Summer Time Sickness

Due to both kids coming down with a fever and some sort of (hopefully) short-lived virus at the beginning and end of the week, we spent more time than usual at home. Jack was pretty miserable for a few days, and when Ella's fever spiked on Thursday afternoon, she actually requested a nap! "I feel terrible," she said. Fortunately, they were over the bug by the weekend, and we were able to attend the annual Kunde family reunion. Ella had a blast swimming in the pool, sliding down the slip 'n slide, and making new friends. Jack finally started to warm up about the time we headed home. He did, however, enjoy spotting all of the bicycles or motorcycles in the area, pointing and saying, "bike" repeatedly. Hopefully we have a healthy week ahead!

While Ella took a very rare nap, Jack wore her robe around the house.

Two sick kids with fevers that refuse to eat means lots of popsicles.

He is so proud of himself for climbing up onto everything lately. I'm not so excited.

We made scones and Ella ate more batter than actual pastries.

She's been requesting 'disguises' after reading a book where the little girl and her younger brother wear glasses, noses, and mustaches. This is the best I could do.

Playing in isolation at the park so as not to contaminate anyone else. As long as there were rocks and dirt, they were happy.

Ella dancing at a neighborhood family festival.

Poor baby. 

Last Sunday Ella and her cousins planted these seeds. Much to my surprise, they sprang out of the ground in two days!

She was thrilled.

During her fever day, she insisted on the bucket. Fortunately, she never needed it.

Haircuts for everyone!

Swimming at the family reunion. 

Grandma Nee-Ma and Jack.

Once she gained enough courage, Ella couldn't get enough of the big slip 'n slide.

Funny Girl

It should come as no surprise to hear that Ella is a funny girl. We've always thought so, and most other people say the same upon meeting her. However, now she knows it. She recently learned the meaning of the word, "hilarious," and now when she does something silly, or even naughty, she accompanies it by shouting, "ilarious!" (hilarious). I guess it's working for her, as we usually can't help from smiling. This week was also a big milestone for both Ella and me. She began a twice-weekly art class, where I dropped her off for the first time. Considering that she's been asking me daily if it's September (when she knows preschool begins), I guess I should have expected that she'd be ecstatic to attend this "big kid" class. An hour before we needed to leave for the first class, she'd packed her backpack (with Moo Cow, of course), had it on along with her shoes, and was waiting by the door. Multiple times on the ride to class she told me that I could leave, as she could do it by herself. It's a good thing she was so strong, because I struggled to hold back tears when I walked out the door alone. (Sigh), I guess this is the beginning of the hard part of watching your kids grow up. At least this will make the preschool transition easier in the fall!

As for the rest of our week, we enjoyed Aunt Abby's company for the first half of the week, and had a great weekend with friends and family, including a trip to the beach with cousins Ava and Reid!

With Aunt Abby helping, Ella got her own cart at Trader Joe's for the first time!

Showing Abby how it's done at Scooter's.

Even superheroes have a hard time climbing trees.

Aunt Abby doing Ella's hair for her first day of Art Camp.

Check out those guns!

Ready to go to Art Camp!

She made a boat and was driving it.

Ella wanted to make a car, so Daddy helped her do it.

Note the coasters glued to the sides to resemble wheels.

Enjoying some watermelon.

Headed to the pool.

A rooftop dinner with our friend, Jonah.

Another rooftop dinner with more friends!

A day at the beach.

Ella wanted to be buried in the sand.

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa.

Ella and Jack have definitively been taking advantage of their Iowa relatives this summer! With Aunt Abby in town from Austin for her bachelorette party, Ella, Jack, and I (Jeritt) decided to made the trek back to Iowa to visit my family for the weekend.  Ella and Jack had a blast playing on the farm and with cousins Ava and Reid. On Friday, Ella and Jack helped Grandma "Neema" do chores, pick flowers, ride in the tractor, drive the lawn mower and feed baby calves. On Saturday, Ella and Jack played with Grandpa Al and Ava, Reid, Jill and Adam.  Ella has mentioned many times (prior to this trip and since) that she loves to play with all of Ava and Reid's toys.  Also, despite less than ideal weather, we were able to make it to the pool for a few hours on Saturday.
Elsewhere during the week, Ella was determined to fly so Liz made Ella some "wings".  Also, on Sunday, Abbie and Eric stopped by for a few hours while back from from Washington D.C. Jeff, Kristen, Jace and Erin and Martin also came over to visit.

Getting ready to feed the cows!

Jack decided to start early. 

Grandma Neema had to help. 

Jack's turn!

Of course we finish with a trailer / lawn mower ride. 

Ella's (and MooCow) turn to drive the lawn mower. 

Ella and Danny take a closer look at the cows. 

Ella wanted to bring this cow back to Chicago. 

Thankfully Danny offered to keep it for her in Iowa. 

Tractor rides with Jamie and Donnie. 

Jack was a big fan of sunflowers. 

"I'm going to keep you"

They found a baby kitten. 

Feeding baby calves!  Ella was a natural. 

Going for a gator ride!

Movie time! (With popcorn and M&Ms.  Ella just ate the M&Ms)

Ella sent this up by herself. 

She's a natural. 

A fitting way to end the trip. Ella decided to put stickers on herself. 

Liz made Ella her very own wings. 

We have to make sure Ella is aware that she can't truly fly. 

Eric and Jace