Three Day Weekends

No matter what we plan to do, three day weekends are always the best. Saturday was of course the start of the football season so that naturally made this weekend extra special anyways. John has taught James the "O-H" "I-O" chant so they have been doing that all weekend. On Sunday we went to our neighborhood pool and met some neighbors who not only went to Ohio State but the husband grew up in Gahanna right down the street from us. The more we get settled into becoming Southerners the more we are reminded that most of Charlotte is made up of Northerners - which is why we seem to fit in so well! Today we went to an annual festival down here, and even though it was only 88 degrees I think it felt like it was 100. We only stayed for a few hours because of the heat but it was awesome. We were told it was very family friendly but we had no idea that it meant how much great kids stuff there would be. James was still a little too young for most of it but in a few more years this is going to be a huge hit.

 

There were several bounce houses, most with slides and James will never turn away from a slide - especially one in a bounce house.

 



James loves trains, like is borderline obsessive about them right now. When we saw this ride, there was a decent line already but James was still able to get on... if he wanted to sit in the back. James calmly told John that he wanted to wait until he could drive the train.  John gave me this look of panic that said "there is no way that James is going to wait back in line and watch all these other kids have fun on the ride without flipping out". But thats what he did! He just stood there and waited all while telling John how he is going to get to drive the train. Now when the ride stopped, he all but pushed the kid out so he could climb into his seat - but it was awesome.

 

Have I ever mentioned how much I love fair food? Especially deep fried oreos? Because I do. They are awesome. 

 

Have I mentioned how much James loves slides? Especially the big ones that he is not allowed down without an adult? Because he does. I was  too busy eating my deep fried oreoes to go, so John went - John knows not to bother me when I've got oreoes.

 



Poor little girl was stuck in the hot stroller the whole time, she slept for most of it but I know she was hot. Shes a trooper.

 

Once we made it past the rides and the food, we hit up the crafts section. John found this awesome handmade wooden duck whose feet rotate when pushed. And it kept James from running off, he was too focused on pushing the duck that he stayed right with us. Except when his duckie had to go potty. Then James nicely placed his duckie in the grass, just like Duke.

John heard about this park from one of his co-workers that apparently is the most random but awesome kid park. So of course we had to go check it out. And goodness was it random - it had all the regular park amenities (tons of playgrounds, slides, picnic tables and fields) but also a carousel, train ride and petting zoo. There was a lake where you could fish and feed the ducks as well as a reptile house and an area where they had bears, bobcats and even a bald eagle. Totally random and totally awesome. Needless to say, we had a great time. Half of the fun was seeing what was around the next corner. Since we had no idea what kind of "adventure" this turned out to be, we didn't bring a camera - so all these were taken from our cell phones. Next time we'll be ready!



Madeleine is growing so fast - I can't believe she is already 6 weeks today. It really feels like she was just born yesterday. I went back to work yesterday and we are starting to settle into a new routine, its hard but has been so much fun so far. James is still loving her so much and she is really settling into her own personality.

James loves to swing next to his sister, he will sing to her while they swing and entertain her. She doesn't seem amused especially because most of the time she is asleep - but it is the thought that counts!



Amanda and Addison came down to visit over the weekend - it was the first time where James and Addison really played together and not just next to each other. It was great to see them together, even if they are little trouble makers!

Addison brought a book for Madeleine and wanted to read it to her, it was the sweetest thing. I have high hopes for Addison and Madeleine ;)



Our neighborhood playground is being renovated during the WHOLE month of August. We go there regularly to play on the weekends and usually hit it up on the way home from our nightly dog walks to let James run out his energy - so this is a huge inconvenience. And from the way all the neighbors are talking, no one is happy that the HOA didnt wait until all the kids were back in school. And really, the renovations are just putting in new mulch - so thats something could have waited and I have no idea why this takes a month to accomplish. So this morning we went and checked out the city park that is right down the street from us. Its a little older and of course busier since its open to the public, but it was also bigger and had a lot more room for James to run around. It will be a great substitution!

Madeleine was not nearly as excited at the new park as we were, but thats ok - one day soon shell love it!

Last week, Steve and William drove down for a visit - and it was fantastic. Poor Will got stuck playing trains with James or helping John out in the yard for most of the trip  (and I beat him in cornhole, twice!) but I think he will come back and visit again - at least I hope so! I know James wants him too, hes been asking for Will ever since he left. I think he might have a new favorite uncle, sorry Stephen!

Sharing

James is loving all the baby toys that are out again - even though he is way too big for them. He does do a great job of sharing his toys though so we think thats a fair trade.

This is James hanging out in Madeleine's floor mat thinger with her, he was keeping her entertained while she did her tummy time.

At least he enjoys being in there!!