Happy Birthday, Ben!!

Happy 7th birthday to Ben on 9/7/07...lucky 7's...we should have bought a lottery ticket!!!!
We went out for supper at TGI Friday's tonight...the one at Miller Stadium. The boys were both impressed...since they've never been there before. We have a party with Ben's friends on Saturday. We'll be sure to post pictures.

Birthday Party

Yesterday afternoon we had Ben's 'family' party. We were sooooooo lucky to have beautiful weather. We're hoping next weekend the weather will be just as nice- when we have a party with Ben's friends.

Randomness

Ben got a dry erase board for his door....the 1st item to be posted was a note to his brother-
"Stay out of my room" This was just a cute picture. Sam was in time out...and he fell asleep!!! Poor guy has been all tuckered out from playing at daycare this week!!!
We're all getting in the groove the life. I'm back to work...and a little stressed out!! We had open house last night at Ben's school. He was happy to see his friends and meet his teachers. I can't believe he's already in 1st grade- where did the time go?! I think I forgot to tell everyone that Ben can tie his shoes!!!!! We practiced last week at the dentist....and he did it. What an accomplishment. I'm not sure how he finally got it...not one of my better teaching moments.
We're looking forward to Ben's party this weekend;)

Rainy days

Like everyone else in the midwest we've been getting a lot of rain. The kids are starting to go a little stir crazy. They were able to play outside today...but tonight the showers returned. We played a mean game of Candyland for entertainment.

Art Museum

In a brave move...I decided to take the kids to the Milwaukee Art Museum. We made it about an hour- which was much longer than I expected!! Sam really enjoyed the statues and Ben loved everything! Ms. George would be happy to know that Ben was like a little tour guide for us!
Standing by a 'crazy statue' Sitting on the only art we can touch- the chairs!!

The clubhouse is DONE!!!

Jason took advantage of some time without the kids around...and got the clubhouse done. The boys LOVE it!!! They have informed us that they would like a tv in it so they can watch their favorite shows. We said 'sure, we'll buy you a flat screen' JUST KIDDING!!!
They were both very excited to eat supper in the clubhouse. We spent the night getting the ground leveled, adding sod (man is that stuff heavy and messy!!), sand to the sandbox (even heavier than sod!). We've got a little more work to do to get it all done.
On a totally unrelated note, I found lavendar plants tonight. I have been wanting one for a while and was so excited to find one...now where to plant it??!!

Time in Illinois

The boys and I went to Illinois on Thursday night to spend time with family. We spent time with Great Grandma Von, Great Granny Ginny and the rest of the family. This is the quilt that Grandma Von made for Jason and I. Jason's grandma made the quilt squares (a long time ago) and Grandma Von quilted it for us. We LOVE it!!!!

We also celebrated R G's 3rd birthday on Saturaday!!! Sunday we went to the swim party in South Beloit. The boys LOVED swimming!!

Sam's camp song (he's a green Power Ranger)

Summer camp party

Today was the party for Summer Camp. Ben's group shared their artwork.


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Busy Weekend!!

Saturday morning Sam and I went to the local farmers market. Our neighbors David and Stacy were there helping make breakfast. We got lots of goodies: corn, cantalope, carrots, flowers, and Sam's favorite- MUFFINS!!!




This photo shows the boys' combined birthday present! Daddy is building them a clubhouse. He has been working VERY hard on it and the boys are super excited for it be finished.
Ok..so I know it's Tuesday and the weekend is over...I'm just a little slow to getting this posted:)

1st annual Hough Happy Holiday in the High Lands

Scout Camp

Ben and Jason went to scout camp on Saturday. They had a really great time!!

Not real sure who thought it would be a good idea to give Ben a gun....

Pretty good job with the bow and arrow!!

Ready for an emergency-

I love this smile!!!!!

Fun weekend

This was a scary (at least I thought it was scary) cable car we took up the bluff by Josey's apartment.

The view from the top of the bluff

Josey and Sam looking for fish at Eagle Point park.

Sam just loves Aunt Josey

Sam and I went to Dubuque to visit Aunt Josey. It was really nice seeing her.

Tiny bubbles.....

Sam had fun playing pirate. He was using his 'sword' to pop the bubbles Ben was making!!!





The kids LOVED playing with the bubble maker Grandma June and Grandpa Jim got them!!
Ben kept saying "this is fun!".

Singing in the rain

Since I finally figured out how to download videos--I thought I should share this. Sam was in the pool while it was raining the other day. He was singing his 'song'.

Ben's t-ball

Playing with friends

Sam and Marlee
Aelia Ben and Aelia playing. I think Ben really liked her:)
Candee- willing to get wet for a photo:)
Sam--quirky as ever!

Today we had friends over to play. Candee, Alex and Marlee came over to play. Also Beth and Aelia were here from Maine!!! All the kids had fun playing together at the park pool.

4th of July

Jason and Sam on the Tilt-a-whirl...what were they thinking?
We love Illinois!!
Sam fell asleep during the fireworks!

Enjoying the carnival uptown.

Waiting for the parade to start.
Happy 4th of July---Granny and Aunt Jane Sam and his STASH of candy. This boy can move when it comes to getting candy!!!!!!!

T-ball!!!!

Here are some pictures from Ben's t-ball game tonight. Jason and he practiced this weekend---Ben did a really nice job tonight. He was watching the ball and went after a few that came his way!!!