Whew... we made it!

We're back! And I'm scatterbrained and all over the place (I'm sure you'll notice trying to get through this post).

It was a great trip to the Midwest. We were in St. Louis, Bloomington-Normal, Chicago and Homewood. Two weddings, family flew in from Texas, some visits with friends (Kiddieland too!) and there still wasn't nearly enough time to get everywhere we wanted to go. I'll spend this week posting about everything we did while we were away, so keep checking back as I should have something new posted each day once I start uploading more than 250 photos and sort through it all.

We were gone for 12 days though and that's a long time to be away so we'll have to try and make more rounds when we can hopefully come back sometime around the holidays. Let me tell you that Braden is becoming a great traveler. On the way there we had almost 2 hour trip to the airport, then a 2 hour flight, then a 3 hour layover, then a 3 hour flight... the kid was a champ and only watched the portable DVD for about 1 hour total. Then last night on the way home... our 8pm flight was delayed until about 11:15. We landed in Seattle and had to drive back to the house... pulled up at 4am. Braden slept from 8pm-1am and from 2am - 7am. Total champ... and us tired parents really appreciated it!!!

Side note - Braden rarely gets sick at all... but last night a fever showed up with a runny nose and cough. Still has a fever today, not scary high, just his body fighting off a bug, I've been giving him some children's motrin to keep it down, but it doesn't help we've got what's considered a heat wave around here... our HOUSE is 90 degrees inside (you've heard me brag about the houses not being built with air conditioning because it never gets that hot... shame on me. Fever child and pregnant momma are hot, hot, hot!)

We realized yesterday it was our last time traveling as a family of three... from here on out there will be 4 of us! Just 7 weeks to go, sometimes I think 7 weeks sounds like a long time, and other moments I think... only 7 weeks!?! Chad is traveling all month since he's staying off airplanes during September as we wait for Baby Girl... so I think August will fly by (fingers crossed!).

Splish Splash!

This past Saturday we had another fabulous weather day. In this part of the country (or at least where we live) there aren't really public pools. The summers here are pretty mild, usually in the 70s, and while I'm disappointed about it since the summer here has been super warm (above the norm), it makes sense. They would only be open maybe 2 months and not even really good to use on most days that hover in the mid 70s. Anyway... I did some research and found a water slide park just 15 minutes from the house so on Saturday, with temps expected in the mid-80s we packed up and went. It was a little pricey for the barely 3 hours we spent there (Big B is still a bit young to make it in the pool ALL day), but it was a welcome break to our usual weekend activities and Braden loved it!!! They had a kiddie water slide area, a shallow activity pool and Chad got to play a bit into his inner child and hit the huge water slides a few times too!

I don't think it really needs an explanation, but needless to say you aren't going to get pictures of me in my bathing suit this PG! I was happy to stand behind the camera and capture some nice Father/Son moments!

A very excited little guy on our way to the water park... and clearly he put on his own sunglasses.... kind of.

Taking a dip in the water before the slide fun begins. Kicking his feet and "swimming".
Down the kiddie slide with Dad.
Down the slide all by himself!
Catching a ride on Dad's back.
Splashing in the pool with Dad... fun!
Time Out from all the playing to give Dad a well deserved hug!
"Mom, I had SO much fun... when can we do it again?"

A Welcome and a Farewell...

Today was one of those days we'll remember. Not only is it Chad's father, Jimmy's birthday, making the day one of notice each year, this year on this date marks another sad farewell, and happy welcome in life's circle.
This morning, Chad and Keith's Uncle Larry died. He was Jimmy's younger brother. I personally was able to meet him a few times the last couple years and he was always extremely kind. My heart goes out to his wife, his son, grandchildren and his mother, who has lost both her sons in less than 18 months.
While we say goodbye to Uncle Larry... we also got news today that our good friends (they were both in our wedding), Jack and Ami welcomed their precious baby boy, Johnathan Dylan Brown. Baby Johnathan weighed in at 5 lbs, 12 oz and mom reports he's "cute as a button"! Welcome JD... you have loving and fun set of parents, you're a lucky little guy. We look forward to meeting you.

The Fourth and the Magic Wand

Last year there was no 4th of July celebration for us. We were living in Canada and Chad didn't have the day off...it kind of came and went. (We did get to go to a block party on Canada Day and that was fun). Anyway... this year being back in the States, and that the holiday fell on a Saturday meant that we would all get to be home together... but without much really planned. Well it ended up that we had a great 4th... we were very busy and even wound up with surprise guests... FUN!

We started off like most Saturday mornings, we all three went to the gym. Braden gets to play with other kids there and loves it. It was a beautiful day and when we got home we set up the sprinkler and let Braden play.
After the sprinkler, we had lunch outside (yes, Braden's mouth is full of food!)

After lunch and a very brief nap, we took Braden to a park with a splash pad.

He loved it, but the water was quite chilly so after 20 minutes or so we changed his clothes and played at the park.
Ummm... yeah. That is my son in the swing. Big B loves when his Dad pushes him "really, really, high". Mom is not such a fan.

Hey look... Paul and Steph came up from Seattle!!! We grilled out and it really started to feel like the 4th of July! Braden couldn't be bothered to look at the camera, he was busy chowing on his corn on the cob.

Paul and Steph brought bags with them... Braden kept chasing the bags every time the guys threw them.
Just running... are you noticing that Braden is usually running? Looks like he's heading out to catch a pass here.
Time for a lesson in sparklers... Braden - these can get hot, do not touch the sparkles.
He called these "The Magic Wands"
Playing with the Magic Wands and Steph... Braden had a huge crush on Steph.

SO... Braden listened and did not touch the sparkles... however when the flame went out he touched it... note the band-aid and the Popsicle to "make it feel better". To be sure that Braden wouldn't be afraid we did some more sparklers and had him hold them again. He recovered like a champ!
Happy 4th from the Ramseys!