An eating milestone

Wylie is joining the big leagues. He ate exactly what we ate for dinner tonight and was so happy to be completely self-fed. Fish, macaroni, and peas. A perfect low-choking-risk meal for the little man. He had those two little fingers working hard, eating one piece at a time. You'd think he'd already heard the lecture about hungry kids in developing countries because he was determined to clean his tray. The last one at the table and no food on the floor, he had a very successful dinner.

Brookfield Zoo 5K

Post-race, still standing and even smiling.

I have always hated to run. I dreaded it. I was the kid who faked sick in junior high to avoid running the mile in gym class, every year. Today was a revelation, a break-through. Today Jason and I ran the Brookfield Zoo 5K. I actually ran 3.11 miles, non-stop, without walking, or even complaining. (Sure I was darn slow, but nowhere near the slowest one in the race, much to my relief.) I am still stunned and beyond thrilled. I started researching my next 5K in the car as we drove home.

Much thanks to the little app that motivated me--Couch to 5K; the family that inspired me to try to run in the first place--the Silva's and dear Aidan; the kidney stones that forced me to stop running for awhile, giving my knees a chance to adjust; all the friends that seemed to find running doable, helping me to think I could do it; and my family for cheering me on!

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Crawling practice!

Zucchini Races

While Jason and I enjoyed some beer and people watching at Oak Park's annual Oaktoberfest, Finn found his true calling--zucchini races!

Ya Gotta Laugh

Wylie finds almost anything funny, for example Mommy's foot.  We just love listening to our little man giggle, and you never know what will provoke him.  Also, he seems to have discovered his lips.  This week he has been doing a lot of lip-smacking and other funny little faces.

Off to the Races!

Somehow we were particularly energetic last weekend.  In addition to the farmer's market, Touch a Truck, and Ribfest, we also took the boys Arlington Park Race Track.  Knowing Finn is all about race cars, we figured he'd enjoy the horse races.  Upon first hearing abut this outing, he was upset that he wouldn't get to ride the horses, but seemed to forget that idea once he saw what it was all about.  And, once Grandma taught him how to use the automated betting machine, he was set!  Go, go, go horse number 7! 

Touch a Truck

Finn claims this event should be called "Sit-in a Truck," which is exactly what he got to do a lot of last Saturday.  Even Wylie manage to get his hands, or butt, on a few trucks, and cars.  Note to self for next year:  bring ear plugs as the event could also be called "Hear Some Horns!"

Sno-Cone with Hayden

Last weekend we met up with the Clark family at Ribfest in Forest Park.  I took absolutely no pictures of anyone eating ribs, but here's a cute one of Finn and Hayden enjoying sno-cones!

Finn and Sammy

Finn seems to be adjusting to our nanny, Sammy, very well.  So well that he wants to spend even more time with her.  On Friday he asked her if she was staying for dinner and when she said no, he was not deterred, "Well, a different night then."  Ever persistent, he ended up suggesting that the two of them go out to dinner, and a movie, in fact, he declared, they should have a date night!

First bath together

Septemberfest!

Back in the day I looked forward to going to Schaumburg's annual Septemberfest every Labor Day weekend.  This year, I stayed home with Jason to do projects around the house (oh, the joy of being an adult!) and Finn and Wylie enjoyed their first Septemberfest experience with Grandma and Grampa.