Preschool/Mother's Day Out

Today was Brendan's first day of Preschool at Fishers UMC. So hard to believe that he's old enough for preschool. Katelyn is going to a Mother's Day Out program one day per week while Brendan will go two days per week. Both kids went one day a week last year and really enjoyed it. Hopefully this year will be the same! I'm not entirely sure whose child I have here as he was giddy and smiley for the camera!

Bon Voyage Alana!

Cousin Alana is traveling to Kenya for the next two months as part of her medical school training! We are going to miss her so much. We got to have a nice dinner with her prior to her leaving. Here's a link to her blog detailing her travels! http://alana-louise.tumblr.com/

Playing playdough! 

Yummy dessert!

GrandBob even got in on the playing playdough. :)

Swinging with Aunt Julie & Cousin Alana

Big Corn

As I said in the last post, there isn't much that Katelyn doesn't like to eat. Brendan decided that he didn't want to eat his ear of corn tonight. Katelyn climbed up in his chair and helped herself!

Ice Cream Cones

I bought ice cream cones awhile back with the intent of letting the kids eat ice cream outside during the summer. But the evenings kept getting away from us and we'd finish dinner just in time to start our bath/bedtime routine. Finally tonight, we have a little extra time and the weather was nice. So we headed outside to enjoy a little ice cream treat.

Brendan being a good big brother.  One of his current "things", is to "introduce people".  We got to Mamaw & GrandBob's for dinner one evening and they were waiting for us.  He walked up to Mamaw, and waved his little hand back at all of us and said, "This is my sister, Katelyn, and my Mommy & Daddy."

Katelyn likes ice cream...actually Katelyn likes just about anything, especially if it's sweet. :)

Sharing :) These are the moments that make we want to have more kids!

Toddler Picnic

Laura had a wonderful idea of having a picnic for the two toddler rooms at The Playschool. The teachers, kids, and all of their families were invited. We met a local park for a pitch-in picnic dinner. All the kids had a great time running around and playing. The adults had a good time too, getting to know each other besides just in passing at drop-off/pick-up!

Brendan loved this water table...he barely left it for anything!

Where'd they go?!

Playing Corn Hole...kinda ;)

Having a pre-dinner snack.

The roller coaster was also a huge hit. Although none of them here are actually riding on the car part, are they?!

New Deck & Porch

Our new porch and deck is about 95% done and our new outdoor furniture was delivered this afternoon. We had some family over for a cookout and to help assemble the furniture. Brendan really got a kick out of helping. At one point, he ran back inside and got all of his own "play" tools to help outside. Once everything was put together, Brendan got most of his trains out to play with him. He was a nice boy to share with Katelyn & even Bobby got in on the train playing.

Once everything was put together, Brendan got most of his trains out to play with him. He was a nice boy to share with Katelyn & even Bobby got in on the train playing.

Earning her keep!

If you give Katelyn a wipe or a napkin she will start cleaning whatever she thinks is dirty. Apparently the floor was not up to her standards today! I can't wait until she's old enough to really clean. ;)

17 Months

Baby Elephant!

I braved a playdate at the Indianapolis Zoo with both kids.  Overall, both kids were remarkably well behaved.  We even got to see the new baby elephant out with her mommy.  She is so cute!

Indiana State Fair

We rode the train down to the State Fair again this year. (Almost missed the train due to running a little late...)

Brendan had a great time, "riding the rails" and Katelyn enjoyed herself too. They were only a little wild and crazy, but luckily we were among a lot of other families/kids.
Brendan liked seeing the train pull back out of the station, but didn't enjoy the loud horn and was also then sad when it was no longer there. 



First stop of the day...baby pigs! 





Then onto the dairy barn where they had an information session going about how the milk gets from the cow to the grocery.  Brendan was intrigued for a few minutes as to where his milk comes from, but it wasn't long enough for the whole demo. 


Then we checked out the DNR building...Brendan was checking out the fish...luckily he did not fall into the pond!


Then there was time to feed the goats.  This might have been one of Brendan's favorite parts.  He got to help put the quarters in the machine and then turn the knob.   One goat had the machine figured out and his pen was close enough to it, that he could just eat out of the machine and wouldn't let you get the food out for any other goats.  We luckily only put money in that one once!

Katelyn enjoyed her turn too!   I love the second picture in that she looks surprised! 




We briefly visited the small barn near the Little Hands on the Farm exhibit, but it was super crowded. 


But they did have a baby lamb...9 days old, I think. 
Little Hands on the Farm
After getting their baskets, the kids got some corn & soy beans to feed the pigs.





Then they each got hats. Of course Katelyn wore hers...at least for a little bit.

Then they got to plant some seeds...



...and then harvest the vegetables from their garden.


Then they were able to pick some apples...they had a hard time picking just one...















Turkey Hill was kind enough to provide us with free ice cream samples (as well as plenty of coupons for their ice creams) in addition to the $2 admission to the Fair. The kids enjoyed theirs as much as Mommy & Daddy.




Then it was time to head to the Midway. We have never taken the kids on any rides before, so this was a big first. I wasn't sure that Brendan would actually want to ride something. Initially, we were going to try to ride the Ferris Wheel, but I freaked out a little bit about the kids being up so high. Call me whatever you want, but when Brendan decides he doesn't want to do something and throws a fit, I'd rather it not be 50 some feet in the air without "seat belts". :)

But he loved the dragon rollercoaster! He was so excited when he got off and was jumping up & down telling me & Katelyn that he rode the dragon ride. :)





Brendan (& myself!) weren't so sure about the Strawberry ride...think Teacups at Disney

Katelyn on the other hand, enjoyed herself! :)


The carousel, as always, was a hit.

The the boys rode on the semi truck ride in an attempt to use up all of our ride tickets before catching the train. We had a hard time finding rides that Brendan was tall enough to ride.

The kids both made it home on the train awake, but poor Katelyn fell asleep before we could even get the van out of the parking spot...