Monday, August 29, 2011

Sunday at the Park

This weekend was pretty low key for us. We only had one thing really planned and that was Phil and Jessica's annual luau that they have at their house for close family and friends. We had a good time and ate some great food. It was nice to talk to everyone and catch up. Kayleigh definitely got spoiled and was passed around to virtually everyone there. Kyle and I could definitely tell it was different having her with us in comparison to years past because we ended up leaving around 10 because she was tired and just would not stay asleep when I put her down. I'm starting to realize that if we are not home when it's time for her to go to bed, she has a hard time staying asleep. I think there is just too much going on and she knows she is out of her element. So we saddled up and came home. I think she was asleep as soon as we hit the interstate.


Sunday was just quality family time for us because Kyle worked all day Saturday at the Imagination Station for overtime. We knew we wanted to take the dogs somewhere new for a walk. Now that we are finally getting into our new "normal" it was time to give the dogs some of the attention they used to get. Kyle has really been wanting to go to the Battlefield and take them by the creek to see what they do. We tried this, but there was some sort of church luncheon there and there were too many people there to just let them off their leashes and have fun. So we went back to the car and brainstormed. I suggested going to Prophetstown State Park because I knew there were trails and the dogs would LOVE it. Kyle agreed so we headed that way. We were a little bummed when we got to the entrance and realized that you had to pay to get in. It was $6 for the day for a car. We knew we obviously wouldn't be there all day, so Kyle really didn't want to pay $6 to take the dogs for a walk, but I talked him into it. They needed to go somewhere, it was a gorgeous day, and we were already there. I've lived in Lafayette my whole life and that was my first time being there and man was it gorgeous there. It was so quiet and peaceful. I was surprised to find out how many things you can do there. You can take a camper or a tent and camp, they have a playground and picnic area, biking and hiking trails, and even a full court basketball court. We just parked the car and did one of the biking trails. With Tucker's leg he can't really walk as far or do as much physical activity as he used to so we have to be sure we don't push him too much. We ended up being there for about an hour and a half. It was SO beautiful. We let the dogs walk around and of course sniff EVERYTHING! To say they loved it is an understatement. We left and decided that we are going to get a yearly membership there. It's only $36 which isn't bad and we would definitely get the use out of it. It's not that far from home and we could go there at least 6 times a year to get our money's worth. Kayleigh enjoyed the walk and sightseeing as well. Speaking of-I think naptime is over-I hear some cooing and laughing. Here are some pictures from the day.

Kayleigh loved the walk and looking around at the park




Mission accomplished-the dogs were EX.HAUS.TED!





Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Landon's 1st Birthday

I'm still working on catching up on my blogging since Kayleigh's been born. Our nephew, Landon, celebrated his first birthday back in July. I can't believe he's already a year old! He's growing so fast! But it's so fun to see his personality start to develop as it has been for the past couple of months now. Around 10-11 months he started to hit his ornery streak. I have to admit it's a funny ornery streak. He's a smart little kiddo and is fun to be around. Of course, he still has Kyle wrapped around his finger like you wouldn't believe. He definitely loves his Uncle Kyle and Uncle Kyle definitely loves him!


The party was at Brandon and Tonia's house. They had a great turnout of family and friends. It was nice to see everyone there, especially our friends that live out of town, and catch up. Landon LOVED his cupcakes that he got to eat for his birthday. He definitely had no problem reservations about eating something new. He just dove right in and had his first one gone in about 3 minutes! He got lots of great presents and clothes that will keep him busy. Although now that's he's walking more and more the toys have taken a backseat.


Here are some pictures from his special day:


Happy boy with everybody singing to him-notice the face before the cupcakes (nice and clean!)


A vanilla and a chocolate cupcake later....ALL DONE!



He's such a cutie with that smile of his


Playing on his gift from us



Two peas in a pod