Picnic, Church and GNO

June 5th Dave, Kaitlynn and I attended a Retirement Center Picnic. This picnic had a petting zoo, pony rides, games, train ride, face painting, balloon animals and lunch.

Kaitlynn had a couple of pony rides. She loved petting the baby geese. The lady even let Kaitlynn go in the cage to play with the geese. She also pet the sheep, donkey, alpaca, rabbit, hen, calf and other pony. We rode the train (that went up and down the street). She played some games: duck pond, bowling and bean bag toss and won some prizes (sunglasses, bubbles, keychain, candy, etc). We ate lunch. Kaitlynn got her face painted (a butterfly on her cheek), but when the clown put glitter on it, it got in her eyes and she freaked out. She ended up wiping it off. It was a really hot and sticky day, so I am sure the sweat and glitter didn't feel good in her eyes!
We went to church that late afternoon / early evening. Kaitlynn said she didn't want to go, but as soon as we got there, she was ready for class. She was just tired from the picnic. When I came to get Kaitlynn after class, she was sitting at a table coloring with some other kids and one of the teachers. I think she must like hanging around the teachers, which I think is fine. She immediately told me their Bible story: Jonah got ate by a big fish and then was spit out. The memory verse for the week: "Children obey your parents" Colossians 3:20. They played in a pool / whale ball pit (among other things). She had her usual cup of hot (warm) chocolate and we had to get going.
I went to an Easy & Elegant Dinner Party at my friend Heather's. It was Heather's birthday, but she was hosting a House Party with Calphalon & Williams-Sonoma. It was a small group of us: Amanda, Ashley, Pam, Kit, and Colleen. We had so much fun chatting, drinking, eating and getting a tour of Heather's house (that her husband built). I can't wait to get together with these ladies again some time soon.

Ottertoberfest

Sunday the 4th, we met MawMaw, MawMaw Tommie and Uncle Jeff at the Zoo for Ottertoberfest. We also ran into our friends Casey and Addison. They did a craft together. We went into the Insectarium to see the butterflies and then to Caribbean Cove. It was the last day to see the stingrays this year. We got to see the 3 stingray babies. The stingrays were ornery. They were splashing and almost diving at our hands. We ate lunch, went to Historic Hill, Jungle of the Apes and listened to the band. Kaitlynn rode the Carousel, we saw the penguins, bears and went through River's Edge.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

A Busy Friday

Dave, Kaitlynn, Olivia and I went to the Zoo. Dave and I were a little nervous about taking Kaitlynn out, since she was only on day 4 of potty training. Kaitlynn did awesome! She was a little unsure of using the big potty at first, but eventually was fine with it.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

After Olivia went home, we picked up MawMaw and headed out to Eckert's Millstadt location for the MomsLikeMe.com Apple Fest and Haunted Hayride playdate.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The Haunted Hayride was definitely not kid / family friendly as Eckert's website and staff stated. It was way too scary for the younger kids.

Kaitlynn did such an awesome job all day with using the potty. She didn't like the porta-potties at Eckert's, but who does? We are so proud of her!

Zoo with MawMaw

Yesterday Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I went to the Zoo. We rode the train first. On the train, we saw an old friend of my mom's (Nonie, Ron and their 4 granddaughters), so we got off to visit with them. We went in to see the penguins together. Nonie's granddaughters are all close to Kaitlynn's age. She was shy or maybe intimidated at first. But by the end of visiting with them, the girls were hugging and standing close to each other. Nonie and Ron's youngest son was my first boyfriend! Ha ha!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

After lunch, we went into Build-A-Bear and MawMaw bought Kaitlynn a monkey. Kaitlynn named her George. Yes, the monkey is a girl and her name is George.
After showing George around Fragile Forest, Kaitlynn decided that George needed socks. So we went back to Build-A-Bear to get socks, panties and sunglasses. George is one stylish monkey!

Zoo Again

Friday, Kaitlynn, Olivia and I met Eileen, Gabe and Merci at the Zoo. We went into the Children's Zoo first.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

After the Children's Zoo, we went into River's Edge, where Lisa, Brendan and Molly met up with us for lunch.
After River's Edge, Eileen, Gabe and Merci went home. Lisa, Brendan, Molly, Kaitlynn, Olivia and I stayed to see the bears and penguins.

Friday evening, MawMaw, Dave, Kaitlynn and I went to my brother and SIL's for dinner. We brought them a bunch of tomatoes from our garden because our window sill is totally full. We had a great time drinking margaritas and beer and dinner was great. Kaitlynn loves Sissy (my niece) and would not leave her alone. She also likes Nate (my nephew), but was a little shy because he had 2 friends over. She is shy of older boys.

Zoo with MawMaw and Friends

Wednesday, MawMaw, Kaitlynn, Olivia and I went to the Zoo. Kaitlynn loves the new double stroller and so do I.
We met up with Emily, Ella, Bene and Logan after they got out of Zoomagination Station.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

August Begins

Make a Smilebox slideshow

On August 2nd, Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I went to Grant's Farm. August 4th, Kaitlynn, Olivia, MawMaw and I went to the Zoo for a short visit. On the 6th, Dave, Kaitlynn, MawMaw, Olivia and I went to Citygarden for the first time. After Olivia went home, we went to Lone Elk Park and then celebrated Brandon's birthday at Happy Joe's. The 7th, Dave, Kaitlynn and I went to the Zoo. The 15th, Kaitlynn, Dave and I attended Addison's birthday party. The 16th Dave, Kaitlynn, MawMaw, MawMaw Tommie and I went to Eckert's for peach and blackberry picking.

End of July Photos

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Here are some pictures from the end of July. On July 27th, Kaitlynn and I met the Mommy and Toddler Playgroup at Suson Park. Later that evening we went to dinner with MawMaw. July 28th we met Eileen, Merci, Gabe, Emily and Ella at Kangaroo Kids then went to McDonald's for lunch. Wednesday the 29th, Kaitlynn, Dave, Olivia and I went to Grant's Farm. That evening Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I went to visit Great Grandma. Kaitlynn attended a dental visit on the 30th.

To view more photos or read more about what we've been up to, check out my other blog. Don't have the link, email me at everydaymamadrama@yahoo.com.

The Zoo Again

Saturday, we had several things planned, but had to cancel all of them. I didn't sleep well Friday night and was sick on Saturday. For those that know me IRL, you know the real deal. Dave took Kaitlynn out, so I could get some rest. They went to lunch and then to the Zoo. That's where Kaitlynn wanted to go (again).
Dave took Kaitlynn to pose under the Cardinals' All-Star arch in Forest Park.
At the Zoo, Kaitlynn rode the carousel three times. She rode the puffin the first round. She rode on the baby gorilla the second time around. Third time around, Kaitlynn got on the tiger, then decided she wanted to ride the caterpillar.
They walked through the Jungle of the Apes. Then watched the sun bears.
They went to Big Cat Country and saw the lion.
Kaitlynn fell asleep for the last half hour they were at the Zoo.
Dave and Kaitlynn said they had a great time. I love when they spend time together.

Double Dose of the Zoo

Friday July 17, Kaitlynn, Olivia, MawMaw and I went to the Zoo. MawMaw had the day off from work. We didn't see many animals because we were only able to stay for a few hours. Kaitlynn enjoyed seeing the tortoises. She had fun playing in the drinking fountain.

We stopped and talked to Heather and Trisha with momslikeme, who were there doing a registration drive.

Later that evening, Kaitlynn, Dave and I went back to the Zoo for Jungle Boogie. The Jazz / R&B band, The Charles Glenn Band was playing. We ate dinner while listening to them. Kaitlynn rode the carousel. We walked around the Zoo and looked at the animals.

Dancing Girls at Grant's Farm

Wednesday, July 15th, Kaitlynn, Olivia and I met Trisha and Kylie at Grant's Farm. At first we were afraid it was going to rain on us (again), but the sprinkling stopped as soon as we got out of the car.
Kaitlynn and Kylie brushing the goats.

We ran into Jim, Trina, Nate and Sis. Kaitlynn and Sis fed the llamas.

Kaitlynn and Kylie put on the cutest show. They were dancing fools! Kylie started out with a butt dance and Kaitlynn started out lifting up her dress. Crazy girls!

They had so much fun and were so worn out by the time we left Grant's Farm.

Zoo and Fireworks

2 more cherry tomatoes! Homegrown are so delicious!
Update on Turtle: We still have the turtle and it seems to be doing well. Kaitlynn isn't as interested as she was when we first got him, though.

Friday, Dave and MawMaw were both off of work. We decided to spend the day at the Zoo. Apparently everyone decided to do the same thing. The parking lots and the surrounding streets were full. I have never seen it that busy.

We viewed the tortoises near the Herpetarium and then went through River's Edge. Of course this was after stopping at a gift shop and MawMaw buying Kaitlynn a bag of rocks.

After River's Edge, we at lunch and went to the other gift shop. MawMaw bought Kaitlynn a momma penguin and a baby penguin. Kaitlynn was in love!

Waiting in line to board the train.

Kaitlynn got to say "All Aboard" over the speaker.

Kaitlynn loves riding the train.

Watching the bears getting fed.

Penguin Cove

Kaitlynn likes to watch the puffins, even more than the penguins.

Riding the carousel, not once

not twice,

but three times. We were so excited because the first 2 times, she decided to ride the lion. The third time she was tired and wanted to sit on the bench.

This chimp was laying in the tree, all spread out.

We watched and listened to the band (Kim Massie) playing at Jungle Boogie. Kaitlynn colored a gorilla picture for Dave and me and then one for MawMaw.
This is how Kaitlynn eats Pringles - A Pringles Sandwich!

"Stealing" some mulch

Playing in the drinking fountain

We had such a great time at the Zoo.

Later that evening, we went to a cousin's house to watch fireworks. We had a nice time catching up and watching the display.