Papa's New Knee

A couple of weeks ago, my dad had his knee replaced.  After years of pain, it was time for that bad boy to come out and a brand spankin' new one to take it's place.  Lucky for us, his surgery took place at Central DuPage Hospital, only a few miles from our house.  To say that the kids were fascinated by "Papa's new knee" would be an understatement.  They couldn't wait to visit him in the hospital and see the knee in action.

 

Before we left, we had to make some pictures and a card. 

 

Since the hospital is so close and on the same train line as Glen Ellyn, we decided to ride the rails to visit.  The short, 11 minute, train ride was just long enough for us to make our way upstairs, sit down, and look out the window for about 2 minutes.  Giving us just enough time to get everyone back down the stairs.  I am sure we were a site to be seen. 

The Patagonia Brigade

Charlotte, along for the ride.

 



Ready to exit...

 



We have arrived!

 

When we walked into the hospital, Ethan, Ellie, and Henry were so confused as to why Papa was not in his bed, as he had been the night before when we visited.  They just kept staring at his bed until they realized he was hanging out in the chair, waiting to be released. 

"Papa, are you wearing a bracelet?"

 



My future's so bright!

The kids were enthralled with everything in the hospital room, especially the crutches.  And Papa's bandages.

A little too short still.

 



Trying out Auntie Kristi's rain boots.

 



Sandwich hug

(not sure where this came from, but they do it everytime they see each other)

 The 2 babies!

 

The kids had the best time visiting Papa in the hospital and the train ride made it all the more sweeter.  I hope we don't have to visit him in the hospital again for a very long time, but it was kind of fun.  My dad is doing great after his surgery and is hardly in pain.  He is walking around almost perfectly and feeling great.  Thanks Papa for letting us come visit you; we are so happy you are almost back to chasing us around the yard!

Happy Birthday, Matt!

We also celebrated another very important birthday in September...someone who makes Ethan, Henry, and I who we are.  Someone who is our rock, our provider, our constant.  Someone who we adore, look up to, laugh with, and most importantly love unconditionally...and that someone is our "man", Matt/Daddy/the hubs!

 

When I asked the boys what kind of cake we should make for daddy, they responded with a "Gunners" cake.  Well, actually Ethan was first to speak up, but Henry shortly copied and after a few days of repeatedly asking about making daddy a Gunners cake, I knew one was in my future. 

 

For those of you who don't know who the Gunners are, a brief synopsis:

Gunners is a nickname for an English Premier Football League team, the Arsenal Football Club.  They are based in Holloway London and are one of the most successful clubs in London.  Ethan and Matt would spend early Saturday mornings watching soccer and Ethan just took a liking to the Gunners.  Not sure if it is because it allowed him to use the work "Gunner" without getting in trouble or just the fact that they were good and actually won games.  I am hoping for the latter.  Regardless, Ethan had no doubt what kind of cake he wanted to make for his daddy. 

Since I didn't want to make a cake in the shape of a gun (I am trying to avoid gun talk/toys at all costs even though it is inevitable), the next best idea I had was a soccer ball.  So, off to Hobby Lobby I went to find a mold and this was the end result...





Ta-dah...pretty darn good if you ask me!

 

We didn't do much to celebrate except have a nice family dinner at home, sing Happy Birthday, and open a few gifts!

Having a serious discussion about the cake!

 



So excited!

Make a wish!

 

A very happy birthday to a very special man in our lives!  We love you so much and look forward to celebrating many more birthdays!  

About Time

Well, since "summer" is rapidly coming to an end, I thought I should get my bootie in gear and update this blog.  About time, huh?  To say we have had a great summer would be an understatement.  We have been busy, yes, but the days have been filled with fun, laughter, family, friends, and adventure.  The weather has been hot, real hot, and there has been some serious humidity, but that just means days at the pool are a little longer and naps are a little shorter.  And, if we can't make it to the pool, air conditioning makes a nice comfortable environment for monster trucks, rescue vehicles, puzzles, books, and lots of crazy art projects.

Case in point...

The shaving cream was Nora, our nanny's, idea.  She is way more brave (and creative) than I, but from what I can tell, the boys were in heaven.  So, while we have been busy, there hasn't been a lack of fun in the Hunt household.  We have lots more to share and will try and update on a more regular basis, but for now, we are enjoying the dog days of summer, in hopes they don't go too fast!

Mohawks

The boys and I were having a little fun in the bath tub tonight and I am so glad I had my camera to capture their beloved mohawks.  Always a huge hit before its time to wash up!

3,2,1 Blast Off

We discovered a new place to play in Glen Ellyn recently, Village Green Park. Appropriately dubbed "Rocket Ship" Park. The playground houses this huge rocket structure with some of the fastest "tube" slides and plenty of places to climb. There is also a small "splash" park (if you can even call it that)with 3 water features. 

We took the boys to Rocket Ship park one Friday night after a rough week and they had the best time; running around, climbing up the rock walls, speeding down the slides; just being boys. 

Way up high!

Hi up there!

Chasing his big brother

First trip down the fastest slide

Having the best time

Just taking a rest



We are thrilled to have discovered this amazing park  and have been back several times since our initial visit.  The boys can't seem to get enough of the rocket ship and the water helps cool everyone down after all the running during these hot summer days.  It is the perfect place to pack a lunch and spend the morning.  

Flying

Flying...that is what our days seem to be doing lately.  I won't say I am sorry for the lack of posts because that would mean I am apologizing for spending time playing ball in the backyard, running around the park, setting up monster truck courses, or putting out pretend fires in the kitchen.  And I can't say I am sorry for any of those things because life is good...most days!  The boys have been keeping us on our toes, day and night, and we are exhausted by the time they go to bed.  Regardless, we have been enjoying the first couple weeks of summer and are looking forward to a very fun, but busy summer. 

I am going to try my hardest to update the blog on a more regular basis, but can't promise anything.  we have lots of fun things planned this summer.  Posts might consist more of pictures than words, but that is what people want anyway, right?  Oh, and I might start including some of my Pinterest and blog finds, just to mix things up a bit.  We have lots of things planned for the summer (parties, marathon training, home improvements, birthdays) so there should be plenty to share!

Goggles

Ethan has been taking swimming lessons the past couple of months and after the last session, the instructors told us Ethan might be more comfortable using goggles.  Well, the goggles haven't quite turned him into Michael Phelps, at least not yet, but they have given us some entertainment in the bathtub!  Henry is especially a fan!

Bros!

Sweets

And to appease all those that check the blog for pictures of the boys...my sweets...

Brotherly love!

 Mohawk Man after his haircut...he wanted to be like his favorite monster truck!

Henry...wanting to be just like his Auntie (she has been known to spend time in drawers)

Snowy Day

We haven't had much of a winter here in the Midwest, but on the days/nights when winter did decide to show its face, we received a few good helpings of snow.  And, what better way to enjoy the snow than to get all bundled up and head outside. 

All bundled up!

Time to shovel

"Oh wow, the snowblower!"

 Time for some sledding!  As you can tell, Henry was not too sure about the idea.  He didn't warm up to it all that well and eventually decided it wasn't for him.  Ethan on the other hand loved it and went ahead and made his own hill down the stairs of the deck.  I think he could have been outside for hours going down the "hill" if his body would allow it.

Snow Angels!

"All done...time to go inside!"

The weather has been unseasonably warm so while we haven't had much of a chance to play in the snow, we have enjoyed a lot more outside time than we are used to this time of year.  The boys are loving the warmer temps, but would like a few more snow falls so they can get some more sledding and shoveling time in.