American Ninja Warrior Birthday Party

Today was Alex's 7th birthday party. Keeping with his latest obsession, it was an American Ninja Warrior theme. We hoped to start at the park and let the kids burn off some energy, but there were thunderstorms. So, instead, we played skee ball for a while and then it cleared up enough to do the piñata outside. We watched the USA v. Japan episode of American Ninja Warrior, had pizza and cake, and then finally made it to the park.

Hanging some balloons out front

The goodie bags

We made headbands and t-shirts for all the kids 

The piñata didn't last long

Yummy cake!

Happy birthday, ninja boy!

First Grade

Today was Alex's first day of first grade. He was excited to be back at school and to see so many friends, from those he had just seen over the weekend to those he hadn't seen since the end of kindergarten. It was a good start to the new school year.

Willow Weekend

We had a fun weekend in Madison to celebrate cousin Willow's first birthday. She was as sweet as can be and enjoyed her party.

A heart-shaped cake for the birthday girl.

Willow and Alex hanging out.

Blurry Willow, but I had to get in an auntie picture.

Carolyn and Alex share a big hug.

Alex loved Ella's Deli, especially the carousel.

Alex also lost one of his two front teeth this weekend. 

Finally, a super-adorable picture of Willow, taken by Alex.

Camp Idol

The first session of Adventure Camp ended yesterday, and the kids all did dance performances in an American Idol-style show. It was perfect timing, as Grandma and Grandpa D were visiting, so Alex had a whole cheering section in the audience. Here's a link to the Celeb-BRO-ties (1st and 2nd grade boys) performance: 1,000 Miles. Alex is in the purple and white striped shirt on the right side of the screen.

The Last Day of Kindergarten

Yesterday was Alex's last day of kindergarten. His favorite parts of kindergarten were the 100 day celebration and music class. 

We have a busy summer ahead of us with the move and lots of camps (and lots of work for Dave and me), but for now enjoy some pictures of the last day.

Alex is firmly in the "not a fan of taking pictures" phase. When I told him we were going to take a few Last Day of School pictures before leaving the house, he started pouting. So, then I told him to give me his best pout, and this is what I got.

Then I requested a goofy picture.

Then I requested a normal picture.

Then I explained that by "normal" I meant standing up straight and smiling for the camera. 

We took a few more on the way to our car after school.

Someone had a very good day!

St. Louis Adventures Part III

The last chapter of our St. Louis visit was a brilliant idea from Aunt Sue -- taking the train back to Chicago. Alex and I had our own room, and we had so much fun on the ride. He's already plotting when we can do it again.

Arriving at the station. Alex likes to be in charge of the roller bag.

Ready to ride the rails!

Alex took a ton of pictures out of the window. This was one of the last good ones of the Arch.

We played lots of games, including Travel Trouble, which was a well-timed Christmas present.

It's blurry, but you can still tell how excited he is to be riding up on a bunk bed/secret compartment.

Peeking out from his special spot.

St. Louis Adventures Part II

Day two of our visit to St. Louis was jam packed with fun. We spent the morning at the Zoo, which was holding a special birthday celebration for Raja the elephant. Then we went ice skating in the afternoon. Carol and I watched, while everyone else skated. None of us broke any bones, so this was a successful skating outing! We also had fun playing Life several times during the visit, and it's now Alex's favorite board game.

Shaking hands with Lila before heading out for the day.

A family of happy otters!

Hippo roar!

The waterfalls were a bit frozen.

Birthday presents (boxes full of popcorn and hay) for Raja.

Practicing his seal skills.

Just a few monkeys hanging out.

Posing with Maria.

A foursome of skaters.

Skating on his own.

Saying goodbye to Aunt Carol.

Having fun, as always, with Anna.

Had to get Uncle Mark in here somehow.

Cousin high five!