So I've been thinking lately that I really should update our blog since it's been a while. (By the way, I realize I start a lot of sentences with so, but it works for me, so please disregard.) Anyway, the last post indicated our trip to Ackley. We got there and it absolutely poured rain, so instead of eating at one of the food stands, we made our way down the street to the Pizza Ranch, which Ben is always up for when we're in Ackley. Five minutes before the parade started, the rain stopped. We missed a few minutes of it, but the boys enjoyed it and got a boatload of candy. We were unprepared for the onslaught but thankfully had nooks and crannies in our diaper bag for the candy the boys didn't eat. Tootsie Rolls were the food of choice that evening.

The next Tuesday we headed to Aplington days (3 miles away in the other direction). Ben was ready to go all day. (Go to parade and eat candy?) We have to stop telling him things ahead of time. It just never comes fast enough for him. Anyway, we went prepared with a bag and got another boatload of candy, though I think the boys ate more this time. We were pleasantly surprised that they sat very nicely in their stroller the whole time. There were plenty of things to keep their attention, though. It was a lot different than last summer where we could hardly keep them off the street during a parade. So Ben now is looking forward to more parades and more candy. Unfortunately I think we're already done for the summer with those. Someone graciously bestowed tickets upon us that were enough for the boys each to have 3 rides on a little car ride that worked for their age. We didn't have our camera along, but we got huge smiles and they cried when we left. I think they enjoyed it.

We've generally been going about our days regularly: playing inside, playing outside, me trying to do odds and ends around the house. I did venture into jam making and I think it turned out relatively decent. I have gobs of rhubarb in my freezer, and instead of waiting until September to do this, I figure I have time now and I might as well do it. I'm trying to get some stuff out of my freezer as I make meals and freeze them. Those pans take up a bit of room. And containers are a bit more organizable than bags of rhubarb.

Today we went to the Butler County Fair. We watched some kids show pigs and walked around to show the boys all the animals. They seemed to enjoy it. There were also rows upon rows of tractors parked there, and they had fun running around looking at them and touching them.

Yesterday we got the boys another little trike because they fight over the one we have, even though there are 2 little cars for them to play in. We figured it would end the fight. Boy, were we wrong. They now fight over the new bike. And trust me, there is very little difference besides the color. So when one gets off to do something, the other makes a beeline for the new trike. I'm sure the newness will wear off soon enough. It is very nice that they both can bike. Ben can pedal very well, but Finn can keep right up with him pushing with his little legs. It kind of tires me out just watching him.

So we are at 35 weeks with the baby. Everything is still kosher in that department. Time has just seemed to slow way down, but I try to make my doctor appointments the next milestone I count down the days to. Five weeks is just too big of a chunk. Maybe I just need to take more naps and the days will just fly right by, eh?

Potty training is going pretty well with Ben. The biggest problem is getting him inside to go potty. He asked me tonight if I would put a Pull-Up on him. He's not so stupid. But we stay with underwear unless we go somewhere. He does ask me to go potty at times-I don't always have to remind him-so it's progressing.

Finn continues to learn lots of new words. One thing I thought of after my last post is that even in his limited vocabulary, he has known Ipod for a while. He holds Jon's Ipod and does his little Finny dance while the music plays.

It's bedtime, despite whatever time this blogger says I posted. Good night.

Sun and Rain

We have jumped into summer with a few dips in the little pool. We've had lots of rainy days alternating with hot, humid days. Our garden is growing nicely. We've been chowing down on lettuce and are looking forward to the rest of our produce.

I have restarted potty training Ben. I think it's going better than before, but some days I wonder. We just keep plugging away at it. I'm hoping to make some good progress before the baby is born. Ben loves singing songs. He learns new words every day and he talks an awful lot.

Finn is learning new words, too. He jabbers a lot. He is learning lots of naughty things from his brother but also by himself. Finn is definitely an independent baby. He knows what he wants and gets his point across one way or another. He is currently obsessed with garbage. He follows Ben's lead on a lot of things, such as throwing his diaper away and putting his jammies away in the morning.

The boys play very well together most days. It's fun to watch them interact. Ben still gets frustrated that Fifi doesn't always do what Ben wants him to, but it's getting better now that Finn can understand more.

Baby is doing well. I am at 2-week checkups, and yesterday was another good report. Baby is positioned correctly, and I told the doc we're ready to go. Unfortunately we are only at 32+ weeks. I'm keeping busy enough that it's going fast, though.

I'm finishing up painting Finn's future headboard and footboard. I figured I should get that done now because I may not find time when we're ready to put him in a bed. Then our only chore is to find a mattress for him.

Tonight we are attending sauerkraut days. Ackley is about 8 miles away from us. It should be a fun time.