1st Week

I have enjoyed being back at work this week but it has been a trying week. Ava cries when I drop her off and school & when I pick her up. She cries a lot of an evening about anything that doesn't go her way. Basically she is really tired and wants to be in control of everything. Anyway...I'm sure things will get better as she gets used to a routine again. Ben is doing great. He has been sleeping relatively well at night - getting up once for sure sometimes twice but eats and goes right back to sleep.

Here are some pictures from playing outside last weekend that I never got time to post.

Ben's 1st time in the swing. Ava wasn't so sure about this because she LOVES her swing. Might have to get another baby swing.

She decided this was more fun than swinging (a little more work for dad though). Her hair cracked me up in this picture.

1st Day Back

The first day back to school was today. It went great. I was looking forward to going back even though I know I will miss the kids. I had been kind of worried about Ava but she was so excited. She couldn't wait to get there and see her friends and Miss Jamie. We talked about Miss Jamie being the boss and that she had to listen to her. Shockingly enough Ava agreed - she usually thinks she is the boss. When I came to get the kids today Ava did not want to leave. Kids are so funny. Of course, Ben did fine too. He didn't have much to say about it though. Here is a pic from this morning before we left.

Chicago Trip

Jeff and I went to Chicago Thursday, Friday & Saturday. We rode the train and got there Thursday afternoon. While we were there we went to see the Cubs, walked Michigan Avenue, took a double decker bus tour & ate alot. It was a very nice time. I had to laugh - the only thing I bought while shopping was a pair of $12 flip flops from Payless. I don't think I had to go all the way to the big city to get that.

Wrigley Field

On Friday night, we got dressed up and went out for a nice dinner at Morton's Steakhouse. We also took a 30 minute boat ride looking at the Chicago Skyline and then road the horse and carriage around the city.

Dwindling Down

One more day of summer. We plan on spending it being lazy at home. I think I am ready to go back. Since I have been off since April 9th I should be ready. I am looking forward to a routine. I am a little nervous about Ava at daycare. She has always loved it there and never cried a bit but since she hasn't went for more than 4 months I'm afraid things maybe different. But I'm sure Tina & everyone else will make sure she does fine.

Ben went to Riley's yesterday to see the hematologist. And just as I suspected - keep giving the shots for the blood clot. I knew his right leg was visibly still larger so I didn't have my hopes up. We go back in November to do a sonagram. I am keeping my fingers crossed for that.

I posted some pictures from the past few days.

Isn't she styling.

Baby Gage is gonna have to pack on some pounds to catch Ben. Ben weighed 17 lbs 6 oz at appointment on Monday.

Happy 60th Birthday Poppy.
He had a surprise party at Giant City Lodge.

I was afraid Ben was a little small so I thought we should start cereal - haha. He did okay with it.

Swimming at Aunt Martha's

Because of the crazy weather this summer we have not hardly went swimming. Monday was the first day Ben ever went swimming. He really liked it & of course Ava loved it too.

Soaking up some rays - don't worry this was only for a photo & of course he has lots of sunscreen on.

Holding my babies

Think he likes it?

Look at the big girls

Martha & the boys

Happy Birthday Landon!

Happy 2nd Birthday to my nephew Landon. I remember the day he was born like yesterday. He had the biggest hands & feet I have ever seen on a baby.

Landon: 10 days old
Ava: 3 months

Wendelin Picnic

Last Sunday was the Wendelin picnic. This was the biggest event of the summer when I was a kid. It was also a sign summer was coming to an end. Jeff & I took the kids and Eileen came along. Of course, Grandma & Grandpa Buerster & Martha's family were all there so we ate lunch with them & the kids played games. A fun day was had by all.

On a side note: For all you "facebookers" - I have joined the revolution. I'm not sure what I think of it yet but can definitely see how its addicting. I hope it doesn't make me bad at keeping my blog updated. I think there would be some upset grandparents if I started slacking on posting pics of the kiddos.

I think she thought the lemon shake up was sour.

Ava actually touched some of the animals

I was pretty nervous about her going down this big slide but she got the hang of it real quick.

Mimmie & the kids before the picnic

Random Pics

My creativity is gone as far as post titles goes so I just stole Kelly & Martha's last title from their post. Not much has been going on. It has been one of those weeks where I have managed to accomplish nothing. Ben has an ear infection so he has been a little bit fussy and Ava just likes to be a "big helper" so not much has got done this week. That's okay though.

Went to mom's last Sunday. The kids were like 3 little birds waiting for bites of Martha's ice cream.

Alli patting Ava's butt.

Daddy was grilling out and the kids were watching.

Ava eating corn - its not cooked yet. We are still waiting on corn from Grandpa Buerster. By the looks of his patch I think we might be waiting til next year.

Snack time afer playing in the sprinkler.