The Riley Family

Yesterday we went up to the Cosley Zoo in Wheaton. It is a small petting zoo with cows, sheep, ducks and some other animals. It was hot, but we had fun. Some pics at Picasa .

Pigs, bunnies, cows and more! That is what we got to see yesterday at the DuPage County Fair. It was very hot, but still a lot of fun. We skipped the rides this year, and spent most of our time looking at the animals. Some pics at Picasa .

Last week Mamie, Grandpa and Uncle Shawn came out to visit us. We had a really nice time playing lots of games and of course taking Kate's new Jeep out for a spin. Unfortunately we didn't get many pictures :(. A few at Picasa .

This week Mamie, Grandpa and Uncle Shawn are driving out to see us. It will be very nice to have the company! Pictures later.

We went camping this weekend, out on Anjie's family's farm near the Quad Cities. It was so relaxing and peaceful, and great to get away. The kids and Scout loved having so much land to run around on. We hope to go back this fall when the leaves start to turn. Pics at Picasa .

Yesterday both Kate and Jack had doctor appointments, J his 15 month check-up and K a wellness visit to get her preschool physical. Somehow Kate had missed a couple of shots when we lived in E-town (third dose of sequence shots), so she got 2 yesterday. Really no idea how she possibly missed something, unless the nurses simply failed to write it down. But it is ok if she got the shot twice, so better to be safe. Jack had 4 shots - 2 in each leg. The were both quite grumpy yesterday afternoon!

Here are some really good pics that Sarah took while she was visiting last week. Lots of cute pictures of Kate and Jack.

Anjie's cousin Brett and his wife Christine recently had a baby girl, Lily Marie Bowman. She was 6 lbs 7 oz and 19 1/2 inches long. I am sure big brother Nicholas is very proud.

We are planning a quick trip to the Quad Cities this weekend. On Saturday we are planning to camp out at the farm with Grandpa Bill, and on Sunday we are going to meet up with Grandma and Grandpa G. Pictures later.

Jack will be 15 months this Friday! On Monday, both Kate and Jack have appointments scheduled with Dr. Lo. Jack has more shots to get of course, and his regular well baby exam, and Kate has to get her physical for preschool.

There isn't too much new with Kate. As she gets older, she changes less quickly, so it is harder to pinpoint the differences. We are really trying to work on her ABC letters without pressuring her too much. We have some good ABC tracing books that she seems to like. I know she will learn a lot in preschool, which starts soon! She just loves to paint, and usually makes 1-2 water color or tempera paint pictures a day.

Jack is getting very good at following directions (when he wants to, that is!). He knows where to go for dinner time and will pull out his chair. He will give smoochies when asked, and he will shut his bedroom door when asked. He still isn't talking much at all, but he definitely knows what is going on.

We had a great time last week when Auntie Sarah came to visit over the 4th of July. We didn't do too much, mainly hung out and enjoyed the company. Some pics at Picasa , mostly of the 4th .

Scout has started losing his puppy teeth and getting his adult dog teeth. So of course all he wants to do is chew on things! It is amazing how fast his new teeth are coming in - he loses a tooth and the new one is in the next day!

Kate and Jack are slowly starting a wooden Thomas Train collection, and I am planning to use this post to help me keep track of the trains we have. Trains: Bill & Ben Emily Gordon Harold Henry Jack James Light and Sounds (replacement expected in Sept) Lady Molly Oliver (free gift for the James recall) Recycling cars Thomas Track & Buildings: Oil Depot Track with water tower

Auntie Sarah is coming out to spend the 4th of July holiday with us! We are very excited for her arrival on Wednesday. I promise to take pictures :).

Wow, 3 new teeth made it through the gumline yesterday in baby Jack's mouth. Maybe that explains his terror attitude yesterday!! His lower left first molar as well as his top left and right canines made an appearance. Amazingly, he got 6 teeth in the month of June!

Anjie's cousin Becky and her husband Chad welcomed their first baby on Friday. Alexis Marie was born June 29th about 10:45pm. Little Alexis weighed in at 8.3 lbs and 21 inches long.

We celebrated my birthday yesterday and had a great time. Grandpa Bill, Auntie Chris and Jason all came over to hang out, and we grilled ribs, yum! Unfortunately, I totally forgot to take any pictures.