This and that

Here are a few more pics of our summer so far. They include a homemade teepee that James made with the boys and a bike ride at celery bog nature center.

Circus Night

Last week we had planned to hit the water park but mother nature didn't have the same idea in mind. It rained all day and we were stuck inside with only our imaginations so....we had decided to create an indoor circus. We created our very own popcorn boxes, made snow cones, had elephant rides (compliments of daddy), face painting, played animal charades, and had a balloon bust. The boys had so much and they can't wait until the next rainy day so we can do it all again.

A Day In The Windy City

A recent road trip to the windy city blew in lots of good times with the Lincoln Park Zoo, The Museum of Science and Industry and a grand finale at The Rainforest Cafe.

Just for Kicks

The boys had their first kick at soccer this year with Challenger Soccer Camp. We met each day at the local park, rain or shine and when I say rain....I mean pouring down, get drenched and have to run to the car without an umbrella rain. They both had such a great time and did exceptionally well at the clinic. Now that the fundamentals are set, they are scheduled to join the fall league in August. As you can see, Jameson had his little mind on more than just soccer. Her name is Emiline and she went to preschool with him last fall. It was so precious, the last day of camp her mom came running up to the car and asked if Emiline could say goodbye. She was upset crying and laid her head on his shoulder as she hugged him goodbye for the summer. He pat her on the back with his little hand and told her that they would meet in the park to play sometime. So cute!

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My!

The month of June brought plenty of adventure to the Gilberts. I was scheduled to teach a class in Ossian which is only 20 minutes outside of Ft. Wayne, so the whole family packed up and with me! Here are a few pics from the Ft. Wayne Zoo.

Five and Fearless, Six and Scared

Well, today is the last day that my big guy will be five. It has been a fearless year for him with many firsts. We rode our first roller coaster, lost our first tooth, took our first camping trip and played our first game of town tball. We converted from bath time to big kid showers and we often call for "mom" instead of "mommy". I can hardly believe what we have accomplished. Jalen finished his last day of preschool on Friday and he will be turning six tomorrow. Each day he teaches me something new and I look at him in amazement wondering "how did he know that?". The time is going by so quickly and I'm scared to death that I'm going to wake up tomorrow and be blogging his graduation. Okay, maybe I'm getting ahead of myself as I sit here in tears and reminisce on the past 365 days that were the best of my life. I have so much fun with my little guys and each new day brings new adventures. Jalen wanted a dinosaur birthday cake this year but not just any cake would do. He carefully instructed me that he wanted a home made cake and not one from the store. The cake should include dinosaurs ("not made out of icing mom"), trees, sand, a pond and oh yeah...a volcano! Well, here it is. I'm sure that Walmart would have done a much nicer job with the assignment but it wouldn't have been made with nearly as much love.

Tent Tales

Well we did it. We had our first camping trip as a family. What fun! When we first arrived at the campsite, James and the boys started by putting up the tent. Each of them helped contribute by putting in the stakes.

All went well!

Then it was time to gather firewood before for dinner! What hard work!

Tada!

Let's cook!

Ahh...the finished product! Yum! There's nothing like an ooey gooey smore!

While hiking through the woods we found a slimy little friend. Jalen loved him but as you can tell by the look on Jameson's face...yeah, not so much. He jumped out of his chair higher than the frog did! lol..too cute.

And what camping experience would be complete without a little shadow puppet performance. We had such an amazing time together and cannot wait until our next camping adventure. It was great bonding time as a family and a great learning experience for the boys. I have to admit though, I am looking forward to cozying up in my bed tonight without a tree root sticking me in the spine!

Over the river and through the woods to Granny's house we go!

Well, it wasn't over the river but it was definitely through the woods! The Gilbert's took a road trip to Granny and Papaw's this weekend for a sleepover! Aunt Sally was there too and we all had a blast! Granny made a yummy lasagna for dinner and we had cheesy brats for lunch the next day. Then we had some of Aunt Sally's birthday cake! We rode four wheelers, played phase 10 and learned our new favorite game "sequence"! Before we left, Papaw loaded us up with lots of camping gear so that we could have our first big adventure overnight in a tent. We loved spending time with everyone and cannot wait to do it again! Thanks Granny and Papaw for such a great time:)