Kane County Cougars

Gilbert takes a photo of the action on the field.
Gilbert experiences his first piece of gum, lasted about 5 mintues, then he spit it out saying something like "I am just supposed to chew on this and NEVER swallow it??"

Where is Jack? Only 5 of the 6 kids made it into the photo.

Go Cougars!!

New Wheels

We finally got Gilbert a Bike! He is getting the hang of riding it and of course he likes to go "Super Fast" down the hills (just like his dad). He hasn't quite figured out the brake, but we are working on it. Is favorite part of the whole thing... the bottle holder. When we get ready to go outside the first thing he does is go to the Ref. and get his water bottle to go on his bike. The only down side to his biking- when it's not in use- it is now a part of the decor in our living/dining area. Ahh... City Living.

Fireworks

On Saturday, I organized a fun night out with friends at a minor league ballgame. Being able to sit in the lawn section allowed seven kids under age 5 to frolic while the adults could relax. After the game there was a fireworks show and running of the bases (kids only damn it!).

Here are a few pictures! Picture quality is suspect. Hey, the IPhone can't do everything!

Kristen and Gilbert took the train out to the ballpark and I picked them up after a day of tearing up a golf course...literally! As usual, Gilbert despised his train ride.

Pollywogs in a Bog

More posts from our Memorial Day weekend adventures with my friend Mindi and her family. Gilbert was very excited to go find "Pollywogs in a Bog" just like the song by the BareNaked Ladies on the Snack Time CD. The Boys are ready for the Hunt

Giant Snail anyone?

Almost got it.....

Carter is an expert tadpole catcher.

"Mom, when are they going to turn into frogs?"

Harsh Reality

I use to think I was good at golf. Last year was by far my worst year of late and this year, my expectations for a return to old form - so far - have been dashed. It is getting harder to get away with the swing idiosyncrasies that have manifested.

The season is still early and to further inject some energy into the game for me, I discovered that a golf amateur tour exists in most major cities around the nation. How cool! I've signed up and hope to play a few events. If nothing than to prepare me for my annual Crony Cup.

A nice benefit is the tournaments are 'flighted' which means you are grouped with players of like capabilities. The stark reality hit me though that based on my handicap I was not in the championship flight, but rather the A flight. A blow to the ego, but realities can be harsh!

Big hopes though I can report later of playing well. Stay tuned, first tournament is June 18th.

Love

Indy 500 Parade

For the Memorial Day holiday weekend we took a trip to Indy to visit my dear friend Mindi and her family. I am thinking it will become an annual trip for us. Saturday morning we headed downtown for the Indy 500 Parade. It had everything little boys could wish for- well except Candy.

All the guys together, of course there are ZERO pictures of Mindi and I.

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.