Driving Mr. Vinnie

Well...it can be done.  One 5 hour drive to Minnesota, one toddler, one mama, and one VERY hot car.  I feel like I have crossed this line from mom to super mom, just by making that trip alone.  Now, I know there are moms out there who tackle a whole lot on their own every day and probably wouldn't break a sweat over such an adventure...but for me it was one MAJOR accomplishment!  I do have to give some credit to the beloved iPad for smoothing things over just as they started to get hairy.

On top of accomplishing a rather daunting drive, what made the trip all worthwhile was the time Vinnie got to spend with Ella and Olivia.  Staying at Meghan's, Vinnie got to see his cousins first thing when he woke up and last thing before he went to bed each night.  Together they enjoyed coloring, books, music in the park, happy meals, popsicles, the sandbox, splashing in the pool, and time with Grandma and Papa.  And I enjoyed sitting back and watching it all! :)

Olivia and Vinnie painting with Water...a favorite activity!

Movie time with Grandma and Papa

Walking to the park with Ella.

Vinnie continues to deepen his love (or obsession) with Baseball...or "b-ball" as it is referred to in our house.  During a recent visit in Cedar Rapids with Grandma Barb, Vinnie attended his 6th Cedar Rapids Kernels game.  While most people would not dream of bringing an almost two year old to more than a few innings of a game, our little man, contently watches the game, most times with his glove in hand ready for the next fly ball.  His most recent favorite past time is batting practice where he lines up in his batters stance and swings at every ball you throw his way.  I can't even begin to tell you how much time has been spent in this game.  Jon made a comment the other night, that he never thought he would be irritated by having a son THIS obsessed with sports.  Its not that we don't love it, its just that we'd love a break... :)  It could be worse...much worse.  For now we will continue to toss pitches his way.  Maybe one day it will "pay" off!

Now we are taking in every moment of summer before it slips away.  Two weeks ago, the new school year started creeping in with school supplies at Target and back to school ads on TV.  I may even make my first trip up to school this next week.  Hello again, nasty feeling in the pit of my stomach...  Its not that I don't like my job, its just that I absolutely love and adore my little Vinnie and all the time I get to spend and adventures I get to have with him over the summer.  And this summer has been truly amazing!  From trips out west and up north, to music class and story time, Vinnie has been so eager to try everything and the perfect companion every day!  (Big Sigh)...It had to come to an end at some point...we will just have to live it up while it lasts! :)

...Before I wrap this up I have to give a big Birthday shout out to our little niece Olivia Grace Gibas.  Today she turns two!  One week older than Vinnie (to the hour), she has paved the way with her spunk and fearlessness.  We can't wait to watch the two of them grow up together and get the biggest kick out of her every move!

Stay cool!