Our town celebrated America's birthday a week early with a fest, a parade and a lot of people.
Trinity had the chance to spray the firehouse. I brought Everett over to do it thinking he would jump at the chance considering he loves anything to do with firetrucks. He, instead, decided he was scared of the scary fireman and refused.
A llama with a lion cut.
We made our annual trip to the Oz Ball this year at Navy Pier in support of The Emerald City Theatre. They have a great season coming up: Pinkalicious, Wizard of Oz, Don't Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus and Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. Check them out, the kids *love* it.
The kids had a blast. Everett was a DANCING MACHINE. He stayed on stage without us forever just following the moves of the cast. He will grabbed the lion's hand/paw and joined him in the conga line. It was hilarious. He was by the lion's side until I finally felt awkward for the lion and convinced Everett to move on to the cupcake table or something.
We enjoyed some nice outside time since the heat finally broke.
The cousins.
Later we swam at Eddie's parent's house and had quite a BBQ spread.
my boys!
One of my favorite shows is So You Think You Can Dance. Everett thinks he sure can! During the beginning of the current season, it was auditions week. There was a "dancer" that Everett decided was his dance mentor. He watches the same routine over and over and tries to copy all the moves. The funniest part is that he LOVES to perform for anyone who comes over. As soon as we have company he says, "do you want to see silly boy dancing?"
I sent it via FB to the actual dancer. His response:
Mike Perlman
That has to be the most inspiring 123 Party! tribute I have ever seen. Way to go Everett! He doesn't doubt the dance!-Lazer
My neighbor, and friend, works for Hope Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn. On June 6th, they had a 5k run/walk and a kid's dash race for the little ones. The whole neighborhood participated which was so nice! I thought it was the perfect opportunity to train for my half marathon that I am running on August 1. The kids and Eddie were there to cheer me on. My knees that were previously hurting me felt good. Everything was going great until I was 4 blocks from the finish and something horrible happened to my right ankle. As I write this, 2 weeks post race, I am finally walking without a limp thanks to my friend, Motrin, and some good physical therapy.
We are big hockey fans here. It has always been my sport of choice. Those who know me well clearly remember me traveling the continental US watching Wayne Gretzky play in his final season and harassing him until he gave me his game hockey stick. ahhh, good times! When the Blackhawks made it to the Stanley Cup finals it wasn't even a discussion as to whether we (or me by myself) were going. We got tickets for Game 2, 11 rows from the ice and the perfect view to watch all three goals of the game being scored. They won 2-1 that game which was the icing on the cake. It was truly an experience and among my favorites of my life thus far.
A brief video to capture the mood and excitement in The Madhouse!
Two weeks later we braved the crowds to see the parade and continue in the celebration!
Its been awhile since Trinity's birthday. We finally got around to taking her to the doctor for her 5 year check-up. She weighs 43.2lbs (75th %tile) and is 45.5 in tall (90th %tile). She was very excited to not get any shots this year since we covered them all last year. She had to get a school physical, a dental exam and soon to have an eye exam. I am excited to have the kids growing up but I dread the day I have to do all the school loop jumping and paperwork for all three.
Trinity has received her preschool diploma complete with an official grade of an A+. I am so happy to have a summer off of getting 3 kids in the car to get her to school by 9am. She is all registered for Kindergarten which she will be taking the school bus to and from. yay! She is so very excited.
Trinity and her teacher.
It was also Reeve's 1st birthday the same day so after the graduation we headed to Chuck E. Cheese for some fun and games.
Reeve has taken his first solo steps just a couple of days ago. (I really should get that on video.) In the meantime, here he is practicing with a shopping cart.
Eddie's family from Venezuela had recently come in for a visit. His grandmother Miriam and Uncle Miguel made the trip into town. Grandma Miriam celebrated her 75th birthday while she was here. In addition she was able to celebrate Mother's Day with Eduardo (Eddie's dad) for the first time in probably over 30 years. 
Here is the video recreation. Never mind his lack of pants. ;0
