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!

Catching "fish"

Since moving here almost a year ago and having a house and yard, we realized there were many things we needed (esp yard stuff), but didn't have...That's when we discovered garage sales! Not all garage sales are created equal, but when you find a good one, you can get some great things for next to nothing. We've become hooked on them and love to go if we have free time on a weekend...

This past weekend, I went to a neighbor's garage sale and she had the below fishing game for 50 cents. It's not in 100% working condition, but it has provided payton with hours of entertainment.....

Strawberries

We went strawberry picking this morning at a local farm. It was alot of fun actually! Payton picked a few and then realized....


It was more fun just to eat them. So, while Mike and I were picking, Payton just ate and ate and ate...

Here he is very excited over all the loot! (and still eating strawberries)

We originally went for the experience, but then realized it's a pretty good deal too...all the above strawberries fit in a gallon sized basket, for just $6.75.

On another note, since it's strawberry season (at least here in illinois), here is currently my favorite dessert to make with strawberries..Strawberry Brownie Torte


Really, if you have the time, you should make this, it's soo good!! :)

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Strawberry-Brownie-Torte/Detail.aspx?src=etaf

singing and dancing

Payton loves to sing and dance. Here he is singing the theme song to his Favorite show, "Little Einsteins"




He also loves to "dance"...especially to live music.