Stock Pots = Wrinkled Toes

We went to Scott & AJ's a few weeks back for dinner. Good times! When in doubt, retreat to the stock pot. We started with simply filling it with water for Riley to play with. She decided to get in it. All I know is that it was forever entertainment & she had really wrinkly toes by the time she was done! All we needed to do was refill every once in awhile!

Riley has a serious liking for Scott these days! She was sharing flower sniffs with him. Or should I say, flower blows! She has the two slightly confused! Scott can also do some pretty funny things with his face which honestly, keeps us all amused!

Grizzlie Game

There is a "farm team" in the area & this was our second annual trip to see? a game... I have to admit, neither of us were really into the game, but really dug the ball park food & the big animated things walking around! The place is extremely kid friendly with lots to do for kids of all ages! Not to mention, a girlfriend of mine reserves a suite and so it is intimate as well! Good friends, good times! (Couldn't tell you who was playing or even, who one! Oh, well, not my thing!) Riley really had fun though! I would have loved to know what was going through her head when the big bear came by! She kept wanting to see him, but was a little hesitant about getting to close! She did do the bear claws with a roar though, as he was walking away! Too funny!

& the one picture is to depict the size of the bear from Riley's perspective!

St. Louis Zoo

In all of madness lately, thought Riley & I should take a break & head to the Zoo! We actually headed there before visits/tours of houses. It was a great morning & Riley was an incredible fan of the elephants! Or should I say, I really liked the elephants & she really found fascination in all! More trips to the zoo to come!

Fin Inn~

The Fin in is the one restaurant which has been a real delight to take Riley to! She, as well as all the kids, loved it!!! Grandma & Grandpa L. took Griffin, Candon, & Taylyn on some adventures this summer including water parks & camping! How fun! At the end of one of the days we met up with the crew & Aunt Amy, Uncle Cory, Brooklyn, Aunt Beth, Uncle Rob & Baron, for dinner. The Fin Inn has enourmous fish tanks with really large fish & turtles! Needless to say, kept the babes entertained for quite some time! We also celebrated Griffin's Birthday & I learned that part of the fun of getting a gift card is that you get to scratch the metalic part off the back. ;) The Louderman kids remembered a trip their when they were young as well, so hopefully more memories were made!





Oh, Riley can still touch her toes to her ears as she demonstrated at birth!

Fireworks!

Fireworks came a day late this year. Weather was to soggy to have them go off on the 4th, so Riley & I went Sunday night to the show in Edwardsville. It was too late for Chad! HA! He does go to bed early, but not for long! His commute, as of next Monday won't be near as long as the almost 4 hours a day he is spending on the road now.

Riley had an initial state of shock & awe, with a quick tear, then... Mesmerized! She really did enjoy it & talked about it for days after! We went to the Sowell's & walked to the high school with several couples and kids, all boys... There is a great shot of the boys in amazement as well!

4th of July

This year we spent our 4th at Gigi & Papa's house. The Chris' came down & got to spend some time with Gwyn also! It had been too long! She has changed soooo much since Easter and is definitely developing a great personality!!! Too cute! We also celebrated Dekota's big 0-3! And Uncle Chris continued to prove who was boss! And Papa stayed busy taking pictures! Oh, and Dekota is demonstrating a Wade family trait: when there is a high level of thinking involved, the tongue goes out!!!

Dress Up

Riley seems to be interested in it all. Although, what kid isn't, right? One day, dirt. The next day dress up. Love it! Here she is modeling her new boots, which really won't fit right for awhile, a long while, but a must have either way!

Swimming or Splashing?

It's been awhile, so will add what I have collected in the past few months!!! Anecdotals will be short though, lots going on & just never enough time to keep all posted?!

This is a day in the wading pool. Maggie came over to hang out and the girls took a dip! It really is great watching these two grow up together!