Family Reunion 2011

A long time ago, we decided to make the trip to the Boink family reunion in Evansville this year.  We knew Evan was going to be little, and it would be difficult with two kids.  However, we didn't realize just how daunting it was going to be!

Jack had a fever off and on a few days before we left, but I thought he was going to be okay.  His fever returned Friday on our way to Evansville.  Luckily we brought the Tylenol to reduce the fever.  Jack was supposed to stay at my mom's house overnight, but we decided to keep him with us because of the fever.  This put us in a position we weren't ready for.  Do we get one hotel room and Evan wakes Jack up all night or do we get two rooms so everyone (except me) sleeps well?

We got two rooms, but the Fairfield didn't have any pack and plays left!  The trip was seemingly doomed!  Terry brought us his pack and play and the manager of the hotel went to get one from the west side Fairfield.

At about 11:00 that night everyone had a pack and play and was ready for bed.  It was a relief to put that day behind us.  Little did we know the next day would be a mess as well.

My mom took Jack with her to the reunion at 10:30 to make it in time for the kids' games.  Jack had a busted lip and boo boo on his knee when John, Evan and I got there at 12:30.  After the water game, he was holding his shorts off of his knee.  It must have really hurt!

Jack spent the majority of the day whining and complaining.  He hated his first band-aid, but didn't take it off.  He didn't have a nap and was very hot.  He wanted to be held most of the day.  He had a short nap while I fed Evan in the car.

On the other hand, Evan was a true champion!  He slept in his car seat most of the day.  I had to wake him up to eat in the afternoon and after dinner.  Not many people got a chance to hold him, but he was easy and great!

We have a year to forget about how tough this trip was for us.  Maybe we will make it next year...

Jack during the sponge race

Name tag on the back

Holding his shorts off the boo boo

Craving attention

Ouchy lip

Siminski men - notice whiny Jack

Sweetie Evan

Blowing on a pinwheel with Mommy (see Evan in the stroller?)

Evan's 1 Month Photo

Evan was one month old on July 14!  His monkey will be keeping him company for his pictures over the next few years.

Evan is a typical one month old, eating every three hours during the day and four to five hours at night.  He likes to hold on to our fingers and sit in his bouncy seat.  He isn't big on taking a pacifier so far! 

Evan had his one month appointment on July 18, 2011.  He was 12 pounds, 8 ounces (96th percentile) and 23.5 inches (96th percentile).  We have another big baby!  Evan's doctor took a double take at Evan because she thought he was two months.

He is as loved as any baby can be!

Jack's Very Hungry Caterpillar Party



Very Hungry Caterpillar Cake from Piece of Cake in Greenwood



The menu-Shylers Chicken N Sauce with sliders buns, Chili Cheese Fritos, Ruffles with French Onion Dip, Spinach and Artichoke dip, Sharp Cheddar spread, Caterpillar Cookies from the Donut Bank, and Fruit tray

Jack helping Aunt Pat give Evan his bottle

Andrew, Lindsey, and Elizabeth

Jack chasing his balloons

Some of the crowd

Evan napping with Grandma Norma

Asher in the balloon chase



Brady "B" (Jack's buddy from daycare)



Jack playing with Grandma

Very Hungry Caterpillar balloon display

Basketball goal from Honey and Kim

Singing card

Blowing out the candles

Funny faces!

Kate and Renee

Smola family





Jack with Mommy and Daddy (This was the best picture we got!)



Caterpillar cookies the from Donut Bank for party favors

Caterpillar labels for yummy food!

Lindsey, Elizabeth, and Renee 


Jack at the Zoo!

Thumbs up for elephants!

Jack was so excited to see the "raffes."

So cute!

Still a bit too little to touch the sharks...

Checking out the penguins with Mommy!

Polar bear

Walrus!

Walking along the landscaping was too fun!

The Siminski family went to the zoo for the first time all together on July 5, 2011.  We got there at 9:30 and loaded up on sunscreen.  It was super hot and sunny that day!  We went to the plains area first, and Jack loved to see the giraffes!  He yelled "Raffe!" over and over. It was so cute!  Each time we left an exhibit Jack said, "Bye, I"ll miss you."

Next were some animals he really didn't care about, but he loved looking at the elephants with his daddy.  Cheetahs were sleeping, but were so beautiful.  Jack wasn't interested in all of the animals, but I expect that to change as he gets older. 

Since Jack couldn't see over the rail from the stroller, he walked along next to the stroller rather than riding in it.   It was a struggle to get him to stay with us and follow directions.  Evan was easy and slept the whole time!  Jack played on the playground for a few minutes, but he is still a bit too little for it.

My favorite moment was Jack sitting on my lap as we watched the penguins!  John's favorite moment was Jack looking at the walrus with him.  It's the little things that count!

At 11:45 we had all had enough for the day.  It was so hot, and Jack was just ready to go.  Although it was a struggle this time, I'm sure we will take many more trips to the zoo in the future! 

Jack's 24 Month Photo



Jack is two!  He's our bundle of joy and a handful at times.  He talks so much now!  Jack has a large vocabulary with words I am surprised by every day.  He picks up nearly everything nearly anyone says, so we have to be very careful with our word choices.  He knows many animals and their sounds.  He recognizes many letters and numbers.  He still uses some baby sign language like "please", but he also says the word at the same time.  He has great manners by saying Please, Thank You, You're Welcome, and Bless You.  Jack loves to play outside and has recently learned how to hit a golf ball, play tee ball, and shoot some hoops! 

Jack is taking to being a big brother very well.  The only issues we have is when Jack is trying to "help" with attempting to push a pacifier in Evan's mouth or give Evan a hug while he is sleeping.

We love Jack more and more each day!  We are blessed to have such a happy, healthy son!

Jack's statistics are in - He weighed almost 31 pounds (80th percentile) and was 35 inches tall (63rd percentile).