Tonight we went to a free concert at one of our parks. Hayden and Ava had a lot of fun. They loved dancing to all of the songs. I was actually surprised that they were dancing. They, also, got a popcorn snack. The joys of being a child in the summer.
Before the concert started
Hayden puckering up
We just got back from our mini-vacation to Chicago. We had a lot of fun!!!! We left Friday afternoon to drive to Oakbrook to spend the night. We got there about 6pm. We checked in to our hotel and then went to dinner. We ate at J. Alexander's. It was yummy! We usually eat there when we go to Oakbrook. Then we went back to the hotel so Hayden and Ava could go swimming. They had a blast! We woke up early Saturday morning to drive downtown Chicago. Our plan for the day was to go to the Shedd Aquaririum. We got there when it opened up (great timing). It was raining most of the day so we were wet when we got to the aquaririum. That didn't spoil our fun. They got to see a lot of fish, a dolphin show, beluga whales and a 4-D Spongebob movie. We got the experience of bubbles, wind, water in our faces, poked in the back, and the smell of pickles. The only problem was the sound wasn't working. Hayden loved it anyway (We got a refund). After the aquaririum we went to Navy Pier. We walked around, had ice cream, rode the huge Ferris Wheel, and rode the carousel. Then we drove to our hotel for the night. We had a great location and Brian payed extra for our view (see picture). Then we took a taxi ride (Hayden and Ava loved that) to eat at The Rainforest Cafe. We had great food and enjoyed the atmosphere. When we got back to the hotel we took walk to a bakery and got some goodies. We got in our pajamas and ate our goodies. Hayden and Ava were so tired from all the walking so they went right to bed. We took our time in the morning and ate breakfast at our hotel and then left for home ( I had to work Sunday night). I should mention that our rock star (Hayden) went to the bathroom all weekend with no accidents. I guess he is officially potty trained (FINALLY!!!!).
Just a cute recent picture!
Eating at J. Alexander's. He was being goofy with french fries
Daddy joined in on the fun, too
Swimming at the hotel pool
They got to go for a little ride
Eating breakfast at McDonald's on Saturday morning
Looking at the fish
At Navy Pier
The Ferris Wheel (I was scared!!!)
Our view from our hotel room
Our hotel had a walkway over a road (Ava chose the pose)
Ava being silly at The Rainforest Cafe
Daddy and Hayden at the restaurant
Eating cookies from the bakery
Eating breakfast Sunday morning in our hotel
They gave us smoothies and Hayden and Ava drank two each
My brother, Caleb, and his wife, Valerie just welcomed a new baby boy this morning at 11:o1 am. His name is, Caleb Andrew Faouzi Greene. He was 8lb 2oz and 19 inches long. Mom and baby are doing great! Here are some pictures of the newest Greene.
My mom and baby Caleb
He has a lot of black hair
The two Calebs ( My brother was very tired)
Update: Hayden is doing great with potty training. I am so amazed and proud of him. His jeep incentive is working. He has been telling me he needs to go and actually goes. He does both in the potty. Which is a miralce because a month ago he would scream and hold it. Now he has been going without making a scene. He is our "Rock Star." Good job, bubby!
Ok, we are still having major problems with getting Hayden potty trained. He is absolutely against it. He is very strong willed and will hold his urine FOREVER! until he is in pain. Anyway, we have tried everything. So, now we have moved on to buying them a motorized jeep. He can only drive it once he goes potty. He has gone twice, but not because he wanted to. We don't know what else to do with him. Here are some pictures.
Ava wanted me to take her picture last night. What a goof ball!
Getting ready to take it for a spin
Hayden getting his only turn for the day.
Well, I work tonight so I hope everyone has a nice sleep while I am working. Brian and I are taking Hayden and Ava to Chicago this coming weekend for fun. I hope to get some good pictures of our little getaway.
I just can't seem to keep up with our blog. Work is keeping me tired. Anyway, we have had a great 4th of July. We went on our first "real" camping trip to Mackinaw for two nights. The kids had a blast and did a great job! I forgot how much work is involved with camping, but it was very worth it. A friend of mine came out on Friday with her girls and then Saturday another friend came out with her family and they camped with us. All of the kids had so much fun. Probably the highlight was catching frogs and a ton of pug rides (Hayden's personal favorite.) Enjoy the pictures!
Hayden and Ava before their soccer game
Waiting for the fireworks to begin (Daddy, mommy, grammy, and aunt julie were all there)
Daddy and Ava
Hayden and Daddy
This was Ava's first year not to hide under the blanket for fireworks. We were thrilled that she watched them and loved the fireworks.
Hayden has always loved the fireworks!
Just a sample of what we saw!
In front of our tent
Daddy and Hayden having fun in the lake
Ava enjoyed playing in the sand
Ava is holding a frog that someone else caught. I can't believe she wanted to hold the frog. She can't stand bugs! Go figure!
We made fruit pies in the fire one night. This is Ava eating her cherry pie.
Hayden eating his cherry pie! Yum!
Brian had an apple pie. He hates cherries, but loves Cherry Coke. Hmmmmm!
Getting ready to go bed. They slept great both nights. Although, we heard a lot of fireworks going off both nights.
Saturday morning breakfast. My parents have a huge skillet. We made a lot of bacon, eggs and potatoes and onions. Yummy!
This is Brian making eggs on the fire.
The kids having fun playing and swimming
Hayden and Ava with their first fishing poles. Brian took them fishing. They really had fun reeling in the line the best.
This is Ava and Maddy (Maddy and her family camped with us Saturday) 
Daddy helping Ava roast mashmellows for s'mores! Can't go wrong with a good s'more!
At night time we went on a flashlight walk. The kids had fun!
