Movie Night with Chase

Friday night, Chase and I went to the dollar show and saw Space Monkeys. We rarely get out just the two of us so we were both pretty excited. We stopped off and bought the candy - then got our popcorn and soda at the show. As we sat down, I looked over - little him sitting in this big theater seat that looked as if he could be swallowed by it at any moment (ha)... I whisphered, "hey if you ever feel like coming over and seating with me you can".. He says "REALLY.. CAN I?" He was so excited and plopped right into my lap. I figured it would last all of 5 minutes. Instead we sat that way the entire show. It was so nice to sit together... to hug and hold him. We laughed a lot. What a fun night. I think we both needed it. It's amazing how life changes from 1 to 2 kids. I wish I could dedicate more one-on-one moments like these. Upon leaving, Chase said..."Mom, I love you" ... (wow~that was all I needed to hear). What's that commercial? .... movie $2, candy $4, spending an evening eating bad popcorn and enjoying a cheap kids flick with your son... PRICELESS. Sign me up for more.

10 months already

Can you believe it? Where has this year gone? Let's see, she stands up on her own and walks guided by furniture. She loves baths, grabbing the phone or remote and always my keys. Her favorite toy is Dolly - a little stuffed doll particularly at nap time. She just started waving bye-bye and gives wet open mouth kisses. She says momma, dada, Tase (for Chase), 'all done', down, bath, BaBa (bottle). She is a constant imitator. Favorite foods are blueberries, bread, cheese, and prunes (I can't open the package fast enough...ha-ha). She's not fond of veggies so we sneak those in wherever we can. She prefers drinking from the glass and almost refuses a sippy...ugh. She's loves books and turning pages... always reaching for the same ones... 'Baby Faces' and 'I Can'. She loves music and we'll catch her dancing in the living room. She sleeps through the night finally (that took a while). She's a daddy's girl and lights up when he walks through the door. It's so sweet to hear how loud she laughs with Pete. She loves Chase and always calls for him. They like to roll around the floor together and he's always helping and teaching her things. Although he cannot figure out why he can't toss her up in the air and wrestle with her on the floor yet. ha-ha... there's plenty of time for that I'm sure...

Daniel's Farm

We met our friends Sandy and her son Cole at the pumpkin patch. This place is just down the street from our house. Lots of fun for the kids. We got quite a workout that day trying to keep up with them two. Where one went, the other was sure to follow. It was sweet.

Theis Farms

We took the kids to Theis Farms again this year. It's one of our favorites. They have a lot of activities for kids like hay mazes and hayrides but Chase preferred to spend most of his time on the "Pirate Ship"...Argh! Reece was just happy to be outside with all the kids playing. Fun day but was it hot!

Backyard Camp Out

We had a camp theme - end of summer playdate in the backyard. While no s'mores (I was too nervous to light up the fire pit) I did borrow my neighbors huge tent ~ thanks again Dawn!

We sang camp songs, made a 'camp craft', brought out the playdoh and had an impromptu pizza party in the basement. The kids had fun - even the big kids like me.

Apple Pizza Day

Picked Chase up from preschool today and he was excited to tell me... "Guess what mom we made Apple Pizza today! Can we make it at home?" ... "Maybe - what's the recipe?"

"Ok here goes. First you do a biscuit and smaaasssssh it in the front. Flip it over and smaaasssh it in the back. Add some cinnamon. Chop apples into little pieces and spinkle over pizza. Put it in the oven and go play outside. That's it. Then you play outside again. It tastes yummy mom and very awesome .. you'll like it a lot!"

I always look for recipes with "go play outside" don't you? (ha-ha) We're suppose to go apple picking this weekend at Eckerts with Angie & Steve. Now we have something delish to make when we get back.

Faust Park Festival

These were taken at Faust Park during their Folk & Arts Festival. They opened up the historic homes in the village and we got to tour them. Chase was like a sponge and seemed eager to learn about the old days. We went inside a T-P, churned butter, wrote our names with feather and ink, saw a blacksmith working in the barn, and met a gypsy. The playground and free carousel rides were the main highlights ofcourse...ha. It was a fun afternoon.

Fall Party

This was Reece's first Halloween Party...ha. Our moms group has one each year and all the kiddies dress up. I have a costume for her but it was too hot to wear that day. Chase in his spiderman attire was running around the whole time and very excited to be there.

On top of spaghetti all covered was ME

This was Reece's first taste of spaghetti. I was going to cut it up and help feed it to her but decided to give her the bowl to have fun with instead... and that she did! Spaghetti - Spaghetti everywhere Spaghetti... in her diaper, ears, you name it. It was really cute.

How to make a bed

#1. Stand on the bed while pulling covers up towards headboard. This may seem awkward at first but trust me it works!
#2. Once you're hit the pillows sit down and take a break. Now make sure everything's pulled up nice and neat.
#3. This is important - Hang off the bed to pull that last bit of cover over but try not to fall.
#4. Use a decorative pillow to complete the look or any toy like a Spiderman will do.

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's...

SUPERMAN CHASE!

Who can change the course of mighty rivers, bend steel with their bare hands and has powers far beyond those of mortal men? You guessed it (ha-ha). I spotted some inexpensive play clothes at a resale event last week (spiderman, superman and power rangers). Chase was very excited to say the least. Here are the pics of one of his favorite outfits. We had to do several takes since I'm not THAT fast at taking pictures and he wanted to be sure I caught him "in flight". Go Superman!

Our surprise visit

My friend Kristina stopped by as we were bringing in groceries. She was patrolling the park behind us. Kristina is an amazing person, mom of 3 and a great friend. She also works for the police department. Kristina invited Chase into her patrol car. Chase was eager to turn on the sirens, flash the overhead lights, listen to the radio and ask lots of questions. He was also offered a junior badge which he proudly wore for days afterwards. He even slept with it on and snuck it into his pocket before heading to preschool. He had to show his teachers right!?

Before our visit was over, Chase ran into the house and grabbed some granola bars, raisins, and yogurt bites snacks. Then he raced out and was eager to give them to Kristina, her kids Adriana & Andrew (sorry Joey), and to all the other policeman at the police station..."Please make sure they get it he said." "Can I ride with you?"

Thank you Kristina. (Ha-Ha) That was a great visit.

A day at the park

Today we went to Creve Coure Park, packed a lunch, and had a picnic. Chase also ran around the water sprinklers and played with friends he met on the playground. I put both kids in those little swings. It was so fun to tickle and swing them both at the same time. Reece and Chase were laughing so loud. Chase likes it when I do the underdog so he swings high and Reece was just having a great time being there watching big brother. It was a special day and one that made me reflect. I'm thankful to have the opportunity to stay at home with them and spend these moments together.

8 months

She's 8 months today. Where does the time go? Let's see - she crawls, stood up a few times and has officially graduated from her swing, bouncy seat and big high chair. Those went away this weekend. She's also not too crazy about baby food and would rather eat the real stuff. Tonight she ate grilled chicken, steamed green beans, pureed carrots, and noodles. It's funny to see her self feed. She slowly takes her first finger and thumb to pick each food up. It goes to her mouth but then she hasn't quite grasped the whole letting go of the food once it makes it there (ha-ha). She's working on it though and we make little applauses each time. Favorite foods: Watermelon, canteloupe and peaches.

She's very vocal these days. She has perfected Da Da and loves saying it when Pete's around. She's also energetic and determined when she focused in on a must-have item. Almost jumps from my arms...she's strong. She's in a (only wants mom) stage as well. I admit a part of me loves it.

Chase is a super big helper and loves to feed her, bring diapers, toys and will sneak in those tickle-her-belly-with-his-nose-moments any chance he gets. Big laughs from both! His last day of what we call summer school (Mom's Day Out) is Thursday and next month he will start preschool 3 days a week. I miss him when he's gone 1 day a week. How will I get through 3?

What's a Bug Light?

We came back from Rend Lake this weekend from a mini annual trip with the Schwents. We were nervous taking Reece on the boat so, Pete & I each took shifts staying back. I can't wait for the day where we can all go together.

Chase has no fear of the water and loved to swim, jump, and play ball with cousin Austin, Uncle Danny and Uncle Bill. Uncle Bill even took him to the playground when he wasn't feeling well...thank you. Uncle Danny let Chase drive his boat but was a miss when he failed to show up with a piece of chocolate like he usually does (ha-ha). The whole weekend Chase was sure to ask "Where's my special treat you always give me Uncle Danny"? We even heard it on the way home..."since Uncle Danny didn't bring me a special treat, how about you give me ..." He's got a good memory I must say and is quite the negotiator at 4.

Most of us went skiing including myself who took 4 spills before getting up. I couldn't believe how nervous I was and why I couldn't just bounce up like I did when I was 20 (who knew). Chase told me even though I fell, I still won the competition. Awww...thanks hunny!

Quotes...
"Mommy what's a BUG LIGHT?" This after hearing Aunt Angie asking Danny to pass her a 'Bud Light'..."It's a light for bugs hunny."

We were talking about a boat nearby. "Mommy what's a party boat?" "It's a boat where they have birthday parties Chase." "Can we have a birthday party on our boat? Uncle Danny can we??"

A story was being told ...."There's always one fat drunk guy in the group who has to sing... and he just kept singing!!" I shall remain nameless on who quoted it but you know who you are...(wink).

Little Tisha loved her time too especially when Uncle Bill was playing his guitar. The look in her eyes was priceless. She was like a deer in headlights stopping for several minutes...just in awe. Chase was oblivious to it as he was making some dance moves of his own. All the while, Aunt Glenda smiling and laughing.

Thanks guys! We love you.

What's that in the tub?

It happened. Reece made her first little 'floaty' in the tub tonight. How did I miss the signs? Ugh! She was very happy after that and was eager to discover her new bath toy? She kept trying to play with it. Some pictures of Chase and Reece taken a couple weeks ago. This was Reece's first discovery of the ducky tub (it used to be Chase's). Chase was happy to join in and wants to take a bath with her all the time now. Thank goodness it wasn't tonight!

Washington County Fair

Pictures from the Fair this weekend...










Chase mastered a driving course and got his first driver's license (ha-ha). He was proud to show it off. We loved this fair. Washington is a cute town with beautiful scenic roads. We'll definitely be back. When asking Chase what his favorite ride was..."All of Them!"

Mamma Mia

Saw the movie last night with Amy. Wow!! It was so good. I was this close < to dancing in the aisle. It's about a daughter getting married and the music in it was AMAZING. Plus the scenery was spectacular. Music really moves us all doesn't it! Chase, Reece and I love to turn up the stereo and dance around the living room. Chase is very theatrical in his moves... it's so funny. There was one scene in the movie where she asked her mom to help her get dressed the morning of her wedding. Very touching scene I cried. It reminded me of Reece and the beautiful bond between a mother and daughter.

Up to speed

I went back to my moms groups and carried over some previous postings involving the kids. So glad to have them. Some go back to 2005. It almost felt like I was journaling and well, I guess I am. I look forward to posting new events and adding some pictures.

It's Official

Hey...another post! (ha-ha) I sent out an announcement of our family's blog. Hi guys~I've started a family blog. FINALLY! This is for several reasons. One - I'm horrible at keeping up with the journals and scrapbooking so this is truly the next best thing. Two - I want those beautiful babes of ours to know how much we loved and cherished the moments we have with them. Hopefully the internet will still be around when they're able to look back on it...ha-ha... Last but not least, we have many loved ones in various parts of the country and ya' all keep moving on us! We hope this is way to keep in touch while providing a few updates. So here it goes as I nervously unvale it. Let's just say at the end of the day, my creativity is zapped!!! Hopefully you get the just of it. http://arehart4.blogspot.com/ Love you guys and don't forget to bookmark this site. I'll probably get some kind of internet award for it some day. Ha-Ha --- NOT!