SLOANY!!!!!

Sloan is so much fun right now...I just love this age.....14 months tomorrow!

She is talking up a storm with a lot of jibberish as well as some words like, Hi, but drawn out to sound like haiiiiiiiiiiiii, dadda, momma, ball, and anytime she sees a dog she barks! Sloan continues to get more teeth by the minute and still loves to laugh with her big open mouth.

She's also started to act rather girly and dramatic....loves carrying around any shoe she can find and/or her favorite purse from cousin Maggie. She cracks us up when she dances sometimes we have to double take, because we think she is actually going to the right beat! When she dances she jumps a lot however never leaves the ground, but the motions are there, It's pretty funny!

Sloan you are our little girl that is so girly (already).....boy are we in trouble!

Build and Grow

Q participated in this class that Lowe's puts on every summer, called Build and Grow. It's really cute, they get a little apron and some safety googles and then they make a special project. Last week it was a Golf Hole in One and this time it was a Pirate Ship. They get to use the hammer and the nails, so Q thinks it's pretty cool. He likes it even better when his favorite cousins and friends come too!

Good Times!!!!

Golf Lessons

Well we thought we had signed up for lessons from the Park District, however we signed up for Pitch and Putt. This is basically, a 9 hole Par 3 course that can be played at the student's leisure with an adult.

So who's teaching Qman to golf?????? Daddy this go around! Daddy brings his clubs and Qman brings his little ones too. It's a weekly event for a "guys night out" and I am thrilled for this bonding time. At the end of the session there will be a tournament. So I'll keep you posted!

P.S. Q woke up this morning and said "It's a great day I am drinking my coffee and gonna play golf today!" Who does this sound like??????

He's right tonight's the night!!!! Happy Belated Birthday Daddy! We love you!

Happy Father's Day!

To all father's out there, Happy Dad's Day, this day is especially for you! To the best 3 Dad's in my Life:

Dad R* love you tons and thank you for teaching me to believe in myself, always!

Dad S* you are an amazing role model for all to follow!

Aaron, I continue to be amazed as I watch you as a husband, father and friend! Thank you for all you do for our family, you truly are awesome! As Quinton said in his homemade card, "My Daddy Rocks!"

We had a great day as a family, we planned to go to Buffalo Wild Wings of course, and then Q says, "So dad it's your day, what would you love to do soooooo soooooo soooooo sooooo sooooo much? Go to Dick's Sporting to putt some golf balls or Best Buy and look around?" I think he knows his father pretty well.

Give me Grace

The perfect way to end Sloan's day is with these little prayers for each day of the week.  This has been my favorite book from when Qman was born.   I think it's great for kids but also for us adults, the prayers are for kindness, love and guidance.  It's such a simple book, yet means so much!   

MONDAY: make me good and kind to all creatures that I find.  Help me love God's whole creation.  Make my life a celebration.

TUESDAY:  teach me faith and caring, teach me wisdom, teach me sharing.  Raise me up and make me strong.  Be with me the whole day long.

WEDNESDAY:  make me full of light.  Guide my heart both day and night.  Give me gladness give me grace.  Shine your love upon my face.

THURSDAY:  open up my eyes to your angels in the skies.  Let me know their wings are near me, that they will always hear me.

FRIDAY:  keep the ones I love.  Comfort them from up above.  Lift their hearts and hold them dear.  Help them know that you are here.

SATURDAY:  in early morn make me thankful I was born.  Give my spirit peace within.  Let each day with hope begin.

SUNDAY:  in a quiet time, bless this little life of mine.  In the wonder of each day, let me live a holy way.

AMEN!  It's so calming and peaceful and I believe helps Sloany slept well.  Thank you for letting me share a special little tradition in our home!

On your Mark...

Get Set, GO...........!  

Aaron and I decided to sign up for the well known SteamBoat Classic held a couple of weeks ago.  As I was on the website, I stumbled across a fun little racing series for kids of all ages.   So what do you think....we asked Qman if he was interested not knowing what to expect....he replied, "that would be awesome!"  So we got our sneakers on, a tank top for his sweaty self and a bottle water and went on our way.  We get there and there are tons of kids ages 2-8, in fact, at first Quinton seemed a little shy and almost anxious.  They were stretching, warming up their muscles and then they were broken into age groups, then QMAN was ready and so excited!   

Q's plan was to lead the pack of 3 year olds and he did, he got 1st place.  Aaron and I were so excited, however, didn't want to get too excited because there was a important life lesson to be taught afterwards.  The Lesson:  You are not always going to first, it's important to have good sportsmanship, tell everyone good race and as long as you have tried your hardest Mom and Dad are proud, no matter what place you receive!  

However, inside we both were so pumped, a little of our competitive side coming out I think......Anyway, just some fun summer events that will keep us busy teaching and experiencing!  Go Quinton Go!!!!!!!!!  We are so proud!  

MESSY M-O-N-D-A-Y

Check this out....more spagetti on the face than went in her belly.  I think she looks like BOZO the clown.  Remember him?

Dora and.....

DIEGO!!!

 A day with our great friends from Morton and our great friends from NICK JR.   It was a special date just for Q and I.  We drove to Bloomington, went to the show and out to eat. We plan to have many more special dates just the two of us!  It was fun!

Summer Fun

Last week was the first week Q was out of school and had nothing planned....it was kind of nice!  A few pics of some Start to the Summer FUN.....the sprinkler ball was already out and so was the cheapo baby pool.....check out these pics....!  I think Sloan loved it....watching her Bro have a blast but not the cold, cold water!

A big thanks to Nicki for capturing all these moments during the day!

Sloan's Annual Checkup

Can you believe our baby girl is One already?  We can't....and did I mention she's walking all over the place.  Sloan took her first 10 steps over Memorial Day weekend and boy she hasn't stopped since then.  She's loving it, getting into cabinets, running after her big brother and communicating to everyone she sees "HI"  and always with a smile!!!!

At her 12 month appointment she weighted  20 lbs and her height was 28.5 inches.  She just got her last 4 shots until kindergarten, one on each arm and one on each leg...poor baby! 

She is such a daddy's girl, before bed she recently will pucker up her lips for a big kiss and it's just so cute!  Sloan don't go stealing any hearts yet, let's just take it one step at a time.  We love you honey!

The Helmet

Uncle Andi called up the other day to see if we were interested in a little fun bike ride.  As you can see Aaron and Qman joined the rest of the Sullivan Clan and unfortunately with Sloan being a little too small and we didn't have time to get a helmet, we just decided to have girls morning! 

Of course, Qman had something to say this happening:  "I already know what safety is all about Mom, so I can give baby sister my helmet so we can all go as a family." As cute as he was, we still decided to forgo his super sweet comment!  It just didn't seem too safe, but you better believe we already went out and loaded up on helmets for the whole family!  

Anyway....We all had a great time, Sloan and I on our run and Qman and Dad out on the pavement.  We cannot thank Aunt Trac enough for trucking little Mr Q on the attached bike!(That thing is so cool)  You're the best and the bravest!

Qman even saw one of his favorite characters there.... BATMAN!!!!!

A little Road Trip

Sloan loves doggies!

Meg, Charlie and me

Check out the light saber!

Sloan relaxing in the swing

All the kiddos in downtown Franklin...this town is darling!

Quinton and the Cows!

Before bedtime routine!

Over Memorial Day we packed up the car and headed to Nashville, 8 hrs later arrived all in one piece. The kiddos did great on the road, we even stopped at Sonic along the way to get out, stretch our legs and get some Cherry Limeades. Qman thought those were the best!

First we visited with the Graham's and had a wonderful time with them and their two boys, Kolton and Lane. Qman and Sloan both enjoyed all the outdoor activities their home had to offer...the cows, the swings, the mosquitoes and the ALL the playgrounds. Aaron and I were able to get to downtown Nashvile to experience a little "Country" .... somehow, we just forgot our cowboy hats. We drank a beer at the famous "Tootsies" and one of Amanda and our favorite's was "Paradise Park." This bar was hilarious, set exactly like a trailor park with plastic chairs duck taped, old tv sets stacked on top of one another, and garage doors with cracked windows... oh, the music was great too. Thanks again for giving us the tour and showing us what we've been missin' in TN. We love you and all your HOME COOKIN....please know that Peoria has a place for you anytime!

We then ventured over to Meg and Rob's darling home where they welcomed us with their Southern hospitality. (They have Southern hospitality where ever they live...these two and their adorable fam are amazing) As we got out of the car, we smelled the smoker, the flowers blooming and the Vlach's chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven. (maybe this was a little exaggeration, but the cookies were baked just a little later) It was wonderful to hold Charlie, their newest addition to the family,who is just precious and watch as Quinton and Madeline laugh and play where ever they were...we knew where they were because we heard them at all times! As we drove home, Aaron and I both commented on how lucky we are to have such great friends like the Vlach's, with lots in common.

Overall, we had an awesome trip! It was our first offical family of four road trip that we will remember forever!

Nicki's Blog

Nicki, our awesome Nanny, just started her own blog this month..check it out! I just had to crack up at the attached story below. Nicki, I admire all of your talents: your artistic ability, your natural ability to nurture and your ultimate level of patience! As you know you are part of our family!

http://nickisniche.blogspot.com/2009/05/wet-wednesday-busy-day-at-work.html