More Adventures of Summer!

After my last post, we decided on a whim to go to Iowa on the 4th of July. Literally. On a whim. At 8:30 the night before my mom had posted that the bridges were going to be open this year to watch the fireworks. Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love tradition and how sad I was when the flood in 2008 prevented the bridges from being open since. I jokingly said to Jacob around 8:30 that it was tempting to just jump in the car and drive to Cedar Rapids, to which he replied, "I'd go as long as you did all the driving." I wasn't expecting that reply! We sat there finishing the show we were watching as the wheels started spinning in my mind. At 9, I asked him, "Um. How serious were you about going?" LOL! Turns out he WAS serious! After easily finding someone to work for me Friday , I messaged my mom and asked if they'd like some guests!?

Anyway, the weekend was a blast! Tim said he'd love to join us down on the bridge. He even got there super early to get us prime seating on the 2nd Ave bridge! What an awesome friend he is. We were also joined by Kathy, JoAnna and Hannah! Jacob of course thought/still thinks we're all crazy for going down 4 hours before the fireworks! Even after I explained it's the atmosphere and spending time with friends, I still think he thinks we're nuts. He had a good time though! Daniel did too...although he was scared of the fireworks. He did get brave eventually and watch a few before burying his head back into me!













Cedar Rapids did not disappoint!

The rest of the weekend was lots of hanging out and having fun with Grandma and Grandpa









Daniel has also had some fun on his new slide. I picked it up for $10 on our local buy/sell group!





He has discovered a love for bugs:



And he learned how to spray the hose. Pure joy!





He has also enjoyed spending every other Sunday afternoon with Grandpa and Grandma! He LOVES when they come over and play!





This week he's been stuck inside because it's been SO hot. I can do heat to an extent, but add in a crap ton o' humidity and I'm out. Looks like this next week looks to be a little nicer for vacation!

This week I've been super busy. Had to go to the dentist for a follow up on Monday and finish grocery shopping. The boys did Aldi that morning! Tuesday I had a chiropractor appt. After that I went to get a couple things from Ashley at the Lighthouse. Decided to stay and hang out with her and babies for awhile. It's always nice getting to hang out with your bestie!
Yesterday Lola got a new set of wheels. Even though I'm hoping to get a new (used) car this fall (fingers crossed), I really needed them for our trip. We all went and got hair cuts today. Plus I'm working on laundry and packing. SOOO much to pack when you're traveling with a kiddo. No wonder the Duggar's need charter busses!

We're getting ready to start our 10 day adventure! Cedar Rapids, Minnesota, Cedar Rapids, Chariton! I'm praying that Daniel adjusts well. I know he will during the day...it's the nights I'm worried about. Hopefully he sleeps well and lets his momma sleep too! Bummed that we probably won't get to see Erica, Jim and Logan at Grandma's. Erica has been in a ton of pain, so their road trip probably isn't happening. I'm sure our trip will be lots of fun though!

Adventures of Summer!

I can't believe it's already July! The best part is we haven't needed the air conditioner on for almost the last week. Say what!? Last year we were going through that stinking drought and it was over 100 with the heat index for weeks. THIS is my kind of summer!

It's been nice to be able to do some more fun things with Daniel this summer.

I took him swimming at the Y for the first time a couple of weeks ago for Charleigh's birthday party. He was hesitant at first, but after an hour and a half in the pool he was a little fish. His feet looked like prunes when we got out. It was adorable.



Since he loved it so much, I added him onto my YMCA membership! I barely have to pay anything, so taking him sometimes isn't going to break the bank! We already went again last Saturday. He was a little apprehensive at first, but eventually was smiling and wanting to venture away from me a little. I taught him to kick his feet while I pulled him and he even let me dunk him under the water.

We went to a park in Springfield to play! I get very bored without planning out some fun activities. I was whiny and needed out of the house so Jacob agreed to this outing! We also had $50 gift card to Applebees so we went there afterward. Splurged on steaks and a triple chocolate meltdown. SO worth it!



Old school Merry-go-Round!



We've had more opportunities to play outside. Because let's face it...this momma doesn't play outside when it's humid. Ever. This weather is the best!








On a side note, I just have to say how much I LOVE that Daniel carries a walking stick (or adventure stick as we call it) with him all the time. It makes me think of my Grandpa S. He always used a walking stick to go on a hike and always found one for me too. Makes me smile that even though Daniel only met his Great Grandpa twice as a tiny baby, he picked up this little trait.

Daniel and I went on an "adventure" last week. I had a doctor's appointment and Jacob was out of town. It was just a regular exam with my OB/GYN...but it's fun to take Daniel so she can see how much he's grown. She loved seeing him and he was so well behaved. Made me happy!

Then we went on a Mommy/Bubby date to Panera. It was delicious as usual, and Daniel was only slightly ornery.



I had a $5 gift card to Barnes and Noble, and since Daniel was such a good boy at my appointment I thought it would be fun to let him pick out a new book...since he's OBSESSED with books. Yay!
He took many books off the shelves to look at them. We finally got another book in the "Little Pookie" collection. They are adorable books and when Daniel sees one now he'll even say, "Pookie!" Anyway, the kids section is in the very back of the store. That booger took off at full speed to the front of the store...laughing the whole way! Brother!
After a quick trip to Target for diapers we ended our adventure and headed for home!

Yesterday, we planned to go to the St. Louis Zoo. I found someone to work for me and we decided to leave really early because it was supposed to rain in the afternoon. We did NOT beat the rain. We left at 7 and it started pouring about 40 minutes from home. It proceeded to pour the whole time we were in St. Louis.

It was supposed to be in the mid 70's so we were in shorts. Poor Daniel. We decided to go to the Science Center since it's free. We parked and started walking in the rain. I had a jacket for Daniel but we figured it wouldn't take long. Well...we walked in the wrong direction for 5 minutes...and then had to walk back to the car. We were pretty wet! I got Daniel's jacket on and we drove closer to where we were supposed to be. My phone said it at 59 degrees! Thankfully, it was easy to dry off and not cold inside.

Daniel had so much fun!

You can watch cars go by through the floor!







Then we went to St. Louis Mills Mall



And then to Steak and Shake before heading back home, once we decided the rain was for sure not ending!


We made a fun day out of it! I was still full from our later lunch...so Daniel and I had puff corn for supper while we watched TV. Haha!



More fun adventures to come this summer! Parade tomorrow! Plus a trip to Iowa and Minnesota in a couple of weeks! And hopefully a trip to the St. Louis Zoo. :)