Bikes

Aiden and Ty could ride their bikes for days if I let them.  We were outside all day today except to eat and use the restroom.  The weather is just too nice to be indoors.  I let them ride in the cul de sac and they just love it.  Aiden loves his big bike (from Payton) and Ty is doing great on Aiden's old bike.  Ty never learned how to pedal on his tricycle, but can really go on the bike.  They will have races to see who can "smoke ya" and love to ride together.  It's great that they enjoy the outdoors and have so much fun together!

 

Noah's Ark

A group of moms from our church got together for a play date today at Noah's Ark.  It was a beautiful day to spend outdoors.  We had 6 big kids (2+) and 5 babies in strollers.  The kids loved playing together, looking at all the animals and picking flowers.  The babies napped on and off and enjoyed their rides around the zoo.  After taking the tour, the kids all played on the playground while all the moms got some chit-chat time.  We love days where our kids can have fun and we can get some girl time in too.

 

Strawberry Pickin'

We went to the strawberry farm to pick a bucket of yummy strawberries today (and sample a few as well)  The boys did a great job picking the bright red ones and they filled our bucket to the top. 

Baseball

Baseball is in full swing and we are loving it.  I had always looked forward to watching my boys play sports and this season has been a lot of fun.  Aiden is getting more comfortable on the field and learning the basics of the game.  He has shown major improvement since the start of the season.  Recently, he got a hit off a pitch and scored his first run!  His favorite part of practice is running the bases; I'm sure he is thinking about his speed the entire time.  He is constantly asking me, "how fast did I run?"  Our team has done well and we've won most of our games.  Aiden always watches the score board and keeps us up to date on all the numbers.

 

Field Trip

Just me and my biggest boy were able to spend some quality time together on his school field trip today!  We went to Southern Belle Farm for an educational day on the farm.  We have been many times before, but today Aiden and I both learned a lot.  We had a lesson on bees and honey, on cows and milk, on strawberries, and we enjoyed a tour ride around the farm.  The kids also got to jump on the big yellow pillow and ride on a cow train.  I loved getting to hang out with this big kid this morning!

 

 

Aiden's favorite part was the cow train ride.  He rode in the very back, and of course he wanted to know how fast they were going on the ride.  When we talked about all the things we learned, he remembered all the numbers;

weight of a cow = 1500 lbs
food intake of a cow = 100 lbs per day
water intake of a cow = 50 gallons per day
milk produced by a cow = 8 gallons per day
amount of Bees in hive = 20,000
strawberry plants at the farm = 90,000
blueberry plants at the farm = 1000

Mark Doc Update

Mark went to the pediatrician for his 6 month check up today!  Here are his stats:

Weight: 15 lbs 11 oz   18%
Length: 27 1/4 in   76%
Head Circ: 17 in   32%

As the nurse weighed him, I immediately noticed that he lost weight.  She told me to ask the doc about it and I did.  I was more concerned than he was.  He said that Mark looks healthy and that I shouldn't be concerned.  He said breastfed babies weight gain usually slows around this age, but I was concerned because he lost weight.  I have to admit I had major mom guilt because this was so unusual for one of MY kids.  I have big healthy boys who are always at the top of the charts for weight (especially as babies).  The doctor said I may be depleting my calories by running and that I just need to eat more. 
We also talked about Mark's constipation issues.  We are going to try to get him regular with just the foods he eats (and no medication).  He'll be eating lots of pears, prunes, and peaches. 
They made sure Mark's motor skills were developing; rolling over both ways, sitting with support, babbling, and reaching for objects.
He received 3 vaccinations again and we'll go back for a check up at 9 months. 

Baseball Parade

Our Baseball Association has a parade each year on opening day.  It was cancelled due to weather (on opening day), but rescheduled for today.  The coach had an old boat, which was perfect for our float!  The boys loved riding on it and Aiden "drove" the whole time.  They all had an eye patch, and a pirate earring, which Aiden thought was really cool.  Mark and I stood along side the road and watched as they rode by.  It was a little cold, but the kids all had a great time.  Jeff and Ty rode with them too.  Our float won second place in the parade and we won a cash prize for our end of the season party!