Perfect Playground Fun

Yesterday we stopped at a park we hadn't been to in awhile on the way to the Children's Museum.  We enjoyed the time outside before it got super hot. 

Yesterday morning was one of those perfect times where the kids all played so, so great together.  At the park, they all found fun, different activities that they were very proud of accomplishing (Andy - climbing across the spider web, Jack - climbing the mountain wall, and Emily - climbing up the slide steps)  And then at the Children's Museum, they were all so sweet to each other, taking turns and using their imaginations together (Jack and Andy were cooking hot dogs in their diner while Emily and I baked cookies at our bakery), they were firemen, construction workers, and artists.  I have great new artwork up on the walls for summer now!  Of course they usually get along well, but it was one of those times I wish Andy would stay young forever, because I know maybe next summer it'll be different.  So I'll appreciate these easy, fun days as they come! 

A Summer Morning at the Nature Preserve

We went to Buboltz Nature Preserve this morning and it was wonderful (until the very end - but I'll get to that)  The kids are getting so easy - even Emily hiked the whole 1.5 miles.  First we stopped at the Nature Center to get our maps.  We stopped at Turtle Pond, where we saw the biggest turtle we've ever seen there.  A HUGE snapping turtle.  (plus about 20 other painted turtles) 

 Emily loved watching them swim in the water!

 Andy found some baby frogs hopping across the trail - they were so tiny.

 Totally unprompted - they just went up and grabbed Emmie's hands.   She was getting a little tired by this pont

 Andy wanted to be the photographer, and Jack was in a picture-taking mood.  We took advantage of it,

 Cute brothers...

 Pretty tuckered out! 

All was well, we were playing at a little tower with the ramp (about 200 feet from our car) but then Jack got stung by a bee when he was running.  It seemed to really hurt him and we got home as as quickly as possible for some medicine.  He needed about a half an hour of down time on the couch, and then he was ready to go to the ice cream social at the park.  Their sundaes were huge! It was a fun day!

Fun in the Water Fountains

It's definitely summer here in Neenah!  Yesterday was over 90, and the kids loved playing in the water fountains to cool off.  All of them went in the really high water sprays - even Emily!  They were soaked :)   The boys had some really silly poses...

 And Emily wasn't too worried about her lack of shirt when I was getting her into dry clothes...

We've been staying busy here this summer.  Graham Family reunion in Delafield, Strawberry picking, t-ball, softball, kiddie camp, quick Door County trip, Neenah, Fun Run, swimming, and more!  I've really got to get caught up on the blog...

Jack's 4th Birthday, Hiking, Parks and More!

We've had a busy week or two in May!  The weather has been gorgeous and we have been loving it!  
The boys and I went to a minor league Timber Rattlers game last week.  Andy earned a ticket from school for reading and was so excited to see most of his class at the game.  Jack was a trooper, even though the game was long!  We explored after sitting for most of the game and found some great playground equipment for the boys to play on too.

Jack really wanted to go to Funset on his birthday week so we went on Monday night with friends.  The kids loved it of course.  Here are Andy and Jack getting lost in the balls.  Emily even got it with them for some of the time.

 Jack enjoyed opening some presents on his birthday. He loved his Transformers battle bot, his pirate sword, and his stuffed dog that talks to him :)

 We went to the Children's Museum and found this statue in Appleton on his birthday.  Jack definitely loves statues.  I at first thought it was a phase, but it may be a lifelong appreciation that he is building!

 Yum!  Cookie Cake!  Jack picked a rainbow as his decoration - I think he wanted to get as many colors as he could on there.

 We sang happy birthday and he blew out the candles (they were trick ones)  Emily now likes to get the candles out and try to get us to sing again.

 Last weekend we all went for a hike at Highcliff State Park.  It was beautiful and all of the kids (including Bailey) had fun!

 Andy found a great tree to climb up!

 And Jack found an awesome statue to pose by

 And Emily was awfully comfortable in the backpack

 And Bailey was tired, but very happy!

 Chris took the boys to the top of the tower

 This Wednesday Jack, Emily, and I went to Touch A Truck at Memorial Park.  First we played at the park a bit.  Emily loves climbing on anything that bounces now.

 Jack being very serious in the fire truck

 And enjoying the race car

 And looking SO tiny on the big crane

 Emily most enjoyed the bus I think!

 Then, also on Wednesday, we went to Heckrodt Nature Preserve with friends.  Andy had a half day and we had some beautiful weather to enjoy

 And here we are today.  Emily looks a little grumpy because I got her to sit still while I braided her hair while she played with toys.

 It stayed in all day :)

 We went to another park in the morning with friends...

 And the kids had SO much fun running up and down the ramp on the bridge.  My friend Teri and I got to sit and talk while the 3 kids ran.  It was actually pretty relaxing for us!

I went to Andy's fun run this afternoon and pushed Jack and Emily in the jogger.  It was more of a walk because it was about 80 degrees and the kindergarteners were pretty hot.  But it was a great afternoon to get outside and spend time with Andy and his friends.  Jack and I went swimming at open swim tonight.  Earlier in the evening Emily went for a ride with Chris in the bike trailer.  And that brings us to now.  Getting ready for a busy weekend ahead!