Ollie Toussaint

Grandma Pati's 60th Birthday!!!

2012-02-05T12:27:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was Grandma Pati's 60th birthday! We started off by going to Ollie's first basketball game. He did well. He played the whole game. His team got creamed but that is besides the point! Look at those skinny little legs and those big new basketball shoes!

Ollie is #6.

We headed to IL for Grandma Pati's birthday party at Ravanelli's. They had awesome food and check out that cake. It was very pretty!!

Ivy kept herself busy by putting things in her daddy's shirt pocket and then taking them out and starting all over again!

Papa let Ollie play Angry Birds on his phone. Thank goodness because Ollie's DS was dead!

Time for presents!

Uncle Chris must have done something funny!

All the kids got a balloon! One drifted up to the ceiling without it's ribbon and Chris was getting creative to get it down. He was trying to shoot a toothpick through a straw to see if he could pop it. He hit the balloon several times but it would not pop. Thank goodness he stopped before he shot someone's eye out!

Happy Birthday to you - Grandma Pati!!!

January Birthdays!

2012-02-02T19:07:00.004-06:00

Last Thursday was Erin's birthday. Papa & Grandma Pati came over and we all went out to eat at El Maguey with John & Paula. Ivy was having an apple for a snack before dinner!

The Magic Man Bruce was there! Ollie just loves it when the magician is there!

I think Ivy likes him too or maybe she just spotted her Grammy?

Time for presents!

Saturday evening we headed to Aunt Teresa's for the January birthday celebrations. Ollie had a good time with Liam!

Here's the birthday crew!

Monday evening we picked up Ivy because Erin had a swimmeet. Ollie & Ivy had a good time playing with cars. There were cars all over my living room!

Ollie got mail from CA!

2012-01-24T18:12:00.002-06:00

Monday night there was a box from CA waiting for Ollie!

He got legos, a wrestler, silly putty & a quacker (thanks Mom!)! There was also a calendar that Ollie can mark off all the days until we go to CA!!!

He sat down at the table and worked on those legos until it was bedtime!

Happy 5 1/2 Birthday Ollie!

2012-01-21T13:37:00.002-06:00

Monday we were off school & work. Papa came over to watch Ollie & Ivy while Erin & I ran!

Ollie's 5 1/2 birthday was on Friday. They celebrate the 1/2 birthdays for the kids who's birthdays are over the summer. Apparently it is a very big deal to be the birthday boy or girl! They get a sticker & crown and get to pick a friend to help them pass out the napkins and cupcakes at snack time!

Ollie was embarrassed and did not want Mrs. McPhee to do the "crazy arm thing" while the whole class sang happy birthday to him. So they just go to sing.

Chris & I got Ollie a little MP3 player and Chris put some of Ollie's favorite songs on it Thursday night. Since it was his 5 1/2 birthday I went ahead and wrapped it up although I told him many times this week that you do not get presents on your half birthday! I guess now we have to celebrate 2 birthdays every year!

He loves the MP3 player! He runs around the house singing and talking even louder than normal!

Snowy days!

2012-01-15T08:32:00.002-06:00

Wednesday evening Chris watched Ollie & Ivy while Erin and I went for a run. We had rec'd a big box that day and they had a good time watching Spongebob & eating snacks in the box! Why do we buy toys.

Thursday, Ollie had his first snow day! He only had to go to daycare that day! We sent his snow clothes to daycare with him but they did not go outside so as soon as we got home we bundled him up and sent him out with Bella! It was very cold but they didn't seem to mind. They stayed out for about a 1/2 hour while I made soup and grilled cheese for dinner. Perfect for a snowy evening!

While we were eating dinner Duke called and asked if we had any size 5T or 5 boy clothes because one of his friend's house burned down and they lost everything. We told him we would box up Ollie's old clothes and he could pick them up. I was explaining to Ollie why we were giving away his clothes that didn't fit because there was a little boy a little younger than him and his house caught on fire and he lost all of his clothes. The wheels were turning in Ollie's head and he said "did he lose all of his toys too?" I told him he probably did. Ollie then said "can I give him some of my toys?" Sure! So we went upstairs to go through some of his toys. Ollie decided to give a little boy that he doesn't even know his old batcave along with a Batman, Robin, Penguin & Riddler! He also gave a few other little toys! I am so proud of him! We must be doing something right!

New Year's Eve

2011-12-31T22:05:00.002-06:00

The Friday before New Year's Eve Ollie was home sick again. But, that gave us a chance to play with some more of his new Christmas toys. We got desperate in the late afternoon and pulled out the play-dough dentist set - Ollie loved it!

New Years Eve day...we spent the morning at home except to go out to U City to pick up our race packets for tomorrow's race. We met Aunt Erin & Ivy at McDonald's to play. It was in the 50's while we were there and they opened up the outside play area for us! Ollie helped Ivy get to the top car and go down the big slide!

We spent the afternoon taking down the Christmas lights. We broke out the "party drink" for dinner! Ollie really knows how to party! He wanted orange hair and has already started taking his clothes off! I wonder if he will make it until midnight? I wonder if I will make it until midnight?

We broke out the party poppers around 8:00. Then we skyped with Maw Maw & Papa Stu for a bit. Then it was time to watch New Year's Rockin Eve. Justin Bieber was on!!! He was disappointing though since he did not sing one of his own songs!

It's a little after ten now and we are thinking of just watching the New York ball drop at 11 and then heading to bed. We will see...Ollie is winding down now. Happy New Year everyone!!!

Back to CA...

2011-12-28T19:58:00.002-06:00

Well tonight was Maw Maw & Papa Stu's last night in St. Peters. They picked up Ollie from daycare and watched him & Ivy while Erin & I ran. Then we all met at their house and ate left-overs from the fridge. After cleaning out the fridge we headed home and they came over to play with Ollie one last time. They worked on his alien legos again! Ollie didn't want to show it but he is sad that they are leaving. But we will see them again when we fly to CA on Valentine's Day Night! Let the countdown begin!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-27T12:03:00.014-06:00

We started the Christmas celebrations by driving to Carrollton, IL on Friday afternoon. Aunt Debbie had Christmas at her new place this year. We also got to see Papa & Grandma's new house in Carrollton that they signed the papers on the same day!

Brad provided a riding mower and Lester painted it pink and wrote "PT's Cruiser" on the side! Teresa said the girls shined it up for Pat. She can drive this from Debbie's to her new house! Too cute!

We spent Christmas Eve at Papa's house. Ivy got her gift from us right away. A new baby bed with high chair & nursery! She loved it!

Ollie brought the truck he got from Aunt Debbie to Papa's house to show it off! He just loves that truck!

Ollie got a 3-D Spongebob puzzle from Aunt Erin. This should be interesting!

Papa got a blue tooth for his truck!

Grandma Pati got a Santa in a Swimming suit ornament (it is the year of the pool!) and a Kohl's gift card.

Batman GeoTrax!!!

Ivy got a book and said "it is a book!" when she opened it.

Ollie talked Bill & Daddy into helping put his Geotrax together.

Aunt Erin & Uncle Kevin got a Laptop!

Pati got a new mixer.

Ivy got a box of dress up clothes! She really loves the necklaces and the shoes!

Chris got some motorized decoys.

Pati got a concrete block that says "Pati's Pool"

Ivy liked "helping" with the trax. She kept saying "I elp you, I elp you" and taking them apart!

This is what we came home too. So pretty! Out street was lit up with the milk cartons too!

Ollie slept in the car and then was awake until 9:30 when we got home. At one point I thought he was asleep and he suddenly says "I just love Christmas!!!" About 10 min later he was sound asleep - finally! Santa had work to do!

Ollie woke up around 6:30 on Christmas morning.

The Lego City Space Shuttle!!!! Just what he wanted!

Bella got a new bone and a ball on a rope! She really liked her bone!

The Trio Batwing! Yes!!!

He was using his Power Rangers Sword to open the rest of his presents!

A new batcave!!!!

After we opened up the boxes and put batteries in everything it was time to move on to Maw Maw's house!

Ollie got a Hulk Hogan costume!

He couldn't wait for Aunt Erin to get there so he started on his stocking!

A new chair for his playroom!!! This one reclines!

A new computer!!!

Ivy is checking out Ollie's presents while pushing her new shopping cart around.

Ollie got a new box to put all of his costumes in! He also got a Captain America costume!

Hey Ivy watch out for the presents! She likes feeding her baby. That used to be her momma's baby doll.

Ollie finally got a scarf! He has been wanting one since he keeps seeing me put mine on every morning.

Maw Maw got a Kindle Fire from Papa Stu!

Papa Stu got a new Leather coat!

Uncle Kevin is trying out his new video camera!

Maw Maw also got a bag of coal and a diamond necklace from Papa Stu! Ollie just thinks it is hilarious that she got a bag of coal!!!

After presents Daddy started making breakfast. We had French toast and bacon. There were also lots of muffins! Ollie, Papa Stu & Maw Maw were checking out his new play-do set.

Christmas afternoon we went to Aunt Barbara's. Ollie talked Aunt Barb into letting him open his present from her. He got a Fireman!

Ivy got a Dora phone!

Time for shots already? They are doing shots of a $60 bottle of tequila!

Time to play left, right, center! I won the first round - yippy!! Afterwards, the second game got interruppted by some Jib Jab videos!

Ollie & I are in charge of the computer to show the next Jib Jab video.

Awe, what a cute family!

Ivy got a cookie jar with pretend cookies from Aunt Patty!

Ollie & Vivy play barbies.

Ivy handed out lots of presents while we were playing the trade game. She wanted to make sure her Daddy, Grammy, Papi & Mommy had plenty of presents!

The day after Christmas I woke up feeling bad. I managed to go for a 6 1/2 mile run with Erin but later in the afternoon I felt terrible again. I ended up having the stomach flu and the rest of the day was a waste. I couldn't leave the bathroom. Chris had to come home from work early to watch Ollie. This morning when we woke up there was snow outside! It was starting to melt so we let Ollie play for a bit. We got him dressed up and let him go outside. I stayed home from work again because I still don't feel 100%. I need to eat something but am scared to do so Yikes!Ollie was throwing snow balls at Bella. Then he threw them at window at me! He thought that was so funny!

Daddy helped Ollie set up his Geo Trax in the living room yesterday evening. Ollie was showing me how well the track works this morning.

Despite being sick, this weekend was wonderful!

Medal, Legos, Goose & Gingerbread Sleighs!

2011-12-21T06:24:00.003-06:00

Man! We had a full weekend before Christmas. Bright & early Saturday morning (8am) Ollie had his last basketball game for the season. He did such a good job! Daddy, Mommy & Papa were there to watch him play! At the end he comes running over "Mommy Mommy! We get medals not trophies! Medals are better than trophies!" He has decided he will play basketball again so he can get a "collection" of medals!

Saturday evening Maw Maw was watching Ivy overnight. Ollie & I went over to play for a bit. Ivy likes to play with Ollie's trio blocks too!

Sunday Daddy came home with a 20lb goose! That thing is just about as big as Ivy!

Sunday evening we went to Maw Maw's house for dinner and to make Gingerbread Sleighs.

Ivy & Ollie (Mommy too!) liked eating the candy that was supposed to be used for decorating!

Here are the masterpieces!

After all the decorating we took a drive to look at Christmas lights!

Santa Claus!!!

2011-12-16T14:03:00.002-06:00

Tuesday evening we went to Bass Pro so Ollie could see Santa. He was the real deal! His beard was real! Thank goodness Ollie realized that before he tried to pull on it! Ollie told Santa he wants the Lego City Space Shuttle. That was not on the lists that we mailed to Santa. I hope Santa can find the Space Shuttle before Christmas Eve!

We let Ollie pick out a Cozy Critter (which is just like a build-a-bear, but cheaper!). Ollie picked a penguin. He named his penguin "Pepper".

Later that evening Ollie asked if he could put on one of his costumes. I figured he would come down in a superhero costume. Boy was I wrong! He found his Elmo costume that he wore when he was two!

Daddy's Birthday Weekend!

2011-12-11T17:33:00.002-06:00

Saturday morning (Daddy's birthday)! We made Christmas pancakes for breakfast. We used christmas cookie cutters to cut out the pancakes. They look pretty cute!

Then we headed out for a basketball game. Ollie played pretty well. He did not hustle as much as last week but still did a very good job. He even made a basket! He was so proud of himself and Papa, Maw Maw, Papa Stu & Mommy were all there to see it!!!!

Saturday evening we all went out to Texas Roadhouse for Chris' birthday. It was crazy there. We called ahead and still had to wait 30 min before our table was ready. When we got home he opened presents and we all had some icecream cake from DQ. Yum!

Cookie Day!!!

2011-12-05T09:43:00.004-06:00

Saturday evening we were getting ready for Cookie Day. Daddy let Ollie play with capless cap gun. He just loves that thing. Of course, he is a boy.

Sunday morning, Cookie Day!!! Ollie and I are opening several Hershey Kisses for some peanut butter cookies!

Lots of peanut butter cookies...

Time to decorate some cookies!!! Ollie and Vivy played all day together. They had a great time!

Bel making the Hollyberry rice krispie treats.

Aunt Barb & and her chocolate macaroons.

Time for lunch....we had chicken noodle (as usual) and cheddar potato.

Patti & Laurie arrive and now it is time to get down to business. We have lots of chocolate gingerbread cookies to decorate.

Everyone helps!

Getting ready for our picture. It was a bit hectic. Ollie did not want to be in the picture. He laid on the floor behind us. What a stinker.

"Kill me now!" We are finally done with the pictures.

Ollie wanted to take a pic with just me & him since he did not get in the picture earlier. Then later in the evening about an hour after I went to bed Ollie was calling me. I got up and he had thrown up all over his bed and himself. Yuck! I took him straight to my shower and hosed him off. Thank goodness Chris cleaned up his bedding. I don't think I could have cleaned it without getting sick myself. Not sure if he ate too much or if he has a stomach bug. Needless to say we called in sick today and are hanging out on the couch right now.

My Birthday & Basketball Game!

2011-12-03T17:36:00.002-06:00

Last week, Ollie got his first stocking present. He got a new pair of Christmas PJ's!

Maw Maw got a stocking present too! A new snowman pin to wear on her sweater!

Sunday was my birthday so we went to lunch at Red Lobster! It was so good! When we were leaving they took out a lobster for Ollie & Ivy to pet.
Ivy was not sure about it in the beginning.

But she came around.

Today Ollie had 2 basketball games scheduled at 8am and 9am. He did so well in the 8 am game. He really tried hard. He shot for a basket. He didn't make it but he tried. He also hit the ball out of the other team's hand when they were shooting! He was tired by the end of the game and started to slow down. He collided with another little boy and they both fell. Then at least two others tripped and fell on top of them. Ollie was on the bottom. The other boys all jumped up and ran after the ball but Ollie was still down. He got up slowly and came to me crying and holding his left arm. There was a bruise, redness and it was a teeny bit swollen. We missed the 2nd game and went to Urgent Care. They said it was not broken but wanted to do an x-ray to see if it was cracked. It was not. Thank goodness! About an hour and half wasted at urgent care and I'm sure we will see a nice size bill in about a month but it is worth it to know he is okay!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2011-11-25T16:40:00.005-06:00

We had our first Thanksgiving on Sunday at Aunt Teresa's! Ollie was "hot" so of course he had to take his shirt off. He has been hot an awful lot lately.

We started off Thanksgiving Day at Papa's house. Lots of fun there! Ollie got to play with Megan & Mason. They went on the swing and got to shoot guns after dinner!

We tried to get a pic of Ollie, Ivy & Great Uncle Jack but they all turned out just like this!

Ivy was more interested in playing games on Heather's phone!

Ollie & Megan playing on the tree.

Maw Maw made Thanksgiving shirts for Ivy & Ollie. Ivy's shirt says Gobble and Ollie has a Turkey Tie. Very cute!

This morning Erin & I ran for 5 miles and then went to Maw Maw's to put up her Christmas Tree. Afterwards we went to lunch at Chick-Fil-A and then to Erin's to put up their tree. We had to take a quick trip to Target for more lights for her tree and then we were able to finish it. Then it was back home to finish putting up all of our Christmas decorations and our tree.

Whew!!! That's alot of Christmas decorating in one day. Chris is still on the roof finishing up the lights on the house.

School Picture

2011-11-14T18:54:00.001-06:00

We got Ollie's school pictures today. You have to pay for them before you see them. Now I know why! Seriously! What kind of smile is that buddy???

Basketball, play-do, & a new swing!

2011-11-13T15:44:00.005-06:00

Ollie's basketball games started last weekend. He did pretty well. He played his whole first game. The second game was a different story. He was in no mood to play, but, he was not the only one. I felt bad for the Coach. He had to beg some of the kids to play to give the others a break. Gotta love 5 year olds!

Ollie likes to slide across the court with this slippery pants!
He was going towards the basket!

Good game!

This is Ivy's first time playing with play-do. She wasn't sure she wanted to hold it herself!

Today we went to Papa's! He put up a new swing. Ollie loves it! He wants to go back tomorrow after school! Unfortunately it will be dark by then!

I had to try it out too!

Ivy wants to swing too!

Push me high Papa!

Ivy got to try by herself for a little bit. She held on tight!

Ollie talked Grandma Pati into helping him (more like building the whole thing herself!) build a Batcave out of his Trio blocks!

Happy Halloween!!!

2011-10-31T20:18:00.002-05:00

We all gathered together for chili at our house this evening before getting ready to go trick-or-treating!!!

Maw Maw helped Ollie transform into Squidward!

Ivy really got the hang of trick-or-treating and liked getting all the candy. She did a practice run at our house!
Squidward!!!!

Squidward's eyes would not stay in the right spot because his head is so big. He went trick-or-treating for most of the night without the head on. Oh well it was still so much fun! He got lots of candy (for a 5 yr old)!

Ghouls in the Garden & Carving Pumpkins

2011-10-30T19:54:00.004-05:00

Today we went with John & Paula to the Botannical Garden for their annual Ghouls in the Garden. Ollie wanted to wear his Spiderman costume so he could save his Squidward costume for tomorrow (the big day)!!! They had alot of stations where kids could get candy and see some spooky people! We left a bit early because Ollie wanted to come home and play with Tyler before we left. When we got home around 3 Tyler was still asleep!

Check out the red water!!! Go Cardinals!! They won the World Series on Friday night!

Looks like Swiper swiped a piece of licorice!

It is nearly impossible to get a good picture of both of them!

While we were leaving we saw a hawk of some kind that was sitting on it's food. He had a squirrel in his grasp and the squirrel was not quite dead yet. It was quite a sight!

Ollie got Tyler to wake up and we started carving pumpkins in the evening!

Ivy loved scooping the goop!

I poked about a million holes trying to carve an Incredible Hulk pumpkin! Oh the things I do for Ollie!

Still poking holes!

Ivy is helping to separate the seeds. She ate about 3 seeds before they were cooked - I hope a pumpkin does not grow in her tummy!

Finally I cam cutting the Hulk pumpkin!

Say Pumpkin!!!

Can you see the Hulk? I think it turned out pretty well!

Halloween Parties!!!

2011-10-29T19:23:00.008-05:00

Friday afternoon was the Fall Party at Ollie's school. Me & Maw Maw got to go and help with Ollie's party!

They painted pumpkins,

and Maw Maw painted their faces,

they played games,

and had cupcakes for snack!

Then it was time to come home and get ready for our Halloween Party on Saturday!

Ollie & Kevin had to test out the games!

Saturday morning Ollie got his Squidward costume on and we went to the TMM 5K Race. I beat my practice time by 5 min while pushing Ollie in the stroller! I made it in 30:42. I came in 2nd and Erin came in 3rd!! Whoo hoo! Then we had a TMM BBQ for lunch. Then we had to rush home and set up for our party!

Look it's Dora & Swiper!

Apple bobbing!

Face painting!

Andrew finally got an apple!!!

Boots, Swiper & Dora

Pumpkin Painting!

and a bean bag toss!

Kevin & Erin made up scary boxes with gross stuff in them! Blood & Guts, Skin, Eyeballs, etc!

Time for cupcakes and other snacks!

Malik was a little late but he got to stay and play awhile! They haven't seen each other in a few months and they were so excited to see each other!

What a fun but exhausting day!!!

Follow your dreams, not drugs!

2011-10-26T20:03:00.002-05:00

This week is Red Ribbon Week at Ollie's school. Monday: I "CAN" say no to drugs. Tuesday: "Slip" into a drug free life. (Wear PJ's & Slippers). Wednesday: "Follow your dreams, not drugs! (dress up like your favorite career (ie teacher, NFL player, doctor).... so what does Ollie want to be when he grows up? If you have asked him any time in the past 6 months his answer was "Kiss singing Justin "Beaver" songs!" So Ollie went to school dressed up as KISS! Thank goodness Maw Maw put the outfit together in one evening! Uncle Kevin helped too by making the KISS letters for Maw Maw! He looked great and was so excited to go to school!

Pumpkin Patch!

2011-10-26T19:52:00.004-05:00

On Sunday we took the kiddos to the Pumpkin Patch!

Ollie loves the corn boxes!

Ivy liked them too but she did not want to sit in them. She was okay as long as she was standing!

Where did Ollie go???

Lots of fun on the BIG tire swings!

Time to ride the ponies! I think Ollie got a full grown horse!

What a beautiful day for the pumpkin patch!

Maw Maw's Home & the Zoo!

2011-10-23T08:39:00.005-05:00

Ollie & Ivy were very lovey the other night. Lots of hugs!

On Thursday Maw Maw came home!!! Ollie couldn't wait to see how his Squidward costume was coming along! It still has to be put together but it is going to be awesome when it is finished!

Friday Ollie was off school and we went to the Zoo. We took his friend Jay with us. It was a beautiful day perfect for the zoo.

Riding the train!

Checking out the snakes...

This goat really wanted something out of Maw Maw's bag!

They climb the rocks!

We had to stop Ollie from going up after him.

Time to work on the farm in the Children's Zoo.

Face painting!

Batman & Skeletor!

Birthday Parties & Pool Party!

2011-10-17T17:58:00.002-05:00

Saturday afternoon Ollie was invited to two birthday parties! Maggie's party was first. It was at Great Skate. Samantha is helping Ollie.

Maggie had a Justin Bieber party - check out her cake! Too cute.

We left Maggie's party early and headed to the Putting Edge at the Mills for Nathan's party! Ollie wasn't really into miniature golf. He just wanted to climb around and have his picture taken.

Sunday was the pool opening & closing party at Papa's house! It was 80 degrees outside and 81 in the pool. I got in and stayed right by the return with the warm water.

Ivy didn't think it was too cold. She was digging in the cooler for ice.

Look at all the kids playing with our basketball hoop!

Homemade Pizza

2011-10-13T19:56:00.002-05:00

Last weekend we made homemade pizzas for lunch on Saturday & Sunday. Chris made the dough from scratch. We all had our own personal pizza so we could put our own toppings on.
We started with Little Caesar's pizza sauce...

Then Ollie added pepperoni & mushrooms, then cheese and more pepperoni's!

It's so hard to wait!
What a great looking pizza buddy! What's with that face? That's his silly picture face.

Bella got mail the other day! Inside was a candy corn hankerchief - now she's ready for Halloween! Thanks Maw Maw!

Anniversary Weekend!

2011-10-08T19:29:00.002-05:00

We are spending our anniversary weekend as a family. Friday after work we picked up Tyler and headed to Millstadt for a Haunted Paintball Hayride! We all got paintball guns and got to shoot at monsters in the woods! Ollie had a great time! It was pretty fun but I think there could have been more monsters to shoot at. Then we had to walk back on a haunted trail before we could play some games. Ollie was scared on the trail so I carried him most of the way. He did very well

This morning we went to Stroller Class and brought Ivy back home with us. Aunt Erin & Uncle Kevin are going to the wineries today and she is staying with us all day and night. They played well together all day!

All is right in the world again! We have a basketball hoop in our driveway again! The neighbor offered theirs to us so Chris just dug it up and moved it over today! Yay!

Tomorrow we are meeting a photographer at City Centre Park for family pictures! I am so excited - we have never taken family pictures before! I think I am the only one that is happy about it but oh well! What a great way to spend our anniversary weekend - home together as a family! I can't believe 6 years have gone by already!

First Weekend in October...

2011-10-02T13:38:00.004-05:00

Thursday evening after swim class we hustled to the other side of town to the Homecoming Parade at Aunt Erin's school. We missed the first part when they left but got to see the whole thing when they came back. Ivy was checking out her stash of candy when we got there!

The soccer team threw out blow up soccer balls. The kids had fun playing with it while we waited for the parade to come back by.

Ivy did not want anything to do with the Spartan mascot!

Candy!!!

Saturday morning I got up early and went to a huge garage sale in IL. I met Chris, Ollie, Erin & Ivy at Dad's house for lunch. We checked out the swimming pool progress! Ollie had a great time playing in the dirt! This is little boy heaven!

Ivy is spinning the wheel on the wheel barrow.

Time for a mule ride...check out the baby & stroller in the back. Ivy won't go anywhere without a baby!

Time to get the tractor and pick up some tree stumps!

Daddy had to go back to work in the afternoon so Ollie & I took the long way home. We rode on the Brussels Ferry and the Golden Eagle Ferry. Ollie borrowed some binoculars from Papa so he could look for some Eagles on the way. Unfortunately he didn't see any but he still liked using the binoculars.

This morning Ollie talked me into carving a pumpkin. Who says you can only carve pumpkins closer to Halloween? We will just throw it away when it gets bad and buy a new one. Ollie did a good job scooping the goop out. He picked out a superhero pattern book and decided on the Ironman design. I had to poke a million holes in the pumpkin and then cut it out. I have never used a pattern before. I am pretty surprised at how well it turned out!

Ollie used my camera and took a pic of me getting the pumpkin seeds ready to bake.

Can you see Ironman?

Oktoberfest!!!

2011-09-25T19:28:00.005-05:00

It is finally FALL!!! This is my favorite season! On Saturday we went to Oktoberfest in St. Charles. Yes, they have Oktoberbest the last weekend in September, why? Who knows? But it was fun and we even talked Daddy into going with us! It is nice to have him home on the weekends! Ollie got to paint his own pumpkin and bounce as much as he wanted. We even saw Bruce, the magician (the one from El Maguey). He was doing a show in the children's area!

Ollie got a ghost painted on his face!

Afterwards we went to Red Lobster for an early dinner and stuffed our faces - it was awesome!

Sunday morning we went to Sunday School and the Kindergarteners brought out their health care kits during the offering in front of the whole church!

After Sunday School we went to Walmart to pick up some food for a last minute BBQ and to pick out a "prize" for Ollie. He got his 10 stickers (1 each day) from his teacher. While we were looking in the toy section we saw Nathan and his Dad. They were looking for a prize too. Then the trip to Walmart turned into an extended stay. Ollie & Nathan were running around showing each other "cool" toys and trying to decide what they would pick. Ollie finally picked out (wait for it...) a new Batman & Joker action figures! How many Batman & Joker's can one little boy have?

Later, for dinner, we BBQ'd and Papa, Grandma Pati, Aunt Erin, Uncle Kevin, Ivy, John & Paula came over. Today was Paula's birthday! Happy Birthday Paula and thanks for celebrating with us!

Ollie was playing Angry Birds on Papa's phone and apparently he is pretty good at it!

Ivy is really into babies. She is a little mommy! She takes after her Aunt Jen :)

Aunt Erin is helping Ollie with a Spongebob picture. It is sticky and comes with different colors of sand. The sand sticks to it to make it pretty. Just wait for Ivy to get a little older and I am going to start buying her messy toys!

What a great weekend and as usual over too soon. Tomorrow we are back to work & school.

Last Weekend...

2011-09-23T20:24:00.002-05:00

Last Saturday Erin & I hosted a Scentsy party with Aunt Teresa. Aunt Teresa, Liam and Grandma Toussaint came over early to help set up. Ollie got to hold Liam!!! He just loves babies!

Then Papa & Grandma Pati came over. Papa took Ollie to the first Lakeside 370 Park Picnic. Ollie got to play lots of games and get his face painted!
Sunday we met our friends Amy & her son Cody at Pump It Up. Ollie & Cody are both in Kindergarten and got along great! They really had a good time playing in the boxing house!

They played air hockey for quite awhile. Unfortunately one of the pucks flew up and hit Ollie in the chin. It cut open and bled quite a bit. We had to put a bandaid on his chin and it did not want to stay on. That didn't stop Ollie & Cody from finishing their game though!

Tonight at Walmart, I could not resist. I picked up a new hat, gloves and t-shirt for Ollie. They are all WWE Wrestlers. Ollie was so excited when I got home he had to wear them all for PJ's!

Happy 30th Birthday Aunt Debbie!!!

2011-09-11T19:47:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Debbie! You don't look a day over 29! Today we took Ollie to Papa & Grandma Pati's to hang out while we went to celebrate Aunt Debbie's birthday at the Bethalto KC Hall.

Ollie did all kinds of fun things while we were gone and was not ready to leave so we decided to go fishing for a little bit.

Finally he got a bite!!!

Waiting patiently for another fish...but they are not biting anymore. Oh well at least he caught one!

Ollie was telling us how he drove Papa's tractor all by himself earlier and decided he could drive the mule too!

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-06T15:20:00.006-05:00

After stroller class Ollie was playing at the park with his hard hat from Grandpa Ames.

Thursday evening when we got home Ollie had a box waiting for him (and our air was out). He didn't mind that it was so hot because he had mail!!

He got Legos and candy and a new superhero DVD!!! What a lucky boy!
Saturday we went to Aunt Erin's to go swimming! Ollie has gotten so good. He can swim very well underwater and he loves his mask & snorkel!

On Sunday we had another pool party at Aunt Barb's!!!

Daddy brought his fish to fry!

Whoa! Daddy through Ollie far! Good thing he can swim now!

When we got home Ollie got out his tools to help Daddy finish some projects in the bathroom and the attic entry.

Monday we went to the Bethalto Homecoming to ride some rides.

Ollie was obsessed with winning a fish. He didn't win with the first dollar so he wanted Papa to throw the next 6 balls. But, Ollie through one of the next balls and it actually landed in a bowl and he won a goldfish!

This & That...

2011-08-28T19:12:00.002-05:00

Here is a pic of Ollie getting off the daycare van on the first day of school! He had a great time!

Ollie on Uncle Brad's boat just enjoying the ride!

Our big tree in the front just died. It had leaves last fall and never had leaves again this year. So we had it cut down. These guys were fast it was only in the street for about 15 min at the most!

Ollie went all week long without having an "accident" at school. A co-worker had given me some of her son's Spongebob legos. Ollie got to decide if he wanted the legos he picked out last weekend or the "surprise" legos. He picked the surprise legos and was very excited to get the Spongebob Legos!
Saturday we went to Alligator Creek with Becky, Kathryn & Andrew. Ollie was snorkeling around the pool. It was a great warm day for the pool.

Today we had a BBQ at our house. Papa, Grandma Pati, Aunt Erin, Uncle Kevin & Ivy came over. Ollie talked Papa into playing legos with him in his playroom!

Then he got to play games on Papa's phone. Ollie liked playing Angry Birds!

We have been enjoying our weekend home as a family. Tomorrow Daddy has to start traveling for work again. He should be home on the weekends though!

First Day of Kindergarten!!!

2011-08-17T13:00:00.002-05:00

Today was Ollie's first day of Kindergarten!!! To my surprise he was very excited. He was not nervous at all! He wanted to wear his "fancy suit" which is the outfit he is wearing in the pics and he wanted to put his hair in a mohawk. So we guped up his hair.

I dropped him off at daycare at the normal time. We took a few minutes to take a pic next to the van that will take him to & from school and inside Ms. Cathy took a pic of me & Ollie together! I sent a text to Ms Cathy later in the morning and Ms. De reported that Ollie was happy & excited on the van ride and when they got to school. We are going to dinner at Chili's (Ollie's choice) tonight and I cannot wait to hear about his day!

The weekend before kindergarten!

2011-08-14T14:15:00.004-05:00

Friday morning was Kindergarten Orientation. We went to the school to meet Ollie's new teacher. This was more hectic than I thought it would be. There was more paperwork for us to fill out when we got there. Then the parents left the kids in the room with the teachers and had a meeting with the Principal. Then we took the kids on a self guided tour of the school to show them where the music room, gym, art room, computer lab, etc are. Then we practiced going through the lunch line. Ollie is more excited now because he already has 2 friends in his class! Nathan (from his daycare) and Jay (up the street)! At the end of orientation we let the kids play on the playground for a bit. Then Ollie and I had a picnic at City Centre Park before I went back to work.

Kathryn & Ollie on the playground. They will have recess together!

Ollie & Jay are in the same class!
After work on Friday, I picked up Ollie and we headed to the Mall to meet Spongebob!!! We got in line at 4:30 and only had to wait an hour! I heard other people waited for 3 1/2 hours. Yikes! After we met Spongebob Ollie really wanted a balloon animal so we waited in another line for an hour for a balloon. I should have scored some major mommy points Friday night!

Saturday morning we stopped by the Little Gym before stroller class to watch Ivy. It was her last class. It looks like she really enjoys it!

Saturday afternoon Papa, John, Kevin & Ollie worked on Aunt Erin's fence.

The girls hung out and talked. Ivy played in her sand box!

Then it was time for a dip in the pool.

Check out Ollie swimming with no floaties!!! He has learned so much this summer!

This morning I took Ollie to Pump It Up in New Town. It is like Monkey Joe's. Ollie had a blast!

Papa's Birthday!

2011-08-09T19:11:00.004-05:00

Wow I haven't posted in awhile. This one will have two weekends. Last weekend Ollie really wanted to go to Papa's house to hang out so we went over there for a few hours on Saturday. Ollie talked Papa into playing Lego Batman on the Wii downstairs!

When we got home later he played some of his new games on his Xbox Kinect! It is pretty funny to watch him playing the games!

This past Saturday was Papa's actual birthday. It was also Barb & Larry's pool party!

Tyler drove Erin's car to their house. He just did not drive on highway 70 - he needs a lot more hours before he can get his license. There house was perfect to drive to since it is so far away!

On Sunday we went to Papa's house to celebrate his birthday. He put up the water slide. Ollie was so excited! He loves that thing! Tyler also drove his red car with me to Papa's house. Another hour under his belt. He drove the whole way this time!

Finally time for presents!

It's a purple martin bird house!!! Just what he wanted!

Can you guess what is in the long skinny present? If you guessed a pole for the birdhouse you are correct!

Happy Birthday Dad! We love you!

Last couple days of CA vaca...

2011-07-24T10:47:00.003-05:00

Friday we just hung out around Maw Maw's house. Ollie rode his spiderman bike that Papa Stu fixed up for him. Ivy had a good time chasing after him!

Maw Maw & Ollie playing with his new super heroes!
In the afternoon we went to Dalton Park which is a county park that has some water squirters. There were a lot of people there and the kids had a great time on the playground and in the water!

The lady selling ice creams made a killing off of us!

Saturday morning we are packing up to go home. Ollie is playing legos with Papa Stu & Ivy.

Daddy & Dora check out what is going on down the hill.

What a great vacation. I'm sad that it is over. We had such a great time with everyone. A big thanks to Mom & Stu for putting up their house for a week and a half!

Sea World

2011-07-22T11:10:00.004-05:00

Thursday we drove to San Diego to go to Sea World. Everything said it would be a 2 hour drive but when you factor traffic in it ended up being a 3 hr drive. We rented a 15 passenger van and were like the Griswold's on family vacation.

As soon as you get in there is a kids Bay of Play with a big playground and some rides! We rode some rides while we were waiting for the Shamu Show to begin!

Tyler & Ollie checking out the penguins.

We got to see the brand new Turtle Reef. It just opened this year!

The sharks were swimming right above our heads!

5th Birthday in Hollywood!!!

2011-07-22T10:17:00.010-05:00

Tuesday was a "stay at home" day. We hung around Maw Maw's pool and just relaxed. Pretty much everyone went home on Tuesday morning. Papa & Grandma Pati came over to Maw Maw's in the morning before they had to leave for the airport. They brought Ollie another birthday present!

Ollie got real work gloves like Papa's!
Okay, who thinks this is a good idea? Don't hit your head Aunt Erin!

Ollie's turn!

She's surfing!

Wednesday morning - Ollie's 5th Birthday!!! There was a singing card and a transformer balloon waiting for Ollie in the kitchen when he woke up!

He talked Maw Maw into letting him open one present in the morning! She got him a box of "terrorists" to play with his army men.

Later that morning we headed out to Hollywood!

We ate lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood. Tyler was looking at some song lyrics by Led Zeppelin. They had a TV right by our table that played the music videos of whatever song was on at the time. Very cool!

The waitress had Ollie stand on his chair and yelled to the whole restaurant that it was his 5th birthday and the whole restaurant yelled "Happy Birthday" to him! He was a little shy and was not expecting that at all!

I think he is still wondering what just happened.

We walked around outside for a bit and there were a lot of characters wandering around. Of course they make it clear to you that they expect tips for any pics you take with them.

Since Ollie turned 5 everything is bigger! His hands and feet grew and he is taller. He was checking to see if his hands were as big as the "governator's"!

There was a huge crowd - it was just crazy there!

Batman, Wonderwoman, Robin & Superman all gave Ollie high fives and told him happy birthday. Ollie was star struck by Batman and immediately turned shy and would not get in the picture. So Maw Maw took a pic with them for Ollie. Ollie did not like Robin picking Maw Maw up! He was afraid Robin would drop her. What an awesome surprise for Ollie to meet Batman! He really thinks he is the real one!

Look at that face. He was so happy to give Batman a high five!

When we got home it was time to celebrate Ollie's birthday! He wanted an Ironman cake.

Waiting to open presents is so hard!

Maw Maw got Ollie a "big boy" suitcase. Good thing too we need something to get all these toys home!

Pinata time!

Ollie talked Tyler into helping him build his Lego firetruck!

Venice Beach

2011-07-21T23:41:00.005-05:00

Monday morning we all headed out to Venice Beach! We were able to meet up when we got there.

Ollie & Vivy had a great time playing in the sand.

Tyler helped Ollie & Vivy find tiny crabs! They had a huge collection!

Ava & Larry playing catch with a football.

Time to fill the moat! They kept bringing up buckets of water and then running back for more. By the time they came back the water had soaked into the sand and they would have to start all over again!

There were very interesting shops and people to walk around and see.

Papa took a break and took Ivy to the park for a bit!

Everyone is on their phone or ipad looking for a place to eat dinner. What would we do without technology?

It led to a wonderful Italian Restaurant. We were able to call ahead and our table was waiting for us after we walked 1/2 a mile up the beach.

A great way to end a perfect beach day!

Batman Pool Party!!!!

2011-07-19T11:04:00.008-05:00

On Sunday we had a Batman themed pool party! Sunday morning we were gearing up for the party and starting to get our costumes on.

Time to take a little break before the party begins. We were watching Spongebob while waiting for the others to get here!

What is being put up in the front yard??? A batman bounce house!!!

A family of villains! Kevin as the Joker and Ivy & Erin as Poison Ivy.

The "Bat" Family!

The food has arrived!

Patti & Laurie making Jello shots!

Bat Sisters!

Time for a water balloon fight!

Jello shots with Aunt Barb. Barb's was the only one that was fully leaded!

Oh no, this looks like trouble.

And what are they talking about? Looks interesting!

Holy kilowatts Batman this party was a bright idea!!!

Start of our CA trip!!!

2011-07-18T08:20:00.006-05:00

Finally it is time to get on the plane!!! Tyler and Ivy are checking out the ground below!

Ollie loves riding airplanes. But the middle part gets a little boring. He had movies and his DS to keep him busy. Ivy was not very excited about this plane ride. She cried about 2/3 of the time off and on and then during one of the two times I held her she threw up all over me and her! Good thing she is so cute!

Saturday we woke up in Sunny CA. Chris is making hamburgers "your way" for lunch. He was running around like a crazy person. What's new right?

Checking out the mountains in the distance.

Later in the afternoon we all drove up to Crestline, CA to pick the baby bed up from Stu's cabin in the mountains. It is such a cute, quaint cabin! Everyone wants to come back some time and go skiing or fishing or whatever. Tyler & Chris stayed at the cabin and fished Sunday morning. Then drove back to Glendora.

How many men does it take to carry a babybed to the truck?

What a beautiful view! The ride up to the cabin was exciting and terrifying at the same time. Winding and narrow roads. The locals just fly through the curves - crazy! They expect little wimpy guard rails to hold your car on the road.

We all went to eat at a Mexican place by lake Gregory and then headed back. Everyone needed to rest up for the big BATMAN party the next day!!!

First Week of July

2011-07-11T10:14:00.005-05:00

Last week we went to a Gateway Grizzlies game. Uncle Kevin was excited to try the foods that were featured on "Man vs. Food". He had a Krispy Kreme Bacon Burger and some philly cheesesteak nachos! We got the tickets from Groupon and with the tickets we each got a free hotdog and chips and $5 voucher to any items in their store.

Ivy really liked the Grizzly Bear "Izzy" but she did not want to touch him!

They have a play area for the kids. Ollie & Ivy got to play for a little bit until it started sprinkling. Then we made our way back to our seats.

Aunt Erin took Ollie to get some Claws and a Grizzly tattoo. She used her cold bear bottle to put the tattoo on his face!

On Sunday, Papa, Grandma Pati & Megan came over to give Ollie his birthday present. He got an Xbox 360 with a Kinect! Very cool!

We had to tell him what it was but then he already knew that you don't need a controller. Your body is the controller!

Papa got him an extra game "Zumba Dance"!!! I think that is really more for Mommy! Yippee!

It took a little while to set up but it is finally time to play!

Then later Sunday evening we BBQ'd alot of food and invited Erin, Kevin, Ivy, Paula & John over for dinner. We have plenty of left overs which was the plan. Tyler is coming over on Tuesday afternoon and staying with us. We need to make sure we have plenty of food stocked up so he will have food for lunch and it makes dinner that much easier too!

Check out Ivy with her hair bow. She left it in for about 20 min until she realized it was still in her hair.

Ollie & Ivy are cooking!

Ollie is giving Ivy raspberries!

4th of July Weekend!!!

2011-07-05T19:59:00.014-05:00

Friday evening Ollie & Maw Maw caught some lightning bugs! Ollie was so excited. He put the jar next to his bed to watch them light up while he went to sleep!

Saturday we wento Aunt Barb & Uncle Larry's for a pool party!

Bill, Barb & Vivy eating boiled peanuts.

Sunday evening we went to a BBQ at Papa's house. It rained most of the evening so the party was moved inside.

Maw Maw & Ollie playing power rangers.

Ivy wanted Papa's bottle!

By 9:00 it was just sprinkling off and on so we decided to start the fireworks. Daddy is helping Ollie with his first roman candle.

Ivy and Grammy watching the fireworks.

Daddy lighting 200 bottle rockets with a blow torch...good idea?

The guys watching the bottle rocket can catch on fire.

Now Ollie can do roman candles by himself!

Ivy & Maw Maw with a sparkler!

Daddy & Papa Stu getting ready for the fireworks show. Uncle Kevin is down there somewhere too.

Ollie loves the fireworks!

Monday morning (the actual 4th) we went to the St. Charles Parade. It was raining again but the kiddos still had a good time and got a lot of candy!

After the parade we had lunch at Maw Maw's.

Maw Maw showed Ollie the makings of "Gotham City"! It still needs to be painted.

We went home for a nap and then to Aunt Erin's for a BBQ & some pool time!

Time to watch some fireworks!

Samantha, Maggie & Ollie like the smoke bombs!

Finally time to go to the fireworks in St Charles!

Ollie is changing everything with his Harry Potter wand!

Tuesday we hung out at home. Papa came over and so did Maw Maw & Papa Stu. Ollie was Batman and playing transformers and army men. Can you keep it all straight?

Whew!! What a weekend! We had such a great time! Happy 4th of July everyone!

A Week with Ivy!

2011-07-01T20:26:00.004-05:00

Erin and Kevin went to the Dominican Republic for a week for a destination wedding. Ivy stayed with Maw Maw on the weeknights and with us on the weekend. Last Saturday morning we all got ready to go to stroller class. Ollie was helping Ivy put on her shoes. Her little toes were stuck in a hole in her jellies and instead of just trying to push her feet in anyway he told me he needed some help so he didn't hurt her toes! What a thoughtful big cousin!

After stroller class we went over to Papa's house to see how he was doing. He had a cardiac cath and 3 stints put in the day before. He was getting around just fine. Ollie knew he had to be gentle with him and did not try to fight with him at all. He was just a thoughtful little boy last Saturday!

We spent every evening at Maw Maw's house playing with Ivy. Ivy went to hang out with Grammy and Papa Thurston on Tuesday and Wednesday evening for a few hours.
Papa Stu got in late Wednesday night and picked Ollie up on Thursday. Ollie was so excited he could not wait to play with Papa Stu!

Ivy eating pretend french fries.

Maw Maw is trying to keep Ivy busy at her house while we are waiting for Erin & Kevin to get home.

What a happy little girl!

Their here! Their here!

And they brought gifts!

Friday evening...it's finally 4th of July weekend! We started it off by going to dinner at El Maguey. Maw Maw & Papa Stu gave Ollie a bag full of fireworks! So of course we had to go straight home and do some fireworks!

Ollie talked Maw Maw & Papa Stu into playing army with him in his playroom. Now it's time go out and find lightning bugs! It's going to be a very busy and fun weekend!

Father's Day Weekend!

2011-06-23T20:07:00.006-05:00

Saturday was the first "New Old Town Picnic". This is the first year it was not run by the city and only run by the Legion. There was no parade, fireworks or shuttle. There was no need for a shuttle though there was no one there! We were able to find a good parking spot in Old Town. It was very muddy as usual and the Batman car was not there because of the mud. But, the kiddos were able to ride some rides while we were there!

Ollie loves the big slides!

Papa rode the Dizzy Dragon with Ollie & Ivy!

Ivy liked all the rides!

Ollie wanted Maw Maw and Papa to play "army" with him when we got back from the picnic.

Sunday we went to Aunt Erin's to swim and for a Father's Day BBQ!

Ollie got a card that sings for Daddy! He loves the singing cards!

Ivy got Papa a shirt for her that says "I "heart" Grandpa"

Ollie & Daddy watching Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (the old one) They love that movie!

Ollie got Papa some cashews to share with him!

We got Dad some Ryobi batteries.

John got a new drill.

Later we headed to Aunt Teresa's for another Father's Day gathering.

Liam gets "fighting" lessons from Ollie & his Papa.

Ollie helps Papa Toussaint read his Scooby Doo card!

Time to wrestle!

Awww...brotherly love.

We brought the jumper over for Liam and I think he likes it! He reminds me of Ollie in there! What a cutie!

Weekend Fun!

2011-06-15T13:00:00.005-05:00

Ollie has all of his army men set up just right. He spent hours Saturday evening playing with these!

Sunday we went to Papa's for a BBQ. Ivy & Ollie got new "work" gloves. Ivy likes to wear her's on her feet! Silly!

Papa surprised the kids with a blow up water slide!!! It was cold but they didn't seem to care too much.

Ivy even liked going down the slide!

Ollie instigated wrestling with Mason. Just get two boys together and everything turns into a wrestling match!

Time to swing on the vine!

Ivy's turn...Kevin let her go! Just kidding! That would never happen!

After Papa's we went to Grandma & Grandpa Toussaint's for a Toussaint BBQ! Uncle Lester wrestles with Ollie & Cloe!

Baby Liam .... such a sweetheart!

That's a big cup Ollie!

Last Sunday

2011-06-10T19:42:00.002-05:00

Last Sunday Ollie saw a turtle that was wandering around on our patio! We made Bella stay inside so Ollie could go out and save the turtle. We gave him some water and then carried him to the creek.

For dinner we went to Ivy's to play in her new sandbox and have a BBQ!

Ivy does not like her feet to touch the sand although she seems to like it more when Ollie is playing with her.

Aunt Erin & Uncle Kevin were busy trying to clean the pool.

Ollie was excited that he was able to get the sand to stay in the shape of the molds!

Ivy had her first popcicle!