Busy Fun!

Saturday was Summerfest in Ankeny and since Chris had to work I decided to take the boys to the parade and other festivities. WE left the house aobut 8 am and went to the parade. We only stayed for about 1/2 of the parade (about an hour) because whenever I would look over at Caleb he would be doing a peepee dance. I didn't ask him if he wanted to go potty in fear that it would stimulate something and he would have an accident. So we packed up and walked back to the car. We parked in the Hy-Vee parking lot so we snuck in there after we dropped everything off and went potty. We picked up a snack then headed to Wal-Mart for diapers and baby food. We got lunch and then drove around trying to find a park. I am not super familiar with Ankeny, so I only knew where the school playgrounds were and none of them are very shady, so we drove around quite a bit and stumbled upon the carnival and pool.

After eating in the car quick we got out and walked through the carnival they had set up. Caleb gt to point out all the rides he wanted to do. We walked over to the pool to check out their prices and I found the Splash Park. For $1/ person we can play in this fountain-y type area. Which was pretty fun. Caleb was pretty skittish at first about the water, but once I dumped a cup over his head he was better. I was dressed to get wet and I also had to watch Carter, otherwise I probably would have taken Caleb in the big fountain park where it really dumped on his head, but he was happy playing in the water where it would come up from the ground. We played there until the carnival was open. I was debating on whether or not to buy a wrist band for Caleb or individual coupons when a lady asked me if I was going to buy a wrist band... then gave me her son's because he was done! So Caleb got to ride a few rides for free! He rode a "dumbo" type of ride then an airplane. Then he got on an actual roller coaster for his size. They went over the first hill and around once, then when they got to the second hill the second time around the roller coaster couldn't make it back up... So the worker started trying to push it up the hill. There ended up being 4 men pushing the roller coaster to get it up the hill!!! Caleb did ride that ride again since his first ride he got jipped. After we rode rides we bought some drinks and headed back home. We got home about 3pm, then headed to Ames because Grandma and Pop were coming to town.

In Ames we met up with my parents and went up to the mall. They didn't have much shopping to do and had to head back home so Caleb, Carter and I stayed and played at the little play place they have at the mall. Since we were the only one's there and Carter needed out of his car seat I let him play on the floor. He was sooo extremely happy! He was chasing Caleb around and had the biggest smile on his face! When we left the mall we ran through the drive thru and took our food to the park. I let Caleb play at the park while I fed Carter, then we went home. It was 7:30 when we got home. Long day!

We went to Big Creek this morning. I am planning on taking my work kids to the beach for a field trip and wanted to check it out before we went so this morning I packed a picninc lunch and some sand toys and we went to the beach! They have a huge playground right next to the beach and a bunch of picnic tables. Unfortunately when we got there it was raining and I wasn't expecting to play too much, so I didn't get the camera out. But, Caleb ended up going in the water up to his chest! and played in the sand. He had a lot of fun... we will definitely have to visit again when the weather is nicer! We found a dry shelter house and ate our picnic lunch after we changed the boys out of their wet clothes.

I am enjoying all of the little outings I am able to have with the boys. Caleb was so well behaved which made the day so easy. It is definitely getting easier to take both boys out by myself. I am not sure if it is the combonation of experience or Caleb behaving better...