Fun at the Dells

Fun at the Dells

We took another short road trip next door to the Dells.

This time we stayed at Great Wolf Lodge, which was a smaller waterpark, but actually just the right size for Noah and Joel. Joel still did not love the water part but enjoyed all the other festivities. The rooms and activities are really set up for young kids. The next day we also got to go the Dells train-which is a really big steam engine model train ride whose 1 mile route included a bridge over a good size ravine. That was quite exciting for the kids. Noah and Joel would love to bring his cousins here when they visit (hint-hint).

Labor Day Weekend 2010

Labor Day weekend 2010

Labor Day weekend this year was a treat with beautiful weather.

Essentially the whole weekend was spent outdoor. We took a long stroll around the lake, and Noah was quite interested to check out all the fishermen and their catch and baits. We then walked toward the Capitol square for the Farmer's market and also to see the vendors setting up for Taste of Madison, which we went to as well once it started. Lots of music and street performers, the kids really enjoyed all the festivities (so did the parents). We did so much strolling that we blew out a stroller tire (brought out a few scream from the crowd)!

First day of school

First day of school 2010

Joel has his first official day of school last week at Kids Express.

He is now a bonafide preschooler.

He was quite excited to get to leave the house with his big brother. Lunch box was a hit. Eating lunch was not so good, though. He did enjoy playing with friends and story time. He was a natural at napping and fell asleep at lunch table.

Noah was a good big brother and promptly told Mommy to ask the teacher to hold Joel, so he can go to his class. He did check in on Joel at playground time and played with Joel through the big kids-little kids divider fence.

Fun at Nolan's

Fun at Nolan's

Noah and Nolan enjoyed their time together. Nolan right away showed his cousins his new room and all the toys. Joel tried to join in when allowed. Their favorite activities for this visit seem to be Superheroes (Joel is the villain) and riding their bicycles. It sure is nice that Nolan is so much closer now, too.

First baseball game

First baseball game, Miners vs. ?

On the drive to Herrin, Noah saw Busch Stadium and asked if he can go to a baseball game, too.
Uncle Trip and Uncle Steve thought it would be fun to take the boys to Marion Miners game since we were right there. We got lawn seating for the night game and the boys have a great time. The Miners didn't, however. Though, who really watches the game anyway, eh?

A visit to Herrin

Herrin visit summer 2010

Since St. Louis is so much closer to Herrin, we did take the advantage of that and paid visit there.
The boys enjoyed spending time there and even got some private golf lesson from Khun Ta, too. Khun Yai was in her happy place with all the grandkids at her house.

Pool time with the boys

Pool time with the boys

The weather in St. Louis really made it seems more south than it is.
With the heat and humidity, we really took advantage of the pool at Parker's house.
Parker even tried to join in, but as it would happen, the temperature dipped to 80s that day from the typical closer to 90s. Noah is quite good with his lifejacket. Now we just have to figure out how to get him out of it and also how to get Joel to enjoy the water more.

St. Louis Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden visit

The Botanical Garden has a special exhibit this summer called Dinoquest. We thought the boys would enjoy it, but as it turned out, Joel was a bit afraid of the sound effect. They did enjoy strolling through the park, though. Parker and her Mommy also came for the outing.

Entertaining Parker

Entertaining Parker

The boys are supposed to keep Parker entertained while Nah Nit enjoys some breakfast time. They really took their duty seriously.

"Parker" by Noah

Noah portraits of Parker

Noah is learning the trick of digital photography.
He actually has quite the eyes for beauty. Parker really was a cooperative subject, too. Mommy only did very minimal editing.

Meet me in St. Louis

Meet me in St. Louis

With summer break for the boys, we decided on a little trip down south to spend some times with the family. We got to see everyone since Nolan now lives there, too.
The car ride was not too bad, both boys behave. Daddy drove down with us, but we brave the trip back without him, since he has to come back first for work.
The boys spent a lot of quality time with the family. Parker really grew just in one month.
In true spirit of vacation, the boys got to visit Botanical Garden, St. Louis Science Center and neighborhood parks while in the city. Everyone had a great time.

Magic Sunflower

Noah and the magic sunflower stalk

Sometimes last year, Noah brought home a packet of sunflower seeds.
He recently planted the seeds in the pot and took care of it regularly. He later transferred it to the ground. It sprouted so big! He is quite proud of his sunflower plant.