Frisbee Golf

Terry and I were both home by 4:30. That NEVER happens. The weather was also beautiful...75 and sunny. So, we knew an early dinner and fun times outside was in store for us this evening.
Terry suggested that we try Frisbee golf with the kids. I have to say I was a little skeptical. Terry took the kids on Monday and ended up with a concussion. Yup...only my husband could get a concussion from a no contact sport. While Terry was fishing out Frisbees from a marshy area, Caleb was tossing rocks into the wanter and nailed Terry in the head.
We decided to risk injury again and go out. Caleb has a great Frisbee arm. He could throw the Frisbee as far as me when he concentrated. I was really impressed! I thought for my first time I did pretty well.
When Caleb threw the frisbee farther than Terry he thought he was pretty hot stuff. Nothing like having a bit of an ego.
Kendall had fun as well. There was no good place for everyone to stand when it was Kendall's turn because there was no telling which direction that Frisbee was going to fly. Forward, backwards, sideways...never far though! There was lots of smiles and giggles all around. What a fun afternoon!

Scarecrow Fest and Wheeler Park

What a wonderful weekend. The sun was shining and it was unseasonably warm. So, we decided to head outside on Sunday to enjoy the weather.
We went to Wheeler Park. Terry was there playing Frisbee golf with some of his buddies. The kids spent their time playing on the playground and on the huge trees in the park.
The trees were the biggest hit. The kids spent over an hour playing on the roots, climbing up and down, and creating adventures. They were also being hams for the camera, so I took full advantage!
Kendall loved climbing up and down on the big tree roots. It really is very interesting. There are spots where the kids could climb on it and other spots where they can climb under the roots.
I love that the kids were posing. Hands on hips, hugging a tree, so cute!

Kendall also liked climbing on this huge stump. The kids got along so well today too.
The big kid swings were all taken, so the kids wanted to be pushed on the baby swings. Kendall loved that she could go extra high. I had each of them in adjacent swings and I stood in the middle. It reminded me of a few years ago. We used to spend hours at the baby swings...both kids contained and happy!
Caleb didn't actually fit in the swing, so he sat on top of it. He thought it was hilarious!
Earlier in the day we went to the scarecrow fest. It was SO crowded! The person ahead of us had to take a picture of her kids at every single scarecrow. So, it took a long time to walk the circle of scarecrows. Caleb told me that he wants to enter next year and make Scooby and the Gang. I volunteered Terry to help him.

Caleb Meets Tessa

Happy Saturday! We started the day at gymnastics. Kendall was so excited about her new leotard. Unfortunately, it kept riding up her entire class. SO, for now on it will be paired with a pair of shorts. She of course is young enough to not care. It is a very sparkly leo though and she loves it!
Next, I took Caleb to meet Tessa. Kendall stayed home because she has a cough and we didn't want the baby to get sick. Caleb was all smiles and very excited.
Caleb was so sweet with Tessa. He held her quite a few times throughout the day. Caleb gave her lots of hugs and kisses as well. At one point he was working on a coloring book with Caroline. It said to draw a picture of your best friend and he drew Tessa. Too sweet!
At first there were a lot of nervous hands helping him. Then he got it and was very responsible. It was nice to be able to trust him with Tessa. When Caroline was napping Caleb laid down to watch tv. Rachel put Tessa down for a nap in her swing in the same room. So, Caleb got to watch her at the same time and let us know when she woke up. He was thrilled and proud of the responsibility.
At the end of the day, Caleb was exhausted! He fell asleep immediately in the car. I guess playing with Caroline wore him out. He was so good and helpful today. It is nice to see his growing maturity. When I asked when we should go back and help again he smiled and said tomorrow. We'll see!

Norton Farm Field Trip with Caleb

Today Caleb had a field trip to Norton Farm. He was so excited. I am not sure what he was more excited about...the trip or the bus ride. He really wanted to sit next to Aria on the bus. So, we prepped the night before and discussed how he should stand by Aria in line to help out with that. They walked off the bus together all smiles. Caleb immediately ran up and held my hand. It was very sweet.
First the kids went into the barn to hear the gourd talk by Mrs. Norton. I have been on the field trip at least 10 times and she does the same talk. It is great and the kids love her, but I bet I could do the talk myself!
Next the kids went to the corn maze. By went through, I really meant run full speed ahead. Caleb was so proud when he came out. Then he ran right back in it for time two.
Everyone lined up for the tractor ride next! Aria and Caleb had to stand by each other. It is sweet what great friends they have become!
We then went to the pumpkin patch. Well, I realize that they call it a patch, but really it is a patch of grass with pumpkins, gourds, and indian corn strewn upon it.
Here is Aria and Caleb showing off their bags of goodies.
Misha is another one of Caleb's new friends and he wanted a picture with Caleb as well.
Finally the kids had a chance to play in the hollow. Caleb, Misha, and Steven played in the hay house.
It was a little piece of boy heaven. I have to say I didn't like getting the straw thrown on me though! The boys were full of smiles and laughter.
At the end of the trip they took a class picture. What a beautiful day and a fun trip!

A New Day, a New Park

We discovered a new park in Geneva. On an impulse we stopped by when we saw it. Caleb and Kendall had a great time playing at the park. They especially loved this swing. I am guessing it is for disabled children, but Terry thought it was for adults-specifically him. =) What a goof ball!
I love when the kids are being sweet with each other! I hope this stage lasts and lasts!

Sydney's Birthday

Kendall was invited to her first birthday party. She was super excited. We decided to burn off some energy and walk. I should have mapquested it first. What I was guessing a mile, ended up being more like 2. Kendall was a bit tired at the end and needed some prodding, but she walked the whole way!

She had a wonderful time at the party. I am thrilled that Kendall is meeting new friends at school, and she is TALKING this year at school! YEAH! She loves school and this is such a positive change compared to last year.

Caleb, was devastated that he wasn't invited to the party. It was a first for him. Kendall has been in his shoes where he was invited to a party, and she wasn't. It is a hard thing for them to be split apart, but it is a good lesson for them that it is okay to have different friends and interests. Hopefully, he will take it better next time!

Corner Bakery

I took Kendall to Corner Bakery today for a special treat. Well, this was Kendall's first and last trip here. We didn't see the kids menu, so I asked what they had and the nice cashier told us. Kendall ordered a grilled cheese sandwich, carrots, a juice, and a cookie. They asked me white or wheat bread, and I of course said wheat. We went to find a seat, and Kendall found a kids menu and crayons. Yeah! So, we grabbed them and sat down. I have to give Corner Bakery props for putting calorie counts right on the kids menu. Panera does this as well, and I think it is a great thing. You can make informed decisions about what you are consuming. Unfortunately, the calorie counts for Corner Bakery kid's menu were terrible to say the least.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich: 620

Carrots: 30

Juice: 100

Cookie: 340

For a grand total of 1,090 calories.

Well, the daily recommended calories for preschoolers is 1,200 calories. Crazy right! It gets worse. If she had ordered a peanut butter and jelly on wheat, chips, juice, and a cookie the total calories would be 1,400 calories...200 more than she would have needed to eat for an entire day. Kendall and I split the cookie, and she didn't finish her grilled cheese. So, her actual intake was much less.

Now, I will say that they did offer a turkey sandwich with 400 calories. It still would have added up to a bunch, but would have been more reasonable.

I thought I was giving her a healthy alternative to McDonalds, Her typical meal of chicken nuggets, 1/2 of a small fries (we split), apples (no dip), and a chocolate milk would have landed her with 510 calories, or less than 1/2 of what was in the above kids meal.

Now with this rant, please realize that I do not actually count Kendall's calories. She is at a very healthy weight. We do typically have just healthy food and snacks in the house, but she is able to help herself to a snack if she is hungry. I honestly don't worry about it. But, there are plenty of individuals who do have to worry about this. And I find it appalling that these items would even be offered on a kids menu.