Playing in the Rain

We went to the park and had a cookout in beautiful weather, then it dumped on us on the way home. We waited in the car for a while, then made a dash for it. But, I couldn't resist letting Aaron play in the rain.
And, my CVS raid for this week...spent $3.75 out of pocket and earned $5.00 in Extra Care Bucks. It would have been just over a dollar oop, but we needed ice! In an effort to save as much money as possible for IVF, I've gotten into couponing and checking the adds for sales. My goal is to cut our grocery budget in half...we'll see!

A long, but wonderful visit to IL

On August 6th, Aaron and I flew from Austin to St. Louis, where my mom picked us up to visit our family and friends in central Illinois. We enjoyed our visit very much. The weather was absolutely perfect. Everyday was in the low 80s and sunshine (a great break from 100+ in Austin). But, it was a very long time to be away from daddy. Here are a few highlights from our trip. Many more pictures will be on our website soon.

This is Aaron waiting at the airport. He loved to watch the plans and trucks moving around. He did really great on the plane. I, however, still hate flying and will avoid it whenever possible!

We made ourselves right at home at Grandma Terri's (my mom) and Grandpa Jerry's place in the country.

My son, the tree hugger.

My mom cut this path through the trees and we love to take nature walks through it.

The next day we spent that night with Uncle Tyler, Aunt Susan and cousins Jillian and Anna. Here they are getting ready for bed.

After a good tumble. This is Aaron's favorite "game" right now.

The next day we are off to Clinton to visit Greg's family. Aaron loves Grandma Gloria's cookies.

...and riding on the tractor.

After the weekend in Clinton we drove to Peoria to visit RCC's new building (awesome!) and stayed the night with the Dobra family. Luke and Aaron had a great time together and what a cutie Emily is! Here we are at a "messy playdate" with the moms group I was in in Peoria. Jessica and I had fun going through all the baby things I had stored at her house and cramming it into the car to store at my mom's until Christmas. If I had just gotten the bigger truck to move I wouldn't have all this hassle! Right after this playdate we stopped by for lunch with the Rotramels before heading back to my mom's.

The four grandkids have a great time playing on the playground my mom built this Spring. Here are Aaron, Jaedon, Jillian and Anna.

My mom had spray bottles for all the kids to play with. Aaron took great joy in chasing down everyone.

I couldn't resist playing in the corn like I did when I was little. Here is a cute picture of Aaron with my mom in the background taking a picture from behind.

The next weekend we traveled to Turkey Run State Park in Indiana for a family reunion with our cousins from Ohio. Here is a picture of all the great-grandchildren (except little Jonathan whoe had already left). Notice how Aaron is being held hostage for this picture.

And, notice him running out of the shot as we tried to take another one! He is reaching the end of his rope.

Speaking of ropes...a couple of days later we visited my Aunt Gail's place to see my cousin, Ben, who is a champion calf roper. We had so much fun riding the horses. I was surprised how willing Aaron was to get up there.

Our last day of our whirlwind tour. Aaron looks a little tired in this picture. I wonder why?

They tried everything to get him to smile. But...stick a fork in me, I'm done! Nothing was going to get this kid to smile. We miss daddy! Let's go back to Austin!We'll see you again soon!

Big Band in the Big City

We went to downtown Austin to enjoy a free concert of big band music by an ensemble of the Austin Symphony. Aaron loved dancing around with the other kids and was good enough to clap at the end of each piece. I'm glad he's learning showing concert etiquette!