The Kelly's

Getting Ready for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 02:53:00 +0000

Here are some pics of Christmas prep 2014!

Halloween Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 03:20:00 +0000

From the pumpkin farm to cookies, carving pumpkins, costumes & parades to the coldest, snowy Halloween trick or treating, fun was had by all up to and including this Halloween.

A Walk on the Wild Side

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 19:42:00 +0000

Yesterday the boys had their school walkathon on a chilly morning. We were so proud of them for going out and collecting pledges for it to raise money for their new school. They earned themselves a Schilling t-shirt and some sales practice.

It was a fun day consisting of the run/walk where they each did 4 laps, an exotic animal show, tattoos, balloon artists, face painting, and a dunk tank featuring their principal as the main event.

Here are some pics from the day...

The animal show was great, with animals from Santa's Village. The kids favorites were "Tod" the fox...

...and the Australian Kookaburra who made a really cool call sound...

First Time Fishing!

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 20:25:00 +0000

Last weekend, on a chilly yet sunny Sunday, Pat took the boys to their first ever fishing event. It was their CR Boys' Club Annual Fishing Derby at a nearby pond. After getting equipped with all their new fishing poles and tackle stuff (unofficial non-experienced fish talk by me) courtesy of a surprise from our friends Scott and Judy-THANK YOU-they were all set to fish!

After much repetitive casting and lots of heart, Ryan caught his first fish ever!! He was super excited and the expression on his face was priceless. Josh didn't catch one that day, but he loved trying anyway and was a good sport about it all. He even liked baiting the hook with worms! Check out our day in pics below...

Fishing Trophies

Priceless Father/Son Moment

Cute Little Monkey Boy Fishing

The Fisherman Before the Great Catch

There It Is! What do we do with it now??

The Sunfish of 2014

Hannah wanted to get in the game too

Summer!

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 22:06:00 +0000

Here are some pics of what we've been up to...

Hilton Head June 2014:

Hanging around home:

Spring Break

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:08:00 +0000

So, it's been a while since a post from The Kelly's. This is mainly because it's been cold...very cold, and it's still not warm and it's April 3. Anyway, not too much goes on at the Kelly's when it's cold...we hibernate.

The kids had spring break last week though, so we got out a little and had some non-Spring fun. On Monday we checked out the Dave & Buster's in Orland and played some skee ball, air hockey, and other fun games for a couple of hours. Pat was able to come with us since he was working nights. The kids had fun.

On Tuesday, I took the kids ice skating at Rocket Ice in Bolingbrook. This was our second time there this year, so we knew better what to expect :) Only, this time we got there and had the place to ourselves for a while as opposed to the crowded place we experienced last time! It was great! Turns out everybody doesn't have the same spring break around here after all-whoo hoo!

After the ordeal of getting all our skates the right sizes and laced up with the giant laces we were off and ready! Ryan gets the skater with the most progress since last time. He was skating around without the little metal helper thingy and wasn't ready to go after we'd been there for 3 hours! Hannah and Josh did great too. We only missed Daddy (our best skater).

On Wednesday, Hannah had a Brownies outing to see Mr. Peabody & Sherman, so many of the moms came too and brought the siblings. We made sure not to sit by Hannah so she could have her space with her girls-lol! Everybody liked the movie as it was really cute.

That was the extent of our "out of the house" fun. Other than that, we just relaxed enjoying not having a daily routine for Thursday and Friday. We watched a lot of the kids' new favorite show on Netflix, H2O, a Mermaid Tale (or something like that), and I made two cakes for clients. We did go to Billy Boy's and had to devour some ribs on Friday night, and one of the weekend days was actually nice enough weather for the kids to go out back and play with their friends and ride their bikes, so that was an added bonus.

H's Recorder Concert

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 20:33:00 +0000

If you've ever wondered what 40-some 3rd graders sound like playing their recorders together, well, wonder no more! I have captured this event for you on video, so you too can enjoy it. All kidding aside, they did very well! I guess recorders in a group have more appeal than a solo does...practicing...all.the.time...anyway-here you go!

H and Em

Let's Get Biking!

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 15:35:00 +0000

Yesterday we all went biking, piling all of our bikes (sans training wheels for the first time!) into the back of the van (they fit!!). First we tried a trail that we pass by all the time, the Spring Creek Greenway off of Bell Rd. It was such a beautiful day and so nice out. That trail was the little gravel, and it wasn't very flat. We worked those little legs out! Joshy was the only one who had a little whining to do, but he made it. Our new favorite trail was the one we found next in Mokena on LaPorte Rd, the Hickory Creek Preserve. It was all wooded and the trail was paved which was a big bonus. There was flat and hilly, so it was a good mix for our new riders. The highlight was when the kids spotted a deer, and she galloped across the path and into the woods in front of us. It was a great family day!! (Ryan wants to do it every Saturday and Sunday now) ;)

Block Party 2013!!

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Sat, 03 Aug 2013 19:00:00 +0000

Our 3rd annual block party was a great success once again! Each year it gets better and better, I think. We had the jumpy house again, games and water attractions for the kids, and lots of food. We met a few new neighbors and hung out with all our favorite "usuals." Josh and Hannah helped make mini s'mores cups to take, and I made Aunt Judy's taco dip with Doritos too-yum!

First thing, the fire department came (relax, we invited them!) and gave all the kids fire hats and tours of the firetruck and ambulance. Ryan and Josh both got to work the lights and sirens on the ambulance too.

Hannah and Sophia

The gang minus Addy and the Kolliniatus two

Leo "driving" the firetruck

the only time we hope Ryan is ever on a stretcher!

Drivin' the ambulance

Playing in the hydrant

Playing on the slide (that's the top of Ryan's head on the slide part)

Sophie

Dylan and Joshy

We had tons of great food that everybody brought: ribs, chicken, brats, 'dogs, burgers, grilled nachos, chips, and treats. Later we had a big fire, S'mores, and a movie outside for the kids. I wish I'd gotten pics of that stuff! Anyway, we'll probably have another outdoor movie night before the summer is over and I'll get some photos then. Good times!

Storywalk at Sendra Park

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 15:24:00 +0000

On Wednesday, we went to check out the ribbon cutting of a new feature at nearby Sendra Park (first time there too) called a Storywalk. It was a partnership between the Homer Foundation and the Homer Library. I just found out about it earlier in the week since we happened to be visiting our newly remodeled library. Anyway, it's a book that is placed on signs periodically along a trail in the park and the point is to read each page and then do the fitness related activity that it states at the end of the storybook page. I wish I'd taken pictures of all the funny things they did between the signs, like walk like a zombie, do karate moves to the next sign, etc. It was cute, and they said they'll change the book quarterly too. Hannah and Ryan got to unveil the first storybook page...

It was funny because we had just gotten dressed quickly to get out to the park, and here they get in the paper with messy hair and play clothes...oh well! :) They got to get a temporary tattoo at the Bookmobile, play in the jumpy, make a craft, get a free water bottle, and more.

Here are a couple more pics I took...

the kids with the library lady

Zoo with the Mihalik's

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 02:07:00 +0000

On Tuesday, we went to Brookfield Zoo with our friends and neighbors, the Mihalik's. It was an overcast cooler day, but just right for a visit to the zoo with the kiddos. We got to see the cutest sloth bear cubs...

It was the first time we'd gotten to see any bear cubs at the zoo, and they were so cute and playful together...

The cool weather seemed to have all the animals up and walking around, like the tiger...

Beautiful Zenda the lioness...

Here's Hannah loving on Adeline...

And the boys posin' for a shot...

Then we paused for a picnic lunch in our favorite spot...

We checked out the woods, and the kids tried to "build a fire..."

Next they were off to "the workshop" to make dinosaur habitats with mud and other natural elements...

Addy played with a cute giraffe while the big kids played in the mud.

Then the turtles came out to play...

Can't leave the Play Zoo without a stop at the Animal Hospital...

What a fun day at the zoo it was! Seems each time we go, it's a different experience all together.

Pat's Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 02:28:00 +0000

Pat graciously spent his birthday night at Family Night for VBS with the kids and I. What a good daddy :)
We had cake for him with his mom and dad on the weekend with his favorite chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Happy Birthday!!! We love you!

Chilly Day Baking

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 00:11:00 +0000

Barn sale coffee can & bouquet from our wetlands & Nishiki Willows

Chocolate mustaches from leftover frosting from Pat's cake

Chocolate and dulce de leche topped mini s'mores cups-yumm!

So, the last couple of days have NOT been the "dog days of summer." We've been making the best of it in the kitchen. Hannah and I made mini s'mores cups, baked Pat's birthday cake, and tried to make homemade bouncy balls (most of these ideas from Pinterest). We also checked out a cool estate/barn sale where I snagged the old coffee tin pictured, and we finally made it to our newly remodeled library for some rainy day fun yesterday.

VBS 2013 at Parkview-Final Quest

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 02:20:00 +0000

The kids had a great time going to VBS again this summer. They always wish it was longer! This year their friends Sean and Emma went too, so that made it even better. They had an Indiana Jones-ish theme called Final Quest complete with "Montana Duke," and a couple of sidekicks. The kids haven't stopped singing the songs they learned, and it's really cute to hear. Here are some pics...

Pics from Family Night (the last night): Here's Ryan on stage, can you find him? Josh and Sean didn't go up.

Fun at Nana & Papa's

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Sat, 20 Jul 2013 03:51:00 +0000

Everybody Go!!!

Swimming with the Goachers

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 20:26:00 +0000

Here are some pics from the fun we've had swimming with our friends this summer...

Happy Independence Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 03:10:00 +0000

Finally, the weather cooperated today, and it FELT like the Fourth of July! The kids got in their red, white, and blue to make it official. It was a beautiful day to get some sun, play with friends, grill, and watch the fireworks. Pat even picked up a little pool for the kids to splash around in when we don't feel like going to the "big" pool. It was a good day...

Hannah brought her "girls" to see the fireworks in Mokena

Mom and Dad's Visit and Pepperidge Farm's 60th Anniversary Party

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 14:06:00 +0000

Mom and Dad came to visit this weekend so they could go to Pepperidge's 60th Anniversary Tour and party with us. We met them at the Odyssey Country Club so Dad and Pat could golf and the kids and I brought mom back with us (very early I might add). The kids and I went around our neighborhood checking out the garage sales, but only Ryan found a good buy. He got himself some more Matchbox cars (shocker!) After that we took mom to Pilcher Park to see the Birdhaven Greenhouse and then we came home to play since it was so nice out.

When the guys got home, we ate lunch and hung around outside. We had a visit from Inga and John Santoro who I used to work with since they were in the area that afternoon, and later we had to get our Lou Malnati's fix for dinner. YUM!

After dinner, Pat started a "firecamp" and we roasted some marshmallows. We were some tired peeps...

On Sunday morning, we went to early church so we could get back to go to the Pepperidge Tour. At Pepperidge they had games and contests, food, a jumpy house, and of course the tour. Josh won one of the hula hoop contests and got himself a backpack. Hannah got a backpack too. We met Jim and Mary there too. The kids played Simon Says and a paddle ball game contest too. The tour was like being on an episode of "Unwrapped" on the Food Network. We saw cinnamon swirl bread dough going into baking pans, and coming out baked, we saw stuffing being bagged, and we saw sandwich buns coming out too. It was fun. Josh loved seeing the bread travel around the plant above him. Hannah liked the freezer room which she said "wasn't cold for her." Ryan wanted to be done with the tour-all pretty typical ;) I think everyone enjoyed it.

Touch a Truck Day

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 13:54:00 +0000

We made it to Touch a Truck Day again this year. We waited until later in the afternoon this year since it was only in the 50's in the morning. By afternoon, the weather had gotten much nicer so we were glad we waited. What a difference it was from last year's Touch a Truck which was in the 90's and climbing when we went and all we wanted to do was leave to go swimming! I have to say the cooler temps were welcome for this event.

When we got there we checked out the police car, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, the school bus (I don't know why), the Bookmobile, the Will County Emergency Center, an emergency boat, the Oberweis truck, and more!

We also got to see this helicopter take off and four skydivers jumping and landing from a plane! The kids loved that part!

Last Day of School 2012-2013

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Thu, 30 May 2013 13:45:00 +0000

1st Day of School (left); Last Day of School (below right)

L1

Last Day of School 2012-2013!

Celebrating Hannah's 8th Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:00:00 +0000

On Hannah's birthday which happened to fall nicely on a Saturday this year, we had Jim and Mary over to have some cake and open presents from them and us. She was so excited to get lots of clothes and especially her new bike since she learned how to ride her old bike without training wheels-whoo hoo!

This year we waited until a bit later in May to have Hannah's birthday party with the Lampert side of the family. We had her party in St. Joe again and it was a beautiful May day! This was the first time it was so nice out that we could go to the beach after having cake and ice cream. Hannah wanted a candy themed cake and she picked out the color and even helped making fondant decorations for it. It had to be three tiers she said also. The girl wants what she wants! After we got back from the beach, I grilled up some hot dogs and put out some food so we could all eat before going home.

Thanks to everybody for making the trip! We had great fun! Happy 8th birthday to Hannah! Here are some pics from the day...

Josh & Ryan's Kindergarten Musical

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:15:00 +0000

Josh and Ryan had their end of the year musical at school today. It was very cute as they sang songs and danced around the gym. They sang, "I'm Getting Eaten by a Boa Constrictor," "1st Grade, 1st Grade," "I am a Pizza" and a couple more. Super cute.

After it was over Ryan wanted to take pictures with all his buddies, but Joshy didn't want to go back to class and was very sad so he didn't get in any pics :( He was alright by the time his teacher told him they had to go back and have more fun. Enjoy the pics...

A Chilly Butler Dash This Year

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Fri, 10 May 2013 20:18:00 +0000

This was the first year that all three kids got to run the "Butler Dash." Too bad it was the coldest year, 47 to be exact I believe. This momma doesn't like 47 degrees unless it's December, and even then it's iffy. Josh and Ryan's class got the worst end of the deal with a 9:10am running time when it was the chilliest! It's okay though, because the kids didn't seem to care, only us moms. The kids ran around to raise money for the school (some kids collected pledges, others just ran). I came back at 11:00 to watch Hannah do hers too, and later the kids were going to get to throw water balloons at the principal-poor guy!

Celebrating: Easter and Olivia's Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:46:00 +0000

On Good Friday, Pat had the day off and we had Jim and Mary over for lunch to celebrate Easter with them since we were going to Michigan Saturday morning. Namma surprised the kiddies with bunnies and candies all in their favorite colors.

We had homemade pizzas and salad and the kids even let us eat the cookies they had made while they were off for Spring Break earlier this week.

The weather was nice enough and the kids got to play outside on their scooters for a bit too.

Saturday morning, we left for Michigan to Mom and Dad's. It only takes about 2 1/2 hours now to make the trip. We prepped all the headphones with batteries and had some movies from the library all ready for the van. Ryan slept almost the whole way with his new bunny, White Bunny...

When we got to Mom and Dad's, we ate lunch, the kids played outside a little picking up big sticks in the yard and exploring. Dad and Pat took advantage of the decent weather and played nine holes at Marywood. When they got back we went to Nina's Taqueria for some delicious fajitas, enchiladas, and nachos-yum! Even though Ryan said "I HATE Mexican," he liked it anyway. Hannah and Josh liked it too. They especially liked the Mooville ice cream that Papa got too to bring home.

On Easter Sunday, the fam all came over for lunch at Mom and Dad's. It was great to see everybody and share good food and visit. The sun came out and it was nice enough for the kids to play outside climbing trees, tossing the football, and of course to have the Easter egg hunt!! Nana had it all set to go, complete with Mazin' Hamsters for all! Everybody had a great time.

After the Easter celebrations, we celebrated Olivia's birthday!! She was so cute and patient from the cake to the gift opening! Happy Birthday, Olivia!

Spring Break

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:55:00 +0000

We stayed home this year on the kids' Spring Break, so we planned some play dates for all this time off. The boys got to go to a friend from the bus's house to play while Hannah had an extra long Brownie's meeting on Tuesday. On Wednesday, our friend's from Aurora, the Mitchell's came over for lunch and to play together.

They had lots of fun together after not seeing each other for a while since it's so hard to get together now that they all have school.

On Thursday, we met up with some more of our friends to go bowling and go out to lunch at Subway. For bowling, it was girls vs. boys and the girls took the boys and finished first too! Ryan only made it through the 6th frame, but fun was had by all anyway :)