Q's new hobby

Sloan chilin'

Look at him go

He is proud

This post is just about a month late....oh well, right?

Riding a bike with no training wheels has opened up so many doors for Q and our entire family. He enjoys riding up and down the sidewalk, showing off to the cute little girls on our street. Did I mention, he rides a little to crazy and too fast for momma! We're working on that.

We went on about a 4 mile bike ride the other day because it was so beautiful! We stopped about every mile for the kiddos to enjoy some play/park time. Needless to say, it was a hot one and we all ended up coming home to slam some lemonade and nap on the couch, those little legs get tired fairly quickly and these parents were exhausted too! Guess, I know a way to get them to bed early at night! Keep pedaling....Just Kidding!

We are so proud of Q and thankful that his favorite cousins in the whole wide world let him borrow their bike. It fits him just right!!!!

Buddies Back in Peoria

Q's buddies had a little going away part for him before the big move! We love these boys, and (girls) and know our paths will cross again sometime!

Q's Body Works

"the insides"
"explaining how the brain works"
the final project of the "outsides"


Q has been working on a project at school to understand the "how" and the "why" our bodies are put together the way we are. The first adventure was to paint a life-sized version of his outsides. Before they began painting they examined their features in the mirror. Q noted his brown hair and grey green eyes. Also, during this time they have been talking about the 5 senses and what he likes and dislikes. We know he likes the taste of mac and cheese (he'd eat it everyday if we'd let him), he dislikes the smell of Sloan's poop......, he likes to have the movie, or the Wii up really really loud (so no problemo with hearing) and he even created his name in braille to understand how the blind absorb life around them.

Next, they constructed a working model of the insides. It is so cool! They talked about the message center with the brain and the nerves and then went on to the different bones and how they function. Lastly, the food and the breathing centers were added.

I just had to share because what a great learning experience for Q and so fun too! He continues to talk about specific parts of the body and their functions on random occasions. I am so proud of him and all of his learnings.

Q, cannot wait to see what's next? Beary bear???? To be continued....

Q's Christmas Program

Q's Jack and Jill Class put on another production this year of the Christmas Story. They sang several songs and read a story in their words about the birth of baby Jesus. It was sweet. Q knew all the words (after practicing them at home) as we sure heard him amongst the crowd. He also made sure we were paying every minute of attention to him as he continued to wave to us in the audience. A special someone appeared at the end of the program and boy were both boys excited....Sloan, still not so much!

Mommy and Daddy were very proud of Quinton and cannot believe our little boy is no longer little anymore, he's growing up!

Thanks to Nicki for video taping the performance and for our special guests, Papa, Jane and Q's best buddy and cousin Max!

Some comments from Q....

Stinker....

Holding the door for people at the "bucks"

So the whole family was driving the other day and Aaron says,"Buddy, why don't you teach your sister some new words and explain what they mean, the first word that he pulls out of that little head is.... "toilet", and begins to say, Sloan, that's where we go pee pee and poop! We couldn't help but giggle!

A couple nights ago before bed, Aaron and Q were wrestling (makes sense, get a kid pretty much EXCITED right before bed..whatever, dad!) and Q accidentally hit Aaron in the eye, Aaron was playing it up big time saying his eye wouldn't open and he needed to get to a doctor. 5 minutes later when I'm putting him Q to bed, he says, "mom, now I know dad needs to see a doctor, but you have to stay here with us so were not home alone tonight so tell dad he needs to call a taxi ....ok! It's not like we live in NYC, taxi where did he get this one? I guess he wasn't too concerned about the injury!

Last night again while I am putting him to bed, he begins to ask me asks about why "I" have bad breath every morning when we wake up....and then he goes on to say, I know it's because our mouths are closed for most of the night....so I tried to explain and then I couldn't get off the fact that he asked why "MY" breath was so bad...he doesn't think his is???? I guess I must brush 2 times in the morning now!

I get to his preschool the other day and see the Christmas wish list for each child... it was great because it listed everything each child wanted from Santa as well as what the child thought each member of their family wanted from Santa.....Q's red:

Q: Light Saber (obsessed)

Sloan: Baby doll (pretty accurate)

Mom: Purple dress...( he tells me later that we thought I could use a new outfit for work)

Dad: Some games ( so the whole family can enjoy)

Lastly, tonight, Aaron left to travel for a couple nights and Q says, "Mom, dad says I am in charge of the house again and boys stay up longer than girls so you need to go to bed now...ok, Good Night!

Just had to laugh at my 4 year old going on 10 year old...that's my QUINTON!

Preschool starts again....

Q started preschool yesterday and boy was he excited! All his friends from "cool school" were back and so was Mrs Gilbert, his favorite teacher ever!!!!

Our baby boy is growing up. He will be going every day of the week as well as to a session of Lunch Bunch just like he did last year. It's unbelievable how much this classroom allows the children to grow.... there are so many different stations that expand the imagination. (Sloan had a fun at the open house too) Today, he said they talked about combining different colors to make new ones, discussed a little about the IL river and practiced writing his name. I love to hear him talk and explain the different lessons of the day, it's amazing!

On a side note: I picked him up and told him I had a surprise waiting (just another Star wars shirt).....and his comment was, "Mom, do you know that a shirt is not that great of a surprise for a kid like me." Well, ok I guess I learned my lesson, I will do better next time. Come on...he never used to be too picky, a lollipop or an ink pen would do just fine.

Anyway, it's a great new year of Jack and Jill Preschool that begins with Q picking out his clothes the night before and dressing himself each morning.....I think he woke up at 6:45 am and was raring to go the first day! I believe he's loving it and that makes mom and dad so happy!

and the Birthday continues.....

We took a stroll up to Sullivan's, oh so fitting, for some yummy grub on such a beautiful night and then Aaron and I had a special lunch date to take Q to his favorite restaurant, BW3's for what...oh yeah....Mac and Cheese, Sprite and some old school video games? Mac and Cheese at BW3's...ok. It's your birthday!

I guess he got what he wished for......the parties to continue! Happy 4th Birthday Quinton! We love you!

Down on the Farm....

Quinton turned 4 on Sept 1st...so over the weekend we had the birthday party at a local farm park! I think all the kids and grown ups had a good time. Q counted down the days until the PARTY day arrived and actually continued to tell Aaron and I that most children have two parties one to get ready for the other one! Are you kidding me? We had to laugh as he sometimes he is just so creative! Anyway, Q was thrilled, all our friends and family were able to join in the fun! Thanks to CC and DD for surprising him as well as the Hefley's for making the drive all the way from Chi Town just for the day! Our son is growing up!

We love you all.....thanks again for the awesome gifts, you are too generous! Sorry for all the pics there were just too many to choose from!

Q's Swimming Lessons

We tried a new place for Qman to swim this year and have been so thrilled. Q on the other hand wasn't too thrilled at first. After the first lesson he said "I'm not going back there they dunk me and I get water up my nose!" So, I think this became a hesitation. After 2 lessons he got the hang of it and started to love the teachers and showing off! He did awesome! Way to go Q! Sloan also enjoyed their beautiful yard and all it had to offer. Thanks Nicki for making the trip for the kids, I know it was more than a hike!

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!

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!