On your mark, get set...GO!

I cannot believe my baby is starting preschool - part of me is so excited, the other part of me is a bit sad.  Ian is such a wonderful kid!  I love his sense of humor, laugh, smile...I love it all.  It seems like just yesterday I was fumbling my way around our one bedroom apartment with Ian in one arm and a PB&J in the other, trying to scarf it down before he was hungry again and praying the clock would move faster so Casey would get home.  We've come a long way...

Tuesday was Back to School night for preschool.  He was so excited!  I love his enthusiasm about it and I hope it carries on for many years to come:)  His first official day is August 30th.  I am going to adjust my work hours that day so I can drop him off and pick him up - I want to be the first to get all the details!  He is such a kind, caring, loving kid...but you wouldn't know it from the look on his face here;)  Reminds me of Dennis the Menace!

Mr. Milo made friends with the frog and tarantula - he was in heaven because all the older kids went outside for recess while the parents stayed inside to get schooled on the preschool rules.  He had all the toys to himself!



That's a wrap!

I knew this weekend was going to be a bit crazy - sometimes I wonder how we pack all of this activity into just 2 days!  So, when I got the call on Thursday afternoon that our helicoptor ride for Saturday AM was cancelled (again!) I was okay with it.  Disappointed, but thankful for the couple of hours it gave me back on Saturday morning.  

Friday Casey and I decided to take the boys for sushi.  Okay, confession:  we really wanted sushi and decided to let them tag along with us since leaving them at home unattended is grossly frowned upon.  It was an adventure to say the least!  It started with me having to change Milo's diaper in a restroom with no changing table. The worst!  I wasn't about to lay him on the floor and there was really nowhere else.  SO I held him in one hand and changed a poopy diaper/got him re-dressed with the other.  It felt like I was in there forever and by the time I was done I had worked up a good sweat.  Ha!  I am just thankful no one walked in on me:)

Ian loved the miso and salad.  Not so keen on the rolls, but he did okay for the first time.  Milo loved the edamame and sticky rice.  He was fascinated by the fact he could clap his hands and the rice would stick to him.  Of course, he wouldn't let me get a photo though.  We were that family in the restaurant though - fortunately surrounded by good sports!

Maggie came over Saturday morning and we headed to the Lafayette Peach Festival.  I have always wanted to go to this festival, but never made it for one reason or another.  Alas, we were able to make it this year.  It was HOT and crowded!  We were able to stroll through the entire festival, but it was a challenge.  So many people, me with my awkward double stroller and a TON of things that Ian just had to check out.  Thankfully Maggie and I could tag team - Milo just chilled in the stroller taking it all in.  That's the life!

Yum - Italian Ice.  A must needed break from the heat!

How cool is this?!  Genius.  A tent for women to breastfeed and change their babies.  Absolutely brilliant...why didn't I think of that?

There was a yard sale close to where we parked and from afar I could spot some toys for kids.  I figured we should check it out and I am so glad I did.  It was a young family with 2 small kids.  The kids were "selling" some of their old toys to raise money for new toys.  Again, genius.   

We got this ride along toy for Milo.  We have some, but they were all Ian's and I figured it was time for Milo to have one all his own.  Plus, it was $10.  A steal!

Ian got this crane and I can assure the smile on his face was there all weekend.  He LOVES this crane.  It goes everywhere with him.  It is the best $5 I have spent in a long time!

Milo wanted to get in on the action as well.  Ian isn't sure about sharing this with anyone else and I don't blame him.  It is pretty darn cool!

Once we got back from the Peach Festival, it was time for me to head over to Monica's for her baby shower.  Her friend, Katie, hosted the shower.  Local friends, family and co-workers joined to celebrate the pending arrival of Baby Black.  We can't wait to meet her!

The picture on this onesie was actually done by Monica.  Katie made the image into an iron-on transfer.  It turned out super cute!

There was an awesome spread of food!  Which was good because I was starving:)  It took me a minute to realize I was eating cherry tomatoes out of a diaper though.  Such a cute idea!

Unfortunately, I had to leave the shower early to head to my next event - Avyn's first birthday party!!  It has been so much fun celebrating all the birthdays these past few weeks, but I have to be honest.  The cupcakes must stop!  My waistline is starting to show how much fun these past 4 weeks have been and I need to be able to fit into my fall clothes!!

I picked up the boys and we were off.  Ian had to bring his crane along - "I have to work, Mommy."  Fine by me because I knew it would occupy his time:)  It was great - Ava entertained us all with her cake lifting tricks and the occassional shout out to the crowd.  She is a riot!  We enjoyed yummy cupcakes from Indulge Bakery and watched her open some gifts.  All in all it was a great day...exhausting, but great!  Too many great photos to share, so here is a little slideshow for you to enjoy.

This video of Avyn and her Daddy is hilarious!

Sunday we were up and at 'em early - it was the last day Roosevelt Pool was open for the season.  Yay!  I am not sure what we will do the rest of the summer if we aren't able to hang out poolside with the Courtney's.  I guess we'll be forced to find another city pool until they are all closed.  I can't let my tan go now - I have worked way too hard on it this summer:)

We finally said adios to Milo's infant car seat.  Woohoo!  Doesn't Milo look like such a big boy?  We still have to get one for Casey's car, but Milo can still use the infant car seat in there.  We just don't have to lug him around in it anymore.  He will be rear-facing for a couple of months yet, but by his 15 month check-up we should be able to have him forward-facing.  I loved it when Ian was finally able to ride forward, so much more interaction!

Milo mind reading - a little game Ian and I like to play.  We try to determine what Milo is saying to us.  My choice for this photo was:  "Can someone turn down the sun?  It is really intense over here."  LOL!

Ella went to the zoo with her Daddy, so Kate and Ava joined us at the pool.  Ian was excited because he got all the Mommy attention!  It was a great day for the pool indeed.

I couldn't get her to smile for me.  She was probably thinking, "Hey, I smiled enough for you yesterday at my party.  Can't you lay off the camera?"  Never...

After the pool and Milo's nap, we headed north in the hopes of successful back to school clothes shopping.  Check!  We scored some shoes for Ian - 3 pairs to be exact.  It was hard for me to pass up the New Balance and Adidas sneaks.  But I just couldn't justify $50 for 2 pairs of shoes - when I could go with off brand and get 3 pairs of shoes and 8 pairs of socks for $45.  Why push him to the name brands now?  I will have plenty of time to fork out obsene amounts of money just so my kid can have the "cool" stuff.  Pants, shirts, hoodies - check, check, check.  We are ready for fall!  Now for the hard part...purging the old stuff to make room for the new stuff. 

And yes, the crane went with us too. 

3 down, 1 to go!

My mother-in-law sent me this picture yesterday (thanks, Mike!) and it made my heart melt.  I just had to share this picture - the 5 smartest, funniest and cutest boys I know.  I am SO lucky to be a mother and aunt to this awesome crew.  I cannot wait to see what amazing young men they all turn out to be:)

Okay, onto our weekend!  It was the last weekend with Grandma and Grandpa Schneider, so we tried to make the most of it but relax too.  My parents are the best - they truly take care of us when they are here.  The boys love waking Grandpa up in the mornings (he sure tries his best to sleep in!) and sitting at the table enjoying breakfast with Grandma.  I love being able to get ready in the mornings knowing that they aren't getting into anything they shouldn't be;)

Saturday was the annual Fire Muster in Downtown Longmont.  Milo stayed home with Grandma and Grandpa so Ian got a couple of hours with just Mommy and Daddy.  Always a good thing for the soul!  We enjoyed the parade - although I think the parade last year had more participants.  They had similar demonstrations, but the only one we were really into was the helicoptor demo.  It was supposed to be at 11:30, so we grabbed some snacks from the Flight Deck Grill and got a seat up close.  Only to have the demo delayed for an emergency - completely understandable, but disappointing nonetheless.  Ian didn't seem to care though:)

Daddy and Ian got a lot of alone time, although I must say Ian is coming around to being a Momma's boy and I am lovin' it!  Anyway, I digress.  After the parade we walk over to Roosevelt Park for the other activities, which is where Ian's preschool is located.  He got to peek in the windows and check out the preschool playground.  He is so excited to be starting this new chapter and so are we! 

We couldn't stick around too long because we had to head back and get ready for Peyton's first birthday party!  This is our 3rd weekend of birthday parties.  It has been fun, but I think the cupcakes are starting to catch up with me...my pants were a little tight this morning.  Ha!

Peyton officially turns one on the 18th, but friends and family gathered to celebrate early.  OF COURSE, my camera battery died as soon as I arrived.  I am so over my camera right now (anyone wondering about a Christmas gift yet...this is hint - wink, wink) and so thankful I at least have a back up with my phone.  So, I didn't get any good pictures and I am bummed about that.  Fortunately, my Mom did and she will share them with me. 

 Peyton enjoyed eating Grandma's cake!  Her Mommy made yummy cupcakes for the rest of us to enjoy.

Sunday we were up and off to the pool.  It was our last day to take Grandma to the pool:(  It was warm out, but mostly cloudy so the pool wasn't much of a relief.  We still had fun.  I am going to be so sad when the pool closes for the summer.  I was shocked to learn it is this Sunday - I thought they would at least be open thru Labor Day.  Other city pools are, but the two geared at the younger kids closes early.  We'll just have to move to another pool for the rest of the summer.  I am not ready to give it up!

Daddy and Grandpa stayed at home to work on drywalling our office closet.  We had to tear it out several months ago due to a water leak and we figured Bob should earn his keep before heading back;)  No really, Bob was a great help to Casey on this project.  While I was getting Milo down for a nap, Ian was helping Daddy in the garage.  He really wanted to help Daddy "work", but I lured him away with the suggestion of a possible treat...bribery is my favorite thing about parenthood I think!  



Ian, Grandma and I headed north for some back to school shopping.  I was hoping to score some pants and shoes for the fall.  Nope.  Everything was either out of stock, too expensive or not the right size.  Ugh!  I am clearly a rookie at this whole back to school shopping thing.  I think I should have been doing this a month ago.  Maybe I will get lucky and score some deals this weekend.  Fingers crossed!

Ain't Gnome party like a first birthday party!

I can't believe Milo is one - it seems like just yesterday that we were bringing him home from the hospital and adjusting to life as a family of four.  The time sure does fly by!  Friday night we opted to go out to dinner.  I learned several important things from my Mom - one of which, don't cook on Fridays.  I try to stick closely to that rule;)  We went to the Pumphouse and surprise...we got a table right next to Uncle Jon, Aunt Heather and Peyton!  Couldn't have worked out better. 

             Ian was so excited to tell Uncle Jon about his day at the Boulder County Fair.  He had a blast!

Milo to Peyton, "Don't you know it's my birthday?!  Now give me some of that mac n' cheese, please!"

We hosted Milo's first birthday party at our place on Saturday.  Not many people, just close friends and family.  I saw a woodland theme in a magazine a few months back and as soon as I saw the mushroom cupcakes I knew he had to have a Gnome party.  I had so much fun planning this one and to think I threw it together in a short amount of time.  Thankfully there are a lot of awesome websites out there with great ideas!  I really wonder what I did before Google...really. 

We had a blast.  Casey made the perfect cupcake stand with a little guidance from me;)  He did a great job of bringing my vision to life - thanks babe!  These babies go for $75 on some websites.  Grandma Jane made the cupcakes and they were delicious as usual.  Milo had his own little cake that he went to town on.  I was so happy he was into it - although the look on his face when I show him the cake with the candle burning is priceless! 

Grandma Jane also helped me make the twig frames for each kid to take home.  I might have to hang one in my house too!  I ordered most of the stuff from Oriental Trading company, but I was disappointed to learn the gnome rubber ducks were out of stock.  So I bought some rubber ducks and made my own.  I thought they turned out cute.  The glue wasn't permanent so the kids could take it off if they wanted.  My favorite was the gnome party hats - PERFECT!  The Hollander's graciously offered their gnomes to us - I have to return them on Friday and I think I am going to miss them.  They are just so darn cute!  The kids enjoyed a couple of activities, but mostly just loved playing together and creating chaos all over the place.  But a good chaos:)  Milo got some great presents, but the older kids were way more into the opening of them than he was.  That was fine by me...he'll have many more years to open his gifts!  I made some snacks, but tried to keep it light since the party was in the late afternoon.  Everything was a delicious, but we all know we go to parties for the cake.  Right?

Sunday morning we went to the pool.  There are only a few days of pooltime left in the summer and I am determined to squeeze at least one in every weekend.  After the pool, Ian and I picked up Maggie and headed into Boulder.  Ian had a blast running through the sprinklers and he even got to meet Bruiser.  This dog is so cool!  It had been a long time since I strolled Pearl St.  I always forgot how colorful it is - I saw a teenager walking around with his pet snake and a woman running around topless within a couple of blocks of each other.  What else can I say?

Happy 1st Birthday, Milo!

One year ago today you entered our world and have been melting our hearts ever since.  You are such a joy and I cannot wait to see what an amazing person you become.  We are so proud to be your parents and are thankful each day for the wonderful family we have. 

Love you baby boy and wish you all the happiness in the world!
This slideshow is for you...

What were you doing one year ago today?

I bet it wasn't what I was doing...

Can't you just read the excitement on our faces?!  I don't look too bad considering the fact I was FREAKING OUT!!!  I let Casey express that one.  What a crazy ride. 

These pictures were taken close to midnight.  I called the dr. a little after 11 to say I think I should come in.  The tone in her voice told me it was a bit more urgent than that.  I knew that when she didn't laugh after I said, "I will be there in awhile, I have to finish packing a few things."  Not only that, but we had to stop and get gas on the way.  I clearly did not think I was going into labor - thankfully I have a wonderful husband who is often the voice of reason in this relationship.  We arrived at the hospital about 45 minutes after these pictures were taken and we met Milo for the first time about 3 hours later...

Goodbye July, Hello August

We sure have crammed a lot into these last couple of weeks!  There is so much to share that I figured a bunch of slideshows would be the easiest way to go.  Unfortunately, I did not do a good job of getting many pictures at the lake.  It is a little difficult when you are spending 90% of your time on the water and don't have a waterproof camera! 

 Casey and I took a vacation sans children - a TRUE vacation.  It was amazing!  Grandma and Grandpa Schneider arrived on the 21st.  We hit the open road the 22nd after I finished my work day.  I was worried about how I would handle being away from the boys for such an extended period of time.  I knew they were in good hands though and would have a blast with the g'rents. 

We drove through the night - arriving in Kansas City at 6 AM.  We have friends that live there so we stopped in for a quick visit.  I can honestly say I have never been driving thru and popped in at a friend's house that early in the morning.  There is a first time for everything!  It was great to see Sharon and her husband, Sean, again.  We also got to meet their 2 gorgeous children - Ezra and Margot!  It was so wonderful to see them.  Sharon prepared a delicious breakfast and they sent us on our way with some local beers.  We are hoping to return the favor someday!

We arrived at Maggie's parents house around 10 AM.  I had to take a quick shower to wash all the roadtrip scum off of me.  There were people flying in from various places, so we used the Brown residence as a meeting place.  We also got to meet some family and friends of Maggie's that were not able to join us on the trip.  It was great to finally put a face to the names of all the people Maggie talks about.

Maggie's parents prepared an awesome Kansas City BBQ lunch for us and then we were off on the next leg of our trip - Big Cedar Lodge.  This place is awesome!  It totally reminded me of Dirty Dancing - needless to say, "Hungry Eyes" was on replay in my mind all weekend.  ha!   We took full advantage of what they had to offer - jet skis, champagne brunch, floating off the side of the pontoon boat, tubing (which I totally rocked BTW - good to know I still have the skills from my teen years!), the lazy river...you name it.  Maggie did an awesome job planning such a wonderful time for all of us.  It was glorious!

We headed home on Tuesday and figured we should take our time.  Why drive 10 hours if you don't have to?  We stopped at Lambert's for lunch.  I was so happy that I happened to see the billboard (I really miss billboards - informative and entertaining!).  I remember hearing about this place and I knew we had to check it out.  The food was phenomenal.  Probably not the best road trippin' meal, but who cares.  It was delicious!

I convinced Casey to stop in Wamego, KS for a visit to the OZ Museum.  The museum was closed for the day by the time we rolled into town, so we hit up the Oz Winery for a wine tasting.  They have the coolest labels and I couldn't resist purchasing one.  I opted for the Yellow Brick Road white table wine.  I loved the label of the Ruby Sippers, but didn't care for that specific red table wine.  Then we checked into the Simmer Motel - we only had two choices and this was the cheaper of the two + they had an outdoor pool.  I have had my share of interesting hotel/motel stays in my life, but this one definitely ranks high on my list.  I am not even sure what to think about it.  The people were nice, the room was clean - truly no complaints, but I am still stumped on the room decor.  Especially the handmade door signs.  We joked on the drive there that we should stay in a theme hotel...I think we did, we just didn't know it at the time.  They have a Wizard of Oz themed room that this woman showed us on her phone at Barleycorn's Deli where we had dinner.  I am SO glad we didn't get that room - I don't think I would have been able to sleep.  Ha!  If I had to guess what our theme was I would take a shot and say it was themed after "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" movie.  Hmmm...

It was a nice little town.  We hit up the museum Wednesday morning.  We were shocked by the amount of traffic rolling through this little town.  We thought to ourselves, "Maybe this isn't the one horse town we were thinking of."  We asked the staff at the museum and they said that I-70 was shut down because a man had barracaded himself in his car with a gun.  WTF?!  Seriously.  Yes, seriously.  Thankfully it was I-70 East and we were able to hit the road after the museum as planned. 

We got home around 7 PM Wednesday night.  I am not sure who was more excited to see us - the boys or the g'rents.  Those boys sure ran them ragged for a few days.  Everyone had a blast though.  I was so happy to see Ian and Milo, I swear they grew a couple of feet while we were gone!

Thursday was a day to run errands and relax because Friday was all about...

IKEA Centennial has arrived.  Woohoo!  I was so excited, like a child on Christmas Eve.  We arrived a little after 9 AM and they opened the doors around 9:30.  We enjoyed a free breakfast and then strolled through the massive store.  It has been a few years since we have been inside an IKEA so it was fun to see all the new stuff.  The only downside is that it made me want a new kitchen even more and it is going to be awhile before I am lucky enough to get that!

We even had a "celebrity" siting.  Kirk Montgomery from 9 News was in line in front of us.  Tee Hee!

Saturday we headed to the WOW Museum to help Ella celebrate her 3rd birthday.  We have not made it to this museum yet, so I was excited to check it out.  It was so much fun for everyone - Casey and I included.  I tried to race him on the pully, but that was a joke.  Literally.  Is it sad to admit that my 3 year old did a better job on the pully than I did?  Sad, but true.  Milo loved crawling around all the different exhibits.  I tried so hard to get a picture of Ian with the birthday girl, but it was next to impossible.  I can't blame them - there was so much fun stuff to check out!

Casey had to work on Sunday, so we decided to spend the morning at the pool.  The Courtney family joined us too.  It was a HOT day, but everyone enjoyed relaxing in or around the pool.  Grandpa read his book in the shade while the Grandmas and Moms played with the kiddos in the pool.  It was a very exciting day for Ian - he learned he can touch in the deep end of the pool on his tip toes.  This made him feel more comfortable about being in the deep end and he even jumped off the side a few times.  Milo is all about the pool.  I am thinking we need to get this kid enrolled in swim classes, although I thought that about Ian too and it was a bust.  Milo LOVES it though.  He is a fish - he splashes, dunks his head in - has no fear! 

We decided while at the pool that we should have a picnic for dinner that night.  We went home to let the kids (and in my case, parents) nap and got ready for our picnic.  We brought the fried chicken and brownies, while the Courtney crew and Aunt Amy supplied the rest.  The kids had a blast swinging, climbing, sliding and the babies loved crawling in the grass.  Miss Ava even took a step or two - that girl is ready to walk! 

It was a wonderful, exhausting vacation for all and I couldn't think of a better way to end it.  I can't believe it is August and that my baby is going to turn 1 on Friday.  I have a lot to do, but I can't wait to celebrate with our friends and family.