Jadon's Firsts

Jadon has had an exciting summer of "firsts".  He learned to ride his bike with no training wheels.  I am so proud of him!  We have even been doing some group bike rides with other families, organized by our town's biking club.  

Just last night, Jadon lost his first tooth.  He and Leah were completely amazed at the whole event.  When the tooth was really loose Jadon said, "It feels like a little pebble wiggling loose from its spot."  It came out minutes later.  Anticipating the tooth fairy that night was so exciting and magical to them, that it had the feel of Christmas Eve.  Kissing them goodnight, with their wide eyes and big smiles, made me so happy.

Reptile Talk

The libraries have been offering a number of neat programs, including this reptile talk.  The presenter was very entertaining for the kids and we were in the front row.  Jadon and Leah really enjoyed seeing the lizards, snakes, and an alligator.  

Camping in Lake Geneva

We went up to Lake Geneva, only 2 hours away, and met up with a group of Sterling triatheletes.  Some of us moms took our kids to the playground and then to explore the park.  Afterwards we had a group spaghetti dinner and walked around the campground visiting with Sterling people.  Brian, the kids, and I played cards in our tent before falling asleep.  In the morning, we had a campfire breakfast and then headed down with the Johnsons to watch the triatholon.  We knew 8 people from Sterling competing, including my running partner, Brenda.  After that, we had lunch at the campground and then headed to the beach downtown.  The kids had a great first camping experience.  

 Brenda nearing the finish line.

Father's Day in Gurnee

For Father's Day, the kids and I gave Brian some time to himself and headed to Gurnee to visit my dad and mom.  My mom took us to the Gurnee pool for a couple hours.  Then we had a nice dinner with my dad.  The next day, we all went to Six Flags Great America.  The kids were mostly interested in the waterpark.  They had a blast and I enjoyed visiting with my parents.

Chicago Date

For his birthday, I got Brian tickets to see a live taping of the NPR news quiz show, "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me".  We headed in on a Thursday morning, had lunch, and went to Linclon Park Zoo.  Then we ate dinner at an Indian restaurant and went to the taping.  It was a fun and relaxing day to spend together.

Sels Family Cookout

We have 2 new babies in the Sels family.  Brant and Amie's son, Tyler, and Jeff and Charity's son, Isaiah.  They were born just 2 days apart and are second cousins.  Aunt Carol hosted a family get-together to meet the babies.  It was a beautiful day to spend in her big backyard.  The kids enjoyed playing on the playground, chasing the neighbors chickens, catching fireflies, and roasting marshmallows.  It was a magical summer evening.

 Jim and Grandma Betty with Isaiah Rouse.

 Brian meeting his nephew Tyler for the first time.

 Big sister Kylie with Tyler.

 The Sels Clan

The 2 new moms with their little guys.  Tyler, not so happy.

Touch-a-Truck 2012

Once again I took the kids to explore all different types of trucks and vehicles at Sterling's "Touch-a-Truck" Day.  Leah was more into it than Jadon.  He's just not as awestruck by trucks as he used to be.  He did have the honor of dressing up as a firefighter, though.

Brad Onken 2012

Larry came to Sterling to race the Brad Onken 5K.  We each took 2nd in our age groups and had a lot of fun.  It was a beautiful day.  Brian let the kids run/walk/ride the course and afterwards they had fun playing on the playground.

Me with some of my friends, Jen, Anita, and Brenda.

Meeting the New Babies

This past Thursday, the kids and I went in to Bettendorf to meet Brant and Amie's new baby, Tyler.  I forgot my camera :( but we had a great day together.  Deb took the older kids to the museum and I got to hold my new nephew for a few hours.  He's so precious!  Then on Saturday we headed up to Galena to meet Jeff and Charity's new baby Isaiah, born just 2 days after Tyler.  It was kind of mind blowing to see them with a baby, but they are already wonderful parents.  We got to hang out with the Gundersons too, who are expecting their first baby.  

 Meet the Rouse "Family"!

 Sarah is starting to show a baby bump.  She's due around Thanksgiving.  We are so excited for our friends having their first babies!

 I loved holding Isaiah.

Jadon (and Greg) had a blast playing legos.