Playtime!!!!

Boy oh boy has there been a lot of playing being done this summer! New parks, new water toys, fun with family and friends. And it's only July!!! We've been so busy around the Stoeber house that the only time I have time to upload pictures and update the blog is during naptime. So here it goes!

I had heard about this spraypark (aka sprayground or splashpad) in Grayslake. It's fenced in and it's free! We've visited there a few times in late afternoon after naptime when the crowds are fewer. Ryan seems to enjoy it.

I think it's only fair that I include this picture of Dean and Ryan on Father's Day, since I put one of him and me on Mother's Day. See how Ryan looks at Dean adoringly. I only seem to get the evil eye. From Ryan that is.

This is just a portion of the AWESOME park I found in nearby Gurnee. Most of the features Ryan won't be able to enjoy for another year or two. But I'm in no hurry for those days. Kids up to teens can find something at this park to enjoy. There were several different play areas at the playground part of the park. In addition they had a skatepark, baseball fields, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a frisbee golf course. I can imagine many a child being lost (or buried!) here.

Ryan did like the giant swing there.

As well as the slide. Nevermind the dumbfounded expression on his face. Lately that seems to be the standard look whenever I pull out the camera - eyes averted and facial expression blank. I think he thinks that if he doesn't smile and look at me that I'll just give up and put the camera away - wrong!

He also got a kick out of this rocker horse (or maybe it's a dog? rabbit? - heck your guess is as good as mine).

On those days when it's too hot or rainy, the Duplo blocks get a workout. Dean and I have spent plenty of time building towers only to have Ryan disassemble them in a matter of seconds. Fortunately small fry is good about picking up the blocks and likes to zip and unzip the bag.

A rare time when Ryan sat still, looked at the camera, and smiled.

This was cousin Adam at the 4th of July picnic at Aunt Shirley's. In the background are cousins Derek and Andrea. The younger cousins (Nathan, Caden, and Ava) were playing Wii bowling. Adam and his brothers like Scooby Doo and here Adam is doing his impression of "The Creeper".

Did somebody say "The Creeper"?!

Ryan and I went to Uncle Dan and Aunt Sherry's a few times to babysit. Though he's 6 months younger than Adam, there is still quite a difference between the two boys. Not being around other kids on a regular basis, you can definitely see it. No worries here, based on how much he babbles, I know once Ryan starts talking, he's probably never going to let me get in a word. So for now, I'm fine with only hearing the words "trash, hot, light, bite, Da Da, Giz, yes, and uh oh" come out. Not to mention, I have no plans on returning to work, so daycare is not in the cards.

One toy both boys were interested in. Thankfully they were able to share.

On another rainy day, we visited the local Children's Museum again. I had to act quickly to get the picture before Ryan snatched the fireman's hat off his head.

Outside on a sunny day a walnut was found and used as an xylophone stick to make noise, I mean music, along the back on the patio chairs.

Frolicking through the flowers. Dad would not be happy about this.

Helping to fill the water table.

Splashtime at last!

We still have lots of playdates lined up for this summer. We also need to get pictures of Dad's softball team (they are doing great this year!). I don't want summer to pass without a trip to a zoo. So it looks like there will be updates coming soon. Well assuming I can find time to update the blog after these experiences. Hope everyone else is enjoying their summer!