Kendall's 2nd Birthday - Party, Party, Party!

On October 10, 2011, Kendall turned 2! What a wild ride the last couple of years have been, but to see how much our little girl has grown is an absolute joy. From a bouncing baby girl to a big girl who loves to run and climb and sing. She is full of energy.

To celebrate, we actually had 2 parties. Grandma and Grandpa Gorman were out of town for Kendall's  birthday party (and her birthday fell on a Monday), so we celebrated a little early with a dinner, cake, and of course, presents on Sunday.

Kendall's actual birthday fell on Columbus Day, so Nate and I took the day off work, and Kendall got her big present, a new bike! She was in love, but couldn't quite figure out how to peddle.

We even got a video of her first attempt riding that shiny new bike outside. A little long, but enjoy!

To really celebrate the big day, the 3 of us hit Lincoln Park Zoo. There is no better way to celebrate your 2nd birthday than to check out the Lions, Rrwarrr!

To round out the birthday celebration, we had a Very Greaney birthday party for Kendall the next weekend. Kendall's Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins were all in attendance to help us celebrate.

Overall it was a grand birthday! We'll have to see if we can keep up this party pace next year!

September 2011

In September we took a trip to the Sister Lakes in Michigan and met up with Grandma & Grandpa Greaney, Aunt Nell & Mike, Uncle Andrew, Aunt Michelle, Autumn, & Dean. It was a nice relacing weekend on a quiet lake.

Spent a little time fishing off the pier.

And some time fishing on the boat. Even picked up Kendall's very first fishing rod. She ended up catching several fish, both real live fish as well as plastic. Really, the fish were facinating - she didn't mind reaching out and touching them (more than I can say for myself - I made Nate get the fish off the hooks, yuck). Kendall would wake up in the morning and ask to go outside and go fishing, and since we got back has asked numerous times to go fishing with Grandpa. I think she has found a new favorite pasttime.

We also spent some quality time crusing around on the pontoon boat in the lake. Kendall loved the wind in her hair and checking out the other boats. She even got a chance to "drive" the boat, with a little help, of course. All those boat days at swim class paid off and she didn't even complain about the life jacket.

There was even a chance to go into South Haven and see the beach. Kendall did not really dig the beach, apparently sand is not one of her favorite things. But it was a beautiful day and we got to see both Lake Michigan and a very cool local farmers market in town.

It was a nice relaxing weekend away, and those sunsets in Michigan really do look like the comericals.

August 2011

Back in August, Kendall figured out to sucessfully clmb out of her crib. And she escaped a lot. Instead of letting her continue her escape adventures, we moved to the toddler bed. I was worried she would not adjust to the bed well, maybe miss her crib. I was wrong - she loved the new bed, and she took to it immediately.

Kendall also learned flower arranging - turns out she is pretty good at it. And about 5 min later my table got washed very well.

July 2011

Wow. I really haven't posted since back to July. I guess that is where I will start this back up again. Let's see...

We took a trip to our favorite zoo - Milwaukee County. The zoo is generally a fun trip for Kendall, Lincon Park and Brookfield are closer, but Milwaukee bosts a train and free range peacocks! Oh, and that evil swan that keeps trying to attack us. Kendall loves birds, and the open aviary in Milwaukee is always a winner with her.

Now, the train was a new experience this trip to the zoo. Kendall loves trains of all forms. Thomas the train on TV, the train that runs past Grandma & Grandpa Gorman's house, the train that crosses the street in downtown Arlington Heights. Trains are pretty cool. Of course, when we had been to the zoo in Milwaukee previously, Kendall had seen the train, and waved at it, but we did not brave the line to ride it. This time we did.

As we waited for our turn on the mini train that circles the zoo, Kendall got more and more excited. She got to see the train up close, and hear that wistle blow. She was just beside herself.

We got onto the train, and all was cool, then, it started moving. Who knew the train would move? Kendall did not dig the moving train as much when she was on it.

The zoo was a fun time for all of us, and we did a few additional zoo trips to the local zoos (Lincon Park and Brookfield) over the rest of the summer. The lions at Lincon Park tend to be another winner - Kendall is quick to tells us what the lion says as soon as we walk into the zoo. RAWR!



Blog-negent

I have been blog-negent. 6 months without a post. For shame!

So much has been going on with us, especially with the Kendall. That kid is always going a mile-a-minute, which is probably why I have been too busy to blog.

Never fear, it is time for me to catch you up with what has been going on around here, and hopefully keep this blog up-to-date in 2012. Look out the rest of this week for catch up posts.