Purina Farms - Take Two

We packed the kids and headed out to Purina Farms again today - we are making up for the trips we didn't make the past two summers. Actually we met a great family friend, her son, and her granddaughters - who are the cutest, sweetest little girls ever!

Will's walking has come a long way in the past two weeks. He was walking all over the hay loft area today. He wasn't too sure about the tunnel but he did give it a try after some encouragement.

Max wore himself out riding a little tractor around and around. He did save some energy to milk the cow.

Of course the dogs were fabulous and the kids, as well as the adults enjoyed the show. I'm so sad that our summer is coming to an end - I actually spent some time working in my classroom yesterday. I do think we have made the most of our summer break. The only place we haven't made it to yet is Grant's Farm - but hey, we still have a week or so, right?

Library Boys

My boys love books and it makes me incredibly happy. This morning our outing was to story time at the library. I think Will and Max had more fun just reading on this cute little couch than they did at the story time. Max was pretty excited because he completed the summer reading program goal of 36 books. His reward? A book, of course.

Police Officer Mama

I feel like I police all day. Max, turn the TV off. Will, stay out of the dog's water. Max, let your brother play. Will, get away from the steps. . .

It just goes on all day. I love these little guys more than anything, but there are times when I want to pull my hair out! Will just wants to do whatever his big brother does and it makes Max crazy. If Max is playing trains, Will wants to pull apart the tracks. If Max is reading, Will wants to turn the pages too quickly. If Max is playing cars, Will wants to destroy the road. It goes on and on and on. . .

Almost a solid month of 100+ temperatures has made it tough to get out and do too much. We do get out at least once a day, but more than than and it is just too hot! There has been more TV than I would like and I feel guilty about it. I guess Super Why and Dino Train won't totally rot Max's brain - they are on PBS, so they can't be that bad, right?

I know that every age and stage will bring new challenges and joys. I know that there will come a time when I will long for the days when I policed my boys all day. I wouldn't trade even a rough day for anything else, but I sure am looking forward to getting out for book club tonight! Bring on a class of wine - although I don't think they sell wine at Bandana's.

Adventure Day

Max and Nonna had a great adventure yesterday, they rode Metrolink! Last summer she took Max for the day and they rode a bus and he loved it. Ever since she has been talking to Max about riding the Metro train. They boarded at the Shrewsberry station and took the train into Clayton. There was even a tunnel! Max and Nonna walked the block to Nonno Mason's office to visit for a bit - and see the big fish he has hanging on the wall. Max thought that was pretty cool.

I called from the car dealership - where I spent three hours getting new breaks, inspections, and an oil change. Max was at the station heading home and he was so excited to tell me all about it. I be the other riders got a kick out of the newest four year old rider.

Purina Farms

Brain took the day off work and we packed up the kids to visit Purina Farms today. This has been on my list to visit for the past two years and I'm so excited we actually made it. We met one of Max's little friends from pre-school there and the kids had a great time!

The boys tested their strength to see if they could pull as much weight as a horse. They tried with all their might, but they couldn't get the scale to budge.

Max wasn't too interested in checking out the animals, but Will and I thought these little pigs were adorable.

After the boys were all worn out from running around the barn we headed to the dog show area. As always, Max was resistant to having his picture taken.

Will couldn't take his eyes off the dogs. I think his favorite was when they jumped into the pool to catch their Frisbees - or at least that was my favorite part.

After a quick bite to eat in the cafe, we boarded the tractor for a ride around the property. Thank goodness there was at least a bit of a breeze - it is hot out there today!

All in all it was a great outing with great company. I wonder where we should head next?

Talented Nonna

Nonna Carlotta met us at speech today with a very special delivery for Will. She spent her day off sewing this adorable little romper for my adorable little boy. While diaper changes might not be the easiest, it is the cutest thing ever!!

I love the little baseball trim and lining. He will be well dressed when he sits on the couch to watch games with Daddy and his big brother. Thanks Nonna!

Steps

Today was the day that Will took his first unassisted steps. By the end of the evening he was making it about 10 steps before falling over.

I'm sure he is going to be off an running within the next couple weeks!

I was so excited to see him take two wobbly little steps all by himself. I cheered like a crazy woman and he got so excited he kept doing it over and over. I was even able to get a couple pictures. Please excuse the dirty shirt. I'm a bit embarrassed.

He was so proud of himself and I can't wait to see how much better he is tomorrow!

Things Max Says

Max and I had a busy morning. We attended another class at the zoo and while it wasn't quite as good as the other two, Max enjoyed it. His favorite part was exploring the rotting log habitat with a magnifying glass.

We were also able to check out the new Sea Lion Sound that just opened last week. Next time I will need to time things so we can see the show.

After a little quiet time at home we went to pick up Will from the sitters. Max didn't want to go and when I finally got him into the car we had this conversation

Max: I have a deal Mommy. Let's pick up Baby Will and go to Lion's Choice for dinner.

Me: No, buddy we are going home for dinner tonight.

Max two minutes later: You are breaking my heart Mommy.

Sigh. . . I wonder where he heard that one.

Mama Quilts

For some reason I got the wild idea to start quilting. You know nothing sounds better in 100+ temperatures than making a blanket, right? It has actually been really fun. I found a pattern here : http://www.modabakeshop.com

I'm proud to say that I finished it today, and all in all I'm really happy with how it turned out. Especially considering I just learned to sew a real seam two weeks ago. Max and Will seemed pretty excited with the new acquisition. I've already started cutting the fabric for my

next quilt.

I made a habitat!

This is what Max yelled as he climbed out of the car this afternoon. Today he and Daddy attended another class at the zoo. This time it was animal hide and seek --- it was all about camouflage and the roll it plays in animal habitats. Max had a great time. It cracks me up that he used neon pompoms to help camouflage his snake in the corner. He told me all about how he put things in the habitat so that his snake - that he decided to name Max - would feel cozy.

Will and I hung out at home in the air conditioning. We pulled out Max's old ball popper and Will was so excited. He could have sat and pushed that red lever for hours. Max was as always the helpful big brother and showed him how it worked.

World Bird Santuary

This past Friday we headed to the World Bird Santuary with Nonna and one of her coworkers. Max was all excited that there would be other kids joining us, but of course was rather shy when we were there. Max was more excited about all the vehicles he saw than the birds. I'm sad to say that this is the only picture I have. I think the ridiculously hot weather caused me to forget to check my ISO on my camera. All the other pictures were overexposed.

There was a pretty cool condor flying around his cage trying to play. Max also was able to feed the chickens. It was a pretty neat place and I would like to go again some time - when it isn't 100 degrees out.