Family Fun

We had alot of fun visiting family in Texas.


the three muskateers (cousins)


hanging with hodebegiwith harmoni, and eating frozen bananas


auntie even made a special trip down!playing with gong gong and po po

Gardening

Just got back from a wonderful (and HOT) trip to texas. So much fun to see family and friends. Payton was quite exhausted though...
then rolled off the couch slowly...
still slept for another hour like this after getting home from the airport.

Even though we had no produce in our fridge for dinner the night we got back, our garden has been producing, so we were able to eat from some of that.
It's been alot of fun trying out different vegetable and fruit plants and watching them grow. In July, our raspberry bushes gave us something to pick everyday for about 3 weeks. Payton loved it!

slip and slide

Last weekend, we got to hang out with uncle kenny who was visiting. All week Payton would randomly say " Did you have fun with Uncle kenny?" Basically, when he asks a question like that, he wants someone else to ask him the same question back, and then he smiles and says "yes"....so I'm pretty sure he is looking forward to seeing him again in a couple of weeks!

Earlier this week we went to playgroup and Payton and I had a great time. He got to eat with his buddies at the kid's table!


And, he discovered his love for water slides. He probably climbed up and slid down this slide at least 20 times. He loved it so much!

Fishing

One activity that I have sorely missed since moving to IL is fishing. Recently, I have discovered that the wide but narrow retention pond that is across the street from our house is full of bass and bluegills. According to one of my neighbors, someone in the neighborhood stocked it years ago with personal catchings and it has since taken. It's not the most access friendly--you have to walk down a steep bank through tall weeds, where I spotted a family of skunks, contend with lots of mosquito, and stand in the water (I bought rubber boots) because of tall cattails blocking casting lanes--but the hassles are offset by its proximity and its productivity (averaging about 4 bass in 30-45 minute sessions and as many bluegills as you want to catch).

Several weeks ago, I set up an inflatable boat and took Payton on an enjoyable boat ride in the pond (sorry, no pictures).

Here's a picture of the biggest I've pulled out so far (18/19 inches!).

Love for Animals

Payton and I got to visit the zoo with Auntie Harriet earlier this week. The boy seriously loves all animals. (do all toddlers?) anyways, we had a blast and he got spoiled rotten by his favorite auntie, riding the train, carousel, sky lift,
horseback riding (second time in his life ever!),

feeding birds,





Petting goats,
and of course, ice cream! (and yes, he ate the whole bowl all by himself, shared just a little with us...) What a fun spur of the moment trip!

Joy

Joy is what I see on his face. Happy 4th!

A Present

Payton and I had alot of fun with Auntie Angela at the Botanical Gardens.


It was a "hot" day (80's), so he played in one of the fountains.

With one of his favorite Auntie's, and first nanny!

Angela bought Payton a train lollipop and dinosaur gummy and for the next several days, Payton would not stop talking about how, Auntie Angela bought these for him (and how is was a Present)...he calls them "choo choo lollipop and dinosaur nummies". I think he's finally understanding when someone gives him a present and he loves it!