Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Balloon Races

We ended our busy week with the balloon launch on Friday night. 
We started the evening with a picnic in the park with friends.


 The kids got to make their own hot air balloon craft and pick out their own color of balloon.


Then both boys popped their balloons.  Check out Sawyers photo...look closely at all the adults in the background...they're crackin' up....sorry Sawyer!
  
Even Carson had a good time just sprawled out on the grass!

Then the balloons started to blow up.  Wow! 
 Parkers said "Moon, Moon" 
That is code for Balloon.


Up, up, and away! 
  
 Then Parker was sad. 
He wasn't scared...he was mad/sad that the moons were leaving! 

We had a great family evening with friends!

Staycation

This year with a shortened summer vacation, a new baby, a healing c-section and all that heat we opted not to go on vacation but rather do a "stay"cation.  Here's what we've been up to on "stay"cation!

We got a big, little pool. 
That's an oxymoron isn't it?
Helping dad pull it out....Yeah!  It's all ready to go!
 
Can we go swim now guys?

We went to Monkey Joe's with cousins. 
Monkey Joes is also known as, Ooo, ooh, Ah, Ah Joes. :)

 After warming up to the bounce houses Parker had a ball! (so did his dad ;)
Carson, however, couldn't be bothered to wake up and see what was going on....maybe next time! 

Those are Parker's feet flying in the air!
We spent time with our cousins. 
Annica made Carson this great blanket with her Grandma Jan!  Carson loves how it is so fuzzy and warm! 

Parker got to eat the the little "big" kid table.  He thought he was pretty hot stuff!
There was play time on the porch  and even a smooch from a pooch! (Chervenka's dog Snickers)

We have learned how to cook in the kitchen
....he's already better than his mama! :) 
His work area... 

A budding Chef.
White Water JunctionThe boys went with the Chervenkas and Grandma Stecher to play in the water at Whitewater Junction in Rock Island.  Parker loved it and can't wait to go back! 
The great "Bandito"
Parker wears and Ear Bandit to help keep the plugs in and the water out so his ear tubes don't fall out. 
Travis showed me this picture and called it the great Bandito...I thought it was funny and the name has stuck!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

A budding reader!

After last weeks post about library story time I feel like I need to put a disclaimer with this post...
**These photos were NOT staged**
This was Parker one morning reading to his toys.  He is doing this more and more frequently and it is SOOOO cute!





Sunday, July 24, 2011

Sweet Summer Corn!

YUM!
There is nothing better than some Oquawka Slagel Farm sweet corn in the summer!

Story Time

 We have been lucky enough to take Parker to weekly story time at the library this summer.  He has loved every minute of it and has progressively gotten better at sitting and listening to the story, showing "Mr. Jingles" his craft project, and interacting with the other kids.  Our only regret is that it isn't offered in the evenings during the school year!


Wow! That's a lot of books!
Welcome song and find your square... 
 
Enjoying the story on his square with dad!

Interacting and taking turns! YEAH!

Making a star spangled flag!  Very creative!

Showing off his work to Miss Karen and Mr. Jingles.

Beat the Heat

How do the Stecher's beat the horrible summer heat?
Depends on which Stecher you are:

Parker:

Parker chooses to go to a pizza/video arcade and play games in the air-conditioning with Grandma/Grandpa Stecher.

Travis:
  
Travis chooses to go wading at Steele Dam with his dad and catch lots of fish!

Misty:
Misty chooses to set the air conditioner on 68 degrees to compensate for her hormonal hot/cold flashes and watch Hallmark channel while everyone naps!

Carson: 

Carson chooses to be bundled under 2 winter blankets and nap comfortably in his warm bed...thanks mom!

Hope you are all finding ways to stay cool!