Fun at the zoo together

Yesterday, Sunday, was a perfect day for the zoo! I talked Scott into going. And we invited his parents along too. It was really a great day there. I was afraid it would be chilly- once we got there, and had no jackets. But the sun shone on us warmly- and just made it perfect weather.

We had a wonderful time showing Scott's parents around, our hang out... :) And we even got to see something new! Jenna had heard about the Okapi. A half zebra, half giraffe animal. We all were telling her she was crazy! But we found them! It was really neat! We will take pics of it next time. And look forward to visiting her new favorite animal. :)


a nice family pic


The kids with Scott's parents- it was just great!

my zoo babies


he totally posed like this...eating his grapes, he thinks he is so funny!

Memorial Day weekend 2011

Our first trip to "The Lakehouse" of the season!

We weren't sure it was going to happen. Scott's grandpa has been touch and go for some time now. But he is doing somewhat better. And therefore we were able to get away with his parents and his brother for the long weekend.

The kids were so excited for it! Ashley was the cutest looking forward to it. How can she even know what we were talking about. But she was excited to go!! She could just tell from all of us that wherever it was- it was going to be fun!

Well the weather wasn't cooperating. As we all know- rainy Sunday! But actually it didn't wash out our weekend at all! We got his parents boat in before the storm. And actually enjoyed the foggy morning outdoors. Mid day was rainy. But then it cleared up for some fishing and even a boat ride later that evening.

Zach was a crack up! He remembered everything! How? He was only 2 the last we were there! But as we pulled up he was asking about his fishing pole. That I had even forgotten that he had. And boy did that boy love "fishing". Jenna too! They really just fished the weekend away. Jenna caught quite a few. Scott was pretty funny trying to unhook and release the fish... I couldn't do it!! But luckily they have their wonderful expert fisherman, Uncle Mikey, to help bait, untangle, unhook and release, and even rebuild fishing poles for them!

And then Monday was a perfect beach morning. It really was just enough time there before the trip home.

It was great! We look forward to getting back out there soon!!


Me and my girls (and Ashleys perfect forehead... she fell and scraped it real good soon after this picture... but it is almost healed as I type this...)

They all took turns driving with Grandpa


Our little fisherman!



I just love the lighting of this one- the sun setting after a stormy day...


Ashley was just too adorable playing in the sand at the beach! (and bobo forehead)


They built an awesome castle!

Scott diving in to attempt to swim out to the raft... he turned around about half way- too cold!!!


The 3 together! So fun at the beach! We hope to be back soon! (and yes- that is sand by Ashleys mouth... apparently she still enjoys eating sand... Ugg!)

Riding on 2 Wheels!

We had a gorgeous weekend a few back- (April 28, 2011- to be exact!)... and we decided to try and accomplish a goal we set for Spring- Get Jenna riding without training wheels!!

Day one- take off training wheels and ride along with Dad or Mom holding and running along side.

Taking off the training wheels! Excited to give it a go!!

Boy- this wasn't an easy day! She wasn't quite sure how to stay steady - and she kept leaning back and not using her upper body and arms at all. It was pretty funny! But exhausting running along side- and hard on our backs!!!


1st time taking off with out them!!

She was really sweet and made some drawings during break time. She showed me the picture and asked me if that was the way she was supposed to be?- I told her yes. Then she drew another one and asked again- so I said No. So one got the check of ok- the other the X. It was the cutest thing! She was so into it!

Her cute diagrams of proper bike riding. :)

That night she told me that the next day she didn't want me or Scott to help her. She wanted to do it all on her own.

Day 2: A couple of helps from Dad- and then off she went!!


Day 2- getting going and doing it!! Go Jenna!

She did it! Here determination rang true! And she did it! We are so proud!! And since- she is doing it with ease!

Phew! It's hard work!! But loving it!!

That's our girl!! XOXO



Our first time riding on the Prairie Path- she's a pro now!!

Jenna turns 6!!

April 12, 2005. That is the day that Scott and I became parents. And to those of you who are... what was it ever like before? Good and all- but getting to share in life- that is just the best! And boy are we proud of our big 6 year old!! Jenna Ann!



We did it up right- I'd say! It was a really nice day! So we headed to one of our favorite parks and enjoyed it! There was even a little girl about Jenna's age for her to play with! But she is really good at just playing with her brother and sister too. She really is the best big sister!





We then headed home to get ready for school. She had a pb&j crown sandwich for lunch- which she got to enjoy outside. :)



I am so lucky and got to visit Jenna's school and read her class a book for her birthday too! It was really nice! And the little ones were very good. Jenna's class got to enjoy a special outside recess for her birthday too! Jenna has such a nice teacher! It just really made my day too!

After school Jenna did a first! She did the monkey bars all the way across!!! She has been working on it for a while- and she finally did it! On her b-day! Yay!!



She needed a nap after such a busy day! And it wasn't over! We had T-ball practice, McDonald's to eat for dinner, and then cake and presents! What a day! What a perfect day for our girl!!





We love you so much Peanut Butter!!!! Happy 6th Birthday!!

Spring Break 2011

What a week! I really can't believe that it has only been a week... cuz we crammed a ton in! And I have loved every minute! (I can't say that Scott has enjoyed it so much... working and a neglected home... but hey- it's Spring Break!)

The weather didn't cooperate to my liking. But Spring is coming!! And I love it!! We did get to enjoy the out doors. And the indoors too.

We started out this wonderful week by getting to spend some time with my Grandpa Risley. He turned 87 this past Monday March 28th. He has had some health complications for some time. But he is doing well and seeming strong! Which we are all grateful. We went to their home (my Grandma too) in Indiana on Sunday. Zachary and Scott didn't join us- Zach was having a stomach sicky day (that luckily seemed to only last that day). It was so great though. My Grandpa really seemed to enjoy his party. And it really meant the word to me to get to be with him and my Grandma.


Happy Birthday Grandpa! We love you and are so thankful for all that you have done for our family!

Monday we layed low- our plans originally were to go to the DuPage Children's museum with some friends. But they were sick and Zach the day before- it was a nice day to lay low.

Tuesday... we enjoyed a great day with our dear friends Kelly and her kids Greyson and Mia over visiting. It was one of those natural friendship visits. I loved every second of it. And it had been way too long!

Wednesday- I dared it- and did it. Went and got the kids pictures taken! I'm nuts!! But it payed off! JCPenny in Yorktown. They were so helpful and I can't thank them enough for squeezing us in (since we were of course late) and the kids did such an amazing job. My heart was so filled from the kindness, understanding, and my gorgeous well behaved kids! And then we had some fun wondering the mall. It was good.

Attic treasures! It's fun shopping in the Attic for new clothes for Ashley! (Jenna's old clothes)

And then that night I got to spend some quality time with my Bubba! We had a Mother/Son night at one of our local park districts. It was great! We played and danced and had ice cream. He is my young wild boy- but I'd say we did it right!- Just had fun!



Me and my guy


So cute playing games!


Have fun always with his best buddy Mason!

Thursday- The ZOO! It was a perfectly chilly day for the zoo. We went with our besties. And survived and had fun!! It ain't easy with 6 little ones! But the weather cooperated and the kids and I had a wonderful time.

I really feel like this was Ashley's first real time at the zoo. She LOVED it! It was so fun watching her just enjoy herself and the animals so much!!


The Boynton's at the zoo! 2011~ Looking forward to many more fun visits!


Friday- Jenna got to spend the day with her Grandma and Auntie having fun and a moon jump place, went to a movie, and was just doted on! And Zach and Ash and I did some Target shopping and enjoyed our afternoon at home.

Saturday- We had our bestie friend Gabby's 6th Birthday party. Which ended with a slumber party for Jenna (2 nights in a row! And boy did we notice it today! Yikes!) But so fun for her!! It was a really nice party that ended late with some Just Dancing! Love it!

And then today, Sunday- Spent at Scott's parents for his Dad's and Grandpa's birthday.

Whew! Seriously! This week was filled!! I can't believe it is back to it tomorrow. But it was so great! Filled with family and friends- just the way I'd want it to be!

Dance Recital 2011

I just couldn't be prouder! I get tears just thinking of how wonderfully Jenna danced at her 3rd dance recital. This year she performed 3 dances. And handled it like a pro! She did sweetly say she was nervous a few days before. But those nerves turned to steal on recital day!

Her first dance was her tap routine. It was to the song "Sunglasses at night". She cutely had fun lined sunglasses to work with too. And she did so good! And looked like it was fun!





Her second performance was her jazz routine. It was too the song "Old time Rock-n-roll". And it was adorable!! Complete with air guitar!





And lastly and our favorite- was the closing number that she performed with the team dancers and older girls. It was so fun! It was to the song "Evacuate the Dance Floor". She got to be nearer to the front and did it well! It was beyond adorable! At one point her claps were a bit off- but she figured it out and got right into it! What a pro!! I just loved it!!



We are so proud of you Jenna Ann!!!

Loving him for him

I just had a great day with my Bubba today. I am still in just an "ahhhh" mood from it. My little boy....

Now I hear from a lot of people that raising boys is a challenge. And boy am I living that challenge! He tests my patience to it's end- pretty much every moment we are together. My boy. Between potty training failures to his new non-eating any dinner to the pestering, whining, fussing, tantrums... Ugg! I could go on and on...

But today me and my sweet boy had a good one. While Jenna was off at school and Ashley was sleeping. Him and I just played- we played transformers, we knocked down blocks, we just played.

I know I play with him- I read to him. I feed him- try to feed him that is. But today...

And actually yesterday too. Instead of getting frustrated with him. I gave him a second, one more shot of the basketball- and then he listened. Today I even got him to take a nap. And he let me brush his teeth.

He is going to be 3 in 3 days. Feb. 26th. Maybe he is maturing? Or maybe I'm learning.

Whatever it was- I loved my day with my Bubba today. And I can't wait to stay away from the computer and play with him tomorrow!