The {Short} Adventures of Googa

 Sunday morning we were eating breakfast and playing and suddenly I noticed that Googa had emerged from his chrysalis! Sadly we missed him coming out - that would have been awesome to watch.  However the kids were totally mesmerized by him and enjoyed watching him hang upside down and let his wings dry.  Will also got to hold him and he loved that it tickled as Googa walked on his hands. 

Googa stayed on his perch for hours... until around noon we realized he was gone!  He was hanging out on a grocery bag by the door, and we took that as our sign that he was ready to spread his wings and fly away.  We opened the door and Will said goodbye to him as his slowly made his way into the world.  It took him a few tries before he fluttered away.

Since then, Will claims to have seen Googa at the park on two different occasions.  Both time he told me that Googa was busy playing with his friends. 

Back to School Picnic

Last night was Will's Back to School Picnic and we all had a blast.  The highlight was the butterfly tent where the kids could go and see and try to hold the butterflies.  We also bought a butterfly chrysalis so we will have a butterfly in just a few days!  When they come out of their chrysalis they are still for a while to let their wings dry so Will and Katie will have a chance to hold it!  It should be fun!

Snow cone!

In the butterfly tent - trying to hold a monarch!

Checking out our butterfly in the chrysalis - Will named him Googa.

Katie and Will stare at the chrysalis

Eating while tree climbing

Katie's attempt at climbing

Rockin' the party favor

She shares my excitement for sweets!

The picnic at sunset

Saturday Mornings with Katie

 Our Saturday morning routine is for Chad to take Will to swim lessons while Katie and I hang out.  After swimming, Chad and Will usually go on an adventure (flight museum, car wash, aquarium, etc) and then we meet up for lunch.

This is really the only true alone time I have with Katie these days.  I treasure it.  When Will is around, we talk constantly and Katie doesn't get much one-on-one attention.  On Saturday mornings, I usually try to take her somewhere to play and she just loves the attention.  She will look at me, smile and then run so I will chase her - looking back to ensure I am there.  I am not sure which of the two of us has more fun.

When she hears an airplane or some other far away sound, she puts her finger in her ear instead of behind her ear.

 

all smiles

Hello Fall!

 It seems a little early for fall weather in Dallas, but we will take it!  It was 68 degrees today when I checked mid-day, so I took that opportunity to put Katie in some fall clothes...and her new fall boots after her nap.  Sadly while we were outside I was eaten alive by mosquitoes... I guess it might not be fall just yet!

Park time with Cousin Andrew

 Katie and I met up with Andrew and my sister Sunday afternoon for a park play date while Will slept off his Chicago trip.  He was exhausted from all the fun.

Katie and Andrew had a great time swinging and sliding together.  It was fun to see Katie in her element.  Loli takes the kids to this park every day, so she is so comfortable climbing and running around everywhere.  She was just so happy to be there!

Andrew swinging

Katie sliding

Cousins

How cute is this guy!

in the tunnel

on the go

so happy

Daily Do

 Everyday Loli gives Katie a new do.  It usually involves lots of pony tail holders.  Here was today's look.

Why I love Bruce Springsteen

 Chad loves Bruce Springsteen, and he was so bummed when The Boss decided not to do a show in Dallas this year.  He wanted to travel for a show, and that is when we decided to go to Chicago.  It was perfect!  I could hang out with my one best friends, Demi, and meet her daughter, 9m old Elise, while Chad and Demi's husband Jeff went to the concert. 

So we headed out on Thursday and had a really uneventful flight.  Will and Katie enjoyed the process of getting there - plane, airport, cab - and then loved arriving at Demi's house... that just so happens to 2 parks super close to her house.

It was so fun to spend time with Demi and meet Elise!  She is such a cute baby and I have loved looking at her pictures, and I have to say she is even cuter in person... if that is possible. 

When we arrived we went to one of the parks where there was the largest sandbox I have ever seen!  There were lots of kids out playing in the gorgeous 75 degree weather.  It was great!

Friday, Will took Chad to the Science and Industry Museum while Demi, Elise, Katie and I went shopping and then to an open play place that Katie really enjoyed.  Why don't we have these in Dallas???

Saturday, Jeff took Will to a metal scrap yard (there is probably a better name for this).  It was really awesome - I actually enjoyed it just as much as the boys!  We then got together with Liz, Brian and Dylan for a trip to the zoo and some street tee-ball. 

It was a fabulous trip and I think we will definitely be taking the kids back again soon!  There are so many things to do and for me, it is just so great to spend time with my college girls!

sweet Elise

Huge sandbox

Swinging

On the see saw

Will and the U-Boat (guest photographer Chad Forsberg)

At Open Play - she loved this little house

In the rice box

Love the zoo!  Check out this view!  What a great place - easily could have spent more time here!

Katie and Liz

Will, Katie, Elise and Dylan.  Will was not interested in taking a picture.

Climbing Trees (guest photographer Chad Forsberg)

Hat on.  Ready to see machines crushing metal.

Boy Bliss.

Jeff and Will peeking through the barriers

Check out this magnet

Souvenir from the metal scrap yard

Dumping the bin

Dylan, tee ball super star

Brian coaching Will