Kieran getting his shoes in preparation for his "Day Out With Thomas!"
There were a number of different activities at the Thomas event- one of which was a large tent filled with various train tables, tracks and trains. We were a bit worried how Kieran would do with the over stimulation, heat and extreme sharing but surprisingly he handled it pretty well and never melted down once.
The entire weekend was sunny and in the mid 90's with high humidity but thanks to a lot of shade opportunities, a light breeze and the odd frozen treat, we managed just fine without becoming overheated or too crabby ;)
Here's Kieran on Daddy's lap enjoying his ride on Thomas the Train. He was a bit overwhelmed when we first boarded, but once the train got going he was fine and loved every minute of it!
A wild hair-do thanks to sunscreen and a lot of sweat! His mouth is covered in frosting from the melted animal cookies we brought along as snacks- not the best choice on my part ;)
A sweaty little conductor in the "video tent" resting after his big train ride.
I don't fully understand a little boy who would rather watch a Thomas video (that he could see at home) rather than jump in a bounce house or just run around.
Kieran and daddy in front of the life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine!
We left the train event around 12:30ish and Kieran slept for the next hour and half in the car very soundly- he was wiped! We had a late lunch at the T-Rex Cafe in the Legends Shopping center on the KS side of KC. Kieran was a bit unsure of the GIANT moving and roaring dinosaur that greets guests at the entrance, but once he was seated at a booth with mommy and daddy he started to really enjoy the ambiance!
Mommy and Kieran waiting for our late lunch at the T Rex Cafe.
One very cool little dude!
Dad looks pretty sporty in Kieran's conductor's hat!
One of the coolest parts of the T Rex Cafe was the interactive bit in which children can play at being a paleontologist and dig for bones in the sand!
In the play area of T-Rex Cafe there were these neat little sand-filled tunnels that Kieran absolutely LOVED! He spent over and hour running back and forth in the tunnels pretending bats were after him and trying to get the "safe" cave room- too funny and so sweet!
Of course Kieran wanted mommy to truly experience all the sand cave had to offer so I crawled around as he led the way ;)
In addition to lots of great sand and fake bats, there were beautiful rocks and crystals decorating the walls and ceilings.
After our exciting Friday with Thomas and at the T-Rex cafe, we spent the evening and night with Julia and her daughter Hannah. Julia was a very gracious host and we enjoyed our time visiting and snacking! I was so surprised that Kieran actually slept through the night in a new house on a pallet on the floor- what a little trooper! The next day we all went to the KC Zoo. Here the kids are playing puzzles and running around in a kid area, waiting for the zoo to open.
A yummy yogurt-pop before going to see the animals!
Kieran was pretty impressed with the polar bear exhibit :)
Kieran ran right over to this little window ledge and hopped right up- so cute with mommy's favorite animal- the red panda!
The kids enjoying the rocks overlooking the free-range kangaroos!
If you look in the background, you will see a kangaroo- they had the run of the zoo like the squirrels only much bigger and stranger!
A sweaty little boy enjoys his second "train' ride on the zoo tram.
After much deliberation and switching around, Kiearn finally decided on the giraffe for his carousel ride.
There was a very cool children's area with climbing stations, slides and lots of fun animals- KP really loved the slide- as long as daddy went along for the ride ;)
Daddy barely fit in the tunnel!
Kieran playing on an outdoor jungle gym at the zoo.
Kieran on the way back home playing with his T-Rex toy and a Kung Fu Panda action figure from McDonalds- yes, mommy finally relented and let him get a happy meal!
We visted a couple parks on Memorial Day Sunday, including the Ashland park. Kieran was very excited to discover a toad- his first toad experience ;)
I spy, with my little eye...
A great big toad!
This is the same rocking-rocket that was at the park when I was a kid- with a new paint job
Dad and Kieran in the sandbox
Hanging out in the log fort
My failed attempt to take a picture of the two of us in the log fort!
We also visited the Hartsburg Katy Trail to try out Kieran's Radio Flyer.
As you can see, Kieran didn't stay on his tricycle- he prefers to push it or have one of us push it while he explores!
Walking down the trail, exploring...
This is Kieran Memorial Day Monday morning at breakfast- as you can see he decided he needed a yogurt facial ;)
So sweet- literally!
Trying to get his sticky hands on Grace- she was having none of it.
"Choo-choo!!"
I love him in these sleeping pants- so cute!
This is Kieran at the Memorial Day parade- he wasn't too impressed and so we didn't stay too long.
Koshka enjoying our newly fenced back yard
The dogs checking out Kieran's wading pool- sadly they were a lot more interested in it than he was... he wouldn't step foot in it!
Mommy and Kieran in Jeff City at the train station. We went to see the historical #844 train which stopped a couple days here in mid-MO.
Daddy and Kieran admiring the enormous steam engine.
Kieran was in awe of the this monstrous train- he could barley take his eyes off of it!
This picture gives you an idea of just how big this train is- HUGE!
One of Kieran's favorite parts of the visit- watching a DVD of the train running on the tracks! We bought Kieran a wooden train whistle, like the one his dad used to have and then we all went to Hot Millions Bistro to try out Jeff City's new Indian restaurant.
Here is Kieran in his highchair after an early dinner. You can see he is in his swimming attire, which never was put to its intended use ;) This is what happens when Kieran refuses to nap and mommy refuses to drive him around so he will sleep- he passes out!
Daddy transfered KP to the couch so he could grab a few evening z's- but not too many- as nite-nite time was just around the corner!
The world didn't end this month (as was predicted but some religious fanatic), but school did! May 27th marked the end of our school year and the beginning of summer break- hoo ray! It was a busy month, filled with year-end activities at work and lots of mini-adventures for Kieran and family. We visited local parks, played in puddles (there have been a lot this spring on account of all the rain), took shelter in basements from the threat of tornadoes, (this has been a nasty weather spring), hung out at Grandma/Grandpa's house with cousin Presley and auntie Shannon, watched lots of cartoons (Ratatouille and Toy Story 3 are the favorites at the moment) and generally had a lot of fun despite all the hustle-bustle and yucky weather!
Kieran had a first today, which happens to be Rick's 33rd birthday, he pooped in the potty (Kieran, not Rick ;)! It was really a fluke and I am not sure we will be able to repeat this success any time soon- but it was exciting none the less! So the story goes like this... Kieran and I were driving back home from a busy morning spent playing at nana/papa's house and then shopping downtown for daddy's birthday. We were nearing the house when Kieran began his tell-tale grunting and straining, followed by, "Poo-poo stinks!" I figured he had already gone, he was sort of stinky too, and so changed him as soon as we got in the door. I was surprised to find a clean diaper but noticed something coming down the pike, so to speak. I asked Kieran if he would like to go poo-poo on his potty and he said, "yes!" He sat there a few moments and wanted to get up so I distracted him with a cup of water and he stayed and just as he was getting ready to get up again- Viola! Splash down! He seemed a little surprised and made a big mess too standing up too soon- but he did it and we made a big deal about it too! Too soon to say if we will be able to convince him to do it again- but at least we have taken one step in the right direction towards potty-training! Way to go Kiearn!
For mother's day, Kieran got a gift! We decided he's ready for a tricycle- at least the type that can be powered by mom or dad. The handle can push and steer but can also be removed when Kieran is ready to pedal it for himself. He loves to ride and push it equally well!
The mom's on mother's day with the kiddos- here we see the beginnings of would prove to be quite a toddler-show-down over who should be able to ride the tricycle. Kieran is not too keen on sharing just yet- but who can blame him? That Radio Flyer is a pretty sweet ride!
"Where should we go first?!"
After a lovely mother's day dinner the kids had a bath and then played some more. Kieran has designated my parent's stone hearth as his offical train/race track and so all of my mother's decorations have to be removed in order for him to be able to freely play. Here you see Kieran trying to convince Grandpa to sit on the floor so he can be closer to the train action!
Argh! Train monster!
This was a hilarious discovery on Papa's part. We know the dogs and cats love to chase the laser dot... but who knew it could be so much fun for toddlers too?!
I managed to snap a quick pic of Rick passed out next to Kiearn's bed after he put him down for a nap- aren't they both so sweet sleeping together?
This is how Kieran sleeps some nights and how I found him one morning- I love how his legs are crossed... this can't be comfortable and yet he's sound asleep!
Here's Kiearn post nap playing trains with George and Neko- this is a favorite activity and is how he spends a lot of his time at home.
Rick took Kieran to a couple local parks one Saturday I was out of town with my mother (we went to St. Louis to see Jersey Boys at the Fox with mom's good friend Linda and a friend of my mine from Chicago, Irene). Here you can see Kieran looking pretty cool in his monkey shades and super hero t-shirt on the Stephen's Lake bridge.
I love this picture because it shows how Kieran likes to point at us as he bosses and gives directions- too cute!
Kieran smiling after he has thrown a handful of rocks into the lake- always a fun activity!
Cool dude in shades- btw he calls sunglasses his "eyes"
Running towards the puddles...
splash down!!
Rick was so happy to capture evidence that Kieran can actually share and play nice with another child! Kieran made friends with a boy around his age at Stephen's Park in the sand pit. Apparently the trucks did not belong to either of them- this may account for the mellowness of both boys ;)
The "boulders" around the sand pit make for excellent off-roading!
I am sure Kieran was making his, "Ahhhh!!!" sound which precipitates a big, dramatic fall off what is undoubtedly a very treacherous drop in his mind!
Taking a break from monster truck action in the swing!
