Little Man's First Movie

On Memorial Day, Gilbert was treated to his first movie theatre experience. He was clearly excited having talked about it the whole weekend leading up to and the morning of.







It was a scorcher in Chicago on Monday so we felt mildly guilty not being outside, but we viewed the 10:30am showing giving us the entire afternoon following. Late out the door, we took a cab (a big treat for G) and Little Man was all smiles. It is the simple pleasure and traversing the city via Lower Wacker was especially fun for Gilbert. He likes the going 'underground'.




At the theatre, he ran to the Kung Fu Panda poster. It was only outdone when he saw the big poster for Green Lantern and proceeded to yell across the lobby, "DAD! LOOK! GREEN LANTERN!"

In his seat, Little Man was not amused with all of the ads and non-movie stuff on the screen. I lost count at the number of times he asked, "Where is Kung Fu Panda?" Finally, Kristen showed up with popcorn and all was righteous!

How do I get Across??

A class trip to the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago proved to be a "new" type of adventure for Gilbert and several of his friends. The kids loved running and playing hide and seek. Hmmm...
(I jump across to get a better angle)

Ahhh.. I don't think I can do it!

Half way there

Yeah, I did it!!

A moment of quiet reflection.

Saturday in the City

It was a Gilbert and Mommy weekend in the city. PJ was in WI golfing with old buddies. G and I had many adventures, I am sorry to say I did not capture the best photos. We went to the Museum of Science and Industry, home for a nap, and then back out to The Mag Mile for a little shopping and dinner. We took the El to the Subway and did tons of walking- It was great fun.

I told Gilbert we were going to Water Tower Place, but when we walked by the actual Chicago Water Tower that he knows from is "Explore Chicago " book, he got very upset that we were not going there. We did end up walking through the tower (not that exciting for a 3.5 year old).

The baby chicks are so cute.

Of course we visited the Train display at the museum ( 3 times)

Gilbert broke the land speed record.

"Hello?, um yeah we need to get some cleaner in here. Yeah the screen is really dirty"

(in the United Jet, aparently the "pilot" before him had been eating something sticky)

National Train Day

As we all know Gilbert loves Trains and it was National Train Day. G and I had a fun adventure, taking tours, seeing the latest in model trains, doing crafts, and of course having lunch out.

We are not sure how long his love for trains will last, but we are going to make the most of each and every moment.

Jack and Gilbert

I had Gilbert for most of the weekend as Kristen was out with a friend doing some 'junkin' and 'antiquin'!

We did all kinds of fun stuff, including a trip to the behemoth liquor, beer, wine and everything you need alcohol store conglomerate called Binny's. Little Man likes the local store as it two stories with the automated cart puller while you ride the escalator thingy.

However, I was in search of scotch and one particular Binny's is better than the others. At the end of the aisle was a large Jack Daniel's display with Jack himself sitting on a bench.

Urban Wildlife

I picked up Gilbert early on Friday as he is usually fried by week's end. We were walking to the local barber shop so I could get a haircut (would have taken the car, but my wife locked my keys in the car. Long story).

Walking by a condo complex there was a nice green space with one freakin' large rabbit! Gilbert went nuts when he saw it. Wanted to run up to it and talk with the bunny. Seriously, wanted to say hello. I was able to get him to walk slowly up and snap this picture.

Train Tracks II

A new design. This one was all Gilbert. It was his idea to build a bridge over a river.

He was disappointed that he ran out of track and placed a call to the local store to order more supplies!

Macy's Flower Show

A few weeks back Macy's had their annual Flower Show. Gilbert's school was selected by a local artist to do some artwork for display.

I organized some moms and kids to have a field trip. The kids favorite part were the Make-Up chairs set up by the MAC display, followed closely by Snacks on the lower level.

Doughnut Monster

Mother's Day started off with some sweet treats for Kristen in bed. Having the choice she wanted to do dinner, however Little Man was insistent on going out for breakfast. Comprise - we snuck out allowing Kristen to sleep while we picked up some treats from Dunkin and a coffee from Starbucks.

Back at the homested and in our bed, the assortment of goodies was on my nightstand when I looked over and snapped a picture of the elusive Doughnut Monster.

Early Easter ... Posted Late

Gilbert's Gram and Grampa sent a little something for Easter. Gram- Thanks for the musical card, it plays everyday over and over and OVER again!

Train Tracks

Little Man has a nice supply of train tracks. Kept in a storage bin under his bed it is his 'go to' for project work. His tracks are becoming more and more elaborate. Often he will start the track and then ask for help. Sometimes he has a fantastic framework and only needs minimal help to put it all together.

Watching him create a track is quite entertaining as he'll talk to himself during the process and clearly both sides of his brain are at work as his applies his creativity to the design and his analytical side putting it together. Below is one picture of the tracks he is building.

The tracks are becoming so intricate the end result literally takes up the whole room and sometimes tunnels under the bed and dresser! He currently loves using switches and 'xpansion' bridges.

Belated Easter

One of the drawbacks to a smartphone or IPhone is that the traditional digital camera has been rendered moot. As a result, photos are now on my phone and it is one more step to get the pics on to the computer. I'm sure there is a way to upload from the phone directly into the blog, but I have yet to investigate!

So, without further adeau, pictures from Easter!



After the egg hunt, it was play time. Grandpa had the great idea to build a ramp so the boys could ride up and down. Not to mention occupy both of them by building it! We have never seen Gilber fall asleep in the position you see below. He had such a fun, active day he literally passed out on the sofa.

Retirement

My parents will both be officially retired by June 1. A very exciting time for them! I had a prior post up that was meant to pay homage to the fact and poke a little fun at their new 'retirement home', but alas I was a bit morbid. Sorry mom and dad!

After a failed attempt to sell their home last year, they relisted and sold in a very short time. Finally able to downsize (if going from five to four bedrooms is actually 'downsizing'), yet have enough room for all the kids and grandkids they found a house in quick time as well.

Now the real fun begins. What to do with the day? I look forward to finding out! I also can find solace in knowing all of the taxes Uncle Sam is taking from me will actually go to someone I know!

Wipe That Smirk Off Your Face

There are many advantages to having a verbose child. We thoroughly enjoy having conversations (as documented by all of the Gilbertisms I've posted to Facebook), being able to have him hold a phone and talk to his grandparents, Skype, and just learn about his day. Little Man can also communicate explicitly how he is feeling, what he wants, is thinking about, or randomly wants to share. And now he is reading books out loud to himself. Okay, not really reading, but has the books memorized to the point of being able to recite most of the story.

THE ONE DISADVANTAGE IS HE CAN BE A LITTLE SHIT!

Gilbert is notorious for saying what is on his mind in a very blunt and truthful way. Telling Kristen in the morning he doesn't like her outfit, or upon coming out of the bathroom after getting ready for her day that he doesn't like her hair. Or telling me upon returning from the gym I am smelling (I blame Kristen on this one as he picked up the association of gym and sweat and smell from her!).

The most piercing words he says, though, is when he tells me at night he doesn't want to read stories with me or snuggle with me. We make a point to rotate or alternative putting Gilbert to bed. Sometimes together, but most often 1:1.

Just last night he expressed his desire to not be with me. "I don't want you daddy. I want mommy. I don't want to read stories with you. I don't want to snuggle with you." My heart bleeds from such prickly words!

Now, this is a child be a kid and being honest. However, we are attempting to teach him about respect, courtesy, and all of the accompanying moral compass intangibles. So when Kristen attempts to explain to Gilbert what he says is hurtful he just smiles and smirks at her thinking it is all funny. This infuriates Kristen as her attempts to be stern with him are met with giggles and laughter. With me it is a different story.

Anyway, G went to bed without his usual story read and snuggles. He was apologetic this morning. We'll see if it sticks. Anybody want to take odds that it doesn't!

Ahhh.. no time

Hello Loyal followers of the Little Man, life has been a bit crazy lately and my blogging has fallen behind. I will pick up again here shortly. In the meantime I will share a short story- let me set the scene (Patrick was away on business so it was mom and Gilbert all last week) Each night after we read stories we turn out the lights and we talk about our day or our plans for the next day. Patrick and I have both been traveling to NYC for work and when we do we are already gone before Gilbert wakes up in the morning..... I have just turned out the lights:

M: tell me about your day?

G: I will not be here when you wake up in the morning.

M: Where will you be?

G: I have to go to New York for work.

M: Really? What do you have to do there?

G: I have to do 2 jobs, and I need a parent to go with me. I want Dad. Can you call him?

M: Sure, what time does he need to meet you?

G: At Midway mom, we are taking a Southwest Plane.

M: Ok, but what Time?

G: Before you wake up.

M: sounds good I will call him after we are done talking here.

G: I am done talking- you can go. Can you believe this kid? I was laughing so hard. and to top it off he came out of his room about 15 minutes later and had this to say.

G: Can you call Miss Cassie (one of his wonderful teachers) and tell her I won't be at school tomorrow b/c I will be in NY?- No TEXT her. Good Night. and walked back to his room.

Amtrak Adventure part II

We took a short ride to New Buffalo, MI. As we neared the platform, the conductor opened the door - while the train was still moving!! (Gilbert could hardly believe this). We passed some people and Gilbert turned and looked at me and said " I just saw gramma and grampa!- how did they know we were going to be here today?" Gilbert was so excited to see them. We enjoyed a treat at the coffee shop, before we headed to the best part of the day- a visit to the "I LOVE TOY TRAINS" store. They have everything there that a train loving kid could want. Gilbert scored some new gear, and grampa was so excited that I would not be surprised if the next time we visit he has an electric train set up in the basement. are we there yet? How did gramma nd Grampa know we would be here today?

I LOVE TOY TRAINS

After the store we went to Redamax for a burger and fries, then it was back on the train.

What a fun adventure.

First Amtrak Ride

Gilbert and I went on an adventure a couple weeks ago. We headed out early and went to Union Station to catch the Amtrak to Michigan. Gilbert got a conductors hat and was ready to help out the engineer and conductor in any way he could. Dressed and ready for work Talking with the Engineer to make sure we were staying on schedule.

Mapping out our journey.

Stay tuned for our next post to see the surprise waiting for us in Michigan!!

Chores

Now that Little Man is nearing 3 1/2 we thought we would introduce some chores. He's working on mastering making his bed. He does quite well, and I didn't do any of the teaching, it was all PJ. And might I add- PJ does a bang up job making our bed each and every morning too!!