The End

Over the last month, I have been reading Charlie and the Chocolate factory to the boys. It has been a wonderful experience for all of us. Ben doesn't like the book too much, but I think that is because there are so few pictures. Whenever there is a picture, Ben points to each person in the picture and asks, "What's that guys name?" The reading has a side benefit of getting the children to sleep earlier. Bradley usually falls asleep in about 10 minutes. Ben stays awake a little longer, but lies quietly in Bradley's bed after I leave. This is much better than the antics we normally go through when Ben sleeps in his own bed.

The Security Guard

Who knew Ben could sleep standing up?

Going Up

Bradley had his first rock wall experience at a party over the weekend. The first time, he almost made it to the top. The second time he was on a different line and didn't make it very far. He seemed to enjoy it. Since he will so be a member of the Y, he will be able to go climbing more often.

Field Trip

One of the advantages of bring 5 years old is that Bradley gets to go on lots of field trips at school. Every Monday they go to a swimming. There is usually one other outing during the week. So far he has been a minor league baseball game, WNBA game (his first basketball game), miniature golf (another first), and a science museum. Next week they are going to Old Country Buffet. That would be amusing to witness. Bradley already has some buffet skills from all his trips to Flat Top.

The Thrill of Victory

Now that I have my own kids, I get to do something my dad always enjoyed - crushing your child in competition. My dad's specialty was checkers, but it tough to beat Bradley in checkers since he changes the rules after every move. However, I did get to annihilate him at miniature golf. I won 47 to 71. Yes!

Eye See You

We had a full day of fun on Sunday. After playgroup, we headed downtown to see the Eye. The boys liked it, but not enough to sing an eyeball song. It has been a long time since we have had one of those tunes. Then we had a picnic at Lincoln park and stumbled upon a rowing competiton. Now Bradley wants us to buy a 60 foot long boat. After lunch, we spent some time at the zoo.

Hot Sexy Lady

Bradley went to a minor league baseball game as part of a school field trip recently. He came back with a new catch phrase.

Taste of Chicago

Last year was the first year the boys missed the Taste, but we got back into the annual tradition this year. The boys tried some different food, albeit, under duress. Bradley liked the Lou's pizza and Ben liked the chicken and waffles. They both ate the peanut chicken satay, but did so reluctantly. The garlic cheese bread was a hit all around, but they wouldn't even touch the plantains. The boys liked the Buñuelo Chips since they were covered in cinnamon.

Perfect Squares

At their annual check-ups, both boys were around the 75th percentile for height and weight. Bradley is 45 lbs, 44.5 inches. Ben is 34.8 lbs, 38.75 inches. Ben is a little bit heavier and a little bit shorter than Bradley was. When Bradley was three, his height was 88th percentile.

World Cup Fever

Not really, but the boys did start their summer soccer lessons this weekend. Halfway through Ben's class the lightning alarm went off, so we all had to go inside. There were too many distractions outside. Ben was better able to pay attention when we were inside. Bradley's class was right after Ben's. He did a much better job of listening to the coach than when we last had a sports class. If we ever get a dry day, I am going to set up the soccer net in the back yard.