but we spent most of the time at Brant and Amie's house. We celebrated Kylie's 3rd birthday, had a get-together with the Sels family, went to a jewelry party hosted by Cindy and Vicki, explored Van Der Veer Park, and went boating with Keith and Vicki. Deb watched the kids quite a bit and kept us all well fed. It was fun to be all together as a family.

Driftwood Lodge

This year our big family vacation was going to Minoqua, Wisconsin and staying at Driftwood Lodge for a week. We took the kids and my parents came too. We rented two cabins on Mercer Lake. It was very peaceful and beautiful. There was a playground, heated swimming pool, and beach area to enjoy. We got to swim, fish, feed ducks, kayak, and do lots of fun things in town. It was nice having my parents there for the company and help with kids. I think we're going to make this an annual tradition.

Good Times in the North Woods

This vacation was very relaxing and fun. Brian and Jadon took a nap every day. One day Leah took a 2 hour nap outside on the blue blanket after playing with her grandma. My parents took us out for a nice dinner at one of our Pins family favorites, Marty's Place North. Of course we also did some fishing. Jadon wouldn't hold his pole, but he enjoying watching the bobber and he would squeal whenever we'd pull a fish out of the water. I went fishing a couple times with my dad, too, which I love. As for treats, there was no shortage of ice cream cones, s'mores, and candy. We are now on a serious detox program here at home.

Pony Ride/Ski Show

Jadon got to ride a pony named Q-tip. I walked them along a path through the woods and I think I was more nervous than Jadon. After that, Brian took him on his first Go-kart ride, which completely overshadowed the pony experience. Being the car-lover that he is, he loved it! Another fun activity for everyone was going to see a Waterski show.

Zoo/Anniversary

One of our highlights was going to the Wildwood Wildlife Park (formerly known as Peck's Petting Zoo). It was amazing to see animals such as pigs, turtles, and deer roaming around freely. We fed them zoo crackers. They had a section where you could pet a wide variety of animals. We petted a skunk, porcupine, and chinchila. We also fed a bear juice from a soda bottle and saw a peacock display his feathers. That night Brian and I went out for dinner and mini-golf for our anniversary. I got a hole in one!

Around the House

The other morning I found Jadon in Leah's crib for the first time. Since Leah didn't seem to mind, I thought it was pretty cute. Jadon is still obsessed with his Matchbox cars and Leah has been enjoying her exersaucer and Johnny Jump Up. Leah's favorite, though, is just watching Jadon run around and act silly.