A New School, A New Year

We decided to switch to a new school this year for Eli. This school is closer to our house and is preK-12 which means we won't have to switch Eli again for Kindergarten. I had no doubt he would do great with the transition. He is so social and enters new environments with such ease. When we went to his Open House a few weeks ago they had bags of popcorn for everyone. So, when it was time for Eli to part ways with his old friends at his old school he said, "I'm going to a new school where they give you popcorn!" I had to explain to him that was a special day and popcorn was not going to be on his daily menu. :)

The first day of school was actually a "Meet and Play" for the parents and kids. Each child brought a parent and we spent a few hours going through their centers with them and helping them to acclimate. It was lots of fun! There are 12 kids in Eli's class, one teacher, and a teacher's aide.

 Working on a nature collage

 Creative writing center

Story time

The next day it was time to do it for real! No mommy or daddy this time. :) There is something about packing a lunch for Eli that makes me all of a sudden feel like he is growing up on me.

I love Eli's new class and his teacher. Because it is a Christian school they are reinforcing much of what we have been teaching him at home. It is SO encouraging to me to have other people in his life through church and school that are reinforcing those lessons. In fact, some things that I have been working with him on for months now all of a sudden seem to "stick." It was almost like having someone else there with the same opinion and view as mommy and daddy made it seem like a great idea. I'm ok with that. :) We are so excited for the year and to watch him grow, grow, grow!

Boats and Planes

Somehow we always manage to plant ourselves in cities along a river (Nashville, Wichita, Morgantown, Peoria). I love how rivers can add so much to a city. Many cities build along their rivers with restaurants, museums, and great walking trails. And if you live in a city on a big river like the Illinois River, then you get river boats as well!

The Spirit of Peoria is a paddle boat that was built in 1988 and offers tours up and down the Illinois River (and Mississippi River too!). We had been wanting to take a ride on the Spirit of Peoria for awhile so when I saw a special deal a few months ago for two adult tickets half-price I grabbed them up. Hailey and Isaac were free so I just had to buy a ticket for Eli on the day of our cruise. The kids were so excited to take a trip on a boat (especially since Nana and Papa D had just been on a cruise boat and told Eli all about it) and they were also super excited that our other Papa decided to come along for the ride.

The flying Asian carp on the Illinois River are amazing. They can jump so high!

Isaac had a great time on the boat, too!

Enjoying lunch on the boat.

The boat was full of great treats like M&Ms and Frito's. What more could any kid want? :)

The kids loved watching the big paddles on the wheel churn through the water 

We had so much fun! After we got the kids home and napped, Mama Reenie arrived so she and Papa could watch Isaac while Marc and I took the big kids to go see the movie Planes. They have only been to a movie theater once so this was also a special event!

They both took a toy plane with us into the show. They loved the movie and the popcorn and sprite (which is a REALLY big treat) made it even better!

We picked up a pizza on the way home which made for a great end to the day. Isaac is now eating when we eat which is so fun (particularly when someone else is there to feed his hungry mouth so I can eat my food when everyone else does. Ha!).

And we finished off the night playing outside and showing Papa our garden that Papa D helped us get started. We have grown corn, green beans, Swiss chard, cucumbers, and tomatoes this summer. It has been a learning process. The raccoons seem to have found my corn and enjoy devouring it at night. Not sure we will grow that one again next year. Too much work for no reward!

Isaac- 6 Months

Six to nine months has to be my favorite time with my babies. They love to eat, play, and sleep well (most of the time)... AND they can't get away from me yet or say "No!" It just gets busier once they are mobile so I cherish these few months of having an interactive and fun baby who hasn't quite figured out how to make his legs move. Isaac is a really happy baby. He smiles and laughs so much. I just can't get enough of him.

At Isaac's 6 month check-up, he weighed 18 lbs. 4 oz. putting him about 65th% for weight. He was 26 in. long which was 70th% for height. People always comment, "Wow, he is a big boy!" But really, he isn't that big. I think it might be his 95th% head that makes him look that way. :) I am thankful he is healthy and well nourished. He started eating baby cereal last month and LOVES oatmeal. He just gobbles that stuff up. I am starting to introduce some other foods this month and it is a slow process much like it was with Eli. He has tried applesauce, bananas, avocado, and ground chicken. He dislikes everything at first, so I just have to try, try, and try again. Banana and avocado have been my only successes so far. I bought a butternut squash to cook this week so we'll see how that goes!

I promise I don't put rubber bands on his arms and wrists. :)

 Here is a catch-up on Isaac's monthly pics

Our Anniversary Trip (a.k.a. Isaac's Dream "Only Child" Vacation)

Ever since we spent five months in Africa, Marc has had an ever growing interest in ultrasonography. He was able to see first-hand what huge benefits this non-invasive piece of equipment can provide a clinician in a resource limited setting to improve his/her diagnostic skills. Granted you need an ultrasound machine, but this is much more affordable than a CT scanner for a missions hospital. Marc found out about a place in St. Pete Beach, Florida that teaches ultrasound courses and was interested in gaining some more knowledge in this area. He signed up for a week long course on echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) that the residency paid for so he could come back and teach the medical students and residents. He decided we should take advantage of the free hotel and get away from the busyness of life for a few days. The timing of the class was right in line with our eighth anniversary. We had debated leaving all three kids with the grandparents, but we knew that would be a BIG job. Then, around the same time we were booking the trip Isaac decided he no longer wanted to take his occasional bottle, like ever again. Ha! So, it solidified the plans that Isaac would be making the trip with us. Much to his delight. Hard to refuse this face anyway...

Isaac enjoyed chilling and relaxing. Living and loving life as an only child.

It was so hard for me to part with Eli and Hailey. Marc and I don't travel away from them very much and it is usually only for a night if we do. Five nights away seemed like a really long time! They were in good hands though. Marc's parents kept them so busy the time probably passed very quickly for them. I think it was good for me to get a break away. I came home renewed and refreshed in my job as a mom. Every mom needs that every now and then.

The ocean is so amazing. I just love its vastness and beauty.

St. Pete Beach was a wonderful beach. Soft, white sand that seemed to stretch forever.

Isaac was a good sport the whole week. He traveled well on the plane and was willing to take some naps on the sand by the ocean. It took a little while to get him back on a schedule when we returned home, but for the most part, he was an easy going and relaxed baby.

Marc bought Isaac this fun float when we got to Florida. What a cutie.

Marc really enjoyed spending more time with Isaac. He usually bathes Eli and Hailey each night and reads them books while I feed Isaac and then put him down. I try to swap with him when I can so he gets time with Isaac, but a nursed baby is just naturally with their mama a lot. Marc and Isaac bonded so much during our trip. I love these pictures of the two of them. :)

The only anniversary pic from the trip!

Me and my sweet Isaac

Our little family of three... at least for a few days. :)

We had a great little get-a-way. Marc was in class 8-5 each day so I am glad we had the weekend before the class started to really enjoy our environment and our time together. Marc decided the next class he takes at a beach spot should end each day at noon so there is more time to play. :)