Papa and the Planets

Check out the cool dudes. These lovely glasses allow us to enjoy Fly Me to the Moon, a 3D movie at the planetarium. Steven's favorite part is when the fly burps at his face.

Hanging with my Friend

Steven loves to hang out with friends. Here he is at the Field Museum.

The United Center

Novemeber 15, Steven and the Hi-5 basketball players had the opportunity to dribble and shoot on the same court as the Bulls. It was very exciting for the adults. Not so sure it meant much to the kids.

Game On

Here is some footage of Steven playing his first game. Although his Bulls lost to the Celtics 22/25, the Bulls put on a good show. From Mom's point of view, finally feeling a loss after an undefeated baseball season is a good thing for the soul.Look for Steven in the back and under the basket.

Here is a short clip showing Steven in the mix. I never saw him so aggressive as on the basketball court.

Basketball Season

Well, we are now into our 4th week of basketball. We have witnessed Steven's fair but aggressive style of play. If there is ever a loose ball, Steven will come up with it. Next month he will even have a chance to play at the United Center. Should be fun!

Beautiful Day

Saturday we had a wonderful day out. The weather was perfect so we headed over to the zoo. First we fed the ducks. This is my favorite way to dispose of stale cereal. Next we headed for the paddle boats. Boy are they a lot of work after a pillates class but Steven came to the rescue. He asked if he could peddle and steer by himself. We were happy to turn over the paddling but not the steering.

After enjoying the animals we headed for the children's zoo. Steven loves to climb in there. But I think his favorite part was cooling off in the jumping waters.

Sawyer, Michigan

Every year for the last 4, we have had the pleasure of visiting our dear friends John and Roger at their Sawyer home. We begin each visit by checking on the fish in the pond.

After a wonderful lunch, we head to the beach. Looking at Steven and Andy you would never know that it was cold enough for me to wear my jacket. We had so much fun at the beach. John met us with Gunner. Steven had so much trouble understanding why Gunner wouldn't do what he said, but he loved playing with him. They had a mean game of frisbee in the water. We look forward to our next visit for Halloween. The last picture is from our first visit. Where did the time go?

Happy Graduation

Cousin Ray graduated 8th grade. It took until the end of August for the family to all gather to celebrate this exciting occasion in Valparaso, IN. IT was worth the wait. My 92 year old grandmother decided to leave her building and join us. Steven had so much fun with these rarely seen cousins that the first words out of his mouth once in the car to head home was," When can I come play with them again?". We hope it is soon.

Toothless Wonders

Steven lost 2 teeth in the last few week and in Steven style, he did it his way. The first tooth came out when he threw up. It was a great diversion from the upset. Three days later a bloody mouthed child came up to our room. Being the chicken I am, I told Steven it was time for him to pull out the tooth. He said, "I need a stool." So I got him a stool and out came the next tooth. Unfortunately, the two tooth space is being filled by one giant new tooth. We are already saving for braces.

Should I stay or Should I go?

If you read this, please let me know that you have checked in. Since I have not seen comments in a long time, I am thinking of stopping but happy to continue if anyone is enjoying this.

Thanks!

A Perfect Season

Steven joined the Tigers baseball team this season and had a ball. The team had great spirit and respect for everyone on the team. They worked hard and had great leadership in their coaches. All this brought them to Thillens Stadium last weekend to complete their undefeated season and be named Hamlin Parks Rookie Champions. Check out the trophy.

Shy

Last year Shy joined us for the summer. This week he is back visiting and we are so happy to see him.

Dor

This summer we have been hosting a 21 year old Israeli boy named Dor. We have been having a great time and it is hard to believe our time together is almost over. Last weekend we went to the Museum of Science and Industry together and had some fun.

Season's End

Last Sat. we had our last baseball game of the season. Steven hit a double and two singles and scored 3 points for the Tigers. What a season they had, UNDEFEATED! It was a product of hard work, good coaching and great team spirit. We can't wait to see how the playoffs go this weekend. I will keep you posted. I have also included a clip of Steven's double play and his slide into second base. At least 1/2 of the field comes home in his uniform every week.

Bunk Bed Blues

When we moved into our house, Steven wanted a bunk bed and he got one. Not long after it arrived, Steven and his friend were on top, jumping around and the slats broke. After leaving it that way for over a year, we got it fixed. The begging to sleep on top began. We made a deal that on Steven's 6th birthday if he didn't fall out of bed before, he could move on top. The first day he went up and was down within 5 minutes. The second day was the same. On day 3 he braved it and slept on top. He said he didn't really like it, but he did it for a few more nights. Guess who is back on the bottom?

Fun on the Forth

What a great day we had! First we drove up the Highland Park to join cousins and Aunt Barbara and Uncle Vic for HPs bicycle parade. Steven chose to scooter and we all had so much fun together. First we had breakfast. Next we lined up for the parade. Steven was at least 4 blocks ahead of me the whole time. Then we went to Briarwood to celebrate Nana's 92 birthday and have some lunch. Next Steven went swimming until it was time for the Briarwood picnic. There he met up with the morning crew. He rode a horse, climbed a mountain and caught a fish. What a day!

Driving In Six

Today we celebrated Steven's 6th birthday. First we went to the Choo Choo Diner and had our food delivered via a train. Steven was happy to be there and excited each time the train came around.

Off to Dad's

Next we headed to Dad's Slot Cars to drive home the fun. It was great fun for Steven and his friends driving too fast and having their cars shoot of the track. It is a good thing they have at least 10 years before they become legal to drive. They have a lot of work ahead of them.

Speaking of work, thanks to all who helped me keep those cars on track. We had quite a workout.

At The Finsih Line

We ended our festivities next door with a yummy cake that Steven selected. I am shocked to learn that he is not a chocolate boy. He chose yellow cake with a cream cheese filling and chocolate butter cream frosting. It was so good!!! He would not accept a piece until it was big enough for his liking. It was a perfect end to a perfect day celebrating the best day of our lives, July 1, Steven's birthday.

Summer Smile

Steven finished his first week at camp and we are both very happy. The bus picks him up at 8:50 and brings him home at 4:10. Since Steven has more energy to use, we usually head to the park for some baseball except for Thursdays when we head to the allergist for our shots and the baseball diamond for some team practice. Summer is looking good.

Batter Up

Extra, extra! Steven wins the game ball with his slick tag out of the runner on 3rd base. He is 5 weeks into his baseball team and having a ball. Each week he puts on his uniform and gives his all.
Go Tigers!

Keep up with the team at http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=rookietigers