How do you bring a little one to the fireworks?

Last year we took both kiddos to see a local fireworks display. Of course Chloe was buoyed through the lateness of the night by the promised excitement of seeing fireworks. Clive was only 6 months old last summer and was a veritable wreck by the time the fireworks began. And the loud banging and popping of the display didn't help his mood!

This year, Clive is 18 mos. old and would probably be able to handle the super late bedtime. BUT he's also sick and has been struggling through a runny nose and cough. Plus he's been extra snuggly.

Hence, we decided that this year Clive needs to stay home and forgo the fourth of July light-show. And Matt gladly volunteered to stay home too. (Matt can't stand the crowds and traffic jams that accompany big community events.)

This whole process got me wondering . . . how do you survive special late-night activities with little bambinos? Do you schedule naps differently or just go with the flow and recover the next day?

Whatever you and your family end up doing, hope you enjoy a super spectacular fourth of July weekend!

Summer Reading Program

I have fond memories of participating in and volunteering for my library's annual summer reading program. What a blast! As a kid I loved reading and it was especially thrilling for me to chart my progress and earn prizes. Since I never succeeded at sports, it was neat for me to excel in my own area.

Now both Chloe and Clive are enrolled in our library's reading programs even though neither of them can actually read. :) Funny, eh? They should title it a "Summer Listening Program" for preschool aged kiddos.

It's been especially fun to see Clive's interest in books grow. He's always been more into busy active playing but now that I've gotten books that pique his interest (i.e. trucks, machines, baby faces, farm animals, touch and feel books) he's constantly bringing me books and signing "please" for me to read to him.

And Chloe's filling in her reading chart fast! Since we were away on vacation we had to do some extra reading this week to catch up. We read for an hour and a half the other day! Not all in one sitting thankfully. I think I deserve a prize for all that reading out loud.

My only complaint with the summer program is regarding the prizes. I know our library works hard to get local businesses to donate free stuff and coupons but I'm slightly disappointed. I had hoped the prizes would be focused on books and reading. Instead Chloe's netted coupons for several free ice cream cones and McD's happy meals. Yuck. While I'm all for an occassional ice cream cone I don't like the message sent about rewards and motivation. How hard would it be to give away books, kids' magazines, school supplies, learning-related toys or activity books?

Do you and your kiddos participate in any summer reading programs? What are your library's prizes like?

Chloe's Violin and Vocal Stylings

Last night after supper Chloe held a concert for us. She "played" her toy violin and sang for our listening pleasure. :) Clive obviously enjoyed the music too as evidenced by his head-bopping and applause.

Ah, these are the days, my friend. Too soon these sweet memories will seem distant.

Hello out there!

Well, we are finally back from our lengthy visit to Wisconsin. Whew! We had an extremely fun time but we're glad to be home.

We've been home now almost a week and we're finally unpacked and back to mostly normal routines and sleep habits.

Check out pictures of part of our trip here. I'm ashamed to admit that 5 days into the trip I stopped taking photos. It was too hard to remember to snap pictures amidst the whirlwind of activity!

How about you? Any summer trips or special activities lined up?

On the road again

Later this evening we'll be transferring two sleeping children to the fire-engine-red Chevy HHR we rented for our big road trip to Wisconsin.

We're all packed and ready to go! Just have some peripheral stuff to throw into bags and load into the car.

We decided a while ago that driving through the night was our only option to maintain sanity while traveling with two kids. Chloe would be fine but it's the over-active Clive that would cause problems for a daytime journey. Goodness, he can't even last for a 45 minutes home from church much less for the 9-10 hour drive from Ohio to Wisconsin.

So, if you're up to read this -- pray for our safe travels as we drive through the night. I'll do my best to blog a bit while we're away. Later, alligators!

A teaser for the grammas

Grammas (and Shauna), this video clip is for you. This happy smiley boy is coming out to see you VERY soon!

In frantic preparation mode

Our little family is about to embark on a 9 hour road trip. Eek!

We're headed to my homeland, Wisconsin, to visit my mom, grandma and old pals in the Milwaukee area. I'm unspeakably excited!!!!

Needless to say, I'm in crazy preparation mode. I have several to-do lists and I keep jotting down more thoughts as they pop into my head. I wish I could be more systematic in my prepping and packing. Instead I'm running frenetically from one task to another and talking to myself lest I forget what I'm doing.

I know I don't have to remember every possible thing; it's not like we'll be stranded in a desert wasteland. I can always run out and purchase something we need. But I ABHOR wasting money in that fashion. When I am forced to purchase an item on the spot I get stuck with a horribly high price for said necessity. I cringe just thinking about the pain of overpaying!

Help me out. What items are usually overlooked and forgotten in your vacation planning?