St. Louis balloon race

This past Saturday was fun and we had a chance to do something a little different. St. Louis has a balloon race every year and Bob got tickets to one of the sponsor's tent (free food and drinks). It was fun to see all the hot air balloons so close up and just great to see how excited the kids got.

In other news, I am now only working one part time job. I am no longer working at the staffing company that I have been at for the past 2+ years (since July I have only been working there Fridays). I now work just 2 days per week at a secretarial and resume services company (I have been there for about 2 months). I am being trained in resume writing which I can also do at home. So, I work just 2 days per week (9:30-3:30) and then a little from home as well. It works out well with having two crazy toddlers to take care of and keeping up with everything at home.

Back to the balloon race...here are some pictures!

Enjoying some free ice cream.

Getting excited for the first balloon to go up (while holding her princesses of course).

Quick trip to Chicago

Last weekend seems like forever ago but I forgot to update our blog from our fast trip to Chicago. We drove up on Saturday morning and were on our way back on Sunday afternoon. It was quick. Bob was just not able to take off from work, so we made the best of our short time there. Thank you Venessa for having all of us over at your house with everyone and their kids. I wish so bad that I could see all of you more often. I miss you guys! I have no pictures from that night (I left my memory card in the laptop at home). On Sunday we went into the city to spend some more time with Marina, Corey and Hendrix. I can't believe he is almost 4 months old. They grow up so fast. Here is a cute picture of adorable Hendrix.

Before we left on Sunday, we went to the Rainforest Cafe. It was a hit with the kids!

Sleeping in the car ride back home.

Oh, and here is a picture of Lucas from today. He is starting to really like to color and he did a great job and colored on the paper this time (and the high chair tray).

First day of Preschool.

I have been blogging so much lately about Addison (because of her b-day, dance class and now preschool)....so I wanted to turn a little attention over to Lucas. He has been doing great. I can't believe he is almost 17 months old and almost a year and a half. Where has the time gone. Lucas is a crazy little boy. We call him stinker. He gets into everything and likes to take things from his sister just to get a reaction out of her and likes to do things around the house that he is not supposed to...I guess because he likes the attention. He is talking more and more and just growing up so fast. He is out little man.

Isn't he so cute.

Today was a big big day. It was Addison's first day of school. Now, she missed the cut off day for preschool but the school district has a mini preschool program. She goes to school for 2 1/2 hours on Thursday mornings. It went really well. This was the first time we have ever just dropped her off somewhere (other than with family members). There was no crying involved other than a few quick tears from me. It was odd to not know what she did all day, but the teacher gives a handout of the days activities so I had an idea and was able to ask her a lot of questions. She told me she has 2 teachers, had to stand in line, raised her hand, went to the play ground and had fruit snacks. I guess it went well....but who knows, maybe she was a handful for the teacher and did not listen. Hopefully her teacher won't mind if I e-mail and check up on how she did.


The standard first day of school picture in front of the house. She was very excited.

Daddy walking his big girl into school.

In front of her new school. She looks so proud.

Me and my big girl.

She went straight for the play dough and was very happy to be there.

Addison's Birthday Party!

Addison's 3rd birthday party last weekend went really well. We tried to make it a little more low key and had the party at 11am. The weather could not have been more perfect. It was sunny and I think about 72....just beautiful and we were able to use our back deck which really helped out with space for everyone. It was fun this year because Addison kind of understands birthday's (or atleast birthday parties). She had a great time with all her friends, opening presents and eating cake (or atleast the frosting off of the cake).

Sorry, the pictures are a little out of order.

Addison enjoying her cake. (she is wearing some princess pj's she got as one of her gifts)

Singing happy birthday.

Her princess crown cupcake cake.

My sister-in-law Linda and her daughter Katy and my friend Julie and her daughter Mckenna.

Addison getting ready to open gifts. (he he...it looks like she only has one leg)

Cousin Molly

Addison's friends....Ashton and Alexa

Cousin Avery

Our little man. He actually ate an entire cupcake and loved it.

Addison's best friend Mackenzie.

Cake and Dancing

Addison's birthday on Tuesday was great, but I know that she is really looking forward to her party on Saturday. Today we went for her 3 year doctor appointment. She was 28 1/2 lbs (25th percentile) and 37 1/2 inches tall (75th percentile). We also went today to the open house at her preschool where she will be going for just 2.5 hours/one day per week. It went well and she is very excited.

Here are some pictures from when we had our mini b-day celebration at home as a family.

Addison's birthday was also the first day of dance class. Here is our little ballerina getting ready to leave.

Meeting her dance instructor.

Look...she is following along and having fun.

That did not last long...she enjoyed running around the room and dancing in front of the mirror.

This was her reaction when class was over. She REALLY wanted to dance some more.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ADDISON!

Happy Birthday to our sweet little girl. I can't believe Addison is a 3 year old (well, she will be tomorrow). It sure has been an exciting year and a year that she has learned so much. The girl can talk up a storm and has an impressive imagination (especially playing make believe). She knows most of her colors, can count pretty well and says her ABC's (when she wants to). She has a great vocabulary, is becoming a good swimmer, loves to run and play outside with the big kids and just adores anything princess. The year ahead is going to be a lot of fun. She starts her first dance class tomorrow on her birthday. She will also be going to mini preschool one day per week.

Addison (just after she turned 1)

2 years old

Today (the day before her 3rd birthday)

Weekend at the lake.

Labor day weekend was fun this year. We spent out first full weekend at Goose Creek Lake (where my parents now have a lake house...it is still in remodeling stages but has improved so much already). It is only an hour drive which is great with 2 toddlers and a dog in the car. We invited Tre and Julie and their kids Mackenzie and Tommy. The kids has a great time (despite some normal toddler fits). They all enjoyed the boat, swimming, tubing and playing at the beach.

Here are pictures of the 4 kids playing at the beach...

They also enjoying feeding the ducks some bread (we just need to work on them throwing the bread a little further).