Trip to the zoo

When I woke up this morning, I turned on the news and heard the weather forecast. Sunny and 80 degrees! What a perfect day to go to the zoo! So off we went...
It was a beautiful day and we got to see a ton of animals. Unfortunately, there were also a ton of people there. We didn't waste our money on Stingray Bay this year, but Kyle was satisfied by the other sea animals and Justin got to see his hippo. We had a nice lunch outside without geese and seagulls. I believe it was two years ago that large birds were stalking us at lunch and Justin actually climbed OVER the table with our lunch on it to escape them. A memory I will never forget or be able to talk without laughing!

What's new

Well, here we are in August. Summer break is coming to an end. I hate for my boys to return to school, however, I'm looking forward to not having their little friends hanging around our house as much. For being boys, there sure is a lot of drama.
This week we have to go the school for registration. Then the first day of school is August 25th. Justin will be a 4th grader and Kyle will be a 1st grader, meaning they'll both be at school all day. That will take some getting used to! Jason took the boys to register for their bowling league yesterday. They start this coming Saturday. Kyle will be bowling without bumpers. I'm sure he'll improve quickly. Next week Justin has an appointment with the eye doctor. I'm pretty sure he'll be returning to school with glasses!
Jason is finally running again. He was quite the track star in high school but hadn't run since then. I actually wanted to start too, so we went out together after I found a beginner's plan. After going out two times, I injured my knee somehow. It became swollen and stayed that way for a week. It's much better now, but I think I'll stick to walking and bicycling. I was really afraid I had a torn ligament, which would NOT be cool. Jason is hooked on running already and looks forward to going. Justin ran with him the last couple times. We've all been going to a nearby path that goes around Renwick Lake. Tonight I took some pictures. The weather has been so pleasant lately making it very enjoyable. We don't stay together the whole time, but it's nice to go as a family.

Oswego bike ride

Last year we got a team together at work to ride in the Oswego Chamber of Commerce organized bike ride. You have the option of riding 25, 75, or 100 miles. We chose to ride 25 miles. Considering I had never ridden more than 5 miles at once, it was tough to do 25, but it gave me a real sense of accomplishment. It was fun to meet up with my work friends at the rest area at the half-way point and take in some fuel for the ride back. We also get shirts and goody bags for participating. I had a better understanding of why my brother keeps running marathons. You get a real high after something like that. So we continued to look for different organized rides to participate in. We have another one coming up in October that we rode last year also. It's called the Pumpkin Pedal.

Today was the day of the Oswego ride. But this year I only rode 7 miles. That's the distance of the family trail ride. I held back so I could have Justin ride with me. He frequently joins me for rides around the neighborhood. We'll usually go about 5 miles. I didn't want him to try going 25 miles, even though he probably could. A shirt was provided for him so that everyone knew he was part of the River Heights Veterinary Clinic Bike Team. We rode along the Fox River which was very scenic and had some fun hills. Justin said it was easy. I agree. I'm hoping Kyle can join us next year.
This photo is of us before the ride (disregard Justin's squinting). Love the helmets!

Happy 60th birthday to my dad!!!

July 18, 2008 is my dad's 60th birthday. I'm always surprised by how fast time goes by. I remember when my dad was 30! I was only 5, but I honestly remember it. Now he's 60! I'm glad to say that he's a young 60. He still works full-time (reluctantly) and he's healthy and active. My dad has always been a great man. He worked very hard when I was younger to provide for his family. He told bad jokes that I'll never forget, helped me with fractions homework, and offered advice. My dad is one of the smartest people I know! When I was little I asked him how he knows so much and he told me it's because he goes through life with his eyes open.
Although I'm adult with my own family, my dad is still always there when I need help or advice, someone to talk to or share news with, or to spend time with his grandsons and tell them his bad jokes.
My dad is not only my dad, but my friend. I'm thankful for our relationship, for him, and the time we spend together!
Happy birthday Daddy from your Kittykat! I love you!!!

Cycling Kyle

Yesterday Kyle learned to ride a two-wheeler! Being that he's six and a half, it's about time. He and Jason went out in the spring to try it, but Kyle just wasn't ready. When they went out yesterday, Kyle was riding without help in about 20 minutes! I guess it was the right time. I've gone out with him a few times today to ride in the cul-de-sac across the street from our house. It's good to practice out there since he doesn't have to turn around in drive-ways or stop much (he still needs help with starting). Maybe by next year he'll be ready to go out on rides with Justin and me. We go about five miles at a time. Hopefully Kyle's asthma won't prevent him from riding long distances.
In other news, since Jason is on vacation this week, we all went bowling today. Jason and the boys bowled while I observed. Today was the first time Kyle bowled without bumpers. He bowled a 60 his first game! Nice job!
These children of mine just keep growing up!

Ribfest

Tonight we visited the annual Ribfest in Naperville. We spent about $80 to sit on a blanket and lawn chairs while eating dinner. We figured it was worth it with Justin's new love of ribs and BBQ sauce. He's nine years old now, but I still get excited when I see him enjoying food because of how he was when he was younger. He never wanted to eat and if I got him to eat, I'd make him keep eating and sometimes he would actually vomit. I was so frustrated! I even had to take him to the doctor for monthly weight checks because he wasn't on the percentile chart. I eventually got tired of it and stopped. We were sure he was healthy and still growing, just not a chubby toddler like most. He's still very thin, but loves to eat! And Jason and I love to see him eat! Anyway, he really enjoyed the ribs tonight. His face and hands were covered in sauce. Kyle and I don't care for ribs. He opted for pizza. Jason, Justin and Kyle's other favorite part of Ribfest is that they have funnel cakes there. Every summer, Jason tries to eat as many funnel cakes as he can. Since they're only available at carnival type events, I think his record is only five.

Happy 4th of July!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday!