What a weekend, cont.

The day after Harvest Days I wanted to visit the Butterfly Festival in a nearby town. I had thought we would only be there for an hour or so, but Grace, Luci and I stayed from 1:00-4:30. There were so many activities there for kids. They started by going through a blow up caterpillar and jumping in a big pumpkin. Then we went to the U of I extension garden where they had all types of activities for the kids. They were able to dig up a carrot (the potatos ran out) and pet some chickens. Grace navigated us through the wildflower maze on our way to a lovely brook area and onto the butterfly tent that held hundreds of butterflies and caterpillars. We saw a hissing cockroach and a big millipeed taking a ride on a ranger's hand. Then, the highlight of the day for the girls was the canoe ride. A half hour ride on a small lake. Grace was the front navigator in the canoe and made sure to warn me of the algea in the way. We ended the day by stuffing a scarecrow, and we actually only participated in about half of the activities available. I highly recommend this festival, if only it wasn't the same weekend as Harvest Days.

What a Weekend

I had a great weekend. I am usually not a fan of Harvest Days, but I really had a good time this year. I'm not sure if it is because the kids are old enough to enjoy it, because I did something for me, or because all of the Kresl grandkids were home and I was able to enjoy everyone on not such a rushed schedule. Maybe all of it put together.

Ken is not such a fan of Harvest Days, so he stayed back while the girls, Danny and I went down on Friday. We went to bed at a decent time, but the kids woke up at 6am. I was scheduled for The Harvest Days 5K at 8:30 so Mom wonderfully kept on eye on them while I snoozed a little more and got ready.

The race was awsome. The weather was great, the course is sooo flat. Just when you think you might have to run up a bump to make it over a railroad track, the course turns. There was a nice breeze to keep me cool (another runner thought it was tough to run in but I so appreciated it.) And at Harvest Days, everyone gets a prize! I came in 5th in my age group and got a cool little timer guy clock. (note I didn't say how many were in my age group).

Then the kids got to partake in a mini carnival activity where they complete a bunch of activities to earn a prize. Alexis was too old and Danny too young, so I took them to the flea market. Here is some of what Alexis bought and what the kids had to do. The clown is Droopy. The kids marched in Droopy's Marching Band...

We then celebrated Grandma's birthday. And the kids played in the yard. Grandma has this special talent of touching spiders on their webs! (The spider always crawls up, who knew?) All of the grandkids were there to watch. After the first time Mom did this, Grace proclaimed on the way home, "Grandma is crazy!"

Later we went to the real carnival. I bought an all day ticket for Grace and Luci, knowing it would be a gamble on Luci. I lost. She rode only 2 rides. But I think Grace got her money's worth for her. She really surprised me with even braving the tilt-a-whirl! Twice! I always think she's going to throw up, but she doesn't. And what aunt doesn't love getting asked to do a ride with their niece? I got asked to ride the ferris wheel with Alexis. (She actually ditched me the first time because only 3 could ride and Grace and Alex were there when we were about to get on. But then she came back to me when she got off and we went together with Grace. I have no hard feelings about the incident.)

What a wonderful time!

What superhero are you most like?

Grace is already talking about Halloween. She wants to be Wonder Woman. I think it is because she asked me one day who my favorite superhero was and I told her Wonder Woman. Luci wanted to be Glinda, but has decided Wonder Woman is cooler for this year. So one night when I was researching Wonder Woman's look, I came across a super hero survey. Here it is for all to try. Which Superhero are you? Quiz

And here are the Mahorney results(the ones who can speak and who don't say yes to every question)...

Juli-- Which Superhero are you? Results Superman
Grace-- I didn't save, but her first was Superman.
Ken-- Which Superhero are you? Results Iron Man.

Ken was quite upset about his results. His mom ended up as Superman, too. He is a true Superman admirer. He was whining about it saying, "I wanted to be Superman!" Who is Iron Man anyway? I feel bad for him, although I like two of the top Iron Man traits; Inventor, Genius.

I'm also jealous of Grace because Wonder Woman was her number 3 and didn't show up on mine until the 6th spot.

Flying kites

The girls flew kites yesterday. Here are the results...

First, immediate disaster.Then, Daniel's on his way to "help"Next, we have take off for GraceAnd finally Luci, sort of (she did better later that day).

The hard part is bringing the kite and string with out getting tangled.

I have to tell you 2 things

Every night I put the girls to bed and every night Luci gets out of bed and comes to me saying, "Mommy, I have to tell you 2 things." I always immediately say no Luci I already asked you if you had anything to say and you already said no. Now get in bed. Then she replies with, "But, Mommy, I have to tell you!" Knowing the general gist I always give in. Tonight it was, "You are the best mommy, everyday!"

Tonight the love lasted even longer with Luci getting out a second time to tell me Grace wanted to see me really bad. Grace had to tell me, "Mommy, you're the best mommy. Everyone would want a mommy like you," and then she lovingly rubbed my cheek.

They are the greatest.

Bacteria

I was with the kids in the cleaning aisle at Wal-Mart today when Grace asked me a funny question. Pointing to some cleanser she asked, "Does this kill bacteria?"

School

Grace and Luci started school today. They both did great. I was extra excited about Luci. She didn't have any problems. She had been indifferent about school all summer until the day before her orientation. She said she didn't want to go. And then, only agreed because I would be there. But low and behold she actually waddled like a penguin into her classroom with a smile today. Luci played with Michael and by herself (as I learned last year that is what most 3 year olds do). Grace played with all of her old friends from last year including, but not limited to Chloe, Sophia, Hannah, as well as new friends who were twins.

Here are some pictures at the school. I didn't get any good ones because I was holding Daniel at the same time.

Here is Luci putting her backpack in her cubby.