Hot Air Balloons

A couple of weeks ago there was a big event here in Macomb where they launched and landed a lot of Hot air balloons then light them up after dark for everyone to see. To say the least Maren LOVED it. This same weekend we went to Ft. Madison to go to the Tri-State Rodeo thinking there would be some kind of rides, parades, or other events that we could attend knowing the actual rodeo would be too late to attend with two young girls that far from home. Of course, the only thing they had was the late rodeo, soooo we drove down to Nauvoo and toured a little bit before heading back home. A couple Saturdays ago we decided to tour Quincy and have decided this city is the closest with decent shopping to Macomb. There also happened to be a Fazoli’s Restaurant there – the restaurant that we went to on our first date. So we had to drop by and have a bite!

Eliza is starting to use the “more” sign a little and it sounds like she is trying to say it. She has seen us tease with Maren where one of us will say something like “Is he for a boy or a girl?” And another one of us will say “He is for a girl!” Then we shake our heads, scrunch our noses and say “nooo, He is for boys.” Eliza has seen this. She will reach her hand out to give you a partially eaten apple or cracker and then as you reach for it she pulls it back and shakes her head and scrunches her nose. She has also started to spontaneously laugh for no reason. It just comes out of nowhere. No matter what we are doing we crack up after hearing it.

The Sunday after we went to Quincy, about three-quarters of the way through Sacrament meeting, Maren was getting anxious for nursery and decided to lie down on the bench. She was there for a moment and when I thought she was settled she let out one of her DEEP growls that only she can do (but hasn’t done for quite some time) so loud that at least a half of the congregation heard her and several had to comment on the growl after the meeting. The adventures of being a parent...

Can't Think of a Title

I thought I'd give Sunny a break from writing this time. I'm at school in between classes. The semester is going pretty well so far. My classes shouldn't be too demanding and one or two might be enjoyable. Sunny is glad to get me out of the house finally. I feel so old being here. I met one kid in class last week. He was a 23 year old grad student. I just smiled and though, "I'll be almost 31 by the time I get my bachelor's..." Oh, well.

We went to the Brooks family reunion up in Rockford this last week. Saw a lot of family that we haven't seen in many years. I think the last time I went to one was when I was in high school. Maren had a great time swimming in the motel pool. I had a cold, so most of the weekend I was blowing my nose.

We came back home Sunday afternoon and since school was out Monday, we spent the morning lounging around home. We dropped by a little Labor Day celebration at Colchester (about 5 miles west), but predictably enough, it wasn't very exciting. We had lunch at a diner on the square that we had been meaning to try, but we were not impressed. It was nice to be together, though.

The family's doing well. Maren is talking and understanding so well. Unfortunately, she is quite bossy with Eliza. She has been spending a lot of time in "time-out" when she gets in trouble with Sunny. If I put her in time-out, I have to wait too, so a swat on the bum is a lot faster.

Eliza is such a happy baby. She is doing this thing now where she will scrunch up her face and breath really fast through her nose. I don't know if it's her new way of laughing, but it is hilarious! I think it is becoming more noticeable that she and Maren are sisters.

Her birthday is coming up in about a month in a half. Maren's is two weeks after that. Every time we're in Wal-mart, Maren will say, "I can have this for my birthday!" She's excited.

Until next time!

Back to the Books

On the 26^th of July Jon’s sister, Suzie and her family made it into Petersburg, IL from Vermont. On the 27^th Jon’s younger siblings, Theresa and Michael, made in into Petersburg with their families from Idaho. We drove down to Petersburg to stay for a few nights here and there while family was in town. We went to New Salem and walked around, Dad took us to a Cardinals baseball game, attended Jon’s oldest sister, Martha’s, youngest son’s blessing, and then came back to Macomb. On Aug the 4^th, Mom and Theresa and Michael and their familiescame to stay with us for the night due to the sealing of Claire to Suzie and her family in the Nauvoo temple the following morning. The house was full but it was fun to have everyone here. The sealing, of course, went well. We spent the rest of the day in Nauvoo then attended the pageant. The Nauvoo Pageant was excellent and well worth attending.

Maren and Eliza had a blast with their cousins. It was tough to see them go. Maren is making new friends from church, the park, and the library. Last week some moms and kids came over with a slip and slide. Maren was a bit scared at first, but she took to it pretty well.

We celebrated Jon's 29th birthday on the 15th of August. For a birthday cake: an Andes mint ice cream cake from HyVee. Yummy!

Last weekend we went up to the quad cities to "explore" and go to the zoo. It's a really nice zoo up there. Not too big, but big enough to have the essential animals, elephants, giraffes, lions, and bears. Maren had a blast riding the carousel and train. We all had a good time playing on the playground. Eliza loves to swing.

Next week school starts up. The Illinois Veterans Grant has gone through and is going to take care of tuition. The GI Bill will start up next month, so finding a part-time job isn't a first priority right now. Jon has been ready for school practically since we arrived. It will be nice to have a predictable schedule. Macomb is a much bussier place with school in session. The University Union isn't nearly as quiet. Jon is definitely curious as to how his classes are going to turn out and if he'll keep his honors status after this semester. With only two years left, it's also time to start thinking about internships.

We hope everyone is well. Feel free to drop a line!