The Circus is in Town!

September 2009

So I saw that the circus was coming to town and I was so excited. I love the circus...the clowns, the acrobats, the animals, and of course the cotton candy!

I wanted to go as a family so I got the best tickets available, the celebrity circus seats. Now when I bought them I did not know exactly what that meant, I did not care I just wanted the best seat available. Boy did we get the best seat...we were front and center and guaranteed to be in on the action. I was not sure how this would work out with Liam, after all he is only 18 months old. Some adults don't like all the noise, lights, and clowns.

Luckily we have the most flexible and amazing kid ever. We got there a little early to allow him to get used to the environment. We went down to the circus floor where he "rode" a horse

and sat on Daddy's shoulders to get a better view of the elephant.

He seemed to like it but sitting in a chair for 2 hours could be a different story.

We took our seats and the show began. He was mesmerized by all the action. The clowns came over and played with him and the ring master tickled his belly. He loved it! He waved to all the animals and clapped like a big boy.

The big moment came when we became part of the show. We were escorted onto a small tram that rode around the floor of the circus while the act was still going! It was amazing. Liam was too cute... he leaned forward and held onto the bar of the tram like it was a roller coaster. What a blast, I only wish that he was old enough to remember how great it was.

Girlfriends Galore

September 2009

Our play group here has really become a close knit group of friends that depend on each other for all kinds of things. The other day I caught these great pics of the kids playing together. Liam is far outnumbered by girls and I think he likes it that way :)

Happy Birthday To Me!!!

September 12, 2009

So today was my birthday...how was it turning 33? It was perfect.

Although I might have turned one year older (and yes my eggs are rotting and I am quite aware of that) my life is just perfect. I have a loving husband who makes me laugh until I cry. I have a beautiful son who is healthy and mostly a happy guy.

I have friends that truly care about me. I have parents that love me endlessly (and bring me my favorite cake and the best candy, flying saucers, on my birthday). I have two dogs that are quietly persistent about daily walks and continual petting.

What more can I ask for? I am thankful for all of the above and more....Happy birthday to me!

The Crain Gang

End of August 2009

Mike's Auntie Maureen, cousin Jeff and his family came to visit us for the day. The kids had a great time together and really enjoyed Liam. We caught these photos right before they left. Boy we make some really cute kids!

This is some classy kid we have, he loves to pick his nose!

Happy Birthday Grandpa Bob

August 2009

It was my dad's birthday while we were in Chicago. We celebrated with cards, presents, cake, and of course grandkids! My dad was in his glory having all of us home for his birthday (I think my mom was pretty happy too!).

Liam and I made this masterpiece for Grandpa Bob and I think he loved it!

Kiddieland Here We Come!

August 2009

It was a super busy trip while we were in Chicago, everyday we were on the go to somewhere and this day it was Kiddieland. This is a small amusement park about 1 hour from my parents house that has rides geared toward smaller children. It was a rather hot day but we did not let this get us down.

Liam was really too small to enjoy the rides but this did not stop him from me putting him on them. He never cried but looked worried at times. I love how flexible and trusting he is!

While there Sydney and Liam enjoyed some cotton candy! A true Peterson cannot resist cotton candy and they both passed the test!

We had such a great time and really enjoyed seeing Sydney.

The Museum of Natural History

August 2009

While in Chicago we all went to the Museum of Natural History, not my choice but my nieces. Surprisingly we had a great time. Liam loved spending time with my brother, they checked out all the fun stuff together. This elephant really mesmerized him.

What a great pic with the family and this crazy pirate, my niece Sydney thought this was a blast.

Overall it was a great day and some even better memories.

The Brookfield Zoo

August 2009

As you have probably guess I am a huge fan of zoos. My all time favorite is Brookfield Zoo, I have such fond childhood memories there. I was so excited to take Liam there to experience the magic too.

My favorite exhibit at the zoo is the gorillas, their human qualities intrigue me. This statue is a must have photo opportunity.

Inside the gorillas are amazing!

We also enjoyed the merry-go-round. Please take note that Mike is on this with the kids, I do not do circle rides if I can help it (yes, even the wimpy ones).

Grandmas Galore

August 2009

We headed to Chicago for a weekend of family. Liam and I planned on staying for a little longer to have some fun with my niece while Mike had to get back to work to "make the bacon". We visited with his family while he was in town.

First we stopped by Great Grandma Bunny's house, Liam had a blast running around being a holy terror! Bunny house is my worst nightmare, everywhere I looked there were trinkets and breakables. I was exhausted by the time we left! When we got in the car to go home, I looked a little frazzled and Mike just laughed at me. It must be nice to just sit and visit and watch your wife loose 5 lbs chasing your child around!

Next we went to see Mike's mom which is always a mixed bag. I truly thought about sending Liam and his daddy to do this visit by themselves but then I thought better of it and went along. You just never know what kind of "mood" she will be in and for safety matters I thought I better go with. We went to the park for a bit and Liam had fun being a big boy on the slides and swings and then we grabbed a quick lunch. These visits are always hard on everyone but we made it through and I am glad that it will be a while before our next visit.