GeeGee Tree

A few weeks ago during her visit, GeeGee told us that she would like to get Riley a tree.  She wants him to help plant it, take care of it and watch it grow over the years.  So we waited for the weather to warm up enough and today was the day to get the GeeGee Tree growing!

We made two trips and filled the car with the flowering pear tree, flowers, plants, soil and mulch galore! Good thing Riley was willing to share the back seat cause this is no small sapling!

We planted a few areas in the front yard and after lunch and nap time, it was time to get the tree in the ground.  Chris was the official digger, Riley was on filling patrol and I was in charge of documenting and overseeing the project.  (Don't think that I didn't get my hands dirty as well - I was playing with grubs and dirt all afternoon too).

We had all of the right tools and perfect weather for a day of planting.  Riley was very happy to get in there, take off his shoes and fill in the hole, water the plant and make sure that it felt very welcome in its new home.

We are looking forward to taking care of our new family member over the years and helping to watch it grow.  So feel free to come on over, introduce yourself to the GeeGee Tree and give it a good hug!

I am pretty happy with the way the front yard looks now!  What do you think?

The Watering Hole

What is one of our go to activities on a quiet night in?  Bath time!  I know that many people my age like to get dressed up, go out and celebrate the start of the weekend but I can't imagine a better date than this little guy that kept me smiling all night!

The only time I wasn't smiling tonight was when a toy boat full of water came flying out of the tub and turned the floor into a big puddle.  Nothing that we can't handle, though, so all is good!

So if you are ever wondering where we are when most people are out enjoying a relaxing dinner or a drink at the bar - just come to our private watering hole - the bath tub!

Petting Zoo Pals

Yesterday, the JCC had a celebration for Israel Independence Day and we are not a family who misses celebrations.  In fact, we were one of the first ones there to get the party started.  There was a bounce house, a balloon artist, a performance and arts and crafts - but the thing that really grabbed Riley's attention was the petting zoo!

While it took a few minutes to ease into it and get used to the fact that there were dozens of baby goats just roaming around and looking for food, Riley got right in there and made new friends.  He was asking them their names, telling them that it was time to go to school, making the rounds to pet them all and gave them bottles of milk.

Chris asked him a few times if he wanted to take a baby goat home, but luckily we got away from that conversation before it got lodged in his brain forever!

There's no crying in baseball

Yesterday, thanks to a friend, we had a very special baseball experience!  We planned to watch the Cubs take on the Pirates, but what started as an regular trip to the ballpark turned out to be extra cool!

We started our afternoon with a tour through PNC Park, got to walk on the field, had the opportunity to watch batting practice from right behind home plate and even walked through the dugout (on the way back from a potty break)!

Within 17 seconds of stepping on the field, Riley was tossed a baseball and took his place to watch the pros.  He was cheering and watching them swing the bat and was really taking everything in.  He knew exactly where to look and was totally in to it.

After dinner and a walk around the stadium, we took our seats to warm up and watch the game.  We saw the teams on the field, fireworks with homeruns, pierogi races and the Pirate Parrot (or Ducky according to Riley).  The Cubs were up by one when Riley and I left cause bed time takes priority - nobody wants to wake up to a grumpy Riley!

My very own chair

Riley made his seat selection a few weeks ago and now that the weather is nice, he can finally find the place where his new chair works best.  He tried it here and he tried it there and it really seems to be pretty versatile.

The best part is that because we've had a lot of nice weather, we can spend as much time outside as we want - and I'm sure the chair will find its perfect spot soon.

And until then, we will just keep trying new places!

Cousins in Columbus

This weekend, we made a quick visit to Columbus for second seder.  We were so happy to visit the family and couldn't wait for Riley to spend some time with his cousins.  With a 3.5, a 2.5 and a 1.5 year old in the house, there was a lot of chasing and feeding and playing but I think we all had a great time!

Most of the visit was filled with playtime and Riley was really good at playing with his new playmates and they all shared really well and enjoyed each other's company.  Allie was such a good big sister and was great with both of the boys and Ian kept up with the bigger kids like a pro.

The boys were even so in synch that they had matching shirts for the occasion!

We had the world's fastest seder on Saturday night - as can be expected with a handful of little ones - but we all really made the best of it and the most important thing was that we were spending time together and getting to visit.  We even had a surprise visit to the zoo this morning which was a real treat.  The sun was shining, the animals were out and the cousins were bonding over polar bear sightings.

We're already looking forward to our next visit! 

My talented son

Not to brag, but I have the best son in the world!  Not only is he cute and funny but he is incredibly talented!  Why, just this morning he showcased his newest trick...

Now you show me another kid who can fit 3 pacifiers in his mouth at one time!  Do you think colleges give scholarships for things like this???